Miller makes self at home in House

Democratic shift removes hurdles

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Brad Miller wants to soothe hearts and fight for people, and he figures that -- for now, at least -- the U.S. House of Representatives is the place to do it.

When Miller decided three weeks ago to forgo a shot at Sen. Elizabeth Dole's seat in 2008, he said that family ambivalence drove his decision.

But Miller, a third-term Democrat from Raleigh, also said he'll seek a fourth term in the House, telling reporters repeatedly, "I have a lot to say grace over."

Like most newer members of Congress, Miller hasn't had many big-name successes, and he's had the added challenge of being in the minority until this year.

So, after four years of trying to crack down on predatory lending, Miller hasn't yet saved thousands of homeowners from foreclosures with new, national consumer protections. This spring, he wasn't able to secure the half-million dollars Wake County wants for an environmental center.

But Miller is buoyed by the new Democratic majority and confident that, should he stick around the place, he'll build up successes.

"Although I think I probably could do more in the Senate, there's plenty I can do in the House and am doing right now," Miller said.

Miller, who served in the state legislature, came to Congress rooted in state-level politics. But he's keen on making a broader impact.

He helped create the historic preservation and community college caucuses in Congress.

In the Financial Services and Science committees, he has taken on national issues such as consumer financial protections and investigations of what he considers scientific fraud in the Bush administration.

He just earned a seat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, last week questioning administration officials about the months-long lags and mistakes in delivering millions of new passports.

"My work on consumer protection gives me the chance to comfort the afflicted. And my work on science and technology oversight gives me the chance to afflict the comfortable," Miller said.

Miller's future in the House will depend greatly on which party is in control. The difference with Democrats in charge, he said, is "day and night."

Now, when he introduces a bill, it isn't because he wants to send a message or strike a negotiating position. It's because he expects his bill to become law.

A busy year

His chief goal this year is enacting new consumer protections against predatory lending. Miller, along with Democratic Rep. Mel Watt of Charlotte, has spent years negotiating with community activists, bankers and lenders on the legislation.

He would have been able to do more last year had then-Majority Leader Tom DeLay not put an end to the talks, said Rep. Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

"Brad's a very thoughtful guy," Frank said. In another few terms, Frank said, Miller could have enough seniority to become the chairman of an important financial subcommittee or at least an influential member of the full committee.

In a few weeks, Miller hopes to introduce a bill that would overhaul predatory lending rules. He is working on another that would change bankruptcy law.

"It probably will be the most significant consumer legislation in more than a dozen years," Miller said. He said thousands of middle-class homeowners could be saved from foreclosures should the bills become law.

And Miller had heard privately that should the predatory lending bill pass the House, Senate Republicans would have tried to block it so he wouldn't have a success to run with against Dole. He thinks the bill has a better shot now.