Mandate Watch

The Washington Monthly:

Hmmm.... the yacht was news to me. But let me say, I don't fully endorse any idea that all these items are misguided... I'm fine with the US buying back the Sequoia for 2 million dollars... the owners think it's worth nearly $10M (10 million), but then, unless they have cannons mounted on that thing they may have to relent.

"MANDATE WATCH....Congressional Republicans have now been back in town for five days following their big election victory on the 2nd. So what are they using their newfound mandate for? Let's take a peek:

* At the request of Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Oklahoma), passed a law giving Appropriations Committee chairmen the right to look at anyone's tax returns without regard to privacy rights. When caught by Democrats, they said it was all just a big mistake and promised they'd never actually use this authority.

* Overwhelmingly revoked a rule stating that Republican congressional leaders have to step down if indicted of a felony. This was done to protect House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, who appears to be on the verge of being indicted for a felony.

* Approved funding to buy President Bush a yacht.

* Killed long-awaited intelligence reform legislation that was widely supported by both Democrats and Republicans, the president, the 9/11 Commission, and 9/11 victims groups.