Lawmakers to Honor Officers Slain in Capitol in 1998

"I hope all of the congressmen and women will join us in this one-of-a-kind patriotic workout," said Simmons, who turned 60 this month and whose classic "Sweatin' to the Oldies" video is about to turn 20.

While he still has the lungs-full-of-helium voice and big hair, Simmons says he won't be wearing his signature short shorts and tank top. At least not when he testifies.

"When I stand in front of Congress to testify, I will speak from my heart, but I will look like and talk like a congressman," Simmons said via e-mail. "That's right," he added, "no Dolfin shorts and tank top."

Simmons is lobbying for a bill to expand PE classes in public schools, which he says he believes won't be signed into law until the next president is inaugurated. He won't say whom he supports. But considering that one candidate is sinking 40-foot baskets and working out vigorously on the campaign trail, we can only guess which way Simmons is leaning.

Fannie and Freddie, the Party People

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are becoming the most unpopular couple on the party circuit, at least in certain circles. Conservatives on Capitol Hill are irate that, after a congressional rescue of the twin mortgage giants, both plan to host posh receptions at the Democratic and Republican national conventions this summer.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (Tex.), chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of House fiscal conservatives, says he certainly won't be going to the Fannie-Freddie bash at the GOP convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

"I guess they have reason to celebrate," Hensarling snarled in a phone interview. "They got Congress hoodwinked into guaranteeing up to $5 trillion worth of their debt." The two government- chartered companies own or guarantee $5.3 trillion in U.S. mortgages.

"I've never been invited to a $5 trillion party before," Hensarling continued. But "I don't think I'd be at the top of their [invitation] list."

The planned parties are especially ironic given the record number of home foreclosures in the Denver and Minneapolis metropolitan areas.

The companies are hosting the GOP convention reception at the swank Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis, listed as one of the "gold list reserve top hotels in the world" by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Fannie Mae chief spokesman Brian Faith did not return repeated phone calls seeking comment about the parties.

Hensarling still has time to change his mind. According to a spokesman, his staff found an invitation after sifting through mail that had not been opened.

Quotations From Chairman Chuck

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) convened a news conference yesterday, roughly 100 days before the election, to offer insights and, helpfully, save reporters time by asking himself the questions we wanted him to answer.

Schumer, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, came very close to predicting Democrats will win nine seats in November and secure a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

"I know you'll ask me if we can get to 60, and I'd say it's very difficult given the [electoral] map, but not out of the question. I would have said the same thing two years ago for different reasons if you would have asked me: Can you get six seats [and the majority] in the Senate 100 days before the election? I would have said it's very difficult, but it's not out of the question. And that's where we're at with 60; we do expect to pick up a significant number of seats."

After the 45-minute session, Schumer ended by saying, "I gotta go do a TV thing." And with that, the ubiquitous Schumer was off for another interview.