Text:  A A A
On this page
Watch current edition
Browse edition archive
Related pages
eNEWS-HQ
Audio & video clips
Press contact
Iris Amador
202/224-1011

A view of Washington, DC you will not want to miss

Every other week, my office releases a new installment of my television news program—the Washington Report—to give Idahoans and easy way to monitor Senate activity. Each Report is about five minutes long and usually features a review of recent legslative action and what it means for Idaho using video clips from Senate debates, hearings, and press conferences.

For a portion of our citizens in Idaho, English is a second language. To better their understanding of the Senate, each installment is also available in Spanish as el Reporte de Washington.

All installments since January, 2005, are available in the Washington Report Archive below. Audio and video versions of both the English and Spanish editions are also distributed through my audio and video podcasts.

Current Edition


October 3, 2008
Financial Rescue Bill: Details, reasons and reactions.
toolbox

To watch the Washington Report, or any other streaming video on my site, you may need to install RealPlayer:

Get Realplayer

Washington Report Archive

2008
October 3, 2008Financial Rescue BillFinancial Rescue Bill: Details, reasons and reactions.July 24, 2008Energy SpeculationThe Senate debates the Energy Speculation Bill to prevent manipulation in oil markets.July 11, 2008Tour of Areva, worldwide leader in nuclear powerMy tour of French multinational company Areva, worldwide leader in nuclear power set to build enrichment plant in southern Idaho.June 27, 2008Farm Bill, energy, and gun rightsFarm Bill is a reality. Senators propose energy measures. U.S. Supreme Court upholds individual rights to gun ownership.June 13, 2008Rising gas pricesWith the national average price of gasoline peaking above $4 per gallon, the U.S. Senate tackles the issue, but not successfully--at least not yet.May 29, 2008Memorial Day, honoring veteransMemorial Day Special: Honoring the fallen in Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.May 9, 2008Soaring gas prices, AREVASoaring gas prices: Underlying causes and possible solutions. AREVA decides to set up shop in Idaho.April 25, 2008TaxesTaxes: How much you work to pay them and what is wrong with the code that regulates them. Credits for home owners and buyers.March 7, 2008Homeland Security, meat recallSenate hears Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff; and questions involved parties in biggest meat recall in U.S. history. February 22, 2008FISA Bill, telecom immunity, budget requestsSenate expands the government's spying powers in modified Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, but immunity for telecommunication companies is still unresolved issue at the House. Committees begin to review President's budget requests. February 8, 2008Stimulus Package UpdateSenate passes stimulus package, after first failed attempt to address nation's economic problems.January 25, 2008Wildfire Summit in BoiseSetting the groundwork to prevent wildfires that ravaged huge portions of Western states in 2007.
2007
December 21, 2007Spending bill, SCHIP, Farm Bill, Energy Bill, ChristmasSenate approves: Spending bill with $70 billion for war operation; extension of SCHIP; Farm Bill with specialty crop provisions; and most significant energy efficiency and conservation bill in nation's history. Also, Christmas in the Capitol.November 29, 2007Climate Change Conference, Senate Bean SoupSenators heading to Indonesia to participate in United Nations Climate Change Conference. Snapshots: The story behind the famous Senate Bean Soup.November 15, 2007Spending bills, veto override and Water Resources Development ActShow of force between legislative and executive branches regarding spending bills. Defense bill enacted and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education vetoed. Congress overrides presidential veto on Water Resources Development Act.November 1, 2007Internet tax ban, Farm Bill, AmtrakCongress extends Internet tax ban. Senate authorizes new funding for Amtrak. Agriculture Committee approves new version of Farm Bill, with provisions for specialty crop industry.October 18, 2007Veterans care, appropriations biss, Internet taxesSenate considers improvements to veterans' care, clears appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice and Science, and discusses ban on taxing Internet access.August 9, 2007Ethics rule, science and math education, Capitol artistSenate boosts science and math education programs; Congress approves new ethics rules; and special feature on the "Artist of the Capitol," Constantino Brumidi.July 26, 2007Defense Authorization, Financial Aid, WildfiresDebate on National Defense Authorization Act pushed to September. Better treatment for soldiers with brain traumas. Senate simplifies financial aid process. Unprecedented wildfires in the West.July 12, 2007Iraq troop debate, foreign investments, free speechSenate in tug-of-war over troops in Iraq. Foreign investments to be reviewed by intelligence agencies. More safeguards around freedom of speech. Simplifying the tax code.June 28, 2007More Immigration Reform, CLEAN Energy ActIn-depth details of the recently-passed CLEAN Energy Act of 2007.June 14, 2007Immigration Reform, Gas Prices, Energy BillAn interview with Senator Larry Craig, who talks about his views on immigration reform, high gas prices and the upcoming Energy Bill.May 31, 2007Memorial Day, Budget, Immigration ReformSenator Craig honors fallen U.S. soldiers buried in European cemeteries. Senate approves emergency funding bill. An in-depth look into immigration reform proposal.May 17, 2007Immigration Reform, AgJOBS, Insurance for VeteransSenate tackles immigration reform a second time around. AgJOBS, the agricultural component of our immigration plan. Initiative to expand insurance coverage for injured veterans.May 4, 2007Energy Policy, Veterans' Health, Tax ReformSenate reviews bills to change national energy policies. VA Committee pushes measures to benefit soldiers with traumatic brain injuries. Senators Craig and Shelby propose simplifying process to submit taxes.April 19, 2007Upcoming Senate Agenda, Idaho's Cherry Blossom PrincessA look ahead: Issues the Senate will deal with in following weeks. Also, springtime in the nation's capital: Cherry Blossom Festival and Idaho Princess Kendra Waitley.April 5, 2007War on Terror funding, Craig-Wyden, Freight Railroad billIraq war funding debate continues. Economic assistance for rural counties approved. Freight railroad industry bill introduced.March 22, 2007Gas prices, Veterans' health care, Helping small businessesSenators Craig and Dorgan propose measures to cut down fuel costs. Sen. Craig also introduces bills to give health care choices to veterans and to assist small businesses when essential personnel are called to active duty.March 8, 2007Homeland security, Craig-WydenSenate focuses attention on 9/11 legislation to improve homeland security. Senator Craig introduces bill to extend payments to timber-dependent counties.February 22, 2007County payments, Energy costs, Endangered species, Judge Randy SmithSenator Craig addresses situation of timber-dependent communities; Northwest senators oppose proposed raise in energy rates; Initiative to reform to Endangered Species Act introduced; Judge Norman Randy Smith confirmed.February 8, 2007Iraq resolution, Minimum wage, President's budgetSenators at odds over Iraq resolution, Minimum Wage Bill cleared, President's budget review beginsJanuary 25, 2007State of the Union, Ethics reform, Funding Idaho's critical needsPresident Bush addresses joint session of 110th Congress, Sen. Craig's reaction to State of the Union, Senate passes ethics reform, Craig discloses funding for Idaho projects even before required.
2006
December 14, 2006Iraq Study Group, Veterans, Capitol ArtThe Iraq Study Group's report, the veterans' bill, and art in the U.S. CapitolNovember 16, 2006New Congress, AgendaSenator Larry Craig speaks about the new structure of Congress and gives his perspectives for the next legislative session.October 12, 2006Veterans' Bills, Marsing Town MeetingBefore closing session: Senate adopts measures to benefit veterans. Senator Craig highlights achievements in town meeting in Marsing, Idaho. September 28, 2006Secure Fence, Agricultural labor needsSenate discusses Secure Fence bill. Senator Craig speaks about the agriculture industry's labor needs.September 14, 2006Port security, Veterans' insurance and careSenate approves legislation to secure nation's ports; reviews success of insurance program for wounded soldiers and increases funding for treatment of military brain injuries.August 3, 2006Gulf of Mexico oil exploration, Old Senate Chamber tourSenate opens zone in Gulf of Mexico for oil exploration. Snapshots: A tour through the Old Senate Chamber.July 20, 2006Stem Cell Research, VA Anniversary, Backlog of Veterans' claimsCongress decides parameters of Stem Cell Research, VA Department concludes 75th Anniversary Celebration, VA Senate Committee address backlog in U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.June 22, 2006Troop withdrawal, UofI veterans scholarshipsSenate discusses troop withdrawal date; University of Idaho opens scholarship program for disabled veterans.June 8, 2006Honoring fallen soldiers, VA theft, Spanish websiteIn Europe and North Africa: Senate VA Committee members salute fallen American soldiers; VA information theft; new website in Spanish.May 25, 2006Immigration reformImmigration reform almost a reality, as Senate passes comprehensive immigration bill.May 11, 2006Cuban oil, Kempthorne confirmation, VA medical research fundingPlans for oil drilling in Cuban waters, Dirk Kempthorne's confirmation hearing; and proposals to increase funding for V-A medical research and build new rehabilitation centers.April 27, 2006Small business insurance plan, EconomyStrength in numbers: Bill allows small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance plans for employees. Economic indicators show robust economy.April 13, 2006Immigration, Martinez-Hagel proposalSenator Craig on how the nation benefits with immigration. Details of the Martinez-Hagel proposal.March 30, 2006Immigration, Agriculture industry speaks outImmigration: Agriculture industry speaks out and details of immigration reform bill approved by Senate Judiciary Committee.March 16, 2006Veterans, Science education, Safe Place ProgramNo enrollment fee for veterans, initiatives to boost scientific education, job figures and resolution to honor "Safe Place" programMarch 3, 2006Patriot Act, Veterans budgetSenate passes revised Patriot Act, VA Committee reviews veterans budgetFebruary 16, 2006Patriot Act changes, Veterans' employment, Nuclear researchModifications on Patriot Act, Employment status of young veterans, Budget proposal for nuclear research, Statue of Freedom snapshotsFebruary 2, 2006Alito confirmation, State of the UnionSenate confirms Samuel Alito to U.S. Supreme Court. President Bush delivers State of the Union address.
2005
December 15, 2005Capitol Christmas tree, review of 2005End of the year review. Plus: Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony!November 17, 2005Energy, convicted veterans' burial, Prescritpion drug enrollmentConference approves funds for energy projects; Senate bans burial of convicted veterans in national cemeteries; Passes bill to help disabled veterans make adjustments to homes; Enrollment for prescription drug coverage beginsNovember 3, 2005Gun bill, National Forest fees, Veterans' DayPresident Bush signs gun bill, Fees at national forests, Unemployed veterans, Veteran's Day homageOctober 6, 2005Supreme Court, Servicemembers' life insuranceUS Supreme Court begins new era, Criminals will not be buried in national cemeteries, Life insurance for servicemembers increased to $400,000September 22, 2005Katrina aid, home schools, methamphetamine use prevention More aid for katrina victims, free health care for veterans in affected area, bill for home schooled students, methamphetamine use prevention programSeptember 8, 2005Hurricane response, gas pricesCongress' response to hurricane victims, Efforts to control gas pricesAugust 3, 2005Roberts nomination, VA budget increase, Idaho Falls flag exhibitJohn Roberts nominated to Supreme Court, $1.5 billion more for veterans, flag exhibit in Idaho FallsJuly 13, 2005Property rights, Energy Bill, Supreme CourtProperty rights, Energy Bill conference, Supreme Court nomineeJune 30, 2005 VA budget increase, Energy BillSenate passes Energy Bill, approves $1.5 billion for veteransJune 16, 2005VA hearingVeterans' Affairs Committee hearingJune 2, 2005Memorial Day and the Energy BillMemorial Day and the Energy BillMay 19, 2005Iraq visit, base closings, opening forestsArmed Forces salute, Sen. Craig visits Iraq, military bases closing, forests open for developmentMay 5, 2005Wounded warriors, drought protection, railroad conpetitionNew insurance for wounded soldiers, Drought protection and railroad competition bills, Homage to Vietnam VetsApril 21, 2005Promoting adoption in India, AgJOBS, Patriot Act adjustmentsSpring edition: DC's cherry blossoms, Sen. Craig in India promoting adoption, AgJobs receives support of majority, bill to adjust Patriot Act introducedMarch 24, 2005Wounded warriors, VA and border security funding increasesEvaluating care for America's wounded warriors, Black Hawk helicopter woman pilot testifies; Senate passes measures to increase VA and border security fundingMarch 10, 2005Balancing the budget, VA budget, gun billCongress strives to balance budget, details of VA budget, Gun bill introducedFebruary 24, 2005Cuba, AgJOBS, Global climate, Flu protectionCuba, new market for agricultural products. AgJobs reintroduced. Bills addressing global climate. Flu Protection Act.February 11, 2005Survivor compensation increase, Alberto Gonzales testimony, County PaymentsCompensation increase for survivors of soldiers killed in combat. Alberto Gonzales faces Senate panel. County payments.January 28, 2005Craig chairman of VA Committee, Nicholson confirmationSenator Craig is new chairman of Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Confirmation hearing for Jim Nicholson, nominated to head the Department of Veterans Affairs.