Dennis the Menace better update his website

Last week, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) canceled a vote on the Intelligence Bill, which would create changes in the U.S. Intelligence agencies based on recommendations from the 9-11 Committee.

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, opposes the bill because he fears the intelligence realignment could interfere with the military chain of command. But Secty. of State Colin Powell says the bill would improve intelligence to troops, and Vice Pres. Dick Cheney also supports the bill. By the way, the bill would also create a National Intelligence Director who would gain control over more of the Pentagon's intelligence budget, and lessen the clout of Rep. Hunter's committee. That's something I would probably consider if I were Rep. Hunter.

Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), opposes the bill because he wants to add a provision preventing illegal immigrants from getting driver's licenses. Uh-huh.

Last year, Hastert said in a speech that one of his principles as speaker is "to please the majority of the majority." Meaning that regardless of how many Democrats in the House favor the bill, he'll only bring to a vote bills that a majority of House Republicans support. The Los Angeles Times' Brownstein wrote, "Any legislative leader who routinely pushes bills opposed by many of his members probably won't be a legislative leader for long."

So despite bipartisan support from the Senate, and confidence in it's passage if brought to a vote in the House, and the bill's backing by the White House, Rep. Hastert has held fast to a policy of political preservation by delaying the bill's vote and passage.

And now, from the Biography of Representative J. Dennis Hastert on his official website:

"His reputation is one of reaching across the aisle to develop bipartisan legislation."

"When he succeeded Newt Gingrich on January 6, 1999, he broke with tradition by delivering his acceptance speech from the House floor and by allowing Minority Leader Dick Gephardt to briefly preside over the day's proceedings. These two actions served as fitting symbols for the content of the new Speaker's remarks, when he emphasized the need for both parties to come together in the House to get their work done..."

"Whenever he can find free time, Hastert enjoys attending wrestling meets, going fishing, restoring vintage automobiles, carving and painting duck decoys."

Oh yeah, and he's right behind VP Richard Cheney in the Presidential Line of Succession.