Brian Baird News

By Ben Pershing Are members of Congress and their aides using their advance knowledge of the legislative process to make a killing in the stock market? The answer isn't clear, but the mere possibility of such insider trading has been enough to fuel a renewed push to ban the practice.

That Congress doesn't work to serve our best interest is not news.A Major legislation, including the $787 billion "stimulus" porker and the cap-and-trade energy tax legislation are essentially written by Democrats in leadership positions and then popped onto the floor for quick votes.A As a result, almost nobody knows what's in them until after the ...

The recent cap-and-trade legislation that was passed in Congress is a first class demonstration of why we need term limits.

Until late June, the campfire was viewed simply as a time-tested source of warmth to hold back the night chill on an outdoor venture.

A trip to one of those exotic locations would be pretty nice about now, wouldn't it? But while the recession has left many of us unable to afford a trip to such a location - or even one much beyond our city limits, in some cases - it sure hasn't slowed down members of Congress.

The Wall Street Journal leads with a great investigative piece on the overseas trips of members of U.S. congress.

The DEA is like King Canute of old, who commanded the tides of the sea to go back.

I think we need to have a "Green Shoot" report, as well. You will find that the "Green Shoots" are actually increasing at a very brisk pace these days.

It was close to midnight last Thursday. And to hear House Republicans tell it, something evil was lurking in the dark.

Loggers have long contended that trees are a renewable resource. Now, the byproduct of logging - the unmerchantable tree tops and limbs that are normally left on the forest floor or burned as slash - could be classified as a renewable source of fuel to generate electricity.

U.S. Sentator Maria Cantwell gives a talk on health care reform during a visit to the Marshall Center Wednesday morning April 8, 2009 in Vancouver, Washington.

Congressman Brian Baird, D-Wash., has re-introduced a bill in Congress that would ensure the public and members of Congress have adequate time to review legislation before it comes up for a vote.

U.S. Rep. Brian Baird cast his vote for the House climate change bill despite the fact that it contained a 300-page amendment added in the wee hours of Friday that members had no chance to read.

After nailing down use of trees to generate clean energy, Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., has provided much-needed support in the closely fought battle over a House bill to cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote new energy sources.

The primary goals of this year's activity are to ensure passage of the PFREA, and raise awareness of PF issues to Members of Congress and in communities nationwide.

U.S. Rep. Brian Baird dropped by a home-weatherization project on Olympia's northeast side Monday, getting a first-hand look at how a sliver of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package is beginning to work its way into the economy.

A better terminal is in store for the last remaining ferry on the lower Columbia River.

The resolution would require the House to post online all nonemergency legislation at least 72 hours in advance.

Ryan Crocker, former ambassador to Iraq, stands in front of the Spokane Valley home he is renting.

Here's how Oklahoma House of Representatives members voted on key bills and amendments last week.