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Deadbeats …

01/15/2013 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

It’s Time for Congress to Pay Its Bills

In their never-ending quest to destroy entitlements and slash the social safety net, Republicans are once again willing to risk the entire U.S. economy in order to advance their ideological agenda — an agenda overwhelmingly rejected by voters in last year’s elections.

Last time Republicans took the economy hostage, the summer of 2011, Speaker Boehner made clear that he understood the implications of a national default:

Boehner said it would mean “financial disaster” for the global economy if Congress were unable to come to a deal to raise the debt ceiling this spring.

“That would be a financial disaster, not only for us, but for the worldwide economy,” Boehner said on “Fox News Sunday” of the risk of default. “I don’t think it’s a question that’s even on the table.”

Still, rank-and-file Republicans and even a top member of the House Republican leadership are now talking openly about shutting down the government or defaulting on our obligations:

“I think it is possible that we would shut down the government to make sure President Obama understands that we’re serious,” House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state told us. “We always talk about whether or not we’re going to kick the can down the road. I think the mood is that we’ve come to the end of the road.”

Worse yet, Republicans may force a default or government shutdown just to placate the Tea Party extremists in the House:

GOP officials said more than half of their members are prepared to allow default unless Obama agrees to dramatic cuts he has repeatedly said he opposes. Many more members, including some party leaders, are prepared to shut down the government to make their point. House Speaker John Boehner “may need a shutdown just to get it out of their system,” said a top GOP leadership adviser. “We might need to do that for member-management purposes — so they have an endgame and can show their constituents they’re fighting.”

We know that the president is serious about spending cuts, having already signed $2.4 TRILLION of deficit reduction into law — three-quarters of which came from spending cuts. But it’s not merely spending cuts that Republicans are demanding. They want draconian cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs. As President Obama said at a press conference today, Republicans have always had “suspicions” about these and other government programs and they see taking the economy hostage as their only opportunity to push through their unpopular ideological agenda.

Let’s review what happened last time Republicans took the economy hostage in this way:

DOWNGRADE: One of the three major rating agencies downgraded the nation’s credit rating for the first time ever, citing the GOP’s intransigence on raising revenue.
DEFICIT: Ironically, the debt ceiling showdown actually increased the deficit. It resulted in $1.3 BILLION in higher borrowing costs in 2011 alone. It is estimated that it will result in $18.9 BILLION in higher borrowing costs over the next decade.
DECLINE: The manufactured crisis lowered consumer confidence, slowed down consumer lending, and created uncertainty for business, resulting in “a pretty big hit to a fragile recovery.”

If Republicans force a default in order let the Tea Party element of their party “get it out of their system,” the economic consequences could be catastrophic. The president today also outlined the more immediate consequences for many Americans:

If congressional Republicans refuse to pay America’s bills on time, Social Security checks and veterans’ benefits will be delayed. We might not be able to pay our troops, or honor our contracts with small business owners. Food inspectors, air traffic controllers, specialists who track down loose nuclear material wouldn’t get their paychecks. Investors around the world will ask if the United States of America is, in fact, a safe bet. Markets could go haywire. Interest rates would spike for anybody who borrows money — every homeowner with a mortgage, every student with a college loan, every small business owner who wants to grow and hire. It would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy. It would slow down our growth, might tip us into recession, and ironically, would probably increase our deficit.

What many people don’t understand is that raising the debt limit doesn’t increase government spending by one cent. It merely allows the president to pay for the spending that Congress already authorized by law. In fact, the president is legally obligated to spend the money Congress tells him to. This is why the president is refusing to negotiate on the debt ceiling. Congress racked up the bills (two wars and massive tax cuts all went on the national credit card), so now it’s time for Congress to pay those bills. And the only way they can do that is by raising the debt ceiling.

BOTTOM LINE: We don’t dine and dash and, as the president said today, “we are not a nation of deadbeats.” It’s time for Congress to do its job and pay the bills it racked up.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

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New York state may pass new gun violence prevention measures as soon as this week.

The fight over marijuana between the U.S. and California.

Black History

CONGRESS: the House led by Republicans::Tell Congress to do the Peoples Business/NO more breaks::the Senate led by Democrats

01/15/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in recess under the provisions of S.Con.Res.3. The Senate will meet at 11:30am on Monday, January 21, 2013 for the Joint Session for the Inaugural Ceremonies.

The Senate will recess upon conclusion of the Joint Session.
the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET January 22, 2013
- Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 12:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
- The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

———————————————————–

House Hearings

11:30 am	Hearing: Organizational Meeting for the 113th CongressCommittee on Armed Services: Full Committee
3:00 pm	Hearing: Full Committee Organizational MeetingCommittee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 15, 2013.

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

10:00:00 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

10:01:17 A.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

10:02:39 A.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:02:44 A.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walberg to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:03:15 A.M.

READING OF THE CONSTITUTION – Pursuant to section 5(a) of H. Res. 5, the Chair recognized the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Goodlatte, for the reading of the Constitution.

11:10:49 A.M.

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

12:00:00 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 15.

12:01:16 P.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

12:31:00 P.M.

Mr. Cole asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013. Agreed to without objection.

12:32:18 P.M.

H. Res. 23

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 23 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 152) making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”

12:32:41 P.M.

H. Res. 23

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 23.

2:03:08 P.M.

H. Res. 23

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 293 – 127 (Roll no. 11).

2:11:49 P.M.

H. Res. 23

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 367 – 52 (Roll no. 12).

2:11:50 P.M.

H. Res. 23

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:11:57 P.M.

Mr. Ellison moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:28:10 P.M.

On motion to adjourn Failed by recorded vote: 0 – 419 (Roll no. 13).

2:28:31 P.M.

H.R. 152

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 23. H.R. 152 — “Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”

2:28:36 P.M.

H.R. 152

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 152 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of this report shall be considered as an original bill. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute. The resolution provides that if the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Part A is not adopted, the Committee of the Whole shall rise and report that it has come to no resolution on the bill. The resolution provides that each such amendment printed in part B and part C of this report shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or the Committee of the Whole. Finally, the resolution directs the Clerk to, in the engrossment of H.R. 152, add the text of H.R. 219, as passed by the House, as a new matter at the end of H.R. 152.

2:28:50 P.M.

H.R. 152

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 23 and Rule XVIII.

2:28:51 P.M.

H.R. 152

The Speaker designated the Honorable Shelley Moore Capito to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.

2:28:59 P.M.

H.R. 152

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 152.

3:36:41 P.M.

H.R. 152

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded to consider the Part A Rogers (KY) amendment in the nature of a substitute and the Part B Mulvaney (SC) perfecting amendment.

3:37:04 P.M.

H.R. 152

<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Mulvaney to the Rogers (KY) amendment, printed in Part B of House Report 113-1 to provide an offset of the $17 billion in emergency funding to address immediate needs for victims and communities affected by Hurricane Sandy. The offset is achieved by an across the board cut of 1.63 percent to all discretionary appropriations for fiscal year 2013.

3:37:05 P.M.

H.R. 152

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Part B Mulvaney (SC) amendment.

4:14:07 P.M.

H.R. 152

On agreeing to the Mulvaney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 14).

4:21:36 P.M.

H.R. 152

On agreeing to the Rogers (KY) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 15).

4:24:03 P.M.

H.R. 152

An amendment, offered by Mr. Frelinghuysen, numbered 1 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to provide an additional $33.677 billion in total spending to cover current and anticipated needs in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Sandy. This funding is in addition to the amendment submitted by Chairman Rogers.

4:24:29 P.M.

H.R. 152

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded 20 minutes of debate on the Frelinghuysen Part C amendment No. 1.

4:46:09 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 2 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to strike $150,000,000 for Regional Ocean Partnership grants.
4:46:31 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flores Part C perfecting amendment No. 2.
4:55:48 P.M.	H.R. 152	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flores Part C amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flores demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:56:41 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Runyan to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 3 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to clarify that the fisheries disaster money in the Frelinghuysen amendment is intended for states that were BOTH impacted by Hurricane Sandy and suffered a fisheries disaster in 2012.
4:57:02 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Runyan Part C perfecting amendment No. 3.
5:00:38 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Runyan amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:01:03 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA) to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 4 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to strike $13,000,000 in funding to “accelerate the National Weather Service ground readiness project”.
5:01:30 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) Part C perfecting amendment No. 4.
5:12:14 P.M.	H.R. 152	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) Part C amendment No. 4, 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 later in the legislative day.
5:12:52 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Duncan (SC) to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 5 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to strip out the extra $1M for Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and replaces that with a limitation against funding for LSC.
5:13:15 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Duncan (SC) Part C perfecting amendment No. 5.
5:22:28 P.M.	H.R. 152	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Duncan (SC) Part C amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Duncan (SC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:22:58 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Blumenauer to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 6 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to clarify that the Corps of Engineers construction projects receiving funds in this legislation will be at full Federal expense only with respect to the funds provided by this legislation.
5:23:23 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blumenauer Part C perfecting amendment No. 6.
5:27:33 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:27:46 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Ms. Velazquez to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 7 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to increase the Community Development Fund appropriation amount by $25 million offset by reductions elsewhere in the bill.
5:28:39 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez Part C perfecting amendment No. 7.
5:30:58 P.M.	H.R. 152	By unanimous consent, the Velazquez amendment was withdrawn.
5:31:08 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Huelskamp to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 8 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to require FEMA to disclose all disaster relief grants, not just those over $1 million.
5:31:50 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Huelskamp Part C perfecting amendment No. 8.
5:34:33 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Huelskamp amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:34:54 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 9 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to cut $9,800,000 from the Fish & Wildlife Service for rebuilding seawalls and buildings on uninhabited islands in the Steward McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Connecticut.
5:35:25 P.M.	H.R. 152	Fleming amendment; modified by unanimous consent. To strike “Steward” and insert “Stewart”.
5:35:59 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fleming Part C perfecting amendment No. 9.
5:47:46 P.M.	H.R. 152	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Fleming Part C amendment No. 9, as modified, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Fleming demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:48:30 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Benishek to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 10 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to strike the proviso on line 20, restoring the requirement that local investments are required in Historic Preservation Grants.
5:48:52 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Benishek Part C perfecting amendment No. 10.
5:58:40 P.M.	H.R. 152	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Benishek Part C amendment No. 10, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Benishek demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:59:09 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bishop (UT) to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 11 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to prohibit the Secretaries of the Interior or Agriculture from acquiring any more federal land using funds provided under this emergency supplemental appropriations bill for Hurricane Sandy relief.
5:59:35 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (UT) Part C perfecting amendment No. 11.
6:10:51 P.M.	H.R. 152	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Bishop (UT) Part C amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (UT) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:11:36 P.M.	H.R. 152	An amendment, offered by Ms. Velazquez to the Frelinghuysen amendment, numbered 12 printed in Part C of House Report 113-1 to increase the funding to the National Cemetery Administration by $1 million for the purposes of repairing veterans’ cemeteries damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
6:11:42 P.M.	H.R. 152	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 23, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez Part C perfecting amendment No. 12.
6:15:46 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:16:01 P.M.	H.R. 152	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on agreeing to amendments previously debated and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:42:35 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 197 (Roll no. 16).
6:47:24 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 206 – 214 (Roll no. 17).
6:51:13 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Duncan (SC) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 202 – 217 (Roll no. 18).
6:55:26 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Fleming amendment; as modified Agreed to by recorded vote: 216 – 205 (Roll no. 19).
6:59:20 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Benishek amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 208 – 212 (Roll no. 20).
7:04:03 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Bishop (UT) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 198 (Roll no. 21).
7:11:07 P.M.	H.R. 152	On agreeing to the Frelinghuysen amendment; as amended Agreed to by recorded vote: 228 – 192 (Roll no. 22).
7:11:52 P.M.	H.R. 152	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 152.
7:12:04 P.M.	H.R. 152	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
7:12:25 P.M.	H.R. 152	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
7:28:42 P.M.	H.R. 152	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 180 (Roll no. 23).
7:28:43 P.M.	H.R. 152	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:28:44 P.M.	H.R. 152	Mr. Rogers of Kentucky asked unanimous consent that in the engrossment of H.R. 152, the Clerk shall reinsert the text on page 1, lines 3 through 6 of the bill after the enacting clause. Agreed to without objection.
7:30:12 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
7:33:33 P.M.		United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 1928a, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly: Mr. Turner, Chairman.
7:33:53 P.M.		Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 3003, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Mr. Smith of NJ, Co-Chairman.
7:34:37 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:21:00 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:21:17 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:21:18 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on January 18, 2013.

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Weekly Address : End the War and investing in America

01/14/2013 Nativegrl77

President Obama hosted Afghan President Hamid Karzai this week at the White House for talks on the partnership between our two nations and the role of U.S. troops in that country. In this week’s address, President Obama discusses how we will end the war in Afghanistan and how our goal of ensuring that al Qaeda never again uses Afghanistan to launch attacks against America is within reach.

Watch President Obama’s weekly address.

watch this

01/14/2013 Nativegrl77

Change.org

2012 was the year that wildfire fighters finally won health insurance. It was the year three teenage girls decided it was time for a woman to moderate a presidential debate, the year a gay Boy Scout fought for his Eagle award, the year Trayvon Martin’s parents got justice for their son.

You and 25 million people won all of these victories — and thousands more — by starting, signing, and sharing petitions on Change.org in 2012. Take a look:

Watch the video.

We’re blown away by all you accomplished in 2012, and we know this is just the beginning.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll do in 2013.

Thank you, – Katie and the Change.org team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

No Brainer

01/14/2013 Nativegrl77

By ThinkProgress War Room

It’s Time to Stop Paying Companies to Ship Jobs Overseas

The presidential election served as a useful opportunity to educate the American people about some of the worst elements of our tax code. Mitt Romney personally demonstrated how the tax code is rigged in favor of the wealthy and his career at Bain Capital demonstrated how corporations can reap massive financial rewards, even if it means leaving closed factories and devastated communities in their wake.

As we look for ways to raise more revenue to further reduce the deficit, protect vital programs like Medicare and Social Security, and make investments in the middle class, one obvious place to start is cracking down on the tax loopholes and giveaways that incentivize companies to ship jobs overseas and subsidize investing abroad instead of here at home.

Ending these perverse incentives would bring in at least $168 BILLION over the next ten years. Just to put that into perspective, it’s about as much as you’d save by reducing future Social Security benefits ($175 BILLION) and far more savings than is achieved from the GOP’s pet proposal: raising the Medicare retirement age (which saves the government $125 BILLION, but costs the rest of us twice as much).

(For a very detailed explanation of these and other giveaways in the tax code, check out this paper from our colleagues at the Center for American Progress.)

Closing these tax loopholes will also help make sure that corporations aren’t gaming the system in order to avoid paying their fair share in taxes. It will also encourage companies to invest and create jobs here at home, rather than stashing money abroad.

BOTTOM LINE: Instead of cutting vital programs, it’s time to stop corporations rewarding corporations for shipping jobs overseas and gaming the system in order to avoid taxes.