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The Waxman Report: How Congress Really Works
At a time when some of the most sweeping national initiatives in decades are being debated, Congressman Henry Waxman offers a fascinating inside account of how Congress really works by describing the subtleties and complexities of the legislative process.
For four decades, Waxman has taken visionary and principled positions on crucial issues and been a driving force for change. Because of legislation he helped champion, our air is cleaner, our food is safer, and our medical care better. Thanks to his work as a top watchdog in Congress, crucial steps have been taken to curb abuses on Wall Street, to halt wasteful spending in Iraq, and to ban steroids from Major League Baseball. Few legislators can match his accomplishments or his insights on how good work gets done in Washington.
In this book, Waxman affords readers a rare glimpse into how this is achieved-the strategy, the maneuvering, the behind-the-scenes deals. He shows how the things we take for granted (clear information about tobacco's harmfulness, accurate nutritional labeling, important drugs that have saved countless lives) started out humbly-derided by big business interests as impossible or even destructive. Sometimes, the most dramatic breakthroughs occur through small twists of fate or the most narrow voting margin. Waxman's stories are surprising because they illustrate that while government's progress may seem glacial, much is happening, and small battles waged over years can yield great results.
At a moment when so much has been written about what's wrong with Congress-the gridlock, the partisanship, the influence of interest groups-Henry Waxman offers sophisticated, concrete examples of how government can (and should) work.
For four decades, Waxman has taken visionary and principled positions on crucial issues and been a driving force for change. Because of legislation he helped champion, our air is cleaner, our food is safer, and our medical care better. Thanks to his work as a top watchdog in Congress, crucial steps have been taken to curb abuses on Wall Street, to halt wasteful spending in Iraq, and to ban steroids from Major League Baseball. Few legislators can match his accomplishments or his insights on how good work gets done in Washington.
In this book, Waxman affords readers a rare glimpse into how this is achieved-the strategy, the maneuvering, the behind-the-scenes deals. He shows how the things we take for granted (clear information about tobacco's harmfulness, accurate nutritional labeling, important drugs that have saved countless lives) started out humbly-derided by big business interests as impossible or even destructive. Sometimes, the most dramatic breakthroughs occur through small twists of fate or the most narrow voting margin. Waxman's stories are surprising because they illustrate that while government's progress may seem glacial, much is happening, and small battles waged over years can yield great results.
At a moment when so much has been written about what's wrong with Congress-the gridlock, the partisanship, the influence of interest groups-Henry Waxman offers sophisticated, concrete examples of how government can (and should) work.
235 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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482 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 6, 2013
Waxman is one of the great lions of Congressional oversight, and will forever be a legend for going after the tobacco industry. This book is a highly readable instructional narrative as to how the legislative branch can be effective custodians of taxpayer dollars and the public's health and welfare. Upstarts may be disappointed to learn oversight takes time, and one should note Waxman's committee positions afforded him opportunities many members of Congress (especially in the minority) don't have. But Waxman is still the lion you want to follow into the den of lobbyists and special interests--especially if you want the public interest to prevail.
August 8, 2009
Its refreshing to read about what government has done right in an era where 1/2 the government claims 'government is the problem' or as simpleton sarah palin shrieks 'government is evil.'
Should be required reading in high schools!
Should be required reading in high schools!
December 20, 2023
Fire book I read for class
September 30, 2012
I'll admit, when I first checked this book out of the library, I thought it was going to be the exact opposite of what it really is. For some reason I had the impression that it was going to be about Congressional gridlock instead of Congressional accomplishments, because, as the introduction clearly states, that's pretty much what Americans think Congress does- nothing. Instead, this is going to be a book about all of the things that government accomplishes on our behalf that we don't realize or appreciate.
So, ok, it's going to be about how awesome Congress is. I'm skeptical, but I'll give it a try.
Unfortunately, I didn't get much further than the introductory biography chapter before I wanted to pitch the book at the wall. (I resisted this urge mainly because I was reading an ebook on a fragile and expensive electronic device. How sad that future readers will never know that particular pleasure of book reading.)
First, Waxman tells us that he majored in political science at college because it was a blow-off major he could do well in without any effort, freeing up more of his time to worthwhile public service activities like "organizing" the hell out of the Young Democrats to gain more power for himself and his friends. Later he decides to run for state assembly, and he convinces one of his friends to drop out of school to come run his campaign. (Yay for education, I guess?) His friends are geniuses, but he's shocked when the newspaper run by his aunt refuses to endorse him. Apparently it's his birthright to get an advantage in the campaign solely because of who his family is. But, he knocks on every door in the district and wins the election, despite never explaining (in the book, anyway) what in the heck was the difference between his platform and that of the incumbent opponent from his own party.
When he gets to the state capitol, he relates a cute story about a legendary orator who was a crony of the Speaker of the State Assembly, who once adroitly changed his entire opinion of important legislation in the middle of a speech at a signal from the Speaker that political winds had shifted. (Yay for sound public policy founded on logic and reasoning, I guess?) Meanwhile, most legislators spent all of their free time at rowdy parties. Wives aren't invited to the parties, because no one wants their wives to see them....well, Waxman doesn't say, but I can only assume they're snorting coke off hooker's asses or something. Waxman sounds somewhat uncomfortable with this, but openly admits that he caves to peer pressure when he tells his new girlfriend that he can only bring her to those as long as they stay unmarried. (Horray for personal principle and integrity, and standing up to peer pressure...I guess?)
Next, Waxman becomes the chair of the redistricting committee. He openly states that he set all of his efforts towards making sure his personal friends in the legislature get favorable district boundaries. Here is a choice quote: "In theory, redistricting should be a simple exercise. Fiddle with the borders until you've maximized the number of Democratic seats and call it a day." WOW. (In practice, legislators get on his case when the new boundaries suddenly include their mothers-in-law, which was actually the only amusing part of the book so far.) Anyway, he slaves away at this backroom deal-making for months until the bill is finally passed. But he's disappointed when the governor vetoes it anyway, and they get stuck with a court-mandated map.
Horry for...government...being in the interests....of the people....or....
OK fuck it, I give up. I'm only on page 30 and I'm already so disgusted with this guy. This is supposed to be about all of the things Congress has accomplished over the years, but so far all I've heard is about things HE'S accomplished for HIMSELF or his close friends to keep them in power. By page 30, he's gotten himself to DC by convincing other Democrats not to run against him in a newly-formed district. Good thing too, or the people he represents might have had more choices!
Talk about politics as usual. This kind of bullshit is precisely what the American people are sick to death of. So in the end, the book turned out to be exactly what I thought it would be...only it proves the point UNINTENTIONALLY, which is just so much more depressing. I don't think I have the strength to finish, or I'd have to move to Canada. And it's fucking cold up there.
So, ok, it's going to be about how awesome Congress is. I'm skeptical, but I'll give it a try.
Unfortunately, I didn't get much further than the introductory biography chapter before I wanted to pitch the book at the wall. (I resisted this urge mainly because I was reading an ebook on a fragile and expensive electronic device. How sad that future readers will never know that particular pleasure of book reading.)
First, Waxman tells us that he majored in political science at college because it was a blow-off major he could do well in without any effort, freeing up more of his time to worthwhile public service activities like "organizing" the hell out of the Young Democrats to gain more power for himself and his friends. Later he decides to run for state assembly, and he convinces one of his friends to drop out of school to come run his campaign. (Yay for education, I guess?) His friends are geniuses, but he's shocked when the newspaper run by his aunt refuses to endorse him. Apparently it's his birthright to get an advantage in the campaign solely because of who his family is. But, he knocks on every door in the district and wins the election, despite never explaining (in the book, anyway) what in the heck was the difference between his platform and that of the incumbent opponent from his own party.
When he gets to the state capitol, he relates a cute story about a legendary orator who was a crony of the Speaker of the State Assembly, who once adroitly changed his entire opinion of important legislation in the middle of a speech at a signal from the Speaker that political winds had shifted. (Yay for sound public policy founded on logic and reasoning, I guess?) Meanwhile, most legislators spent all of their free time at rowdy parties. Wives aren't invited to the parties, because no one wants their wives to see them....well, Waxman doesn't say, but I can only assume they're snorting coke off hooker's asses or something. Waxman sounds somewhat uncomfortable with this, but openly admits that he caves to peer pressure when he tells his new girlfriend that he can only bring her to those as long as they stay unmarried. (Horray for personal principle and integrity, and standing up to peer pressure...I guess?)
Next, Waxman becomes the chair of the redistricting committee. He openly states that he set all of his efforts towards making sure his personal friends in the legislature get favorable district boundaries. Here is a choice quote: "In theory, redistricting should be a simple exercise. Fiddle with the borders until you've maximized the number of Democratic seats and call it a day." WOW. (In practice, legislators get on his case when the new boundaries suddenly include their mothers-in-law, which was actually the only amusing part of the book so far.) Anyway, he slaves away at this backroom deal-making for months until the bill is finally passed. But he's disappointed when the governor vetoes it anyway, and they get stuck with a court-mandated map.
Horry for...government...being in the interests....of the people....or....
OK fuck it, I give up. I'm only on page 30 and I'm already so disgusted with this guy. This is supposed to be about all of the things Congress has accomplished over the years, but so far all I've heard is about things HE'S accomplished for HIMSELF or his close friends to keep them in power. By page 30, he's gotten himself to DC by convincing other Democrats not to run against him in a newly-formed district. Good thing too, or the people he represents might have had more choices!
Talk about politics as usual. This kind of bullshit is precisely what the American people are sick to death of. So in the end, the book turned out to be exactly what I thought it would be...only it proves the point UNINTENTIONALLY, which is just so much more depressing. I don't think I have the strength to finish, or I'd have to move to Canada. And it's fucking cold up there.
October 27, 2009
Great insight on congressional processes and the long road to passing legislation. I generally hate politics because I'm too impatient and hate all the compromising and negotiating it requires, but the ease with which I read this (ghost-written) book may prompt me to find another.
August 4, 2009
I learned new things about how Congress works, and I learned some interesting history of House battles from the 70s to the present. I heart Waxman a lot.
February 4, 2016
good at explaining committee workings in congress
January 29, 2018
Great information in here, just couldn't get past the blue curtain.
November 6, 2017
I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I was expecting something much more "this is the true life cycle of legislation", aiming to educate myself more about how Congress functions. Instead, this is much more of a memoir of a career in Congress.
While it contains some descriptive passages that reveal some of the function of committees, subcommittees, hearings, etc., that was mostly minimal. I'd still love to find a book that lays out that structure for me more clearly. Most of the description here was very colloquial and simply used verbal shortcuts for things like "so and so agreed to sponsor this bill", or when and how amendments are allowed (does the final bill look like a chimera or do they rewrite it more cleanly after the fact? are those original proposed versions preserved in any way or is all the messy compromise hidden behind a new draft like that?). I still have no idea what that entails, formally, or why it's relevant.
That said, it did give great insight into how legislation is created in the more abstract sense, with particular focus on how you can still be productive as a member of the minority party.
Overall, I think reading this book is very context-sensitive. I think if I had read this book in 2008, riding the high of Obama's victory, I would have felt inspired. Waxman's goal seemed to be to show that, while there were massive problems introduced by Republicans under Bush, don't dismiss our entire government as corrupt. There are still good people doing good and necessary work behind the scenes, and the process is not as adversarial as it is portrayed.
But reading this today? In 2017? I'm reading this now after almost a decade of obstructionist practices rather than cooperative. I'm reading this while Congress is trying to force through a bill to gut decades of progress in healthcare legislation (some of which originated in stories contained in this book).
It's depressing to read about the Republican witch hunts during the Clinton era, and then see them completely ignore blatant corruption and borderline treason with a president colluding with Russia to rig an election. That same oversight machinery was instead misused, at great taxpayer cost, on yet another Clinton witch hunt (though this time a different Clinton).
It's so disheartening to read about a system that had great potential to do good for the American people, realizing that these same tools have been misused or transformed into what it is today.
While it contains some descriptive passages that reveal some of the function of committees, subcommittees, hearings, etc., that was mostly minimal. I'd still love to find a book that lays out that structure for me more clearly. Most of the description here was very colloquial and simply used verbal shortcuts for things like "so and so agreed to sponsor this bill", or when and how amendments are allowed (does the final bill look like a chimera or do they rewrite it more cleanly after the fact? are those original proposed versions preserved in any way or is all the messy compromise hidden behind a new draft like that?). I still have no idea what that entails, formally, or why it's relevant.
That said, it did give great insight into how legislation is created in the more abstract sense, with particular focus on how you can still be productive as a member of the minority party.
Overall, I think reading this book is very context-sensitive. I think if I had read this book in 2008, riding the high of Obama's victory, I would have felt inspired. Waxman's goal seemed to be to show that, while there were massive problems introduced by Republicans under Bush, don't dismiss our entire government as corrupt. There are still good people doing good and necessary work behind the scenes, and the process is not as adversarial as it is portrayed.
But reading this today? In 2017? I'm reading this now after almost a decade of obstructionist practices rather than cooperative. I'm reading this while Congress is trying to force through a bill to gut decades of progress in healthcare legislation (some of which originated in stories contained in this book).
It's depressing to read about the Republican witch hunts during the Clinton era, and then see them completely ignore blatant corruption and borderline treason with a president colluding with Russia to rig an election. That same oversight machinery was instead misused, at great taxpayer cost, on yet another Clinton witch hunt (though this time a different Clinton).
It's so disheartening to read about a system that had great potential to do good for the American people, realizing that these same tools have been misused or transformed into what it is today.
July 18, 2022
Like the last book I reviewed, "The Waxman Report" was required for a political science course I took last fall. Although only a few of its chapters were assigned, I decided to finish it in my free time because some of the cases the author describes were actually pretty interesting. In comparison to other accounts written by those who served in government, this book is more honest about how policymaking works. Waxman details the dominance of lobbyists in congressional decision making, not just amongst his opposition - the GOP - but also amongst many of his Democratic colleagues. He shows how often some of his greatest opponents in passing progressive legislation were power Democrats, such as John Dingell, the longest-serving member of congress who attempted to weaken the restrictions of the Clean Air Act due to his affiliations with the auto industry.
September 5, 2017
Informative take on the way Congress works. Interesting, especially in the current political climate, to see how the press can be used as a tool to push agenda. Waxman's optimistic view on the federal government is refreshing for someone who loves the world of politics, but hates the egotistically, self-centered politicians that are pressured by greed. I would love to read an updated version with events from the current political arena.
January 6, 2023
This was a surprisingly easy read.
Waxman demonstrates mastery of the legislative process and, through doing so, reveals that many of our cynical notions of how congress functions are accurate. Still, Waxman strikes an upbeat tone about the potential for Congress to achieve meaningful legislation that helps the public.
Ultimately, the book accomplished its job, and was well written throughout.
Waxman demonstrates mastery of the legislative process and, through doing so, reveals that many of our cynical notions of how congress functions are accurate. Still, Waxman strikes an upbeat tone about the potential for Congress to achieve meaningful legislation that helps the public.
Ultimately, the book accomplished its job, and was well written throughout.
June 9, 2017
Can Waxman come back to Congress and be there forever?
March 14, 2021
Well written, I came away knowing more about how Congress works. Knowing more is a really good thing.
September 23, 2010
Thank God for Henry Waxman. As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce committee (and former Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee), Waxman, a three decade congressman from Southern California is one of the leading proponents of enforcing regulations on companies and agencies who might otherwise be effective at skirting laws designed to protect citizens from unethical and often times, illegal abuse.
As a career politician, Waxman sheds valuable light on the process that he oversees in Congress against often times, well-heeled opponents looking to get around measures designed to provide the public reasonable protections in regard to everything from the Clear Air Act to food labeling to U.S. energy policy. As a former California State Assemblyman and later a member of the U.S. Congress, Waxman has the experience to explain to readers the inner-workings of committees and laws and how tricky it can sometimes be to carve out legal and political solutions that will benefit those who may not have the money, organization, lobbying presence or other political clout to adequately withstand the pressures of those who have something to gain through misdeeds.
Waxman has long been viewed as the representative of the people over both government abuses and most certainly corporate powers looking to use (or abuse) the laws to increase profits at the expense of the public good. Waxman details his many battles with industries like big tobacco, big pharma and the major food suppliers and how he and his staff must remain diligent in the face of powerful pressure groups. The methods that Waxman has to employ sometimes seem like that of a political contortionist (like changing a set of hearings from ‘food’ to ‘nutrients’ to gain the upper hand on the food producers) but it is clear he recognizes his mission and pursues it with unwavering determination.
While “The Waxman Report” is somewhat detailed (and at times a bit wonky), it is not as arduous as a deep political tome might be and is therefore accessible to most readers, even if they may not have a deep working knowledge of the inner working of politics. The most important thing about the book itself, may very well be its source, as Waxman is on the frontline of these never-ending battles and after reading this book, we are glad he is.
As a career politician, Waxman sheds valuable light on the process that he oversees in Congress against often times, well-heeled opponents looking to get around measures designed to provide the public reasonable protections in regard to everything from the Clear Air Act to food labeling to U.S. energy policy. As a former California State Assemblyman and later a member of the U.S. Congress, Waxman has the experience to explain to readers the inner-workings of committees and laws and how tricky it can sometimes be to carve out legal and political solutions that will benefit those who may not have the money, organization, lobbying presence or other political clout to adequately withstand the pressures of those who have something to gain through misdeeds.
Waxman has long been viewed as the representative of the people over both government abuses and most certainly corporate powers looking to use (or abuse) the laws to increase profits at the expense of the public good. Waxman details his many battles with industries like big tobacco, big pharma and the major food suppliers and how he and his staff must remain diligent in the face of powerful pressure groups. The methods that Waxman has to employ sometimes seem like that of a political contortionist (like changing a set of hearings from ‘food’ to ‘nutrients’ to gain the upper hand on the food producers) but it is clear he recognizes his mission and pursues it with unwavering determination.
While “The Waxman Report” is somewhat detailed (and at times a bit wonky), it is not as arduous as a deep political tome might be and is therefore accessible to most readers, even if they may not have a deep working knowledge of the inner working of politics. The most important thing about the book itself, may very well be its source, as Waxman is on the frontline of these never-ending battles and after reading this book, we are glad he is.
March 1, 2010
Rep. Waxman is disgustingly upbeat for a cynic like me - but the thought can't be avoided that maybe that's why he got so much done! His fellow politicians probably would have hated him if he had thought they were sleazes desperate to keep their campaign-money sources happy, instead of decent, honest people just doing the best they can.
The main lesson I came away with, of use mainly to political leaders who want to pass good laws that offend powerful special interests, is that it can take a lot of relentless perseverance. You have to treat it as a war that will probably take years and could even take decades. But if the facts are on your side, and you are effective at getting those facts in front of the public so the villains of the story (polluters, pesticide companies, tobacco companies, punitive right-wingers who want to punish homosexuals by letting them all die of AIDS - oops, guess Ryan White is just collateral damage) are clear as day, you will win in the end.
His discussion of the uses of Congressional hearings made me wish for better ones than we've had lately.
This book prompted the thought that maybe Obama - and Hillary before him - is getting ahead of himself on healthcare reform, and should have started by pushing for factfinding laws to collect the data that would show where the money flows through the healthcare system and what it is buying us. Some of that research does exist today, but it's obviously the very first trickle, still just scratching the surface.
The main lesson I came away with, of use mainly to political leaders who want to pass good laws that offend powerful special interests, is that it can take a lot of relentless perseverance. You have to treat it as a war that will probably take years and could even take decades. But if the facts are on your side, and you are effective at getting those facts in front of the public so the villains of the story (polluters, pesticide companies, tobacco companies, punitive right-wingers who want to punish homosexuals by letting them all die of AIDS - oops, guess Ryan White is just collateral damage) are clear as day, you will win in the end.
His discussion of the uses of Congressional hearings made me wish for better ones than we've had lately.
This book prompted the thought that maybe Obama - and Hillary before him - is getting ahead of himself on healthcare reform, and should have started by pushing for factfinding laws to collect the data that would show where the money flows through the healthcare system and what it is buying us. Some of that research does exist today, but it's obviously the very first trickle, still just scratching the surface.
September 9, 2010
Although I'm no fan of the ever priggrish, ever self-righteous Henry Waxman, this is a great look at the everyday work of congressmen in contemporary America. I admittedly almost closed the book after the very first page, in which he describes the tobacco hearings before his House Energy and Commerce Committee as "like the McCarthy and Watergate hearings" in their historical import, and a "turning point in our national history" (good god, the meglomania!). Fortunately such flights of fancy are rare, and most of the book is taken up with detailed descriptions of the passage of notable bills, such as the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 and the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 (Waxman got an assist here from the day-time doctor drama "Quincy," which produced numerous shows on the need for rare disorder drugs). Most of these acts are now widely acknowledged as small though noticeable public improvements, so you can root for Waxman without being a partisan.
Waxman also takes time to examine his famous oversight hearings, a subject which he rightly says has been neglected in most Congressional scholarship, but after reading this section you see why. Most of what happens in oversight hearings is, by definition, already public knowledge, and his accounts of hearings on subjects like corporate governance adds little to the press reports.
Still, this is a good look a Congress written by a true believer in the power and value of that institution. You don't have to agree with him to find it all fascinating.
Waxman also takes time to examine his famous oversight hearings, a subject which he rightly says has been neglected in most Congressional scholarship, but after reading this section you see why. Most of what happens in oversight hearings is, by definition, already public knowledge, and his accounts of hearings on subjects like corporate governance adds little to the press reports.
Still, this is a good look a Congress written by a true believer in the power and value of that institution. You don't have to agree with him to find it all fascinating.
June 13, 2011
The book was pretty boring and one-sided. I was hoping to get a feel for how Congress really worked but all I got from it was "Republicans mess everything up." And while I'm a Democrat myself, that was not what I was hoping to gain from this read. Besides the bias, the prose is also difficult to read. I had to reread sentences several times to understand where pauses were intended to be inserted and which adjectives matched with which nouns.
In general, I'm a fan of all of Waxman's efforts. I enjoyed reading the reasoning behind his steps and the triumphs and tribulations involved. However, the book was not thought provoking. I liked the fact that he spear-headed an inquiry into steroid use in the MLB, supported AIDS research, and took on Big Tobacco companies. But I want to know if (why) Republicans/Conservatives disagreed with his intentions and methods. The book paints the picture in a very idealistic manner: everybody supported (and subsequently benefited) from Waxman's actions. I assume that is not the case and I want hard numbers to show why (or why not) it was so.
If you're unsure of your political allegiance and want a book to push you towards the Democrat's corner, read this book. If you're looking for real insight towards Congress' proceedings, unbiased recollection of decisions and consequences, etc., do not expect to be enthralled by this book.
In general, I'm a fan of all of Waxman's efforts. I enjoyed reading the reasoning behind his steps and the triumphs and tribulations involved. However, the book was not thought provoking. I liked the fact that he spear-headed an inquiry into steroid use in the MLB, supported AIDS research, and took on Big Tobacco companies. But I want to know if (why) Republicans/Conservatives disagreed with his intentions and methods. The book paints the picture in a very idealistic manner: everybody supported (and subsequently benefited) from Waxman's actions. I assume that is not the case and I want hard numbers to show why (or why not) it was so.
If you're unsure of your political allegiance and want a book to push you towards the Democrat's corner, read this book. If you're looking for real insight towards Congress' proceedings, unbiased recollection of decisions and consequences, etc., do not expect to be enthralled by this book.
March 27, 2014
A nostalgic return to those halcyon days when our legislative body actually accomplished something, and when there was a bipartisan ability to occasionally act for the common good despite all the money whichever Big Industry was currently feeling threatened managed to toss at it.
Henry Waxman (or as Jon Stewart so memorably nicknamed him, "The Moustache of Justice") has been warring on the side of angels with his low key style and wry sense of humor for many a decade now, and we surely are going to miss him.
I'd love a book from him though on those freewheeling days coming up through California politics along with Jerry Brown and Phil Burton, among others. Here's a sample.
Bob Crown was universally regarded as a shrewd operator and a felicitous speaker. . .One day in a committee hearing, [he] was wrapping up a speech that carefully laid out the arguments against the pending measure when one of [Big Daddy Jesse] Unruh's lackeys appeared in the back of the room and began frantically signaling to him that the speaker in fact wished for the bill to pass. Without missing a beat, Crown declared, "And that's what opponents of this legislation would claim about this bill," before proceeding to deliver an equally impassioned statement of support." Nice pivot. Well played.:D
Henry Waxman (or as Jon Stewart so memorably nicknamed him, "The Moustache of Justice") has been warring on the side of angels with his low key style and wry sense of humor for many a decade now, and we surely are going to miss him.
I'd love a book from him though on those freewheeling days coming up through California politics along with Jerry Brown and Phil Burton, among others. Here's a sample.
Bob Crown was universally regarded as a shrewd operator and a felicitous speaker. . .One day in a committee hearing, [he] was wrapping up a speech that carefully laid out the arguments against the pending measure when one of [Big Daddy Jesse] Unruh's lackeys appeared in the back of the room and began frantically signaling to him that the speaker in fact wished for the bill to pass. Without missing a beat, Crown declared, "And that's what opponents of this legislation would claim about this bill," before proceeding to deliver an equally impassioned statement of support." Nice pivot. Well played.:D
June 3, 2010
I know, I know. Snoresville. But really, believe me when I tell you that it is not. Now, this rave review is only intended for my liberal brethren. Henry Waxman is one of those individuals that reminds us, "Oh yeah, there really are people who get into politics to do good, smart things." He's organized this book in a geniusly simplistic way (so that you and I will not nod off). Each chapter focuses on a specific act or law that he personally worked on passing in Congress. And since he's been there since God was a boy (as my Mother would say) they're all MAJOR pieces of legislation that ALL of us already know a little bit about. It's not pretentious. It's not filled with political jargon that loses the average person two paragraphs into it. It flows well, it keeps you hooked, and it's even a little humorous at times (Thank you, Mr. Waxman).
I am someone who NEVER picks up a book like this. But I'm thankful that I finally did. It provides insight into the real nuts and bolts of how things actually get done in that big confusing spaceship called Congress. And it injects life and actual personality into the aliens that run it.
I am someone who NEVER picks up a book like this. But I'm thankful that I finally did. It provides insight into the real nuts and bolts of how things actually get done in that big confusing spaceship called Congress. And it injects life and actual personality into the aliens that run it.
June 16, 2010
Despite his tiny profile and slightly funny appearance, it's hard not to like Henry Waxman.
He is hard working and smart and for the most part on the right side of all the big issues.
Most recently, he played a huge role in crafting the health care reform bill that was approved and signed into law in March.
What's ironic is that will probably be remembered as not even Waxman's biggest accomplishments.
Instead, Waxman may be remembered as the guy who held the major, dramatic hearings on tobacco addiction - when all the cigarette makers had to admit that their products were addictive and killing people. He also may be remembered for his hearings on the use of steroids in baseball.
This book is organized pretty unimaginatively: each chapter represents a highlight from Waxman's past hearings, both as chairman of Government Reform and Energy and Commerce.
The first part of the book is boiler-plate biography; a short section on his entry into politics and little to nothing about his family life.
Worth reading in the end if for no other reason than to compare him to so many other Congressmen who never do jack-shit with their careers.
He is hard working and smart and for the most part on the right side of all the big issues.
Most recently, he played a huge role in crafting the health care reform bill that was approved and signed into law in March.
What's ironic is that will probably be remembered as not even Waxman's biggest accomplishments.
Instead, Waxman may be remembered as the guy who held the major, dramatic hearings on tobacco addiction - when all the cigarette makers had to admit that their products were addictive and killing people. He also may be remembered for his hearings on the use of steroids in baseball.
This book is organized pretty unimaginatively: each chapter represents a highlight from Waxman's past hearings, both as chairman of Government Reform and Energy and Commerce.
The first part of the book is boiler-plate biography; a short section on his entry into politics and little to nothing about his family life.
Worth reading in the end if for no other reason than to compare him to so many other Congressmen who never do jack-shit with their careers.
March 12, 2016
Here's a piping-hot, double-tall order of optimism! Waxman's inside account of how Congress works gave me a full view of the process and the book concluded with enthusiasm and faith for the process.
Waxman has had his imprint on our laws. He was behind the Clean Air Act, AIDS/HIV and the Ryan White Act, and most recently, the Healthcare Act. He works for the citizens and for the good of all the population and thus is willing to engage in bi-partisanship in order to get the job accomplished. Therefore, this book relates inside negotiations, deals, and compromises. When he criticizes, it never becomes strident because he has a deeper, abiding faith that when all the facts come out, truth will out too. But he does notes that it is only too obvious that the current Congress has chosen simply to oppose Obama regardless of the issue and we have yet to see if this strategy will actually play out for them.
I think this book should be required reading in Current Events, Media, and Political Science courses. Reporting on the events from an insider's position makes it invaluable reading.
Waxman has had his imprint on our laws. He was behind the Clean Air Act, AIDS/HIV and the Ryan White Act, and most recently, the Healthcare Act. He works for the citizens and for the good of all the population and thus is willing to engage in bi-partisanship in order to get the job accomplished. Therefore, this book relates inside negotiations, deals, and compromises. When he criticizes, it never becomes strident because he has a deeper, abiding faith that when all the facts come out, truth will out too. But he does notes that it is only too obvious that the current Congress has chosen simply to oppose Obama regardless of the issue and we have yet to see if this strategy will actually play out for them.
I think this book should be required reading in Current Events, Media, and Political Science courses. Reporting on the events from an insider's position makes it invaluable reading.
September 29, 2015
This book started out as just OK and slowly grew on me. After Waxman shows you how he became a legislator, his chapters delve into the inner workings of landmark legislation, in most cases from the perspective of a committee chairman--he chaired the Oversight Committee. He refutes what he calls the misconception of American politics, that is that great legislation is the result of opposite extremes compromising and meeting each other in the middle. Rather, although he never explicitly states this, it seems that he was able to convince the legislators that he had great disagreements with (Orin Hatch for example) that they shared common ground. Everyone involved has something to get from legislation, whether it's a Congress member representing his or her constituents, or an industry that has something to lose as a result of regulation or additional oversight. Not surprisingly, he sees bipartisanship as the most likely way of passing laws. A very good read, this book really does live up to the subtitle by explaining through experience "how Congress really works".
July 27, 2016
This book has one goal: to convince the hoi polloi that all those long congressional meetings, the years-long probes into corporations or other government bureaus are not only consequential, but also salutary in effect. Waxman is a seasoned Democrat who oversaw the biggest changes in tobacco industry regulations. He describes the difficulties, crises, and defeats, in the road to creating a system of laws that protects people from nefarious corporate machinations (as it would be hard to give any other name to the sustained befuddlement campaign of the tobacco industry against regulations after the 1960s). A must-read for anyone who wants to believe that, often outside of the media spotlight, Congress is still capable of effective legislation for the benefit of citizens.
April 4, 2010
An interesting look into the legislative process from the perspective of a career politician. I enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of how laws are written and passed. I've had a lot of respect for Henry Waxman for a long time and I believe he's one of the honest good guys in Washington. Although a little dry at times and definitely not a "must read," I was still engaged throughout the book and found the overall message to be both interesting and compelling.
December 12, 2009
I love Henry Waxman. He is far and away my favorite government official of all time. His book explores the behind the scenes efforts that go into passing and blocking legislation. The style is formulaic but the breadth of topics held my attention.The book explores everything ranging from the Clean Air Act to Big Tobacco to Major League Baseball. An excellent, geek-out read.
May 11, 2009
I appreciated this book because it conveys the genuine excitement of Committee work and hearings. I was annoyed by this book because having dealt with Waxman himself I can attest that he is an egotistical pest and this book is incredibly self-serving. Worth reading, though.
November 24, 2009
He Congress works and how he worked Congress over the last 35 years. If you are interested in the current debate on healthcare reform this book will provide a background for the inner workings of how bills get through.
March 19, 2011
Fun, but not as substantial as I'd hoped. The majority of the book is a recounting of Waxman's political projects, many and admirable, and his perfection of the hearing as bully pulpit. The best part is the lingering warmth of forty years of hard work on behalf of his constituents.
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June 12, 2011I saw this book pilloried on The Stranger, Seattle's alt-weekly newspaper, by some smart-ass hipster. Called it "unsexy." I posted a scathing rebuttal in the comment section--first time eva! There are some good stories in this volume, but maybe that's because I also own a C-SPAN mug.
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