State of the Union Address 2007

[Wetzel]

I am of the opinion that his 'tax break' for health care is going to benefit the most those who need it the least. I am of the opinion that an expansion of Medicaid would be a much more efficient way to increase health coverage for those who need it.

No Child Left Behind? Virginia is debating forgoing federal funding because it might both cost more to comply with the NCLB demands than the fed gives us and also because it is thought that we could give a better education without it.

It was interesting that while several members were reading their copy of his speech they looked like they were asleep.

Anyone know who the designated survivor was this year?

Wetzel

[Cynette]

Originally Posted by Wetzel

Anyone know who the designated survivor was this year?

Oh, the things you can learn on Chief Delphi! I had no idea what you were talking about, so I Googled it!
Good old wikipedia...

A designated survivor is a member of the United States Cabinet who stays at a physically distant, secure, undisclosed location when the country's top leaders, including the President are gathered at a single location such as during State of the Union Addresses and presidential inaugurations, in order to maintain continuity of government with regard to presidential succession in the remote possibility of a catastrophic event which could wipe out large portions of the United States' federal government. The practice originated in the darkest days of the Cold War amid fears of a nuclear attack.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, one Representative and one Senator of each political party have also served as designated survivors concurrently with the Cabinet member, so they can ascend to the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives or President Pro Tempore of the Senate (the offices which are first and second in the line of succession to the Presidency, respectively, after the Vice President).

Now I'll be waiting to hear who they were!

[KTorak]

I had the same question, but I have not been able out who it was.

[hallk]

Was anyone else looking around for Dean and the likes? Or even better a senator wearing a FIRST shirt

[Kyle]

I believe that it was



President pro tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd because I did not hear his name mentioned during the news cast and the others above him were all their.