Supreme Court Upholds President Obama’s Health Care Reform


The White House Thursday, June 28, 2012
President Barack Obama delivers remarks after the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (June 28, 2012)President Barack Obama delivers remarks regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” in the East Room of the White House, June 28, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Nancy-Ann DeParle is Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff
Related Topics: Health Care

What the Supreme Court’s ruling means for your health care

Today, the Supreme Court issued a historic ruling: They upheld the Affordable Care Act and ensured that millions of American families will have access to health care and protection from the worst abuses of the insurance industry.

Lots of people have questions about the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court’s decision, and their health care coverage. We’ve pulled together the most useful information — including President Obama’s remarks after the announcement — at WhiteHouse.gov:

Watch the video and get the facts here.

Because the law has an impact on so many Americans, it’s important to understand its basic parts. We’ve also put together a list of facts about the Affordable Care Act. Will you give it a read, and then pass it on?

Nancy-Ann DeParle
Nancy-Ann DeParle

June 28, 2012
01:23 PM EDT
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Questions about what the decision means for you? Check out an infographic showing how the Affordable Care Act benefits Americans 

Today, the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act ensures hard-working, middle class families will get the security they deserve and protects every American from the worst insurance company abuses. The Court has issued a clear and final ruling on this law.

For a comprehensive overview of the Affordable Care Act, visit WhiteHouse.gov/HealthReform and HealthCare.gov.

Let’s take a look at what today’s ruling means for the middle class:

A major impact of the Court’s decision is the 129 million people with pre-existing conditions and millions of middle class families who will have the security of affordable health coverage.

We should also remember that under today’s ruling, having health insurance is and will continue to be a choice. If you can’t afford insurance or you’re a small business that wants to provide affordable insurance to your employees, you’ll get tax credits that make coverage affordable. But if you can afford insurance and you choose not to purchase it, the taxpayers will no longer subsidize your care for free.

Given today’s ruling, it’s now time to focus on implementing this law in a smart and non-bureaucratic way that works for the middle class.

As we’ve said, the Court has issued a clear and final ruling on this law. The last thing Congress should do is refight old political battles and start over on health care by repealing basic protections that provide security for the middle class. The President refuses to go back to the way things were.

Right now, Congress needs to work together to focus on the economy and creating jobs. Right now in congress, what’s at stake is how–at this make or break moment for the middle class–we break through Washington gridlock to move our country forward. Right now in Congress, what’s at stake is our chance to seize this moment to build an economy not from the top-down, but one based on a strong and secure middle class.  We need to create secure middle class jobs and an economy built to last where hard work and responsibility are rewarded, everybody gets a fair shot, pays their fair share, and plays by the same set of rules.

Right now, Congress should act on the President’s concrete plans to create an economy built to last by reducing the deficit in a balanced way and investing in education, clean energy, innovation, and infrastructure. It’s time for folks in Washington to work together on behalf of the American people.

Please check back periodically for additional information on today’s decision.

Read the President’s full remarks here

 

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Congress: Republicans / the Senate : Transportation & Student Loan


State Work Period July 2-6, 2012

17 Dems voted with Republicans on AG Holder #Contempt Charge

– Peterson, Owens(NY), Altmire, Barrow, Donnelly(IN)

– Critz(PA), Matheson(UT), McIntyre,(NC) Walz, Ross, Rahall

– Boswell, Chandler, Kissell(NC), Hochul(NY), Kind(WI), Boren

the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET June 29, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • The transportation conference report was filed in the House on Thursday evening.  We hope to get consent to consider it Friday morning

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider the conference report to accompany H.R.4348 (Transportation/Flood Insurance/Student Loan Interest Rate package) notwithstanding lack of receipt of the papers. As a result of this agreement, senators should expect a series of up to 4 roll call votes beginning at ­­­­12:55pm today.

Under the agreement the only points of order in order prior to adoption are:

–       Budget points of order;

–       Rule 28 (scope of conference); and

–       Rule 28, paragraph 9 (48 hour availability).

If any points of order are raised and a motion or motions to waive are made, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to waive in the order the points of order are made. If the motions to waive are successful, the Senate would proceed to vote on adoption of the conference report. Adoption of the conference report is subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote. Each vote after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.

If the conference report is adopted, the title amendment will be agreed to.

12:53pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Reid motion to waive McConnell for Paul points of order that the conference report to accompany H.R.4348 (Surface Transportation/Floor Insurance/Student Loans) violates Rule 28, paragraph 9 (48 hour availability); Waived: 72-20

1:22pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Reid motion to waive all Rule 28 (scope of conference) points of order; Waived: 66-28

1:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Reid motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the conference report to accompany H.R.4345, Surface Transportation (63-30, 1 voting present)

1:54pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4348, Surface Transportation/Flood Insurance/Student Loans; Adopted: 74-19, 1 voting present

The motion to proceed to S.2237, Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act, is pending.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Motion to waive Rule 28 (availability) with respect to the conference report to accompany H.R.4348 (60-vote threshold); Waived: 72-22

2)      Motion to waive Rule 28 (scope of conference) with respect to the conference report to accompany H.R.4348 (60-vote threshold); Waived: 66-28

3)      Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the conference report to accompany H.R.4348 (60-vote threshold); Waived: 63-30-1

4)      Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4348, the Surface Transportation Extension Act (60-vote threshold); Adopted: 74-19-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Commerce Committee and passed S.1335, the Pilots’ bill of rights with a Hutchison-Inhofe substitute amendment.

Adopted S.Con.Res.51, providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and adjournment of the House of Representatives.

Passed H.R.6064, the Temporary Surface Transportation Extension Act (extends to July 6, 2012).

Passed S.2165, United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 with a committee-reported substitute amendment by voice vote.

Discharged the Veterans Affairs Committee and passed S.3238, A bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Mansfield, Ohio, as the David F. Winder Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic and for other purposes.

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and adopted S.Res.376, a resolution commemorating the 225th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States and recognizing the contributions of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Passed S.3363, to provide for the use of National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin surcharges, and for other purposes.

Passed S.2239, to direct the head of each agency to treat relevant military training as sufficient to satisfy training or certification requirements for Federal licenses with a committee-reported substitute amendment.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.4018, Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act of 2012.  (Democratic request)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Foreign Relations Committee and confirmed:

PN1680 – Derek J. Mitchell, of Connecticut, to be Ambassador to the Union of Burma.

Discharged the Commerce Committee and confirmed the following:

PN1442 – a list of 7 Coast Guard nominees beginning with RDML Daniel B. Abel and ending with RDML Christopher J. Tomney to be Rear Admiral Upper Half,

PN1461 – Coast Guard RDML John S. Welch to be Rear Admiral Upper Half,

PN1462 – a list of 5 Coast Guard nominees beginning with LT Jason A. Boyer and ending with LT Matthew A. Pickard to be Lieutenant Commander,

PN1671 – a list of 3 Coast Guard nominees beginning with Russell E. Bowman and ending with Meghan K. Steinhaus to be Members of the Coast Guard Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff,

PN1377 – a list of 20 NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps nominees beginning with Lucas D. Johnson and ending with Theresa A. Madsen to be Ensign, and

PN1734 – a list of 11 NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps nominees beginning with ENS Kyle S. Salling and ending with ENS Shannon K. Hefferan to be Lieutenant Junior Grade;

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and confirmed:

PN1121 – Deborah J. Jeffrey to be Inspector General of the Corporation  for National And Community Service.

Confirmed the following:

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #726 to be General: Lt. Gen. Herbert J. Carlisle

NATIONAL BOARD FOR EDUCATION SCIENCES

Executive Calendar #764 Larry V. Hedges, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2015

Executive Calendar #765 Susanna Loeb, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring March 15, 2016

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY

Executive Calendar #766 Kamilah Oni Martin-Proctor, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for a term expiring September 17, 2014.

Executive Calendar #767 Sara A. Gelser, of Oregon, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for a term expiring September 17, 2014. (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #768 Edward M. Alford, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia.

Executive Calendar #769 Peter William Bodde, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Executive Calendar #770 Piper Anne Wind Campbell, of the District of Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to Mongolia.

Executive Calendar #771 Dorothea-Maria Rosen, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Executive Calendar #772 Mark L. Asquino, of the District of Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Executive Calendar #773 Michele Jeanne Sison, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Maldives.

Executive Calendar #774 Douglas M. Griffiths, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique.

Executive Calendar #775 Jay Nicholas Anania, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname.

Executive Calendar #776 Susan Marsh Elliott, of Florida, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan.

Executive Calendar #778 Richard L. Morningstar, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #819 Patrick A. Miles – to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #820 John S. Leonardo – to be United States Attorney for the District of Arizona for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #821 Jamie A. Hainsworth – to be United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island for the term of four years

COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE

Executive Calendar #822 Grande Lum – to be Director, Community Relations Service, for a term of four years

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #823 Kristine L. Svinicki – to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of five years expiring June 30, 2017 (reappointment)

Executive Calendar #824 Allison M. Macfarlane – to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 30, 2013.

———————————————————————————-

The House adjourns after passing Conference Report 373 – 52

    

http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.aspx

$9 for Title IX …Fatima Goss Graves, National Women’s Law Center


National Women's Law Center
Title IX Helped Leia Brugger

                Please help NWLC support the law. Donate today.
Donate Now

You’ve recently seen two important NWLC initiatives trumpeting the successes of Title IX in its 40th year: the Faces of Title IX website and our new report evaluating the help schools give pregnant and parenting students. But despite the advances we’ve made since Title IX became law in 1972, we still have a long way to go before its promise of equal access to educational opportunities is a reality for everyone.
Please donate $9 today to support the Center’s work on Title IX and so many other issues important to women and families.
The nine stories on the “Faces” website illustrate how the law has helped people over the last four decades, whether it’s a student like Leia Brugger facing bullying in school, a young woman pressured to leave school after becoming pregnant or a teenage runner physically blocked by a race official. “Faces of Title IX” explains the law through powerful words and images.
Our comprehensive and well researched report on pregnant and parenting students, “A Pregnancy Test for Schools: The Impact of Education Laws on Pregnant and Parenting Students,” ranks all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico on the extent to which their laws and policies help pregnant and parenting students succeed. Plus, it offers a toolkit for local action and recommendations for federal, state, and local policymakers and school officials.
The “Faces” site and the report on pregnant and parenting students work in concert: one shows you Title IX in action, while the other tells you how well schools and states are doing as they try to implement one of its most important provisions. Together, they reach the heart AND the head.
Help us produce vital resources like these: please donate $9 today to support the Center’s work on Title IX and so many other issues important to women and girls.
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of women and our families.
Sincerely,

Fatima Goss Graves Fatima Goss Graves Vice President for Education and Employment National Women’s Law Center   

P.S. Please support the Center’s work today — $9 will make a difference.

CONGRESS: the Republican led House / the Senate debates Flood Ins and Student Loan rates hikes – 17 Dems voted w/Republicans -the list


the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 28, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the second half.
  • The Senate will continue to debate the flood insurance bill on Thursday. We await House action on the transportation bill.  We also have to consider the student loan extension before the end of the week

Senator Reid announced on the floor that he expects the Surface Transportation conference report, which includes Student Loan Interest Rate and Flood Insurance provisions, to be filed soon. We should know within the next hour or so if we can finish tonight or come back tomorrow. Another message will be sent as soon as we have more information.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.514, commemorating the victory of Loyola University Maryland in the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse National Championship.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3342, a bill to improve information security and for other purposes. (McCain and others)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

http://t.co/jE7Tsrks

17Dems voted with Republicans

– Peterson, Owens, Altmire, Barrow, Donnelly

– Critz, Matheson, McIntyre, Walz, Ross, Rahall

– Boswell, Chandler, Kissell, Hochul, Kind, Boren

————————————————————————————————-

7:24:00 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.aspx