Category Archives: COVID 19

Senate Procedures? Reconciliation? What?! Ueland has answers

For congressionalphiles, there is nothing sexier than a well-crafted budget reconciliation measure.

This week, the House and Senate will vote on budget reconciliation measures in an effort to make it slightly easier for President Biden to sign a nearly $2 trillion COVID-19 relief package, all without any assistance from the Republicans.

For those of us who love Congress, but not necessarily the arcane rules that govern each chamber, procedures and rules — like reconciliation — often induce a headache or two.

Fortunately for journalists (and staffers and lawmakers) procedural headaches can be preempted with the help of rare individuals like Eric Ueland – my guest on this week’s episode of Article One with Molly Hooper.

Ueland helps decipher what-the-heck-is-going-on-in-the-Senate, explains how a 50-50 Senate can operate, and clarifies the whole budget reconciliation process and how it works. He also lifts the curtain on White House/Congress relations and law-making.

During his career, Ueland has held many high-ranking positions in the nation’s capital city – in both public and private sectors. But, his experience as former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), former staff director of the Senate Budget Committee, and former White House Legislative Affairs Director for President Donald Trump, feature most prominently in our Article One conversation on the branch of government.

In my early days reporting on the Senate, a body that operates by “unanimous consent,” Ueland was one of the first people I searched out for answers to thorny and convoluted questions on procedural shenanigans.

And I wasn’t alone.

The long-time GOP operative’s reputation as a Senate historian/parliamentarian/policy strategist, with the skill to patiently explain operations and procedures, made Ueland the go-to guy for confused reporters, staffers and lawmakers.

We spoke the last week of January, and I’m sure you will find the answers to all those questions swirling around in your head!

Take a listen to the episode and let me know what you think.

Gavel Down — The Budget Chairman chats with ARTICLE ONE

This is the 10th episode of ARTICLE ONE and I’m joined by House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.)

Yarmuth, serving in his seventh term, represents Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional district, based in Louisville.

The former journalist spoke with me in a lengthy discussion. In our conversation, Yarmuth reveals the dynamics among the Kentucky congressional delegation (reminder, Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) and Sen. Rand Paul (R) belong to that bunch), how his Bourbon Caucus actually influences policy, what reconciliation could mean if Democrats win back control of the Senate and how earmarks helped rebuild parts of his Louisville-based district.

Take a listen – let me know what you think. If you enjoy what you hear, please share this podcast with a friend or colleague and leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts.

GOP Rep. won’t say who he will vote for on Election Day …

Outgoing GOP Rep. Francis Rooney (Fla.) is leaving Congress at the end of the year and he’s not saying which presidential candidate will earn his vote on Election Day.

In a wide-ranging interview with Article One last month, Rooney spoke of accomplishments and frustrations. A key frustration: allowing the Republican party to relinquish their stake in climate change and environmental issues at a time when young people and suburban voters say that it is of utmost importance.

“The Republicans were the original environmentalists, but we seem to have lost our way,” Rooney said in the interview.

Rooney, who was elected to the House in 2016, says he is leaving because his campaign promises were fulfilled and it is time to go.

Please take a listen to the interview and let me know what you think.

McGovern’s Must Hear Stories …

House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, a self-described liberal, Democrat from Massachusetts, talks with Article One about getting things done in Congress. Like previous guests, McGovern says the key is to reach across the aisle.

Photo courtesy of Rep. McGovern’s congressional office.

In our wide-ranging discussion, McGovern – who has more than 20 years of lawmaking under his belt – shares stories of prior victories, setbacks and civility. He takes listeners behind-the-curtain to learn how deals are struck and ideas become law. 


Shortly after the coronavirus pandemic closed down business in much of the country, McGovern was tasked with figuring out how the House of Representatives could continue operating – holding hearings and casting votes – at a time when travel was perilous for lawmakers. And, he did. 

We discuss the success of remote voting, the potential of an economic stimulus measure, the projects McGovern has won for his Worcester-based district and his “hope” that earmark spending will return to Congress. 

Our conversation took place in mid-October. 

Please take a listen and let me know what you think.