The Congress

"Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty.  Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something.  And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting." (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

Originally called "The Continental Congress", the United States Congress was established in 1789.  It has the power to pass laws, declare war, admit new states to the Union, post roads, establish post offices, and collect taxes.  Composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Congress also oversees the Executive Branch and has the power to impeach the President.

The Congress meets in the Capitol, one of the biggest symbols of democracy in America.  In his documentary The Congress, Ken Burns widely quotes the Frank Capra movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.  The main character, a new senator played by Jimmy Stewart, takes on corruption in the Congress:  "Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty.  Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something.  And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting."

According to Ken Burns, the United States Congress has been one of the country's "most important and yet least understood institutions".  The aim of the congress is to provide checks and balances for the President.  Presidents have had varied relationships with Congress over the last 200 plus years.  Andrew Johnson was the only president to be impeached, although Richard Nixon came close.  While John F. Kennedy came up against resistance by the Congress to pass bills, his successor Lyndon Johnson was known for his Great Reform.  In the aftermath of 9/11, George Bush Jr. was given free reign to counter terrorism.  More recently, Barack Obama has had an icy relationship with Congress.

Members of the 43rd Congress stand on the steps of the Capitol courtesy http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/congress/about/.

Laura Bush: UN Ambassador for Decade of Literacy

"I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card."
(Laura Bush)

Former First Lady Laura Bush was born in 1946 in Midland, Texas where her mother taught her the importance of reading from an early age.  "When I was a little girl, my mother used to read stories to me.  I have loved books and going to the library ever since.  In the summers, I liked to spend afternoons reading in the library.  I enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie Books and Little Women...Reading gives you enjoyment throughout your life." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Bush)

In the 1960's, Laura Bush's loved of literacy continued as she studied education at university and took a job as a teacher.  In 1973, Laura returned to school to pursue her Masters in Library Sciences and secured a position at Houston Public Library.  

In 1977, Laura met and married George Bush Jr.  When she was first introduced to her husband's grandmother, Dorothy Walker Bush, the latter asked her what she did for a living.  Her reply was simply:  "I read." (http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/people/shows/bush/profile.html) 

In 1981, after three years of trying to conceive, Laura gave birth to twin girls, Jenna and Barbara, named after their grandmothers.  Continuing the family tradition, Laura read regularly to her girls, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder series.  

In 2001, Laura's husband was inaugurated as the President of the United States.  Here was Laura's opportunity to use her forum as First Lady to promote literacy, an opportunity that she seized upon with gusto.  In partnership with the Library of Congress, Laura created the National Book Festival in her husband's first year as president.  In 2002, she testified before the Senate Committee on Education for higher teachers' salaries.  The First Lady luanched "Ready to Read, REady to Learn" promoting early childhood literacy.  

In 2003, Laura was declared the Ambassador for the United Nations Decade of Literacy, a position which she held until 2012.  

Two years later, when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit, Laura secured a $500,000 grant for libraries in regions hit by these disasters.  Focussing on Texas, she headed up a book festival which raised $900,000 for 350 libraries in her home states.  As Laura explained:  "Once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open."

In 2008, Laura and her daughter Jenna co-authored the book Read All About It!  The same year, she visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, where she gave the writer the Save America's Treasures grant.  

In her role as United Nations Ambassador for Literacy, Laura has extended her focus to other nations, particularly the Middle East, and to women.  "Literacy lifts women out of poverty and opens doors of opportunity," said the former First Lady.

Note:  For more information, visit http://www.laurabushfoundation.com/.

Laura Bush participates in UNESCO round table discussion in Paris in 2007 courtesy http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/firstlady/photoessays/Paris2007/02.html.