~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Support … Union of Concerned Scientists

10/25/2011 Nativegrl77

Want to know how you can help advance scientific solutions for a healthy environment and a safer world for as little as 40 cents per day? By joining the Union of Concerned Scientists‘ Partners for the Earth monthly giving program.

You can be confident your donations to UCS are spent wisely. We are accredited with the Better Business Bureau, have received four stars from Charity Navigator, and earned an ‘A’ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.

WWW.UCSUSA.ORG

The Partners for the Earth program ensures that UCS has the funds needed to bring scientists and activists together to fight to cut pollution and global warming emissions, promote clean energy and transportation solutions, reduce the threat of nuclear weapons—and much more—every day of the year. Plus, it’s easy and convenient for you!

To become a Partners for the Earth member, select an amount that is comfortable for you and it will be automatically debited each month from your credit card. Additional benefits to you include:

Your gifts go to work faster;
You receive special updates on our progress;
You save time and trouble—no need to write checks or fill in credit card information;
You receive less mail—your membership is automatically renewed;
You strengthen the Union of Concerned Scientists with steady, reliable support; and
It’s easy to participate!

For less than you would spend on a cup of coffee per day, you can make a world of difference for the planet we live on. Join the Partners for the Earth program today. Thank you for your ongoing support. WWW.UCSUSA.ORG

Sincerely,

Kevin Knobloch
President

P.S. As a Partners for the Earth member, you are in control. You decide the amount of your monthly gift, and you can change or cancel your pledge at any time. Please join today.

~ Culture & History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

U.S. Constitution – Amendment 14

10/25/2011 Nativegrl77

Amendment 14 – Citizenship Rights

1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

‘No Child Left Behind’ Overhaul Will Benefit Washington State Students and Schools

10/25/2011 Nativegrl77

‘No Child Left Behind’ Overhaul Will Benefit Washington
State Students and Schools

This week, I worked hard to pass a major education bill
through committee that addresses the concerns that I have heard over and over
from parents and schools across Washington state This bipartisan legislation is
a strong step in the right direction for Washington state students. Although
it’s not perfect, it is the result of true bipartisan compromise. This
legislation builds on what is working in our schools, and it gives districts
and schools across our state the tools and flexibility they need to offer every
student the opportunity to get the education and skills they need to fill the
jobs of the 21 ^st century.

I am going to keep working to pass this bill into law and
improve education for students and schools in Washington state and across the
country. I worked closely with my colleagues on the HELP committee as this
legislation was written, and a few key pieces are based on bills I have
introduced, including a comprehensive literacy section based on my LEARN Act and a high school reform program that
focuses on career pathways based on legislation I introduced earlier this year.

—————

Bringing Our Soldiers Home from Iraq

On Friday, the President announced a full troop withdrawal
from Iraq after nine years of war there. The announcement marks a bittersweet
milestone in a war that has cost our nation dearly but has also repeatedly
reminded us of the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of our nation’s men and
women in uniform. Our troops and their families have done everything we’ve
asked of them and more. Now, more than ever, it’s time to ensure that we are
keeping up our end of the promise to provide the health care, benefits, and
opportunities our service members deserve as they return from the battlefields
of Iraq to communities across Washington state and the nation.

————————————————————————————————-

WA Seniors, Veterans to Benefit from Cost of Living
Adjustment

Last week, it was announced that there will be an automatic
cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3.6 percent for Social Security benefits
beginning next year. This is the first COLA since 2009. This is long-awaited
good news for Washington state seniors who, for the past few years, have been struggling
to make ends meet without an increase. Social Security has provided millions of
seniors with a foundation of economic security and lifted millions more out of
poverty. This announcement shows our seniors that this vital program is working
for them at a time when they need it the most.

Veterans Sharing in Cost of Living Increase

Last week I also helped pass a bill to provide a COLA
adjustment for America’s veterans. The Veterans COLA legislation, which I
sponsored, will affect several important benefits, including veterans’
disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving
spouses and children. It is projected that over 3.9 million veterans and
survivors will receive compensation benefits in Fiscal Year 2012. A cost-of-living
increase for our veterans is long overdue and well deserved. Particularly in
this difficult economy, our veterans deserve a boost in their benefits. This is
an important step for our veterans, especially on the heels of the news that a
COLA will be provided for the first time since 2009.

—————————————————————————–

President Obama’s Jobs Bill

The Washington state families that are living this jobs
crisis can’t afford politics as usual. When I talk to those who are searching
every day for a paycheck to support their families, it’s clear that they don’t
care who gets credit for job creation efforts or whose election chances it
might bolster. Their only questions are: ‘Will it work?’ ‘Will it impact my
life?’ and ‘When will I begin to see relief?’

Two weeks ago, President Obama introduced his plan for
fixing America’s jobs crisis. Unfortunately, the plan was voted down by
Republicans in Congress. Despite this setback we will not allow partisan
politics to get in the way of helping those who need it most. That is why I am
continuing to fight for the plan the President has put forward – piece by piece
if need be. I’m going to continue to work to ensure we push job-creating
measures, including investing in repairing and rebuilding our crumbling and
congested infrastructure, hiring our nation’s veterans, and retraining those
workers who were left behind by a recession they didn’t cause but are still
reeling from.

———————————————————————————

Calling on VA to Provide Critical Answers about Military Sexual Trauma Data

Last week, I joined my colleague U.S. Senator Jon Tester in sending a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Benefits Allison Hickey about the critical need to clarify VA’s disability claims process related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Far too many servicemembers, both men and women, are returning home from service carrying the devastating wounds that result from MST. After sacrificing so much to serve their county, they often face tremendous challenges in obtaining the services and benefits they desperately need. That is why we urged VA to take further action to ensure that veterans who suffer disabilities related to MST will have their claims properly decided. Our letter requests explicit guarantees that concerns about the ability to correctly identify and adjudicate claims for disabilities based on MST are immediately addressed by Veterans Benefits Administration.

Speaking Out Against Bullying

On Thursday, October 20 ^th, my staff and I wore purple in recognition of Spirit Day and to speak out against the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

Twitter Round-Up

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

We can’t wait …James Kvaal, BarackObama.com

10/25/2011 Nativegrl77

Now that each and every Senate Republican has vowed to block measures that would create jobs, President Obama is not going to wait for them to rebuild the economy and bring financial security back to the middle class.

Today, he announced new rules on federal mortgages to prevent more families from losing their homes to foreclosure. And that’s just the beginning — the President said he would continue to make the changes he can by executive action, while continuing to urge Congress to act on legislation to strengthen the economy and create jobs.

If Congress doesn’t act, he will — because millions of Americans can’t just wait for Congress to do their jobs. That’s why thousands of you have been calling and tweeting your representatives over the past month, joining the President in sending a message to lawmakers in Washington that they need to act now.

We’re not just going to continue to wait — and we’ll be keeping up the pressure by making sure they’re hearing from folks across the country every day about why they need to act.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/m/55c11c7b/6c0d017d/132d201b3/118ab764/190700188/VEsH/p/eyJKU1ZGVFVGSlRDVWwiOiJ5bmF0aXZlNzdAZ21haWwuY29tIiwiSlNWYVNWQWxKUT09IjoiOTgxMTUifQ==/

Republicans in Congress have repeatedly filibustered the President’s ideas to create jobs now — ideas that until recently were supported by Republicans.

The President’s action today also stands in stark contrast to the positions of the Republicans running for president. Mitt Romney even told a newspaper last week that we actually shouldn’t act; we should let the housing crisis “run its course” and “hit the bottom” so that “investors” can come in and buy up these homes at cheap prices. He’s saying to homeowners that they are on their own, forcing thousands of families to explain to their kids why they have to give up their homes.

Doing nothing while families struggle: that’s the opposite of what this president and this campaign stand for. President Obama isn’t going to let Congress’ inaction stop him from doing what he can right now.

So here’s what the President’s announcement means:

— More families whose homes are under water will get help and save money on their monthly mortgage payment through the Home Affordable Refinance Programs.

— If the value of your mortgage is $100,000 and your house is valued at $75,000, you previously weren’t able to refinance to save your home — forcing many families to pay higher interest rates. As a result of today’s announcement, many more responsible homeowners will be able to lower their rates and pay their debts.

— And this is just one of the incremental changes to come. Next, the President will announce new steps to help young people manage their federal student loan debt while they look for a job and get on their feet. He’ll also take action to help small businesses and entrepreneurs, spur the engines of job growth, create new jobs, and assist veterans in finding them.

These measures alone are not a comprehensive solution to the economic challenges we face. That needs to come out of Congress — and if they’re going to finally put party aside, they’re going to need to keep hearing from us. President Obama is stepping up the pressure, and he’s counting on us to keep going, too.

Get the President’s back and keep the heat on Congress — tell your story of why we can’t wait any longer:

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House the Senate in pro forma Session

10/25/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 3:45pm and on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11am for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted.

Following the pro forma session on Thursday, October 27^th, the Senate will adjourn until 3:00pm on Monday, October 31, 2011. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #249, Stephen A. Higginson, of LA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 5^th Circuit with one hour equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

The next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.

————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 25, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.3:40:53 P.M.

-ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.3:39:07 P.M.

-H.R. 2447Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:39:06 P.M.

-H.R. 2447On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 422 – 0 (Roll no. 804).3:31:38 P.M.

-H.R. 2447Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2447 — “To grant the congressional gold medal to the Montford Point Marines.”3:30:00 P.M.

-UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:28:18 P.M.

-H. Res. 444Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:28:15 P.M.

-H. Res. 444On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 245 – 178 (Roll no. 803).3:00:59 P.M.

-H. Res. 444The previous question was ordered without objection.2:10:56 P.M.

-H. Res. 444DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 444.2:10:39 P.M.

-H. Res. 444Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 444 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1904) to facilitate the efficient extraction of mineral resources in southeast Arizona by authorizing and directing an exchange of Federal and non-Federal land, and for other purposes.”2:01:14 P.M.

-H.R. 2042Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:01:09 P.M.

-H.R. 2042On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.1:48:00 P.M.

-H.R. 2042DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2042.1:47:58 P.M.

-H.R. 2042Considered under suspension of the rules.1:47:30 P.M. -H.R. 2042Mr. Turner (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2042 — “To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes.”1:46:13 P.M. -H.R. 2527At 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.1:23:39 P.M. -H.R. 2527DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2527.1:23:38 P.M. -H.R. 2527Considered under suspension of the rules.1:23:26 P.M. -H.R. 2527Mr. Pearce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2527 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.”1:22:42 P.M. -H.R. 2447At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.12:42:54 P.M. -H.R. 2447DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2447.12:42:52 P.M. -H.R. 2447Considered under suspension of the rules.12:42:41 P.M. -H.R. 2447Mr. Jones moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2447 — “To grant the congressional gold medal to the Montford Point Marines.”12:42:32 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.12:40:59 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice continuing the emergency with respect to the situation in or in relation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to theconflict in that country are to continue in effect beyond October 27, 2011 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-67).12:03:04 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann Mr. Fleischmann submitted his resignation from the Committee on Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.12:03:04 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.12:02:21 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Olson to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:17 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:14 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Morris Matthis, Christ United Methodist Church, Sugarland, Texas12:00:57 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 25.11:12:00 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:01:51 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.10:01:42 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:21 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.