Congressperson Eleanor Holmes Norton today made me proud

[Mike 03]

I know I've been bitching a bit about the level of knowledge our politicians have when they sit on particular committees--in particular the congressional and senate Finance, Banking and (to a lesser extent) Oversight committees. Elanor Holmes Norton is a noteworthy exception. Having seen her participate in other hearings, I had always been impressed by her dignity, if not by her knowledge. You can tell that she writes her own questions and actually knows that they mean.

Better yet, she chaired today's subcommittee hearing into disaster preparedness and response capacity in the Washington D.C. vicinity. Fortunately it was aired live on CSPAN. I am not sure of the formal title for the subcommittee, something like Transportation and Infrastructure or Homeland Security Issues or something.

Talk about a prepared person: She was so knowledgeable about the topic she was there to discuss, and she was able to really make this hearing count so that it produced information. Unlike some of her colleagues, she didn't ask the same question two or three times. She was actually engaged in the flow of the hearing, so that if she received an unexpected answer, she could take her questioning in a new, unanticipated, relevant direction.

It was so amazingly refreshing to see a class-act, top-flight congressional hearing that wasn't about sound bytes or making some panelists look foolish, but actually aggregating relevant information and engaging in a fascinating, ongoing, respectful discussion.

Hats off to this amazing woman and her colleagues on this committee.

[BlueIris]

1. I LOVE Eleanor Holmes Norton. nt

[annabanana]

2. The lady is an "it" getter.. . . . n/t

[TahitiNut]

3. She chairs the "Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management"

http://transportation.house.gov/ed%20and%20pb/index.shtml

[ColbertWatcher]

4. And she's got a great sense of humor!

Dr. Colbert will visit once D.C. becomes a part of America and she becomes a U.S. citizen.

[DebbieCDC]

5. I lived in DC for 20 years and she was my "congressperson"

Or as close as DC has ever come to having a real, voting member of Congress. She is one tough lady. Eleanor rocks.

On edit: I can't remember who had the "delegate" role before her. I think Walter Fauntleroy? Whoever it was they were totally ineffectual.

[Mike 03]

7. Yes, she is such a class act, it's hard to find the right words.

thanks for adding your thoughts. She has such dignity, intelligence and attentiveness. It was so nice to see her in action.

[Mike 03]

6. self kick, in case anyone saw this or was strongly impressed.

IMO, this is what a congressional hearing should be like. It was awesome.