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Filibuster Reform: A Historic Step Forward for Democracy, D.C. and the CBC

In a historic moment on Thursday, the Senate made the first change in filibuster rules in nearly 40 years, when it voted to require a majority vote rather than 60 votes for all nominations, other than for the U.S. Supreme Court.  As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Judicial Nominations Working Group, I joined many of my CBC and Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), at a press conference to celebrate the new rule.  I believe that Senator Reid had to move because Republicans now use the filibuster routinely, making it impossible for the president to assemble the personnel necessary for him to do his job.  Before President Obama, cabinet and other administration officials were almost never filibustered, but almost half (82) of the 168 administration official filibusters on record have occurred in not yet six years of this president’s tenure.   

Speaking Out for Nomination Fairness in the Senate

Fortunately, now that the Senate has reformed its filibuster rules, Judge Robert Wilkins will likely assume his well-deserved presidential nomination to become a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.  However, last Monday, following the Senate filibuster of Judge Wilkins for the position, I spoke out about his outstanding qualifications and the unfairness and abuse of process that denied him even a vote for the Circuit Court position to which the president nominated him.  In 2010, when I recommended now-Judge Wilkins to President Obama to be a District Court Judge in D.C., where he now serves, he was unanimously approved by the Senate after winning the highest rating from the American Bar Association, as he also did for his nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals here.

 Community Meeting on the Virginia Avenue Tunnel

To address concerns from constituents regarding the proposed Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project, I held a community meeting on Saturday for residents to hear updated information from CSX, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT), and to allow the surrounding Virginia Avenue community to direct their questions and concerns to CSX and the appropriate officials.  Although as a member of the congressional minority I cannot hold a hearing, I offered to request a hearing as the new Ranking Member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee.  The neighbors who attended said they would send a letter as well.  I will be circulating minutes of Saturday’s meeting.  I also believe that another meeting that includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should be held.  DDOT and DOT officials presented important and sometimes new information and answered questions posed to them, but the community continues to have concerns that need to be answered.

DC Health Link – Going Directly to Residents

On Saturday, I spoke at the DC Health Link Open Enrollment Day event, which brought on-the-spot assistance to residents, small business owners and their employees for enrolling in health insurance plans that meet their needs, with trained experts on site to assist with the enrollment process.  See my press release for the location and hours of the two new full-time health insurance enrollment centers, with on-site DC Health Link Assisters and insurance brokers.

Working for Funding to Rehabilitate a Historic Site in Shaw

On Monday, I sent a letter to House and Senate appropriators requesting full funding of the president’s budget request for the Carter G. Woodson historic site project in the historic Shaw neighborhood as a national tourist site and educational facility.  The President included the provision in his budget after I wrote him with my concerns about National Park Service (NPS) delays in funding and asked for specific Carter G. Woodson site funding.  I have been pressing for sufficient funding ever since my 2003 bill was signed, designating the home as a new NPS site.

A Candid Roundtable Conversation on Preventing Bullying

The Commission on Black Men and Boys, in conjunction with my office, held a revealing roundtable hearing with parents, students and experts, who testified about their experiences with bullying and how to recognize and avoid bullying.  The student testimony was courageous and compelling, and the experts offered important insights.

Upcoming Events:

‘Government to Go’ in Your Neighborhood: Here are Dates and Locations

“Government to Go” brings my caseworkers to constituents’ neighborhoods in every ward every week.  Those who cannot get to one of our offices can get staff assistance and advice on a range of federal benefits and issues, from Social Security and veterans’ benefits, to Norton’s D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant program. 

Tuesday, November 26, 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. – Brentwood Safeway (1050 Brentwood Rd NE)

Tuesday, December 3, 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  – Hechinger Mall Safeway (1601 Maryland Ave NE)

Thursday, December 12, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. – Tivoli Square Giant (1345 Park Rd NW)

Tuesday, December 17- 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Columbia Heights Safeway (1747 Columbia Rd NW)

Community organizations and commercial sites that would like Norton’s staff to hold a “Government to Go” at their sites should call Norton’s District Office at (202) 408-9041.