The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET June 15, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 6:30pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the next 30 minutes.
We continue to work through amendments to S.782, the Economic Development Act. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.
There are currently 18 amendments pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
- DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
- Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
- Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
- Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
- Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
- Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
- Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
- Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
- McCain amendment #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
- McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
- Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
- Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
- Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
- Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
- Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
- McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)
- Feinstein amendment #476 (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 15, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2112:: making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

8:28 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment no. 1 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to support any Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative by the Department of Agriculture.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pingree amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Pingree demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:17 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pingree amendment under the five-minute ruleAmendment offered by Ms. Pingree (ME).

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide electronic notifications to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives on travel relating to “know your farmer, know your food”.

On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:09 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Young (AK) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Young (AK).

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds made available by this Act to the Food and Drug Administration to approve any application for approval of genetically engineered salmon.

8:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kingston amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:07 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kingston amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Kingston.

An amendment to reduce each amount made available by titles I though VI by 0.78.

8:06 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole resumed debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:05 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.

5:25 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:24 P.M. – The House received a communication from the Honorable Charles J. Fleischmann. Mr. Fleischmann submitted his resignation from the Committee on Small Business. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H.R. 2112:: making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2112as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

5:23 P.M. – Mr. Kingston moved that the Committee rise.

5:22 P.M. – Mr. Lucas raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 744 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:20 P.M. – Mr. Lucas raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 743 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:13 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole resumed debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

5:12 P.M. – Mr. Lucas raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 741 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:10 P.M. – Mr. Lance raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 740 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:03 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

5:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Stearns amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 436).

4:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 435).

4:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 434).

4:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gosar amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 433).

4:46 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 432).

4:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 431).

4:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 430).

4:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gosar amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 429).

4:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 428).

4:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 427).

4:27 P.M. – On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 426).

4:23 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 425).

4:21 P.M. – On agreeing to the Chaffetz amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 424).

4:17 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 423).

4:12 P.M. – On agreeing to the Farr amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 422).

4:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sessions amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 421).

4:03 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011.

4:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the DeLauro amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 420).

3:34 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

3:33 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the Lummis amendment was withdrawn.

3:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lummis amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mrs. Lummis.

An amendment to make sundry changes to Section 739.

3:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:02 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to limit the number of motor vehicles purchased to 231, all which must be for replacement only.

2:56 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Stearns amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Stearns demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:48 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Stearns amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Stearns.

An amendment to reduce the amount appropriated to the Center for Tobacco Products by $392 million dollars and apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

2:47 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:32 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants and apply the savings of $180 million to the Spending Reduction Account.

2:31 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:16 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment to reduce the Food for Peace Title II Grants account by $940,198,000 and apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

2:15 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:59 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Gosar.

An amendment to reduce the Food for Peace Title II Grants account by $100 million and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun(GA) amendment No. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:56 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 12 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 12 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Foreign Agricultural Service account by $175 million and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:55 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Foxx amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:46 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment under the five-minute rule.

1:45 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment to reduce the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by $82,500,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

By unanimous consent, the Foxx amendment was withdrawn.

1:40 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment No. 2 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by $82,500,000 million.

1:39 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun(GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun(GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun(GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment to reduce the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by $604 million and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

1:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun amendment No. 11 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 11 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce Rural Housing Assistance Grants by $20,480,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:21 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:13 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.

1:12 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Gosar.

An amendment to increase funding in the Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account and the Rural Business Program account by $100,000,000 and reducing the the Food for Peace Title II Grants account by $100,000,000.

1:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

1:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun amendment No. 10 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 10 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Watershed Rehabilition Program by $15,000,000 and applying the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:03 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.

12:34 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. today.

12:03 P.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. Pitts 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.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Phil Hoskins, Higher Ground Baptist Church, Kingsport, TennesseeThe House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.

11:23 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 A.M. – MORNING HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Richard B. Nugent to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Robert Gibbs, Democrats.org …Last night’s spectacle

06/14/2011 Nativegrl77

Im writing to you from Manchester, New Hampshire, where last night I witnessed a spectacle that every single Obama supporter needs to hear about.

The major GOP presidential candidates debated for the first time and made one thing very clear: They have no agenda but to take down President Obama.

They even nodded along when one called the Obama administration a “destructive force,” and they said nothing when another said the President has “embraced our enemies.”

Last night was a wake-up call to anyone who thinks they can sit tight while the Republicans battle each other for the nomination: The campaign to defeat Barack Obama and roll back his entire record is well underway. And that’s the one thing on which all of their potential candidates agree.

It was seven against one. Since the President won’t be speaking for himself at one of these debates until next year, our best response is to show the Republicans that when they attack Barack Obama, it only makes us fight back harder.

www.democrats.org <<< Check out the Website

Fundamentally, last night’s debate was about which of their candidates would turn back the clock the farthest.

They came out for re-fighting the battles they lost on Wall Street reform and the health care law. They backed reinstating “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

They even talked about abolishing the Environmental Protection Agency — and phasing out Social Security and Medicare.

They actually spent time debating whether they think Sarah Palin would have made a better vice president than Joe Biden (spoiler alert: They still think so!).

But the words “education” and “middle class” were never uttered even once.

If you were watching at home, you might have thought it was a re-run from four or eight years ago.

Most of these people are full-time candidates with nothing to lose and nothing to do but keep pushing to take us back to the failed policies of the past. Help fight back with a donation today:

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Coming soon: NY marriage equality vote!

06/14/2011 Nativegrl77

What has HRC done for me lately?

NY – HRC delivers unprecedented 25,000 marriage equality postcards to New York lawmakers.

NY – HRC and 100+ volunteers pound pavement for marriage equality in New York over Memorial Day weekend.

US – HRC joins Dept. of Ed. at first ever LGBT youth summit.

US – HRC brings together religious leaders in support of LGBT equality.

US – HRC launches “Father of the Year” campaign. Deadline today!

NC – HRC joins Equality NC to battle anti-gay constitutional amendment.

More Info at www.hrc.org

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ACT

Stop anti-LGBT groups from hijacking a day of prayer!

Texas Governor Rick Perry has invited the governors of all 50 states to join him for “The Response: A Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis” in Houston. The problem? The event is being sponsored by rabidly hateful anti-LGBT organizations, including the American Family Association (AFA), the International House of Prayer, and TheCall. Tell your governor to reject this hateful event! http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=fO1Uq22NpdeoyAYGih29_w..

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SUPPORT

Help us cross the finish line in New York! http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=2K8UWT29anMnPjSNzwGhCg..

Things are coming down to the wire in New York – and we’re pulling out all the stops to pass a marriage equality bill. Our campaign is running on all cylinders – but we need your help to get the message out with one last major advertising push that will help persuade undecided lawmakers and their constituents around New York.

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=C17sX9Wrbf4tkFYH7a_tJA..

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NEWS

* House lawyers step up defense of DOMA
*Sen. Armed Services Cmte. considers Defense bill; DADT repeal-delaying amendments may be offered
*Civil unions take effect in Illinois
*CDC finds LGBT students at greater risk for unhealthy behaviors
*White House launches LGBT web page
*Openly-gay judicial nominee receives Senate hearing
*Nevada passes new transgender housing protections

Sponsor Spotlight …

AA.com/rainbow

As you are making summer travel plans, consider flying with American Airlines, the longtime official airline of HRC and a Platinum National Corporate Partner. When you book, make sure to enter the HRC Business ExtrAA number in addition to your personal AAdvantage number and we will both get valuable credit for the flight. The Business ExtrAA number is 527567.

Full list of National Corporate Partners »http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=0kSZxUul4k1KxOokXUaq8Q..

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Near Extinction: Only 400 Sumatran Tigers Left

06/14/2011 Nativegrl77

Only 400 Sumatran tigers are left in the world.

Javan Tiger (~1930’s)
Bali Tiger (~1970’s)
Sumatran Tiger (?)

In Indonesia, only the Sumatran tiger remains – and there are just 400 parents and cubs left.

Fewer tigers than sheets in a ream of paper. There are no tigers to spare Carmen. And there’s no time to spare if we want to save them.

In 1930, there were three subspecies of unique, majestic tigers found in Indonesia. Today, two of them are extinct – and the last one is in real trouble.

They need our help now. Please make an urgent donation to help save them.

www.greenpeaceusa.org

The Sumatran tiger is classified as “critically endangered” – on the brink of extinction and barely hanging on.

They’ve lost 93% of their habitat because companies like Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) are destroying their forest homes. Tigers are left to roam barren tracks where they are easily slaughtered by poachers for their body parts or shot by the people moving in.

To fight back, we need your help to expose the massacre, pressure corporations to cut ties with APP and fight on the ground to save these last remaining Sumatran tigers.

We can’t wait another day – not when we’re dealing with a population of only 400 tigers. If we don’t act now, every one of these beautiful animals will soon be dead.

Since Greenpeace takes absolutely no money from corporations or governments, we depend entirely on you to power our independent and hard-hitting campaigns. Will you help save these 400 Sumatran tigers?

Please help us raise $50,000 in the next 9 days to make it possible. We need just 100 gifts from supporters in WA to reach our goal.

http://us.greenpeace.org/site/R?i=EaKi7m_j37L57NsL_LaZpQ..

Without you, the tigers don’t stand a chance. Without your action, APP will continue lining its pockets with profits, poachers will continue shooting these tigers and reselling their body parts in places like China, and these last Sumatran tigers will just be collateral damage.

But together, we can stop them.

With the financial help of supporters like you, we’ve already put the squeeze on APP, convincing major companies like Nestle, Kraft and Unilever to stop buying products linked to rainforest destruction. Now APP is running for cover, claiming that they’re actually conservationists in a series of new, bogus ads.

We’re ready to put the nail in APP’s profit coffin by running ads across the country to expose the companies that do business with them, flooding them with calls and letters, and continuing to fight on the ground to protect Sumatran tiger families – but we need your support to make all of this happen.

Please give these last Sumatran tiger families a future – before it’s too late.

Together we’ve rallied to overcome seemingly insurmountable problems and won victories to protect the planet – and I know we can do it again to save the Sumatran tiger.

Together we are powerful, together we make a difference.

Rolf Skar
Greenpeace Senior Forest Campaigner

P.S. We need just 100 supporters like you to donate from WA to meet our goal. Please donate right now via our secure website or by calling 1-800-722-6995.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Birth Control: We’ve Got You Covered … Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center

06/14/2011 Nativegrl77

Couples who want to delay having another child because of uncertain economic times need to be covered. College students who decide to go to graduate school before starting families need to be covered. Millions of women in the United States trying to prevent an unintended pregnancy need to be covered.

It’s time to move women’s health forward, and for us to say — we’ve got you covered. Join the effort to make prescription birth control available in new health plans without a co-pay.

http://www.nwlc.org/action/petition-birth-control-weve-got-you-covered <<< Petition

For many years, the National Women’s Law Center has been working to get contraception covered in all health insurance plans. Thanks to your support of our efforts on the health care law, we are finally within reach of achieving this critical goal for women. In the next several months, the Department of Health and Human Services will decide which preventive services should be covered by new health insurance plans without a co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs, and we need you to join this effort to make prescription birth control available in all new health plans without a co-pay.

Women need access to birth control to prevent unintended pregnancies, plan the size of their families, and protect their health. Be part of the effort! Sign our petition and be part of the effort to make prescription birth control more affordable and accessible to all women. http://www.nwlc.org/action/petition-birth-control-weve-got-you-covered <<< Petition

Thank you for all you do for women and their families.
Sincerely,

Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center