Surprise bipartisanship: Walsh bill also pushed by Obama
Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, who has withstood repeated criticism for refusal to compromise with Democrats on key issues, was touted this week for legislation he authored that has also been pushed by the Obama Administration.
On the chamber floor, Missouri Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson extended congratulations to Walsh, noting "I suspect that he is as surprised as I am that one of his first bills to reach the floor was proposed to Congress by the Obama administration.”
The legislation streamlines baggage security measures for international flights. Because of an ambiguity in law, passengers originating from some overseas airports must have their baggage screened twice when returning home to the United States. Members from the committee and the TSA worked on compromise language that would ensure passengers are no longer burdened by double-security.
It is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon.
This show of bipartisan support came just days after the outspoken McHenry Tea Partyer, made headlines for suggesting in Addison that women's rights activist Sandra Fluke "get a job" and not make the government pay for her birth control.
