Ohio: Charlie Wilson

February 14, 2009 - 06:32 am
NEWS FEED: Columbus Dispatch

Stimulus bill approved

By a vote of 60-38, the Senate passed the bill hours after the House approved an identical package by a vote of 246-183. Only three Senate Republicans and no House Republicans supported the measure, which now awaits President Barack Obama's signature.

Although most senators voted shortly after 5:30 p.m., the 60th and final vote was not cast until 10:46 p.m. by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Brown had been in Mansfield for a service for his mother, Emily Campbell Brown, who died Feb. 2 at age 88.

The White House arranged to fly Brown to Washington last night on a government plane after concluding he could not have reached the Capitol by a regular commercial flight.

February 10, 2009 - 04:02 pm

Federal authorities raid top donor to Ohio congressmen

A defense lobbying firm that is a top political donor to several Ohio members of Congress has been raided by federal law enforcement authorities.

Federal investigators came to PMA's offices and "requested a variety of information," according to PMA spokesman Patrick Dorton. The November raid was first reported Monday night by ABC News.

"The firm is cooperating with their request," said Dorton, who would not further discuss the scope of the investigation.

Published reports suggest the raid may be part of an investigation into Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John P. Murtha, whose former employees started the company. Murtha heads the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the defense budget.

February 4, 2009 - 05:28 pm

Steel industry backs 'Buy America' in stimulus bill

WASHINGTON -- Steel industry representatives today urged members of Congress to keep controversial "Buy America" provisions in an economic stimulus bill working its way through Congress, arguing that doing otherwise would effectively undercut American workers with their own tax dollars.

While critics of the measure say it's protectionist, steel industry representatives told the Congressional Steel Caucus that they compete against international steelmakers that are subsidized by their own governments. Ohio Democrats Betty Sutton, Zack Space and Charlie Wilson attended the hearing.

"Without these provisions, we'd be using U.S. taxpayer dollars to bail out the rest of the world," NUCOR steel President and Chairman Dan DiMicco told a Capitol Hill hearing the steel caucus conducted.

January 28, 2009 - 07:52 am
NEWS FEED: Columbus Dispatch

Schools may get federal windfall

Columbus City Schools would get about $110 million, according to federal estimates, as part of the $825 billion legislation that President Barack Obama and House Democrats say will help revitalize the flagging economy.

Word of the potential federal influx comes on the eve of Gov. Ted Strickland unveiling his long-awaited school-funding plan, and during a time in which many districts are deciding whether to put levies on the ballot this year.

House Democrats are touting the money -- additional funds for construction, special education and disadvantaged-student programs -- as a way to create jobs by renovating schools and to hold off budget cuts that could harm children.

"The economic crisis that currently grips our country seriously threatens school funding and the ability of our school districts to educate our children," said Democratic Rep.

Wed, 11/19/2008 - 09:15

Wilson talks about upcoming role as state Senate Democratic caucus political chair

State Sen. Jason Wilson (D-Columbiana) accepted the position Tuesday of political chair for the Ohio Senate Democratic caucus.

Wilson was voted into the position of assistant minority leader for the caucus in the upcoming 128th General Assembly last week. State Sen. Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard) will become the caucus minority leader in the new session. State Sen. Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) will retain her position as assistant minority leader, while current minority leader Ray Miller (D-Columbus) will take the minority whip position that is currently held by Cafaro.

Fri, 10/03/2008 - 14:24

Space, Latta and Wilson talk about votes on bailout

U.S. Reps. Charlie Wilson (D-St. Clairsville), Zack Space (D-Dover) and Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) spoke about their votes on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act Friday afternoon.

Wilson and Space each voted for the revised version of the bill that was approved by the Senate, while Latta voted against it, each of their votes remained unchanged from the first vote by the Senate revisions.

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 15:21

Wilson, Latta react to bailout failure

U.S. Reps. Charlie Wilson (D-St. Clairsville) and Bob Latta (R-Tiffin) released statements today saying they believe the federal bailout bill has been improved but differ on whether it should've passed.

Wilson voted in favor of the bailout and was disappointed it failed to pass.

“We made critical improvements to this plan since it was first presented by the Bush administration,” Wilson said. “I’m disappointed that so many members of the House put their own political futures ahead of America’s future.” 

Mon, 09/29/2008 - 13:46

Seven U.S. reps from Ohio supported bailout

The financial bailout bill failed to pass during a vote in the U.S. House this afternoon, 228 to 205 voting to defeat it.

Most Ohio representatives voted against the bill, with seven of the 17 supporting the bill's passage.The seat of former U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones is vacant.

Four Republicans voted in favor: U.S. Reps. John Boehner (R-West Chester), Deb Pryce (R-Columbus), Ralph Regula (R-Navarre), David Hobson (R-Springfield).

Wed, 08/27/2008 - 11:32

Congressman Charlie Wilson remembers Tubbs Jones

DENVER - When U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson heard the news of the passing of his colleague U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, he said that he first got quite and tried to remember her last hug.

“It touched me,” he said. “I can remember that last hug very well.”

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Fri, 07/18/2008 - 11:28

Schuring camp hits Boccieri for wanting to drill in ‘dry holes’

The campaign of state Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) is hitting opponent state Sen. John Boccieri (D-New Middletown) for his position on requiring oil companies to drill for oil on 68 million acres of land currently held by the companies through 8,000 federal leases.

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