In the News
By Dee J. Hall
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, Tuesday defended his 'no' vote on the budget deal crafted by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.
And he warned that an even more important vote will be early next year on whether to raise the federal debt ceiling.
The Madison Democrat also told the State Journal that the House could take up immigration reform this spring. A bipartisan immigration bill, which has already passed the Senate, would allow a path to legal residency or citizenship for millions of undocumented residents.
By John Nichols
Most members of Congress were pleased with themselves Thursday.
They agreed to agree — crossing lines of partisanship and ideology — on an austerity budget that, as Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio has noted, "won't create jobs, get the economy back on track, or meaningfully cut the deficit."
That's not the worst of it.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Mark Pocan, D-2nd District, fasted for 24 hours in solidarity with activists who also are fasting in a push for immigration reform, his office announced.
Pocan wants Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform before the end of the year, but Congress is scheduled to end its work for the year this week.
Pocan is only drinking water during his fast, which began at sundown Wednesday and ended at sundown Thursday, an aide said.
Wisconsin congressman Mark Pocan was in Madison on Monday, urging Congress to pass a new farm bill before the fast-approaching new year deadline.
Pocan kicked off his "hashtag-more-work-2-do" week to highlight major priorities Congress should take up before leaving on vacation
Pocan said congressional inaction is threatening to double the price of milk to more than seven dollars a gallon.
By Dave Delozier, Reporter, Margo Spann
The clock is ticking for Congress to pass a new farm bill. If an agreement can't be reached and a bill isn't passed before the end of the year consumers will see higher food prices.
One of the greatest increases will likely be for dairy products, because without a new farm bill dairy policies will revert back to laws created in the 1940s.
Cap Times editorial
Mark Pocan is still just a House freshman. But leaders in Washington are rapidly recognizing what Wisconsinites have known for a long time: Pocan is an incredibly hardworking and effective legislator who knows the issues and is ready to lead.
Editor's note: U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat, represents Wisconsin's second congressional district. He serves on both the Budget Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and has been appointed an assistant minority whip.
That didn't take long. Just two weeks since the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, state legislatures are moving quickly on voter suppression measures.
More than ever, a college diploma unlocks economic opportunity, provides students with a wealth of new skills and knowledge, and encourages innovation and growth. But more than ever, it also comes with a mountain of student loan debt.
Washington, D.C. -- Madison Democrat Mark Pocan, the only gay married member of Congress, hailed Wednesday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said legally married gay and lesbian couples are entitled to federal marriage benefits.
“I am ecstatic," said Pocan at a news conference with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and several gay House colleagues. "But it shows the path we still have to go."
Pocan’s own marriage will not receive federal recognition as a result of the ruling because his home state, Wisconsin, does not allow same-sex marriage.