At Risk for Social INsecurity


National Women's Law Center - Don't Discount Women: Demand Fair Change Not Spare Change

Women and families depend on Social Security. Don’t let Congress cut this critical program.

You know that the budget talks in Washington are heating up. But you may not have heard that Social Security cuts are on the table.

That’s because they’re not talking openly about cutting Social Security. Instead, they’re saying that they are making a technical change in the way the cost-of-living adjustment is calculated for federal programs like Social Security.

But this is a stealth benefit cut that would mean insecurity for all Social Security recipients, especially women. And, because the cut would grow deeper the longer you receive benefits, it would especially hurt women, who live longer than men, rely more on income from Social Security, and are already more likely to be poor.

Women can’t afford cuts to Social Security benefits because:

  • The average Social Security benefit for women 65 and older is just $12,000 per year.
  • Without Social Security, half of women 65 and older would be poor.
  • This cut would especially hurt the oldest and poorest beneficiaries, who are overwhelmingly women.

Women and their families shouldn’t bear the brunt of deficit reduction—and time is running out. Tell your Members of Congress and the Administration that Social Security and programs vital to low-income families must be protected – and millionaires and corporations must contribute to any deficit reduction plan. Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change™ in the budget debate.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher Joan Entmacher
Vice President, Family Economic Security
National Women’s Law Center

P.S. Want to know more about this stealth Social Security benefit cut? Check out our blog.

Video: Prioritizing federal spending (via Anderson Cooper 360)


Editor’s note: CNN’s John King takes a close look at two scenarios for prioritizing federal dollars if the debt ceiling isn’t raised. Related: McConnell, Reid tweaking debt limit fallback plan to boost its chances … Read More

via Anderson Cooper 360

Rape is rape … Shelby Knox, Change.org


In a recent speech at the University of New Hampshire, Vice President Joe Biden recounted the story of a college freshman he called Jenny.

Jenny was raped after a party on campus. She tried to pursue a case against her rapist only to be asked if she had been drinking, what she was wearing, and whether she was dancing. The university never took action against her assailant.

As Biden said, “Rape is rape is rape.”

Yet each year the FBI omits hundreds of thousands of rapes from its Uniform Crime Report (UCR) because it’s using an 80-year-old definition of rape.

The FBI’s outdated definition of rape is limited to “the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.”

Sign the petition to tell the FBI to update their definition to include all forms of rape.

The FBI’s flawed definition of rape excludes any form of sexual assault that falls outside of the narrowest understanding of heterosexual sex, including the rape of men and boys as well as transgender people.

The emphasis on “forcible” rape also means that the rape or assault of women with physical or mental disabilities and those who were unconscious or under the influence of drugs and alcohol – like Jenny — are often excluded.

The FBI’s 2007 Uniform Crime Report listed 91,874 “forcible rapes,” but some estimates suggest the actual number may be 24 times higher.

The FBI’s underreporting of rapes translates to less federal funding for police departments nationwide to test rape kits — and fewer investigators bringing rapists to justice.

Sign here to tell the FBI to update its definition of rape to address and end sexual assault:

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-the-fbi-rape-is-rape

Thanks for taking action,

– Shelby and the Change.org team

Democrat Sandy Pasch has pulled ahead of Republican Alberta Darling in Wisconsin State Senate District 8


Democrat Sandy Pasch has pulled ahead of Republican Alberta Darling in Wisconsin State Senate District 8, closing a nine-point gap since entering the race, according to a new poll released Friday.

This is huge news — District 8 is one of the toughest districts for Democrats in the WI recall elections.

But we can’t stop now. Democrats need a win here to take back the State Senate and Pasch is up just 47-46 according to the Mellman Group poll with only three weeks left before the August 9 recall. Can you join thousands of DFA and PCCC volunteers across the country and make calls to Wisconsin voters this Thursday?

Yes! I can make calls to Wisconsin voters this Thursday!   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/919?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=1

Yes! I can make calls to Wisconsin voters this weekend!  http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/919?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=2

Sorry, I can’t make calls, but I’ll contribute $5 to fuel the call campaign.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/920?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=3

These calls are important. Republicans have big corporate interests propping them up, ready to spend millions of dollars on sleazy attack ads. But talking directly to voters on the phone cuts through the corporate spin by putting real people in touch with voters.

These calls are also easy to make. Sign up today and a DFA staff member will be in touch with you to see if you have any questions about the calls. There’s also a quick conference call before your shift starts to give you an update on the campaign, so you have plenty of chances to ask any questions you might have.

So, can you join us and help Call Out The Vote?  

Yes! I can make calls to Wisconsin voters!   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/919?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=4

Sorry, I can’t make calls, but I’ll contribute $5 to fuel the call campaign.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/920?akid=1087.1480546.uTXgrd&t=5

We’re going to win these recalls with people power like this. Please join us today.

Thanks for all that you do.

– Michael

Michael Langenmayr, Deputy Political Director

Democracy for America

Congress: the Republican led House votes against the People-HR2560/House Dems focus on Voter Suppression-#FairShare -the Senate deals with HR2055


The Senate Convened at 10:00amET July 19, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for two hours 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 Majority and the Republicans controlling alternating 30-minute blocks of time, with the Republicans controlling the first block.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • The Senate continues to work on amendments to the Military Construction Appropriations bill. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill:

http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/07/19/coburn-amendment-pending/  Coburn Amendement

http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/07/19/wyden-amendment-pending/    Wyden Amendment

http://democrats.senate.gov/2011/07/19/vitter-amendment-pending/       Vitter Amendment

There will be no roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.

******************************************************************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 19, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:00 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 20, 2011.On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Griffin (AR) moved that the House do now adjourn.

8:39 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

8:32 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

8:29 P.M. – Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 357.

8:28 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 304 – 112, 1 Present (Roll no. 607).

8:23 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 2560:
to cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget 

8:22 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by recorded vote: 234 – 190 (Roll no. 606).

8:16 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 188 – 236 (Roll no. 605).

7:54 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

7:47 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment that states it shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that could result in a reduction in veterans benefits.Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Rules.

7:46 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

2:41 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with four hours of debate on H.R. 2560.Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2560with 4 hours of general debate. Motion to recommit allowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 355.

2:39 P.M. – Mr. Simpson filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2584.

H. Res. 355:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2560) to cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget 

2:38 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 177 (Roll no. 604).

2:29 P.M. – ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced that, in light of the administration of the Oath of Office to the Gentlewoman from California, the whole number of the House is 433.

2:21 P.M. – The Dean of the California delegation, Representative Pete Stark, addressed the House and introduced Representative Janice Hahn, Thirty-Six District, California.

2:20 P.M. – ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Janice Hahn, Thirty-Sixth District, California, presented herself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.

2:19 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she had received a letter from Mr. Jacob Corbin, Elections division, California Secretary of State’s office, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held July 12, 2011, the Honorable Janice Hahn was elected Representative to Congress for the Thirty-Sixth Congressional District, State of California.

H. Res. 355:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2560) to cut, cap, and balance the Federal budget 

2:18 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 175 (Roll no. 603).

12:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 355.

12:42 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:38 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches.

12:37 P.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 25.

12:04 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.

12:03 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she received a correspondence regarding the election of Janice Hahn to fill the vacancy of the 36th congressional district for the state of California. The correspondent was not a candidate for office and affirms that he is not eligible to contest the election under the law. As such, the Clerk forwarded the correspondence to the House for its disposal. The communication and accompanying document were referred to the Committee on House Administration and ordered printed (House Doc. 112-44).

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cleaver to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Poe demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:00 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 July 19.

11:45 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 Debate. 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 Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.