Daily Archives: 06/21/2011

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Why I’m in Ames, Iowa …Judd Legum


As you may know, ThinkProgress has been hitting the road to ask tough questions and bring you the unvarnished truth from around the country.

For example, when Paul Ryan was booed by his constituents in Milton, Wisconsin, for defending his plan to privatize Medicare, the traditional media was nowhere to be found. But ThinkProgress was there to capture it all on tape. The clip was played dozens of times on national TV, and hundreds of thousands of people watched the video online.

Overall, our reporters have traveled to 20 states, interviewing nine presidential candidates and 56 members of Congress. We are making an impact and shaping the debate.

But this kind of on-the-ground reporting isn’t cheap. We need to raise $20,000 in the next week to keep our efforts going strong.

Can you pitch in $4 right now?    www.thinkprogress.org

This week, I’m in Iowa to cover the Tea Party Bus Tour — organized by a radical group advocating a return to the gold standard. Several GOP presidential candidates are scheduled to participate.

We’ll be visiting Ames, Iowa Falls, Webster City, Oskaloosa, Creston, and Council Bluffs. With your support, we’ll be able to keep this show on the road and keep holding the right wing accountable.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any comments or questions.

Best,
Judd Legum
Founder, ThinkProgress.org

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Highlighti​ng the Unseen Human Costs of War


Highlighting the Unseen Human Costs of  War in Afghanistan

At a Senate hearing last week, I urged Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffAdmiral Mullen to address concerns over the unseen human cost of war, including the rising rate of suicide among veterans, the lack of access to much needed mental health care, and the increasednumber of tours of current service members. I also asked if these concerns were taken into consideration as factors for a drawdown in Afghanistan. read more >> http://mta.hilltopcms.com/?r=MTAwOA0KSjU1NTgtMjMyY2JmNGUtNGVmNy00ZWU0LTljZmUtODAzZWY3MmU5ZjEwDQplNmIyYTk1YS01MzZjLTRiM2QtOTY4Yy1jZGQyM2Q4NGE0OTANCjhhMDAwMDAwOWU1MzhlDQpodHRwOi8vbXVycmF5LnNlbmF0ZS5nb3YvcHVibGljL2luZGV4LmNmbT9wPU5ld3NSZWxlYXNlcyZDb250ZW50UmVjb3JkX2lkPWIwY2Q0Njc0LTQ3ZGEtNDcwMi1hNGU4LTE0ZDRlMTJmZjViNQ0KdHJ1ZQ0KeW5hdGl2ZTc3QGdtYWlsLmNvbQ%3d%3d

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Going to Bat for Seattle Sports Fans

Last week, I applauded the announcement that an effort to block legislation I authored, which would restorethe ability for King County Metro to provide service to sporting events, had been overturned. All Seattle sports fans have a right to affordable and efficient transportation toand from sporting events, and this public transportation will support our local sports teams, bolster the local economy, and decrease traffic during sporting events.

“Ruling to allow Metro to offer service to sporting, community events”

– The Seattle Times

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Urging Republicans to Take Medicare Benefits Off the Table

I strongly urged myRepublican colleagues to take Medicare benefits off the table during the ongoing budget negotiations. The Republican plan would shortchange American seniors who rely onMedicare to meet their health care needs. We will not allow Republicans to balance the budget on the backs of our seniors. I’ve heard from seniors across the state, telling me thatthey need their benefits to be protected. These seniors simply cannot afford the Republican plan.

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Giving Children an Early Start on Education

I introduced the Readyto Learn Act, which would help prepare children for kindergarten by providing funding for states to establish and administer voluntary preschool programs. As a formerpreschool teacher, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that high-quality early childhood education has on the success of our children. That’s why my bill will help families and communitiesacross the country provide their children with the strong educational start they deserve.

“Bremerton schools garnernational acclaim for early learning efforts”

– The Kitsap Sun

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Protecting America’sWorkers

Last week, I reintroduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act, which amends and updates the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to make sure thatworkers are protected in the 21 st century economy. I spoke on the Senate floor to urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation because every worker, inevery industry, deserves to be confident that while they are working hard and doing their jobs, their employers are doing everything they can to protect them. This effort to make our workplacessafer is especially important to communities like Anacortes, still shaken by the tragedy at the Tesoro Refinery that killed 7 workers.

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Bringing Technology to the Classroom

Earlier this month, I used internet videoconferencing to holdvirtual conversations with students across Washington state to discuss the role technology plays in their classrooms, and how it can be approved. I also told them a bit aboutthe ATTAIN Act, which would help schools like theirs get the resources and support to integrate technology into learning. Students are clearly excited about using technology to learn—andI’m excited about working to make sure schools can make that happen.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Hunt for climate impacts, win a trip to Brazil


Imagine this situation: You’re stuck at the airport for who knows how long because your plane’s been grounded, you’re covered in the itchiest poison ivy you’ve ever had, and the airport bar is out of your favorite Cabernet.
 
What is going on?
 

 Check out the new UCS Climate Hot Map. Travel the world to learn where global warming is already having an impact and you could win a trip for two to help find answers to the challenges of climate change in the Rio Cachoeira Natural Reserve in Brazil!

This is climate change. Many people don’t realize it, but global warming is already affecting our lives and it’s causing trouble in surprising places—like in North Carolina where climate change has caused poison ivy to become more potent.
 
And unfortunately, itchy, thirsty, and impatient are only the beginning—there are dozens of ways global warming is already affecting the world and could be affecting you!
 
Today, the Union of Concerned Scientists introduces a new, interactive way to learn about the local consequences of global warming and the solutions available to meet the climate challenge. The Climate Hot Map allows you to travel the world and explore the places (or “hot spots”) where scientists have gathered evidence of climate changes that are already under way.
 
Check out some of the highlights from the Climate Hot Map by taking our Climate Hot Map Scavenger Hunt today.By joining the hunt for hot spots, you’ll be entered to win our grand prize: an Earthwatch Institute trip for two to assess the impacts of climate change on the Rio Cachoeira Natural Reserve in Brazil! You’ll get additional entries for every correct Hot Spot you identify and for sharing the Climate Hot Map Scavenger Hunt with friends and family members. Five runners-up will receive a Solio Mono Hybrid Solar Charger—great for traveling or at home to charge your cell phone or MP3 player using the power of the sun.
 
So what are you waiting for? Travel the world, win cool prizes, learn about the local impacts of global warming today, and find out what communities around the world are doing to reduce global warming emissions. Start the Scavenger Hunt now.

 Sincerely,

Brenda Ekwurzel, Ph.D.
Climate Scientist

~ Recent Post

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate


The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 21, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 21, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION


 8:03 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. 

7:58 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 672:
to terminate the Election Assistance Commission, and for other purposes 

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.

7:13 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 672.Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

7:12 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced. 

7:10 P.M. – Mr. Harper asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate, thereafter to resume its session at 11:30 a.m. Agreed to without objection.

S. 349:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4865 Tallmadge Road in Rootstown, Ohio, as the “Marine Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray 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): 397 – 0 (Roll no. 462).

7:02 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 771:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1081 Elbel Road in Schertz, Texas, as the “Schertz Veterans Post Office” 

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 – 0 (Roll no. 461).

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

6:55 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1632:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5014 Gary Avenue in Lubbock, Texas, as the “Sergeant Chris Davis Post Office” 

6:53 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): 396 – 0 (Roll no. 460).

6:31 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business. 

6:30 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 21.

6:05 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

S. 655:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 95 Dogwood Street in Cary, Mississippi, as the “Spencer Byrd Powers, Jr. Post Office” 

6:04 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.

6:00 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 655.Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 771:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1081 Elbel Road in Schertz, Texas, as the “Schertz Veterans Post Office” 

5:59 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. 

5:48 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 771.Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 349:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4865 Tallmadge Road in Rootstown, Ohio, as the “Marine Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray Post Office” 

5:47 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. 

5:42 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 349.Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1632:
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5014 Gary Avenue in Lubbock, Texas, as the “Sergeant Chris Davis Post Office” 

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.

5:32 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1632.Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

5:31 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 21.

2:07 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 P.M. today. 

2:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches. 

2:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleischmann 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.

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 21.

12:32 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today. 

12:01 P.M. – MORNING HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business. 

12:00 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

 
 

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Senate Floor Schedule for Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Convenes: 10:00am Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the …

  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #34, the nomination of Michael H. Simon, of Oregon, to be US District Judge for the District of Oregon with one hour for debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Simon nomination.
  • The filing deadline for 2nddegree amendments to S.782, the Economic Development Act is 11:00am on Tuesday.
  • Following this vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly party conferences.
  • At 2:15 p.m., the Senate will consider Executive Calendar #183, Leon E. Panetta to be Secretary of Defense with 2 hours for debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 4:15pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Panetta nomination.
  • Following this vote, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 782, the Economic Development Act with 10 minutes for debate only equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees and the Senate then conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill.
  • If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately conduct an additional roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011.
  • Therefore, Senators should expect up to 4 roll call votes on Tuesday, June 21st:
    • at approximately 12:20pm: Confirmation of the Simon nomination
    • at approximately 4:15pm: Confirmation of the Panetta nomination and,
    • Motion to invoke cloture on S.782, the Economic Development Act and,
    • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act
  • By unanimous consent, the cloture motion on the motion to proceed to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act has been postponed until Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader. If cloture is invoked, time post-cloture will be counted as if cloture was invoked at 6pm on Tuesday, June 21st.
  • The Senate is now in a period of morning business until 6:30pm with Senators permitted to speak for up 10 minutes each.
    • Discharged Judiciary and Adopted S.Res.202, A resolution designating June 27, 2011, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day”. w/ Conrad amendment
    • Adopted S.Res.212, congratulating the people and Government of the Republic of Slovenia on the twentieth anniversary of the country’s independence.