AFL-CIO


‘DROP DEAD’
That’s the message deficit hypocrites in Washington have for jobless Americans. They blocked action in Congress—and now more than 800,000 long-term job seekers have lost their emergency unemployment benefits. The total’s set to rise to 2 million by year’s end. 

See the human cost of hypocrisy—and tell your senators to open their eyes!

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Something in Washington reeks—and it’s not the dreary swamp the city was built on—it’s deficit hypocrites. You may have seen them on TV—folks who have no clue what life’s like for ordinary Americans. They are fighting for $700 billion in tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires but think maintaining emergency unemployment is “too expensive.”

These deficit hypocrites have basically told long-term unemployed workers to “drop dead.” Right now, more than 800,000 long-term job hunters have lost their emergency unemployment benefits. Every additional second of delay costs more than one worker his or her emergency lifeline.

We’ve updated our unemployment counter to track the ongoing cost of greed and purposeful, heartless delay in real time.(1)

Find out how many workers have lost emergency unemployment insurance—and tell your senators this is totally unacceptable.

Today—as you read this message—100 unemployed workers are in Washington, D.C., to lobby their lawmakers.

Their message is clear: We have an urgent jobs crisis. With five job hunters for every one opening, we need jobs now. And while jobs aren’t there, job seekers need a lifeline.

The unemployed workers on Capitol Hill today—and the 2 million workers around the country who will lose their benefits by January unless Congress acts—need your help.

See how many workers have lost their emergency unemployment—and urge your senators to act.

In solidarity,

Manny Herrmann
Online Mobilization Coordinator, AFL-CIO

(1) Simulation based on the National Employment Law Project’s estimate of 2,013,058 workers who will lose benefits by Dec. 31, 2010.

Let’s make history


National Museum of African American History and Culture
Amid a sea of signs proclaiming, “I am a man,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined Memphis sanitation workers on strike. Just one week after this photo was taken, Dr. King was murdered. 

Despite this tragic loss, men and women of all colors pushed forward and continued to fight for freedom and equality. More than 40 years after King’s assassination, Americans elected the first African American president, achieving a historic and cultural milestone that was centuries in the making.

You have an opportunity to make history, too, by joining me in building a lasting tribute to the story of African Americans past and present. The Smithsonian Institution is building a new National Museum of African American History and Culture to celebrate and honor those brave men and women who survived slavery, who endured extreme racism and violence and who pioneered the arts, sciences, music and sports.

We need Americans like you who have the courage and vision to help make this Museum something we can all be proud of. Congress is providing one-half of the funds to build this new Smithsonian Museum. We must raise another $250 million to meet our total goal of $500 million from individuals like you who understand that the story of African Americans is the story of America.

Your gift today of $25, $50 or whatever you can afford will help ensure that these stories from individuals to collective movements of the past and present are recorded and preserved for all time and for all the citizens of our great nation.

By studying and understanding the struggles and successes of African Americans through the decades, all Americans can explore the shifting definitions of American citizenship, liberty and equality.

Ultimately, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be a place that reminds us of what we were, what challenges we still face and that guides us towards what we can become. Let us build it together.

Thank you for being our partner in building this great Museum.

Sincerely,


Adrienne Brooks
Director of Development
National Museum of African American History and Culture

P.S. If you haven’t joined as an NMAAHC Charter Member, please click here to join today!

what is Congress doing …for Americans 12/02


The Senate Convenes: 9:30aET December 2, 2010

Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:30pm to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET December 2, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 2, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:09 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:08 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable James Oberstar.

6:07 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable James Oberstar.

6:05 P.M. –

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 9: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and himself for 5 min.

Mr. Serrano asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, December 3, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Serrano asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, December 2, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H. Con. Res. 325:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

6:02 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 528:

commending the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies for its efforts to promote peace, stability and security throughout North America, Europe, and Eurasia

6:01 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 527:

commending the NATO School for its critical support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) efforts to promote global peace, stability, and security

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.

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 2847:

to regulate the volume of audio on commercials

6:00 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1690:

supporting the observance of American Diabetes Month

5:59 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 voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

5:53 P.M. –

CENSURE PRONOUNCEMENT – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1737 Mr. Rangel of New York presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of administration of censure by the Speaker of the House.

H. Res. 1737:

in the matter of Representative Charles B. Rangel

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 333 – 79 (Roll no. 607).

5:35 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Butterfield amendment Failed by recorded vote: 146 – 267 (Roll no. 606).

5:11 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered on the amendment and on the resolution.

5:10 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Butterfield.

An amendment to change the recommendation of censure contained in the resoluttion to that of reprimand.

4:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1737

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1313:

expressing support for designation of May as “Child Advocacy Center Month” and commending the National Child Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on their 25th anniversary in 2010

4:05 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 605).

3:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4853:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

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

On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 188 (Roll no. 604).

3:36 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 264 – 157 (Roll no. 603).

3:25 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 200 – 221 (Roll no. 602).

3:07 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 6469:

to amend section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include a condition of receipt of funds under the child and adult care food program

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): 416 – 3 (Roll no. 601).

2:37 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4853:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

2:36 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment with an amendment to H.R 4853, the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.

1:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4853.

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1745, the House moved to agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.

H.R. 6469:

to amend section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to include a condition of receipt of funds under the child and adult care food program

1:09 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.

12:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6469.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Miller, George moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6473:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

12:41 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.

12:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6473.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

12:21 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1576:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Day of Recognition for Parents of Special Needs Children should be established

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): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 600).

12:12 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1598:

expressing support for the designation of the month of October as National Work and Family Month

12:11 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 412 – 0 (Roll no. 599).

12:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1638:

supporting the goals and ideals of National GEAR UP Day

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 0 (Roll no. 598).

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

11:56 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

11:55 A.M. –

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

H. Res. 1745:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:54 A.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 213 – 203 (Roll no. 597).

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

11:44 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 – 186 (Roll no. 596).

10:32 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1745

Considered as privileged matter.

10:15 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

10:12 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3998, S. 987, H.R. 4387, H.R. 5651, H.R. 5706, and H.R. 5773.

10:10 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson, Sam of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:07 A.M. –

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 Reverend Doug Tanner, Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

PFAW- NEWSLETTER


MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

November 2010

In This Issue

SPOTLIGHT: Putting the “Lame” in Lame Duck 

Citizens Blindsided: Secret Corporate Money in the 2010 Elections and America’s New Shadow Democracy

Tell Advertisers: Drop Fox

Big Victories for Young Progressives

Fund Young People For Simply By Voting! Time is Running Out.

A Government That Works: Americans Want a Functioning Government; That Means Voting on Judicial Nominees

The Ten Scariest Republicans Heading to Congress

ALSO:
–Featured Video
–Blogs

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ACTION CENTER: PASS THE DISCLOSE ACT NOW!

We must do all we can to see that the DISCLOSE Act gets brought up in the Senate ands passed before the New Year. That means we need to apply pressure where its needed: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to get him to call up the bill, and a handful of holdout Republican Senators who have indicated they would support a streamlined version of the DISCLOSE Act (exactly what they’re being offered). 

Please call these Senators’ offices now and urge them to support passage of the DISCLOSE Act before the holidays:

Harry Reid (NV):
202-224-3542

Scott Brown (MA):
202-224-4543

Mark Kirk (IL):
202-224-2854

Olympia Snowe (ME):
202-224-5344

Susan Collins (ME):
202-224-2523

Young Elected Officials Network Thrives in the Face of ‘the Wave’

YEO
Members of PFAW Foundation’s Young Elected Officials Network had some big wins this past Election Day. Despite progressives suffering big losses across the country, the well-equipped YEOs fared pretty well with most of them winning their races for reelection, some advancing to hire office, and some new young electeds who will be joining the network winning election to office for the first time.
Read More >

Bankrate.com


Here are stories published today
Holiday happiness — get it all but pay less | 2010-12-01
Can’t afford a holiday blowout? Here’s how to have a great festive season for less.
Bankruptcy demands full asset disclosure | 2010-12-01
Bankruptcy won’t let you keep preferred assets while dumping others onto your creditors.