~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

For science (and NOT the election)

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

Union of Concerned Scientists

Congress: Keep Independent Federal Agencies Independent

After the election, the Senate will likely take up misguided legislation that would give the White House more control over certain federal agencies that protect our health and safety—such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The bill would make it more difficult for these agencies to use the latest science to protect the public from emerging threats—and make it easier for the White House to interfere in the work of these critical independent agencies. As a result, special interests with deep pockets would have even more influence in Washington.

Don’t let the lame duck Congress pass this terrible legislation.

Urge your senators today to strongly oppose the so-called Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act.

Take Action Today!

Sincerely,

Michael Halpern
National Field Organizer
Center for Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

So Who Were Those 14 People Standing Behind the President?

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House

On Friday, President Obama laid out his strategy for moving our country forward and reducing our deficit in a balanced way. Speaking from the East Room of the White House, the President was joined by Vice President Joe Biden – and 14 others stood behind him at the podium.

So who were those 14 people anyway? One was Pam, a school administrator. Another, Sara, is a veteran recovering from open-heart surgery. Barry has six children and Steve is an orthopedic assistant. Estela recently became an American citizen and voted in a U.S. election for the first time on Tuesday.

What they all have in common, however, is an interest in helping find answers to some of the big questions we face as a nation.

Find out more about the 14 people who stood behind the President.

President Barack Obama delivers a statement to the press on the economy, in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 9, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

People Power vs Big Oil

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

Pascal V – Avaaz.org

In days, Nigeria’s Parliament could approve a $5 billion fine against giant oil polluter Shell and set in motion a law that would hold oil companies to account for the first time ever. The President endorses the penalty, but Big Oil are lobbying MPs like crazy to vote against reform. Our voices can drown them out to win justice for Nigeria’s people. Join the urgent call now!

In days, Nigeria’s Parliament could approve a $5 billion fine against giant oil polluter Shell for a spill that devastated the lives of millions of people, and pass a law to hold all oil companies to account for polluting and plundering. This is a watershed moment, but unless we all speak out, oil giants will crush it.

Finally, Big Oil is having to pay for the wasteland and violence that they’ve created. President Jonathan supports the Shell fine, and progressive Senators are pushing for strong regulations, but oil companies are slick, and without huge international support MPs could buckle under the pressure.

Politicians are deciding their positions right now — sign the urgent petition for the Nigerian Parliament to fine Shell and support the bill, and then forward this to everyone — when we hit a million signers we’ll bring our unprecedented global call to the steps of Nigeria’s Parliament:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/make_shell_pay_b/?biEWLbb&v=19059

Experts say that every year Big Oil spills as much crude into the Niger Delta as an Exxon Valdez, but as it is Africa, it gets little media play. After a leak occurred at Shell’s Bonga oil facility last December, millions of gallons poured into the ocean and washed up on the densely populated coast — resulting in one of the largest African oil spills ever. The fine and bill on the table are a once in a lifetime chance to stand up to Big Oil.

Oil companies have made $600 billion in the last 50 years in Nigeria, but locals don’t see the benefits. Their land, drinking water and fishing grounds are ruined. And Shell has spent hundreds of millions of dollars a year on security forces, repressing protest against its harmful practices.

The oil industry is crucial to the economy, but companies have never been held to account for the devastation of drilling. Now, the Nigerian President and a few brave MPs are speaking out and they could finally slam the oil giants with tough fines and give fair pay outs to the victims. If we show MPs that the world supports these crucial steps, we can literally change the lives of millions. Click below to sign the urgent petition:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/make_shell_pay_b/?biEWLbb&v=19059

Avaazers have stood up to Big Oil all over the world, from Chevron in Ecuador, to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, to ending fossil fuel subsidies at the Rio Summit. Now let’s do it for Nigeria too. Make sure the politicians send a message to Big Oil: your days of impunity are over.

With hope and determination,

Pascal, Patricia, Alex, Ricken, David, Rewan, and the Avaaz team

Shell Faces $5 Billion Nigeria Fine (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303933704577532723563488122.html

Shell urged to pay Nigeria $5bn over Bonga oil spill (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18875731

Shell’s grip on Nigerian state revealed (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/dec/08/wikileaks-cables-shell-nigeria-spying

U.N. slams Shell as Nigeria needs biggest ever oil clean-up (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/04/us-nigeria-ogoniland-idUSTRE7734MQ20110804

Nigeria: Oil spill investigations ‘a fiasco’ in the Niger Delta (Amnesty International)
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/nigeria-oil-spill-investigations-fiasco-niger-delta-2012-08-02

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

End the Insurance Coverage Ban On Abortion for Servicewomen Who Have Been Raped

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77


	Our Military Women Deserve Better



	Tell your Members of Congress to end the outrageous abortion coverage ban for military women who have been raped.

How would you feel if I told you that our military women are banned from having abortion coverage in cases of rape and incest?

You should be outraged.

Tell your Members of Congress to end the outrageous abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who have been raped or experienced incest.

Currently, an extreme policy prevents servicewomen and military dependents from having coverage for abortion services if they become pregnant as the result of rape or incest. This unfair policy forces them to pay for the abortion care they need, unlike their civilian counterparts who also depend on the federal government for their health insurance.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Last spring, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would remove this abhorrent ban. It passed the Senate Armed Services Committee with a bi-partisan vote, even gaining support from Senators Carl Levin and John McCain (the Chairman and Senior Republican on the Committee). Congress will finalize the NDAA soon — they may even begin this week. The only thing in the way of ending this unjust ban is some anti-choice Members of Congress who are willing to play politics with the women that serve this nation.

We can’t allow that to happen. As millions of Americans observe Veterans Day, we’re reminded of the sacrifices our military women make every day for us — now it’s our duty to stand up for them: tell your Members of Congress to end the abortion coverage ban for servicewomen and military dependents who become pregnant due to rape or incest.

Thank you for continuing to protect women’s reproductive health.

Sincerely,

Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center

P.S. Your support allows us to continue to fight for women’s reproductive health, as well as work on many other critical issues. Please consider making a generous donation today.

~ Recent Post

CONGRESS: the Republican led House – the Senate … Dems

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

November 13 Senate WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to proceed to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act; Adopted: 92-5

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and passed H.R.4114, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012.

Concurred in the House message to accompany S.743, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012.

Adopted S.Res.591, a resolution recognizing Raymond Weeks and the celebration of Veterans Day.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————–

Last Floor Action:
7:34:39 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 14, 2012

2:00:38 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:42 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:31 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:40 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:07 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:11:35 P.M.		UNITED STATES-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), amended by the Division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003, the Minority Leader reappointed Mr. Michael Wessel of Falls Church, Virginia, to the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
2:12:56 P.M.		approximately 5:00 p.m. today.
5:02:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 13.
5:02:10 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.
5:02:21 P.M.	S. 1956	Mr. Mica moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1956 — “To prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the United States from participating in the European Union’s emissions trading scheme, and for other purposes.”
5:02:45 P.M.	S. 1956	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:02:50 P.M.	S. 1956	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1956.
5:38:27 P.M.	S. 1956	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:38:42 P.M.	S. 1956	<Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:39:15 P.M.	H.R. 6371	<MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6371 — “To amend title 40, United States Code, to transfer certain functions from the General Accountability Office to the Department of Labor relating to the processing of claims for the payment of workers who were not paid appropriate wages under certain provisions of such title.”
5:39:32 P.M.	H.R. 6371	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:39:34 P.M.	H.R. 6371	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6371.
5:48:25 P.M.	H.R. 6371	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.
5:49:03 P.M.	H.R. 6586	Mr. Palazzo moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6586 — “To extend the application of certain space launch liability provisions through 2014.”
5:49:17 P.M.	H.R. 6586	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:49:19 P.M.	H.R. 6586	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6586.
6:06:15 P.M.	H.R. 6586	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Palazzo objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
6:06:20 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 13, 2012 at 4:18 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 4114, without amendment.
6:07:36 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:28 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 13.
6:31:15 P.M.		<MR. class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 808.
6:32:18 P.M.		had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:32:31 P.M.	H.R. 6371	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6371 — “To amend title 40, United States Code, to transfer certain functions from the General Accountability Office to the Department of Labor relating to the processing of claims for the payment of workers who were not paid appropriate wages under certain provisions of such title.”
6:53:17 P.M.	H.R. 6371	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 361 – 3 (Roll no. 604).
6:53:18 P.M.	H.R. 6371	<>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:55:05 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a scanned copy of a letter received from Mr. Christopher M. Thomas, Director of Elections, Department of State, State of Michigan, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 6, 2012, the Honorable David Curson was elected Representative to Congress for the Eleventh Congressional District, State of Michigan.
6:56:07 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from the Honorable Sam Reed, Washington Secretary of State, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 6, 2012, the Honorable Suzan DelBene was elected Representative to Congress for the First Congressional District, State of Washington.
6:56:38 P.M.		State of Kentucky, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 6, 2012, the Honorable Thomas Massie was elected Representative to Congress for the Fourth Congressional District, State of Kentucky.
6:57:05 P.M.		Mr. John D. Dingell asked unanimous consent that Representative-elect David Alan Curson be permitted to take the oath of office on November 13, 2012. Mr. Dingell stated that the certificate of election had not arrived, but there was no contest and no question was raised with regard to the election. Agreed to without objection .
6:57:10 P.M.		Mr. Norman D. Dicks asked unanimous consent that Representative-elect Suzan K. DelBene be permitted to take the oath of office on November 13, 2012. Mr. Dicks stated that the certificate of election had not arrived, but there was no contest and no question was raised with regard to the election. Agreed to without objection .
6:57:28 P.M.		Mr. Harold Rogers asked unanimous consent that Representative-elect Thomas Massie be permitted to take the oath of office on November 13, 2012. Mr. Rogers (KY) stated that the certificate of election had not arrived, but there was no contest and no question was raised with regard to the election. Agreed to without objection .
6:58:18 P.M.		OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect David Allen Curson, Eleventh District, State of Michigan, Representative-Elect Suzan K. DelBene, First District, State of Washington, and Representative-Elect Thomas Massie, Fourth District, State of Kentucky, presented themselves in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.
7:00:19 P.M.		Representatives Curson, DelBene, and Massie each, in turn, were recognized to address the House following the administration of the Oath-of-Office.
7:16:29 P.M.		the whole number of the House is 433.
7:22:42 P.M.	H.R. 6586	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6586 — “To extend the application of certain space launch liability provisions through 2014.”
7:22:59 P.M.	H.R. 6586	>On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:23:14 P.M.	H.R. 6586	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:25:50 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:34:04 P.M.		Mr. Yoder moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:34:38 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:34:39 P.M.		<The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 14, 2012.