Week 3....and a half...

Updates are here! Sorry it has been awhile, things have been pretty busy.

First, I have an internship! I am working with Environment America, which is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. They have offices all over the country, and if you've heard of them it is probably because they knocked on your door or solicited you on the street. The DC office does more to lobby government officials than campaign in the neighborhoods. I am working with the Global Warming Team which is working hard to get the American Clean Energy and Security Act HR 2454 through the Senate. You may recall that it barely passed the house (219-212) back in June, and it is certainly going to be a fight to get the 60-40 vote needed in the Senate to block a filibuster. I've worked two days thus far, and have mostly been familiarizing myself with the issue, how the organization approaches the issue, and what their fall campaign looks like. I have also had the opportunity to attend two meetings on the Hill with my supervisor - we met with legislative aids to Senators Mikulski from Maryland and Kohl from Wisconsin. It was fascinating to observe the lobbying process - the formalities, the diplomacy. It certainly requires some skill and finesse on both sides. I will also hopefully be attending congressional hearings, and in the office, I will be doing research on the issues, drafting campaign materials, and working do progress this campaign!
One final note on this issue - PLEASE! Call or write your Senators and tell them to pass this bill with one MAJOR change - HR 2454 repeals a section of the Clean Air Act from the 1970s that allows the EPA to regulate emissions from existing coal plants. WE DO NOT WANT THIS!
I know the health care debate has taken over our representatives' lives, and for good reason, but starting to fix climate change is not something that can wait! And we would love to see a bill passed before the international climate change negotiations to renew the Kyoto Protocol in 2012 take place this fall in Copenhagen!

Moving on, class continues to be interesting and engaging. We heard speakers last week talk about foreign policy and diplomacy and the need for the United States to work more with our allies on the issues that shape our world today such as terrorism and extremism, nuclear proliferation, and environmental degradation. We also talked about genocide in Darfur at the Holocaust Museum. Finally, we discussed state formation and self-determination as it pertains to the Tibet/China case. This week we are going to the IMF and World Bank and the Organization of American States all of which I am very excited about.

Outside of class and work I have continued to explore the city. On Sunday night, we went to the Capitol to hear the National Symphony Orchestra play in honor of Labor Day. We brought blankets and picnicked there before the concert. There were hundreds of people there which was pretty cool. How often can you hear the National Symphony Orchestra free? And at the Capitol? They started out with the National Anthem and everyone stood up to face the Capitol. It was a very patriotic moment, I must say. The orchestra was amazing of course. They played familiar pieces including Star Wars and ET. Unfortunately, right when the director called intermission, it started to down pour, so we left, but it was still a great night.

I must of course mention the President's address to the joint session last night which I hope everyone had the chance to watch! While I was disgusted by the outburst of YOU LIE! and the Republican response (which actually WAS full of lies) I was very happy with Obama's speech. It reminded me of his campaign days. I hope very much that this issue can be resolved and we can finally ensure that everyone in this country has health care!

Pictures will be coming soon!

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Until next time,
Rachel