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Where has the Wednesday Wonk been? It seems like WEEKS since the Wonk has imparted her two cents about the state of our national political landscape. What gives? Are you on some extended holiday? Perhaps one of those nifty European cruises that take you to twenty-one...

The Wonk is not necessarily a sports aficionado–unless we're talking about baseball. Nevertheless, as I write this week's Wednesday Wonk, I am reminded of some junior high school basketball game where everybody–including half the players–knows the game is over. Yet,...

Longtime readers of the Wednesday Wonk will probably remember a series that I did on the budget and appropriations process. Why on earth are you bringing the budget process up again? Well, as it turns out, the new budget contains some clues about the status of Build...

At the writing of this edition of the Wednesday Wonk, the unfortunate reality is that the war in Ukraine still dominates our news–and rightfully so, given the horrors we’re seeing on our TV screens each evening. Yet, Wonk readers must be thinking–” Hey Kath, what...

At this moment in history, our country is rightfully focused on the war in Ukraine. This week’s Wednesday Wonk will, therefore, be rather eclectic. Rather than focus on a specific topic, the Wonk will update you on various matters of interest. For starters, the...

Wednesday Wonk readers may recall that the current funding for the Federal Government runs out this Friday, March 11th. Currently, the Federal government is funding through what’s called a ‘continuing resolution. The G.E. Peterson Foundation states that a “continuing...

At the writing of this week’s Wednesday Wonk, we find ourselves in a precarious position. Russian President Putin has invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Even as we cheer for those brave souls in Ukraine, all of us feel betrayed and vulnerable. Most of the news...

EDITORIAL Over the past couple of weeks, the Wednesday Wonk has talked about the problems our country is facing and the deep divisions among many of us. In this editorial, let me suggest a way forward: Empathy. Let the Wonk explain. Dictionary.com defines the word...

The Wonk planned to update you—dear reader—on progress being made on efforts to pass portions of the so-called Build Back Better bill. I looked high and low. Alas, I could not find any such progress. Yet, this article I found in Vox offers some hope that Congress is...

The Wednesday Wonk is seeking a series of amendments that—if adopted—would improve the quality of life for all Americans. They would take some day-to-day stress out of our lives and perhaps help us become better citizens. Let the Wonk walk you through these...

Hello Wonk readers! It’s a new month, the Congress has returned from a break, so you’re probably expecting the Wonk have tons of wonderful news to report. Well, maybe. At this point there are plenty of ideas—but no consensus. Let me go through several programs and...

Hello Wonk readers! Below is an editorial I wrote a few weeks ago as I reflected on where things stand. I hope that you enjoy it. As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Until next week, Happy reading! I worry a good bit these days. I don’t worry much...

Hello Wednesday Wonk readers! I hope each of you is enjoying a Happy New Year! Today the Wonk will briefly review where things stand on several important pieces of legislation–and suggest how we might move forward.Is Build Back Better a lost cause? Regular Wonk...

The Holidays have come and gone, a brand New Year is starting, and the Wonk is back!! I hope that each of you—my faithful readers—enjoyed time with family and friends during the last several weeks. While I did not see much family—I did enjoy some much-needed rest. The...

Last week you will recall that the Wednesday Wonk walked you through the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, the Build Back Better Act, as well as some pesky matters facing the Congress—like funding the Federal government and raising the Debt Ceiling. Today, the...

If you’re finding it difficult to understand all of the machinations Congress is going through right now, you are not alone. The Wonk has spent over forty years watching Congress—and I am finding it tough to follow. Today’s Wonk will give you a bird’s eye view of the...

Last week you’ll recall, the Wednesday Wonk gave my readers some tips about tracking legislation you may be interested. Today, let’s talk about writing a good letter to your Member of Congress. “OH no! I cannot write to Congress! What would I say? Where on earth do I...

The Wednesday Wonk has finally returned from my adventures out west—none the worse for wear although I did come home with a nasty sinus infection! Alas, the Wonk has recovered (mostly) and I’m ready to get back to discussing the business of governing.  This week,...

As I write this edition of the Wednesday Wonk, the Democrats are working to develop a compromise concerning to critical issues. First, how much the Build Back Better infrastructure bill cost? Some want to ‘go big’ while others feel a smaller price tag will suffice....

Over the course of my career, the Wonk has attended countless Congressional hearing and put together some sixty or more hearings for the Federal agencies I for whom I worked.   What does a good hearing look like?  Is it important to ask questions?   Why does it matter...