SIX MORE YEARS:  Yesterday, I was re-appointed to the U.S Commission on Civil  Rights for an additional term.  Technically, I was re-appointed by Senator Grassley in his capacity as President Pro Tempore of the Senate.  But Grassley acts on the recommendation of either the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader in making the two Senate appointments to the Commission.  In my case, of course, Senator McConnell was the recommender.  So thank you Senator Grassley and especially thank you Senator McConnell!

Of the eight seats on the Commission, four are Presidential appointments and four are Congressional.  Up until a week or so ago, all four of the Presidential appointees were put there by President Obama, which made for a Commission of 6 liberal/progressives and 2 conservative/libertarians.  Pete Kirsanow (who I hope will be re-appointed shortly over on the House side) and I were the very vocal minority.

Two of the Obama appointees have now rotated off and will soon be replaced by two new appointees by President Trump. That will make for an interesting 4-4 Commission.