hump day …&some News

07/27/2011 Nativegrl77

just another rant …

Americans are so used to hearing and accepting the status quo. The notion of a President actually working for the People is not only a novel idea, portrayed as something too scary to consider or accept as a reality. This thing called Shared Sacrifice has been making most on the right not only nervous but they are baring their ugliness with comments of how America is supposed to work, which usually means the privileged are in charge while anyone just below better pull up those boot straps. While those on the bottom better, work harder while the middle class if Republicans gain control will need to accept minimum wage jobs or risk having nothing, if you listen to the right wing nutty noise. It is beyond me to believe that health care for all is a bad thing, rescuing the American Auto-Industry was a bad idea, or implementing reasonable regulations on Banks and Wall Street is bad. Unfortunately, considering what happened 2yrs ago the current comments coming from Republicans, their benefactors or the Business Community are definitely outrageous and unacceptable . Yet, there is a group of people who truly believe that regulating banks, wall street or the amount of pollution cars or trucks put out is a bad thing or invades freedom and just another example of big government. The answer to why Americans have not moved into the 21^st Century, in my opinion is because of those bets made probably are still in full effect. The players might be quiet but as rumored even Republican members of Congress have investments that will do even better if the US status tanks, that is a rumor no real information has come out but hey if reporters would just ask we might all find out. We all have to know that at some point if the Private Sector cannot or will not fix these problems or move Americans toward the 21st Century, the Government has too. I come from a family of asthmatics and during the days of earth day, green for all … no President treated it as a viable issue to deal with like President Obama. Americans have been faced with issues of climate change and the effects of pollution for decades, have been avoided by many previous President’s or were unable to move Congress to making real efforts to do right by the people. However, President Obama has tried since taking office to move Congress into moving this country not only into the 21^st Century but has reached out to other countries in a real effort to make peace not war like reducing nukes, implementing immigration reform, better education, more jobs, healthcare and insurance reform that covers and helps everyone not a select few.

Yes, the difference between the Democratic and Republican Party is not only wide but also becoming more clear everyday but just so you know it’s in writing and documented look below. There is no required pledge to sign offered or forced by a private citizen, no so-called Pledge to America done in a matter of days … what you read below is what the Democratic Party is and has been all about for years.

www.democrats.org/about/our_party

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. -- President John F. Kennedy

For more than 200 years, Democrats have represented the interests of working families, fighting for equal opportunities and justice for all Americans.

Our party was founded on the conviction that wealth and privilege shouldn’t be an entitlement to rule and the belief that the values of hardworking families are the values that should guide us.

We didn’t become the most prosperous country in the world by rewarding greed and recklessness or by letting those with the most influence write their own rules. We got here by rewarding hard work and responsibility, by investing in people, and by growing our country from the bottom up.

Today Democrats are fighting to repair a decade of damage and grow an economy based on the values of Main Street, not greed and reckless speculation. Democrats are focused on rescuing our economy not just in the short run but also rebuilding our economy for the long run—an economy that lifts up not just some Americans, but all Americans.

Other News …

Abbas urges Palestinian protest to support UN bid

Q. and A. on the Debt Ceiling

Amy Winehouse’s Music Sales Spike

Casey Anthony judge blasts media, holds back juror names

Britain to expel Gaddafi diplomats

Scientists See ‘Hint’ of Higgs-Boson ‘God Particle’

CSPAN …

Fate of Boehner, Reid Debt Limit Plans Unclear

Boehner rewriting plan, Reid plan saves $2.2 trillion says CBO

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Leading CEOs Testify on Tax-Code Rewrite

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Credit Rating Agencies Get Congressional Review

S&P, Moody’s officials to testify on U.S. credit rating & debt ceiling

Black History

it’s Wednesday -Congress meets

07/27/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convened at 9:30amET July 27, 2011

The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. 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 final half.
Morning business has been extended until 2pm.

VOTES

4:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Robert Mueller to be Director of the FBI; confirmed: 100-0

By unanimous consent, the Senate confirmed Gary Locke, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China.

Senator Rockefeller asked unanimous consent the Senate pass H.R.2533 with a Rockefeller-Hutchison amendment, which is at the desk and is a clean extension of the Federal Aviation Administration. Senator Hatch objected to Senator Rockefeller’s request.

Senator Hatch then asked unanimous consent the Senate pass H.R.2533, as passed by the House, which includes policy riders. Senator Rockefeller objected to Senator Hatch’s request.

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 6:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Senator Coburn will be recognized at 5:30pm for up to 30 minutes and Senator Boxer will be recognized following Senator Coburn for up to 20 minutes

WRAP UP

Confirmed Executive Calendar #194, Gary Locke, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China.

Confirmed Executive Calendar #196, William J. Burns to be Deputy Secretary of State

Discharged Homeland Security and Passed S.1188, a bill to require the purchase of domestically made flags of the United States of American for use by the Federal Government (All American Flag Act) w/ Brown (OH) substitute

Adopted S.Res.240, condemning the horrific attacks on government buildings in Oslo, Norway, and a youth camp on Utoya Island, Norway, on July 22, 2011 and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Con.Res.26, supporting the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 27, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2584:: making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

9:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

9:56 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Walberg amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Walberg demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:16 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

9:15 P.M. – Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules onH. Res. 375.

H.R. 2584:: making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

9:14 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leavingH.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved that the Committee rise.

8:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Walberg amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Walberg.

An amendment to reduce funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, grants and administration by $10,600,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

8:53 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.

8:39 P.M. – DEBATE – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, 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 14 printed in the Congressional Record to decrease Smithsonian salaries and expenses by $55,624,000 and transfer the funds to the spending reduction account.

8:38 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lankford amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lankford demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lankford amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

An amendment to eliminate funding for reception and representation expenses for the Council on Environmental Quality. The amendment transfers the funds, $3 million, to the spending reduction account.

8:14 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.

8:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, 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 increase the National Forest System/Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program by $10 million.

On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hanabusa amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment to redirect $50,000,000 from the state and private forestry to the Wildland Fire Management program.

On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 18 under the five-minute rule.

7:57 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment to decrease FS State and Private Forestry by $20.8 million.

7:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lankford amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lankford demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:49 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lankford amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

An amendment to strike “not less that 30 percent” and insert “30 percent or less”.

7:47 P.M. – Mr. Simpson raised a point of order against the Bishop (NY) amendment stating that the provisions of the amendment proposes a net increase of the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

7:41 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (NY) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (NY).

An amendment to increase funds for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants program.

7:17 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richardson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Simpson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:12 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richardson amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment to increase funding for state pollution control and prevention grants by $5 million. The increase is offset by reducing funding for Capitol Improvement and Maintenance fund by the same amount.

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

6:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mrs. Blackburn.

An amendment to reduce the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account by $30 million an applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

6:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 662).

6:48 P.M. – On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 661).

6:42 P.M. – On agreeing to the LaTourette amendments Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 660).

6:35 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 659).

6:28 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 658).

6:04 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richardson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Richardson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendments until a time to be announced.

5:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richardson amendment No. 23 under the five-minute rule.

5:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment numbered 23 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Buildings and Facilities account by $10 million and increase the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account by $10 million.

5:54 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pompeo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pompeo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendments until a time to be announced.

5:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment No. 39 under the five-minute rule.

5:44 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Pompeo.

An amendment numbered 39 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Environmental Programs and Management account by $6,246,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

5:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Fleming amendment Failed by voice vote.

5:33 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flemming amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:31 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Fleming.

An amendment to reduce the Environmental Programs and Management account by $48,206,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

5:03 P.M. – Mr. Simpson raised a point of order against the Johnson, E. B. amendment Mr. Simpson stated that the provisions appropriate funds for a program not authorized. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:00 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the E.B. Johnson(TX) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Ms. Johnson, E. B..

An amendment that inserts “and fellowships” after development within the Science and Technology account.

4:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the LaTourette en bloc amendments, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. LaTourette demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendments until a time to be announced.

4:40 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the LaTourette En Bloc amendments under the five-minute rule.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. LaTourette.

An amendment comprised of several amendments offered en bloc: reduce the Science and Technology account by $20 million and increase the Environmental Programs and Management account by $13 million, increase the funding for the Geographic Programs by $50 million and increase the funding for the Great Lakes Initiative by $50 million.

4:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moran amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:04 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moran amendment under the five-minute rule.

4:03 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment to strike the Wild Lands Funding Prohibition account from the bill.

4:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:34 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 121 of the bill.

3:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:23 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 120 from the bill.

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

3:02 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 119 from the bill.

3:01 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by voice vote.

2:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 118 from the bill.

2:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Dicks amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:09 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 116 of the bill.

2:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scalise amendment as modified Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 657).

2:01 P.M. – On agreeing to the Reed amendment Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 656).

1:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dold amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 655).

1:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the Amash amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 654).

1:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Tonko amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 653).

1:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 652).

1:39 P.M. – On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 651).

1:15 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 27.

1:12 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 440:: to provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia

1:11 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.

12:33 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 440.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:09 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

H.R. 1309:: to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes

Senate returned papers to House.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passedS. 1406andS. 846. The Senate also agreed to return the papers ofH.R. 1309.

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.

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Sires 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 Rick Postell, Christian Renewal Church, Brunswick, Georgia.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 27.

11:08 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 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 Kenny Marchant to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Your voice and the debt ceiling …Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org

07/26/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Since Sunday, more than 36,000 ColorOfChange.org members have called on Congress not to balance the budget on the backs of the poor and working class without asking the wealthy to pay their fair share. Will you help us get to 50,000 signatures? Click here to sign the petition:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

The good news is that it looks like the bill that Sen. Harry Reid proposed on Monday won’t include cuts to Social Security or Medicare. But the details of the plan are still unclear — we don’t yet know what important programs it would cut. And just as important as what’s in the bill is what’s not in it: Reid’s bill doesn’t ask anything from the wealthiest Americans, who are paying lower taxes than they have for decades.

Congress and the White House need to hear from us, loud and clear. Please help us send them a powerful message, and ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

For more background, you can read the email we sent you on Sunday (attached below).

— Rashad, James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
July 26th, 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Medicare, Social Security and college financial aid are on the cutting block.
Tell Congress and the White House: “Don’t balance the budget on the back of the poor and working class.”

Republicans are trying to push forward a plan that would gut America’s social safety net — and unless we act now, they may get their way.

Congress needs to raise the debt ceiling before August 2nd so that the government doesn’t default on its debts, which would wreak havoc on the economy. But Republicans are refusing to vote to raise the debt ceiling unless they can also pass massive cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, student aid, and other important programs that create opportunity and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Democrats in Congress are holding the line, saying that they won’t accept any cuts to these programs without asking huge corporations, millionaires and billionaires to contribute their fair share.

But as the deadline approaches, Congressional Democrats will be under immense pressure to compromise their principles, even if it means giveaways for the rich while most Americans suffer.

Please join us in calling on the White House and Congress to say NO to any deal that asks people who are already struggling in this economy to sacrifice even more, without asking corporations and the rich to pay their fair share. And please ask your friends and family to join us as well:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

The moral line is clear: the budget must not be balanced on the backs of poor and working folks while millionaires and billionaires pay lower taxes than ever. Americans oppose cuts to Medicare and Social Security by a 2-to-1 margin, and a large majority thinks that keeping benefit levels the same is a bigger priority than short-term deficit reduction.1 And an amazing 72% of Americans are united behind the idea of asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes.2

By speaking out, we can help give the President and Congressional Democrats the political space they need to stand strong against the GOP‘s dangerous demands. It’s especially important that we deliver this message to the House of Representatives, because it’s likely that any budget deal will have to happen with the blessing of Democrats there. If they stand strong, we can avoid the worst of the cuts.

Why do we need to raise the debt ceiling?

Congress sets the maximum amount the federal government can borrow to pay its bills on time. If our debt rises above the limit, the government will begin to default on its commitments. And when that happens, there will be far-reaching consequences for everyone, but especially poor and working folks.

If the government doesn’t pay its bills, it’s a lot like when you or I don’t pay our bills — it ruins our credit, and makes buying goods and services more expensive. Worse, it makes even having debt more expensive, which means that money the government will have to pay higher interest rates — money that won’t go to economic stimulus or preserving the social safety net.

Most reputable economists say that a government default would wreck the nation’s economy, halting the already-weak recovery and possibly taking the world’s economy down with it.3

That fact hardly matters to most Republicans in Washington, who are treating the prospect of default like a high-stakes game of chicken. Many see an opportunity to gut programs that they never could otherwise, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. It’s a disgusting, cynical strategy.

If enough of us speak out, we can help save the social safety net and force corporations and the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. Please join us now:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

Thanks and Peace,

— Rashad, James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
July 24th, 2011

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU–your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/205?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=7

1. GOP Divided Over Benefit Reductions: Public Wants Changes in Entitlements, Not Changes in Benefit,” Pew Research Center for People and the Press, 7-7-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/908?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=9

2. “Poll: Taxing the rich favored over Medicare cuts,” Politico, 4-20-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/909?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=11

3. “To the limit,” New York Times, 7-1-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/910?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=13

—
You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.

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The World is watching …Steve Israel

07/26/2011 Nativegrl77

President Obama is right: We cannot allow Republicans’ political game-playing to jeopardize the full faith and credit of America’s economy.

Time is nearly up. We must send an immediate, forceful message to Speaker Boehner and Tea Party Republicans — we stand with President Obama and against Republicans’ childish games.

Can we count on your support?

Contribute $3 or more right now to show your support for President Obama and to hold Speaker Boehner and the Republicans accountable >>

Today, Speaker Boehner was caught groveling to Rush Limbaugh in private, asking for permission to try his latest political scheme before even telling his own Republican caucus about it.

The fact is, right-wing special interests, radio hosts, and Tea Party extremists have taken over the Republican Party. And these radical Republicans are just days away from plunging our economy off a cliff in order to slash Social Security and Medicare while protecting tax breaks for billionaires and big oil.

Now, with our entire economy at stake, it’s critical that we stand strong and united against Republicans’ all-out assault on the middle class.

Contribute $3 or more today to show your support for President Obama and to hold Speaker Boehner and the Republicans accountable for pushing our economy to the brink in order to score points with the Tea Party >>

Thanks for your immediate support.

Rep. Steve Israel
DCCC Chairman

P.S. Your dollars are being put to work immediately. Our “We Don’t Quit” campaign is launching in 60 Republican districts but we need your support to keep up the pressure. Contribute today.

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Patty Murray … Working for Washington State … and more

07/26/2011 Nativegrl77

Time for Slogans to End, Work to Begin on Safeguarding Our Economic Future

As we continue to work to forge compromise and avoid a default on our nation’s debts, I was deeply upset that Republicans continued to waste the little time we have left by introducing a plan that balances the budget on the backs of the people who can least afford it. The clock is ticking for families across America. It is time for Republicans to step up and join us in the job of governing. Too much is on the line for average families to allow partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. to once again endanger the livelihoods of millions.

That is why I gave a speech on the Senate Floor this week urging Republicans to stop playing political games with this country’s economic future. With less than two weeks to go before the August 2 ^nd deadline, Democrats and Republicans need to come to the table for serious negotiations that involve shared sacrifices.

Preserving Benefits for Veterans Suffering from Agent Orange Exposure

On Thursday, I helped defeat an amendment introduced by Senator Tom Coburn that would have created a nearly impossible standard for Vietnam Veterans to receive compensation for certain types of exposure to Agent Orange. Before the vote on Coburn’s amendment, I went to the Senate Floor and called out the amendment for what it was: another hurdle Vietnam veterans would have to overcome in their 40 plus year struggle for compensation and care. The amendment ultimately failed to be included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill after I successfully asked that the amendment be tabled – which it was – by a vote of 69-30. Soon after the tabling of the amendment, the Senate passed the Military Constructions and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill which will ensure that veterans across the country get the support they deserve.

“Military Construction-VA Spending Bill Easily Passes Senate” – CQ

“Military funding bill clears Senate” – The Hill

Supporting Women’s Health

On Wednesday, the Institute of Medicine released their recommendation that critical preventive health care services for women and girls, including a full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods, be fully covered by insurance companies at no additional cost. I believe that implementing these recommendations is the right thing to do and will end unnecessary and burdensome costs for millions of American women who currently struggle to afford the contraceptive coverage and other preventive health care services they need and deserve.