News and Notes: The National Scene

It just keeps coming:

Feingold Proposes Bill to Cut Off Iraq Funding in Six Months - Not content with the proposed non-binding resolutions opposing Bush's surge strategy in Iraq, Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) has called for a bill that would cut off all funding for the war in Iraq effective six months after passage. The six month period would allow for redeployment of U.S. troops.

Obama Introduces Bill to Redeploy U.S. Troops Out of Iraq by March 2008 - Taking an aggressive stance on Iraq, Obama is proposing binding legislation that would start withdrawing troops May 1, 2007 and complete the process by March 2008, consistent with the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. TPM Cafe Election Central has the whole press release.

Pelosi and Reid Agree to Bipartisan Panel on Iraq - In a sudden reversal of position, the Democratic Congressional leaders agreed to Bush's proposal to form a bipartisan Congressional panel to advise the president on the fight against terrorism and the war in Iraq. A senior Democratic aide said that Bush had wanted to dictate the terms of the panel and even select its Democratic members. Pelosi and Reid initially objected to the panel, then relented but only on condition that they could select their party's own members.

Democrats Unveil Massive Funding Bill - The new Democratic House leadership rolled out an enormous federal spending bill today. It spells out the budgets for 13 cabinet-level agencies while increasing aid for lower income college students (Pell grants) and battling AIDS overseas, but cuts Bush's requests for foreign aid and closing military bases. Republican legislators complained about Democratic plans to push for a vote on the complex bill on Thursday without allowing amendments from the floor. Democrats responded by reminding the Republicans that they failed to deal with the budget before the election or during the lame duck session.

Increases to Public Financing Proposed - With the cost of presidential campaigns expected to top $1 billion and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) already opting out of the existing public campaign financing system, it comes as no surprise that legislators have introduced bills to raise the amounts available and spending limits under that system. Rep. Martin Meehan (D-MA), Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT), and David Price (D-NC) have introduced a measure in the House, and Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) has introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Essentially, the proposed legislation would triple the amount available for the primary season, increase the amount available for the general election to $100 million, offer more money to candidates whose opponents opt out of the system, and pay for it all by increasing the public campaign financing checkoff on individual tax returns from $3 to $10.

Biden Will Also Do Live Video Webcast - Yup, when Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) formally announces his candidacy for the White House tomorrow, he will also announce a video web chat on Thursday evening. He is accepting questions now, according to an email sent to supporters. Check his campaign site for details.