Levi Strauss & Co. Takes a Stand for Rainforests and Excludes Asia Pulp & Paper

Today, we have an exciting victory to announce. And we didn’t even have to climb a building to get it.

Rainforest Action Network is known by most for our flashy banner drops and other creative ways of confronting corporations through non-violent direct action. What few people know is that RAN also spends countless hours behind the scenes in delicate negotiations with Fortune 500 companies.

And sometimes, these comparatively mundane boardroom tactics lead to forest protections by some of the most influential companies in the world—like denim giant Levi Strauss & Co.

In the fall of 2009, Levi’s received a letter from RAN asking it to cut any ties with notorious Indonesian rainforest destroyer Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and its affiliates. This was one of a hundred letters in RAN’s campaign to convince global fashion companies to stop buying from APP and choose responsible alternatives like recycled paper instead.

The Levi’s team called us and immediately began working with us to create a comprehensive paper policy that maximized recycled fiber and barred paper suppliers connected to rainforest destruction, like Asia Pulp & Paper.

We are pleased to announce today that Levi Strauss & Co. has implemented its new paper policy in its operations around the globe. This makes Levi’s the latest company in an ever-growing list of major corporate customers to exclude Asia Pulp & Paper for its human rights abuses and blatant rainforest destruction, and to take a stand to protect forests and the rights of communities that depend on them.

Kudos to Levi Strauss & Co. for adding its powerful voice to the growing chorus of companies telling Asia Pulp and Paper, and logging companies like it, that rainforest destruction will not be tolerated. And thanks to all of you who support all of our work—from the thrilling direct actions to the tedious negotiations—we can’t do any of it without you.

		For the forests,
		Robin Averbeck Rainforest Free Paper Campaigner Twitter: @therightpaper

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House … the Senate considers the President’s Nominations often stalled by Republicans & S.968

01/23/2012 Nativegrl77

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The Senate Convened at 2pmET January 23, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:00pm 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 #438, John M. Gerrard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska with up to 90 minutes of debate, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees and 30 minutes under the control of Senator Sessions or his designee.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Gerrard nomination.

By unanimous consent, the cloture motion with respect to the motion to proceed to S.968, Protect IP Act, was vitiated.

As a reminder, at 5:30pm today, Monday, January 23 the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of John Gerard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of John Gerrard, of NE, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of John M. Gerrard, of NE, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska; Confirmed: 74-16

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and passed H.R.3237, the SOAR Technical Corrections Act.

Passed S.1134, the St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act with a Klobuchar-Johnson(WI)-Franken amendment.

Adopted H.Con.Res.96, a concurrent resolution providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President.

Completed the Rule 14 process of 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.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.3012, Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2011

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 23, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 23, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:11:23 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.7:09:09 P.M. -H.R. 3630NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION – Mrs. Capps notified the House of her intent to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3630.7:07:27 P.M. -H.R. 1141Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:07:26 P.M. -H.R. 1141On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 278 – 100 (Roll no. 6).6:59:00 P.M. -H.R. 1141Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1141 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating prehistoric, historic, and limestone forest sites on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.”6:56:48 P.M. -HOUSE DECORUM – The Speaker assumed the Chair and addressed the Members on matters of decorum in the House. At the conclusion of his remarks, the Speaker announced that five-minute voting would resume without objection.6:54:47 P.M. -H.R. 3117Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:46 P.M. -H.R. 3117On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 373 – 1 (Roll no. 5).6:32:27 P.M. -H.R. 3117Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3117 — “To grant the Secretary of the Interior permanent authority to authorize States to issue electronic duck stamps, and for other purposes.”6:31:31 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:31:24 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 23.4:16:42 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.4:15:55 P.M. -H.R. 3117At 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.4:10:08 P.M. -H.R. 3117DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3117.4:10:05 P.M. -H.R. 3117Considered under suspension of the rules.4:09:55 P.M. -H.R. 3117Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3117 — “To grant the Secretary of the Interior permanent authority to authorize States to issue electronic duck stamps, and for other purposes.”4:09:31 P.M. -H.R. 1141At 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.4:02:16 P.M. -H.R. 1141DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1141.4:02:12 P.M. -H.R. 1141Considered under suspension of the rules.4:01:54 P.M. -H.R. 1141Mr. Wittman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1141 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating prehistoric, historic, and limestone forest sites on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.”4:01:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 23.2:14:35 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 4:00 p.m. today.2:03:32 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:03:07 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson of OH to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:03:04 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:06 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:55 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 23.12:20:40 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.12:01:30 P.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.12:01:06 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:40 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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President Obama at the Apollo Theater – Great crowd & inspiring words from President Obama

01/23/2012 Nativegrl77

Click on the link below …it will take you to c-span site then click on the camera icon link on the right side … Enjoy his great inspiring words

http://www.c-span.org/Events/President-Goes-to-Historic-Apollo-Theater-for-Fundraiser/10737427331/

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What has President Barack Obama done for Americans – Stay informed

01/23/2012 Nativegrl77

Obama for America 2012 TV AD – The Facts About President Obama’s Energy Record

2012 Iowa Caucus – President Obama Live Stream

President Obama appoints Richard Cordray-Ask your Republican member of Congress why they won’t do the Peoples Work!!! i support PresidentObama2012

Share this and stand up for health reform:

Welcome Home, Michael: a Dad, a Husband, and a Marine — Happy Holidays

Jim Messina Paths to 270 Electoral Votes

America and Israel: An Unbreakable Bond

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Breaking News: Access to No-Cost Birth Control Secured …Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center

01/23/2012 Nativegrl77


	ALL Women Need Birth Control without a Co-Pay



	Thank Secretary Sebelius for standing firm and issuing a final rule providing women access to birth control with no co-pays.

Because of you, many women will not lose access to no-cost birth control under the health care law.

WWW.NWLC.ORG
For months now, we’ve been updating you on a new “interim” rule that would provide women across the country access to birth control with no co-pays. This morning, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it was issuing a final rule providing contraceptives without co-pays and refused to expand the religious employer exemption.
Over the summer in its temporary rules, HHS deemed birth control a necessary preventive health service for women, thus requiring coverage without co-pays by the Affordable Care Act. It also would allow a narrow set of religious employers to deny this critical coverage to their employees. But that didn’t satisfy opponents of contraception.

WWW.NWLC.ORG

They wanted the coverage to be dropped, or at least to expand the exception to nearly 1.5 million employees and the women in their families. HHS stood firm, taking a giant step forward in protecting women’s health.
Join us in thanking Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for standing firm and issuing a final rule providing women access to birth control with no co-pays.
It is crucial that women have access to affordable birth control to prevent unintended pregnancies, plan the timing and size of their families, and protect their health. The reality is that nearly all sexually active women in the U.S., regardless of their religious beliefs, use contraception at some point in their lives. Contraception is a preventive health service that should be covered, as HHS has determined. While any exception is unwarranted, an expansion of the exemption would have meant that nearly 1.5 million employees and the women in their families would lose the right to no-cost birth control.
For many years, the National Women’s Law Center has worked to get contraception covered in all health insurance plans, and we won’t stop now. Over the past few months, you’ve joined our effort and sent over 100,000 messages as part of our birth control — we’ve got you covered campaign. And we need your help again — thank Secretary Sebelius for the basic coverage now provided, and urge her to work to make sure that those women whose employers fit into the exception get access to contraception.
Thank you for all that you do to support women’s access to reproductive health care.
Sincerely,