This week, Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) slammed the brakes on a Senate bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), objecting to a change in the House version of the bill that fixes an inequity in labor law that makes it more difficult for truck drivers at Memphis-based Federal Express to unionize than drivers at other shipping companies. Fellow Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander (R) applauded Corker’s effort, pledging to “use every right or privilege I have as a senator to make sure that in the end of the process, the legislation does not include the unfair provisions singling out FedEx that’s in the House bill.” The senators’ effort to prevent what they call an “unfair” provision singling out FedEx labor workers is itself a contradiction because, as Jim Berard, a spokesman for House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) noted, the House language seeks to “treat people who have the same type of job equally under federal labor laws.” FedEx has successfully lobbied for years to remain classified as an airline subject to Railway Labor Act (RLA), a law that is technically supposed to apply only to airlines and railroad companies and stipulates that workers can’t form local unions. CEO Fred Smith — “who raised more than $100,000 for 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain and was George W. Bush’s fraternity brother” — defends this exception, adding, “I don’t intend to recognize any unions at Federal Express.” The language that Corker objects to would bring FedEx under the National Labor Relations Act like other shipping companies, such as UPS. Corker announced Wednesday that he will release his hold on the bill after receiving assurances from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) that the FedEx provisions would not appear in the Senate bill.
Monthly Archives: March 2010
Ask Congress to Stop the Rape of Women Worldwide
| One out of every three women worldwide will be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime.
In some countries, the rate is as high as 70 percent of all women. Every 26 seconds, it’s estimated that someone, at times a child or baby, will be raped in South Africa, where the rate of rape is the highest in the world. Stand up against violence against women today > As these shocking numbers illustrate, violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive major human rights violations worldwide. Despite recognizing the gravity and scope of these violations, the global response to violence against women remains woefully inadequate. Right now, however, there is a bill in Congress that could have a major impact on this issue and help millions of women around the world. The International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) would, for the first time, integrate strategies to prevent and address violence against women and girls into US foreign assistance programs. We need to do everything in our power to get our elected officials to help stop the rape and violence that leaves women and girls with long-term physical and psychological scars – and tears apart communities. Passing IVAWA would be a major step toward ending this violence. Thank you for all that you do, – The Change.org Team in partnership with CARE |
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Republican campaign message … We will repeal comprehensive health care
There are reports of Republican Senators …
who have decided to run 2010 campaigns based on repealing Health Care ; think about that, each and every Republican Senator willing to hurt their own constituents by keeping them from having the health care they need, deserve and probably hated the process but know that when it kicks in; health care for children will be immediately available … you’re kids can be assured health care until age 26, no discrimination, cannot be dropped for pre-existing conditions … these changes will be implemented as soon as comprehensive health care is approved … who wouldn’t want to give all Americans an opportunity to have the health care they need and desire… remember Scott Brown and Mitt Romney both voted for and have Universal Health Care in Massachusetts … why can’t the rest of us Americans at least have comprehensive health care
Rubio
Coryn
McConnell
Cantor
Boehner
Shelby
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Tuesday news today … CSPAN.org
The countdown to March Madness basketball championships continues and so do the battles on the Senate floor, as unemployment extensions, summer jobs for youth, 60 tax breaks, highway projects, the 21% Medicare payments are just some of the things they have not yet dealt with. Though reports are that votes on these provisions will take place sometime this today has been moved to sometime this week, you have to wonder how interested is the Senate in getting the Peoples business done.
The President is getting the beat down by the Media; seems it’s an all out blitz that gets ever tiring as you hear the negative talking heads on each and every station; my suggestion would be … Don’t listen to it.
other News
Tuesday brings a lot of protesters out today, the tea party while Union leaders, organizers and activists will also be out to protest the affect insurers have on our economy, the people, small business and the rate increases.
A handful of Senators have joined the effort to Reform the Filibuster; last week Senator Bennett offered up SR 440
Washington state legislation … have passed a bill to continue Death Benefits for families of fallen Public Service folks such as the Police; a provision was stripped out of the bill that would have continued to cover families though a living spouse re-married; a senator stated that it was tough but they had to consider the cost.
Reports state most African Americans will be out to vote for the Mid-term elections
Chevron to layoff at least 2000 workers
Greek independence day will be celebrated on the Hill and White House today
Chris Matthews interviews VP Biden in Israel today
Apparently even Democrats have problems; believe me the Massa story is not over yet, stay tuned; Massa, Kucinich and Sestak blowing up at the President is an unwise choice because it probably will keep some of us from voting for these democrats in the future. Does Stupak want all this negative press and will his future be impacted by folks who care about having a right to choose and support keeping the Hyde amendment the current law. Current
House &Senate votes,updates and …
Amendments from Senator Murray to use 1.5bil provide jobs to 500,000 youth during the summer to waive was defeated 55yeas and 45nays
The House is holding a hearing on the impact of military deployment on children; the findings and what kinds of programs and support they need
The Senate vote to limit debates and amendments on extending tax breaks, unemployment benefits, federal programs and highways, vote of 66yeas and 34nays the motion was a agreed to and will move HR4213 forward to a final vote
In a vote of 100-0 the Senate agrees to transparency regarding any spending or tax cuts not paid for in current budgets
The House will continue with 15bills&resolutions including one that prohibits Census look-a-like mailings, Aid to Haiti and Chile, Judicial Impeachment
what’s on CSPAN.org
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs conducted a daily briefing at the White House. Topics included the latest timeline for passing health care legislation and financial troubles in Greece.
White House Briefing
Senate Debates TAX Extender Bill
The first votes of the week are expected today on a long term tax extenders bill. Last week, the House passed a separate $15 billion jobs bill by a vote of 217-201. Because the bill was modified, the Senate needs to also vote on the legislation. The House added language forcing the bill’s costs to be fully offset, which will be a main point of debate in the Senate later.
Senate Floor: NOW on C-SPAN2
Jobs Bill: House Vote Tally (3/4) NY Times: House Adopts $15 Billion Plan
Food Safety Among FDA Initiatives for 2011
A Senate Appropriations Subcmte. is holding a hearing with Food and Drug Administration Cmsr. Margaret Hamburg on the agency’s proposed fiscal 2011 budget. Hamburg will discuss several FDA initiatives such as food safety, patient protection, disease treatment and tobacco program priorities.
FDA website speeches on jobs and the economy at business conference
The Nat’l Assoc. For Business Economics (NABE) began the second day of its annual economic policy conference with a speech by Christina Romer, chairwoman of Council of Economic Advisers. Later, Caterpillar Inc. Chairman Jim Owens shares his thoughts on jobs and the economy. Also speaking at the conf. is Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Pres. Charles Evans.
Christina Romer: From Earlier Jim Owens: c-span.org at 12:55pm ET Charles Evans: video available later todayShare this:
Monday March madness countinues … and CSPAN.org
With two more weeks of Winter in March, the countdown to NCAA championships continues and the crazy climate(change) of madness in Washington and on the floor of the Senate begins. President Obama will be in Philadelphia to talk about what HCR will do for everyone now, though if you read or listen to the Media, we are on the verge of falling off the edge of reality. Cable news and or right wing media continues to pit the President against the Polls; since when does a President govern using political polls, not to mention they are not always neutral. The misinformation regarding the President continues; that this is his last ditch effort to push, jam, ram and or dupe Senators to get HCR through; contrary to what Republicans and or the Media says; there are more people who want a Public Option than is being reported on any given day. Can i just say that in a time when we need to pass various Bills, i have yet to understand the House or Senate adjourning early or being out of Session; hopefully it is to provide info to fellow Democrats … the vote for HCR is March 18, 2010 act like it.
The fact is gossip, promotion of falsehoods and outright lies about the President’s beliefs and or if he is an American don’t belong on the airwaves in any form; especially in the news. Most people expect truthful news maybe some spin but these days the spin is laced with some truth or maybe it’s the Republican truth accepted by cable;like Wolf Blitzer and his reiteration of comments by conservative and other right-wing stations.
check out the facts –> our new state-by-state polls show that’s exactly what voters want.
Speaking of March Madness, Republican Senator Paul Broun, from Georgia; stated that all you had to do was read it for yourself; he knows for sure he is a Socialist. The reporter asked if he thought President Obama was born in the US; obviously a birther, maybe a tea party member, Broun stated he didn’t know; and quite frankly as someone in public office; he should have said yes. It’s amazing to me to know that people holding public office; we pay them to do the business of the People and this is what we get. If Barack Obama was white there would be absolutely no question as to who, why or what about his beliefs, race and or religion. It’s offensive that a Public Servant would behave in such a way; but then the list of Senators behaving like Broun are many in the Republican Party, which should make people outraged … these are people who only care about a select few, a certain group and not the whole of Americans and should not be in office.
Last, the day had a lot of Senators on both sides of the aisle acting well, different; it is or could be their defining moment as HCR will get passed and as a democrat it is with a light heart that i propose we put progressives in the place of every Stupak, Massa and Kucinich , Politicians who are willing and able bodied members of the Democratic party. If you didn’t know any better, Kucinich seemed to be giving a campaign speech for 2012, yet, sam klein said he is the only one out there willing to vote no based on his opinion that the bill has no base and yes the President knows this … well, now your constituents know that you are willing to put your own truth before the people you represent and let’s see how that plays out for you Senator Kucinich.
other News …
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer has apologized for using chyron text that seemed to question the loyalties of the Department of Justice. On Thursday, CNN broadcast text that read “HAPPENING NOW, DEPARTMENT OF JIHAD?” and “Are Justice Department Lawyers Disloyal?” as part of its coverage of an ad by Liz Cheney that suggests that because the DOJ hired lawyers who have represented accused terrorists, the department is sympathetic to terrorists. On Friday, Blitzer apologized for the graphic and called DOJ lawyers “patriotic.”
Tea Party Challenger To Harry Reid Owes More Than $200,000 in Back Taxes
The President is expected to announce his choice, retired Gen. Robert Harding, on Monday, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement is not yet public.
Sec. Napolitano TSA Announcement
Washington State news of temporary increase in sales taxes on services and bottled water including a 1dollar per pack tax on cigarettes
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Abusive Payday Lenders The mob offers better rates and easier terms than payday lenders. Through short-term loans with interest rates up to 900 percent, these lenders strip billions of dollars from poor and minority communities every year. Poverty in America blogger Carl Chancellor writes that in 29 states, there are more payday loan storefronts than McDonald’s restaurants. It’s time to tell lawmakers to put a stop to the financial kneecapping of our most vulnerable citizens via these lenders. (Read more) |
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Apple Acknowledges Child Labor This week, Apple admitted that it had identified at least 11 children working in overseas factories that produce iPods, iPhones, and its computers. In addition to the child labor, illegal and exploitative working conditions for adults were also documented. Surprisingly, Apple made these findings public themselves. But End Human Trafficking blogger Amanda Kloer asks, is the company doing enough to prevent the exploitation of children and workers in their factories from happening again? (Read More) |
Huffington Post: Tom Delay: People Are Unemployed Because They Want To Be
on cspan today …
The House is not in session today but resumes at 12:30pmET Tuesday and will begin work on 14 Bills and Resolutions from Wednesday-Friday they will work on Aid for Haiti and Chile as well as Judicial Impeachment, any votes will happen later in the day.
Members of The Senate gave speeches on various issues like HR4213, abortion, reconciliation, space, the Iraqi war and more; votes are scheduled to limit debate on amendments on Tuesday at 2:30pmET, this includes several amendments that are pending that includes programs that would be extended through December 31. Tax, Unemployment and Highway … tune in Tuesday for more fire works … on both sides of the aisle.
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President Obama Stumps for Health Care in Philadelphia
With the White House asking Congress to pass health care legislation soon, President Obama is taking his message to Philadelphia. Last week he called on the House and Senate to schedule votes in the next few weeks. Saturday during his Weekly Address he said, “I know it has been a long and hard road to this point, and we are not finished with our journey just yet.”
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In his weekly address, President Obama says Congress must act now to enact legislation and urges lawmakers to schedule a vote on the Democratic plan. |
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EPA Administrator Discusses 2010 Priorities
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will speak at a luncheon on strides made in 2009 and the agency’s priorities for 2010. She is expected to discuss action on climate change, America’s waters and EPA’s efforts to expand the conversation on environmentalism.
Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman is a guest on C‑SPAN’s Washington Journal at 8:30am ET WJ: Christine Todd Whitman at 8:30am ET
WP: Lawmakers move to restrain EPA
WJ: Christine Todd Whitman at 8:30am ET WP: Lawmakers move to restrain EPA**************************************
BUSINESS & ECONOMY focus of economic conference
The Nat’l Assoc. For Business Economics (NABE) meets today to hold its annual economic policy conference. First, FDIC Chair Sheila Bair participates in a panel session on financial regulatory reform. Also, Election prognosticator Charlie Cook will join a panel analyzing the 2010 mid-term elections and later Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf will speak on how to tackle the deficit.
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