TUESDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* In the wake of the omnibus’ failure, the Senate voted today to approve a continuing resolution “to fund the government through March 4.” It passed 79 to 16, and heads to the House for approval before midnight.
* On a related note, there was some key funding left out of the continuing resolution that matters quite a bit, most notably on health care and financial regulations.
* A breakthrough in Baghdad: “With a show of hands, a flurry of angry shouts and many unanswered questions, Iraq’s Parliament approved a new government on Tuesday, ending nine months of infighting that more than once threatened to throw the nation into a constitutional crisis.”
* Net neutrality: “The Federal Communications Commission voted Tuesday to approve its first ever Internet access regulation, which ensures unimpeded access to any legal Web content for home Internet users. The FCC’s three Democratic members made up a majority of votes in favor of the so-called net neutrality regulation, which was introduced more than a year ago by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.”
* Attorney General Eric Holder, warning of ongoing terrorist threats, noted on ABC this morning that Americans have to be “aware of the fact that the threat is real, the threat is different, the threat is constant.”
* With the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on its way out, ROTC programs at some Ivy League schools are on their way back in.
* President Obama assured representatives of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus today that he remains committed to both the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform.
* Given the larger economic circumstances, I’m a little surprised crime rates keep falling.
* The turmoil surrounding the House Ethics Committee is pretty amazing.
* Andy Sabl has a fascinating new item on why Obama can’t be an activist, an organizer, a legislator, and a president all at once.
* Actor Jon Voight appeared on Fox News last night to condemn New START. Media Matters noted that the segment was “so asinine, stupid, and intellectually dishonest that your jaw drops as you wonder how these people wound up on television.” Yep, it was that bad.
* Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) apologized today for skipping two key votes over the weekend to attend a family Christmas party. He vowed that it wouldn’t happen again.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
