Kerry Picket of the Washington Times asks Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) if an average American citizen "went through similar circumstances as yourself that they may be punished in a worse way?" Rangel lashed out at the

Freshman Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL), who lose his bid for reelection, gives a slide show on how the Bush tax cuts would benefit Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Sarah Palin and other conservatives. Grayson warns they stand to "gain" millions of dollars because of their selfishness. Note: This slide show was given after Congress voted

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) also says the Dems have enough votes for the DREAM Act. Frank tells MSNBC that "the most effective" fiscal policy "during a recession" is unemployment benefits.

President Obama and Vice President Biden ask newly elected Governors to call the White House before they "are really mad about something" and go to the media. "We prefer not to read about it in the press," Obama said.

"Unemployment insurance, the economists tell us, return $2 for every $1 that is put out there for unemployment insurance," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor. "It injects demand into the economy, it creates jobs to help reduce the deficit," Pelosi said. Pelosi says "history shows" tax cuts do not create jobs. "It does not create job

"Compared to where I've been, I haven't had a bad day since," Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) said after he was censured by the House. Rangel received a round of applause from his fellow House Democrats. Speaker Pelosi was very somber as she officially censured Rangel.

"If expulsion is equivalent of the death penalty then censure is life imprisonment," Rep. Peter King (R-NY) said in defense of Charlie Rangel.

"I'm trying to catch my breath so I don't refer to this maneuver going on today as chicken crap, all right? But this is nonsense, all right?" incoming Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) told reporters Thursday. Democrats are trying to pass a bill that would extend tax cuts only for those who make $250,000 or less.

"I don't know if I have the ability to act this dumb," Rush Limbaugh said of the Democratic plan to extend unemployment benefits. Limbaugh also slams the Politico's story that bipartisan "hopes for cooperation" have been quickly dashed. "That would have made sense two years ago," Limbaugh said. "I just want the good folks at Politico to know

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) talks about the vote today in the House where only up to $200,000 of income earned ($250,000 for couples) will receive a tax cut. Rep. Ryan called the vote "political theater." Cantor said the Democrats want to "punish success" and play "class warfare." (source: Sean Hannity radio show 12/2)

Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) says small businesses can afford a tax hike.

WSB: Despite the freezing temperatures, hundreds fought for a place in line in Marietta, Georgia to apply for federal aid to help pay their heat and power bills this winter. Only 30 people were being let in at a time at the assistance center in Marietta.

"I like Russ and he may run against Obama in 2012," Sen. Graham (R-SC) said. (source: Laura Ingraham radio show)

Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) says "under the Republican plan" Leona Helmsley's dog will get a tax cut.

"So, in fact, I think is an important vehicle to reach perhaps the compromise that we all know is ultimately going to be necessary," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said on the House floor.

"If it were up to me, Andrea, what we would be voting on today is trying to extend unemployment benefits. That's what I'd be doing," Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) said on MSNBC. "Everybody is going to get a tax cut under our proposal," the Congressman oddly said about the Democrat's tax plan.

"This was a grotesque abuse of the internet and we have to act to make sure it doesn't happen again," Sen. Joe Lieberman told MSNBC. Lieberman also called PFC Manning a "traitor."

"It looks like the president has come around to the idea, with encouragement from other Democrats, that we can't raise taxes in a recession," said Republican South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint on the CBS' "Early Show" on Thursday. "I would prefer a permanent extension of the current tax rate. I suspect the president is going push for something mo

Senator-elect Rand Paul (R-KY) says "not one more red cent" for Washington. He is joined by his father, Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX).

Rep. David Camp (R-Michigan) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) debate tax cuts and benefits.

Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) says President Obama needs to have "direct involvement" with the debt commission.

MSNBC: The Nation’s Greg Mitchell talks about the right wing’s decision to seek retribution against the WikiLeaks founder and whether it’s become a double standard to other sources who have also leaked information. MSNBC, of course, is referring to the Valerie Plame "leak."

Dr. Charles Krauthammer on the Russians "provoking" the United States.

MSNBC: Senator Debbie Stabenow talks with Rachel Maddow about Congressional Democrats calling the bluff of Republicans threatening to block everything in Congress until the Bush tax cuts are extended.

Bill O'Reilly: If guys like Assange succeed in creating chaos among intelligence agencies, then the terrorists will have a much easier time.