What Happened in Cancun



We just returned from the UN climate change conference in Cancún. At best, the results are mixed.

The good news is that over 190 countries agreed on aid to the world’s poor who are coping with climate change impacts such as malaria, drought, and extreme weather. These leaders also agreed on programs that promote clean technology and rainforest conservation.

The bad news is that we still don’t have a fair and effective solution to stop climate change. We are disappointed that world leaders don’t grasp the urgency of this crisis nor the opportunities that clean energy solutions provide.

We are still committed to building a new green economy. High-level negotiations continue to stall but we’re working with a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with the vision to build a sustainable global economy from the ground up.

COP16 was the stage for the official launch of Earth Day Network’s Women and the Green Economy (WAGE) initiative. In partnership with the U.N. Foundation, we are working with leaders like Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, to galvanize women entrepreneurs into a force that will green the global economy and advance climate solutions.

Do your part. Let’s show our leaders that we demand an ambitious treaty. Share your reaction to COP16 and show support for effective new agreements that can reduce pollution, stop climate change and save our planet!

Thank you for everything you do,

The Earth Day Network Team
www.earthday.org

P.S. With your help we can make Billion Acts of Green and Earth Day 2011 strong referendums on climate change and the need for a green economy. We have only a year until the next UN climate summit to galvanize the support of nations.

P.P.S. You can make a difference by supporting Earth Day Network’s climate initiatives through our online store.

DREAMing of the holidays


Reform Immigration FOR America
Best thing you can do:
Call your senator today!
The Senate will vote soon on DREAM Act, which passed the House last week.
Before they leave town to spend time with their loved-ones for the holidays, Senators will vote on the DREAM Act. It’s up to us to make sure they vote the right way. 

The best thing you can do to pass the DREAM Act is to call your senator. But there are lots of other ways you can tell your senator to do the right thing and vote with us.

We can get the DREAM Act passed. We have to stand together to raise all our voices, and we have to do it now. We have a few days to be sure Senators hear us loud and clear. Can you raise your voice?

Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa

We’re fighting to fix our broken immigration system, but we can’t win without you!
contribute $30 today to sponsor 80 faxes and 100 calls to Congress.

what’s going on in Congress -debates/votes on Wednesday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 15, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 11:00am with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. At 10:00am, Senator Bayh will deliver his farewell remarks and at 10:30am Senator Voinovich will deliver his farewell remarks.

At 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of the House message on H.R.4853, the vehicle for the tax compromise. At approximately 12:00 noon, there will be a series of up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following items:

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4765 (to pay for the costs of extending unemployment insurance payments by reducing unnecessary and duplicative spending);

DeMint motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4804 (to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax relief provisions, and to permanently repeal the estate tax, and to provide permanent alternative minimum tax relief);

Sanders motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4809 (to provide an extension of 2010 tax cuts only for the bottom 98 percent of taxpayers, to provide for responsible estate tax reform, to extend the making work pay credit in lieu of a payroll tax holiday, to provide relief to senior citizens, and to provide for improvements in infrastructure, energy, and water); and

– Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4853, with Reid-McConnell amendment #4753 (tax compromise).

Following the votes, the Senate will resume morning business until 2:15pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the START Treaty.

Following that vote, Senator Lincoln will be recognized to give her farewell remarks to the Senate. Following her remarks and any of her colleagues, the Senate will resume Executive session at the same status prior to her remarks in legislative session. We expect the Republicans to object to dispensing with the reading of the treaty. If that is the case, we estimate it will take the clerks approximately 15 hours to read the treaty live.

Votes:
At approximately 12:00 noon, there will be a series of up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following motions:

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4765: (to pay for the costs of extending unemployment insurance payments by reducing unnecessary and duplicative spending);

– DeMint motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4804: (to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax relief provisions, and to permanently repeal the estate tax, and to provide permanent alternative minimum tax relief);

– Sanders motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4809: (to provide an extension of 2010 tax cuts only for the bottom 98 percent of taxpayers, to provide for responsible estate tax reform, to extend the making work pay credit in lieu of a payroll tax holiday, to provide relief to senior citizens, and to provide for improvements in infrastructure, energy, and water); and

– Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4853, with Reid-McConnell amendment #4753: (tax compromise).

Votes:
273: Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4765: (to pay for the costs of extending unemployment insurance payments by reducing unnecessary and duplicative spending);
Not Agreed To: 47-52

274: DeMint motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4804: (to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax relief provisions, and to permanently repeal the estate tax, and to provide permanent alternative minimum tax relief);
Not Agreed To: 37-63

275: Sanders motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4809: (to provide an extension of 2010 tax cuts only for the bottom 98 percent of taxpayers, to provide for responsible estate tax reform, to extend the making work pay credit in lieu of a payroll tax holiday, to provide relief to senior citizens, and to provide for improvements in infrastructure, energy, and water);
Not Agreed to: 43-57

276: Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4853, with Reid-McConnell amendment #4753: (tax compromise)
Agreed To: 81-19.

277: Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the New Start Treaty:
Agreed To: 66-32

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 15, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

. 11:59 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 16, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1377:

honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes

9:40 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

9:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1377.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5493:

to provide for the furnishing of statues by the District of Columbia for display in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol

9:10 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

8:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5493.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

S. Con. Res. 77:

to provide for the approval of final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to certain legislative branch employing offices and their covered employees

8:57 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

8:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 77.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1757:

providing for the approval of final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to the House of Representatives and employees of the House of Representatives

8:55 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

8:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1757.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 20:

calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” with respect to religious freedom

8:50 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Faleomavaega objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

8:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 20.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

8:04 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

7:53 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on S. 987.

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1766.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

7:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 987.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1765:

supporting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state, and for other purposes

7:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

7:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1765.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 3447:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes

7:07 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

6:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3447.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3860:

to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery

6:47 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

6:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3860.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6517:

to extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes

6:24 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:23 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

5:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6517.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4337:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain rules applicable to regulated investment companies, and for other purposes

5:49 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

5:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 4337.

Mr. Levin moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 841:

to direct the Secretary of Transportation to study and establish a motor vehicle safety standard that provides for a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle operation

5:39 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:30 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 841.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Barrow moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

5:29 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 2965:

to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes

5:24 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 175 (Roll no. 638).

4:54 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

3:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1764, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2965 with an amendment.

3:20 P.M. –

Mrs. Davis (CA) moved that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1764, the Chair recognized Mrs. Davis of California for a motion.

H. Res. 1743:

congratulating Gerda Weissmann Klein on being selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom

3:16 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 407 – 0 (Roll no. 637).

3:08 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1761:

congratulating Auburn University quarterback and College Park, Georgia, native Cameron Newton on winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy for being the most outstanding college football player in the United States

3:07 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 – 15, 18 Present (Roll no. 636).

3:00 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1764:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 2965) to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes

2:59 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 180 (Roll no. 635).

2:29 P.M. –

The House resumed with consideration of H. Res. 1764.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853 with an amendment.

H. Res. 1764:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 2965) to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes

2:28 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

1:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1764

Considered as privileged matter.

1:42 P.M. –

Ms. Pingree (ME) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1764.

H.R. 6205:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the “Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office”

1:40 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 – 0 (Roll no. 634).

1:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. Con. Res. 72:

recognizing the 45th anniversary of the White House Fellows Program

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 401 – 1 (Roll no. 633).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:22 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1759:

expressing support for designation of January 23rd as “Ed Roberts Day”

1:21 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 – 8, 4 Present (Roll no. 632).

1:12 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5446:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, as the “Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office”

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 0 (Roll no. 631).

12:41 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

S. 30:

to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:15 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 30.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boucher moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3386:

to protect consumers from certain aggressive sales tactics on the Internet

12:14 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3386.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boucher moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3199:

to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss

12:02 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:48 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3199.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3036:

to establish the Office of the National Alzheimer’s Project

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:32 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3036.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1600:

supporting the critical role of the physician assistant profession and supporting the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

11:24 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1600.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 1774:

for the relief of Hotaru Nakama Ferschke

11:23 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:14 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1774.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 4010:

for the relief of Shigeru Yamada

11:13 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:06 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 4010.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

11:05 A.M. –

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1761:

congratulating Auburn University quarterback and College Park, Georgia, native Cameron Newton on winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy for being the most outstanding college football player in the United States

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

10:53 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1761.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Altmire moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 6494:

to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to improve the Littoral Combat Ship program of the Navy

10:51 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

10:31 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6494.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

10:30 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 15, 2010, at 9:40 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 4005.

10:04 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Tonko to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:03 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

A massive game of chicken


Click here to sign the letterI am angry and frustrated that national Republicans, yet again, played political games and held the middle class hostage to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who need them the least. It is irresponsible, selfish, and wrong.

At the end of the day, I voted for this tax package to protect middle-class families from a tax hike while extending unemployment benefits for 13 months, continuing the sales tax deduction, cutting payroll taxes, and doing everything we can to create jobs.

But it came at tremendous cost.

So I want you to join me in telling Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and their right-wing colleagues that we won’t forget how they put their wealthy special interest backers ahead of the national interest and ahead of hard-working families all across America -– and we’re going to hold them accountable.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now -– and join me in committing to repealing these wasteful tax cuts for the wealthy as soon as we can!

While Democrats offered plans to extend middle-class tax cuts for more than 98% of all Americans, Representative Boehner, Senator McConnell, and their right-wing colleagues refused.

Quite simply, they were willing to play a massive game of chicken with the American people and let all the tax cuts expire unless they got billions of dollars to funnel back to their wealthy corporate backers.

There’s no doubt about it: This package will help millions of hard-working Americans who are doing everything they can to get by in these tough times and keep more of their hard-earned money. And it will stop Republicans from cold-heartedly cutting off unemployment benefits to people who are fighting to find jobs, keep their homes, and feed their families during the holidays.

But, to overcome Republican obstruction and selfishness, helping these middle-class families required an unnecessary and irresponsible tax giveaway for the very wealthiest Americans who aren’t facing the same challenges.

It’s outrageous.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now — and tell them we’ll hold them accountable for their irresponsibility!

I’m so thankful that by extending middle-class tax cuts, continuing the sales tax deduction, and extending unemployment insurance that we’ll be helping middle-class families and getting our economy back on track.

But I won’t forget the price that national Republicans made us pay to do the right thing.

And, with your help, we’ll roll back these irresponsible Bush tax cuts for the wealthy at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thanks for standing with me and speaking out.

Sincerely,

Patty Murray
U.S. Senator

Two more banks move mountains


Rainforest Action Network
Tell PNC and UBS to go all the way and stop financing MTR
MTR in action
Take Action
Credo Button

Two of the largest remaining financiers of mountaintop removal (MTR) coal mining have announced that they are taking a step in the right direction to end the devastating practice of blowing up mountaintops and poisoning drinking water for coal.

Pennsylvania-based PNC and Swiss banking giant UBS have both announced policies that will limit their funding of MTR.

PNC and UBS are following in the footsteps of six other banking giants–Bank of America, Citi, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Credit Suisse—that many of you helped push in the right direction on MTR financing over the last two years.

Though this decision does not mean an immediate end to the financing of mountaintop mining, we are encouraged to see PNC and UBS take this step forward. Now let’s get ’em to go all the way!

Join us in urging PNC and UBS to completely cut all financing of mountaintop mining companies. Once your signatures are in, we’ll deliver your demands to PNC headquarters in Pittsburgh, as well as UBS headquarters in both Connecticut and Zurich. Sign this petition today!

Thanks for moving mountains in the banking world with us so that Appalachia’s mountains can stay right where they belong.

GFC team

For the mountains,

Amanda Starbuck, Annie Sartor and Scott Parkin
Global Finance Campaign Team