Health debate puts heat on Senate parliamentarian

Reconciliation is a “fast-track” legislative process that bypasses potential Senate gridlock and permits the passage of budget-related legislation by majority vote. It’s a hot-button issue now as the Senate grapples with health-care legislation. “The passage this term of health-care legislation, and perhaps the future of health care reform more generally now may turn on rulings of the current parliamentarian,” says Cheryl Block, JD, professor of law. 

Crimes Against Humanity Initiative unveils international treaty draft (UPDATED 4/15/10)

Top international criminal law experts will unveil and discuss a draft of a multilateral treaty condemning and prohibiting crimes against humanity during a conference March 11 and 12 at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. The treaty is the culmination of a two-year Crimes Against Humanity Initiative at the Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute. UPDATE: View the Declaration on the Need for a Comprehensive Convention on Crimes Against Humanity (including a list of supporters).  

Celebrating postdoctoral research

The Sixth Annual Postdoc Scientific Symposium Feb. 25 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center featured Gene Robinson, Ph.D., of the University of Illinois as keynote speaker; five postdoctoral researchers presenting research and more than 50 posters at a poster session.

Trustees meet, hear reports on cutting-edge medical research

At the spring meeting of the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton reported on a number of recent developments on the Medical, Danforth and North campuses. Trustees also heard special reports from leading medical faculty on several cutting-edge research and clinical projects.

Emergency siren test Thursday, March 11

Washington University will test its emergency sirens at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, as part of a statewide tornado drill. The drill is part of Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week March 8-12.

Democrats’ end-run on health care could escalate Senate parliamentary arms race, expert predicts

Steven Smith's essay on parliamentary battles in U.S. Senate
As President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress head for a final showdown over long-stalled health-care reform legislation, pundits are struggling to explain an array of arcane congressional rules and protocols that may determine whether health care reform passes or dies on the vine. Many of these pundits are getting it wrong, suggests WUSTL congressional expert Steven S. Smith, Ph.D.