~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A new bra … by Allana Maiden Richmond, Virginia

01/24/2013 Nativegrl77 9 Comments

I’m asking Victoria’s Secret to make a “Survivor Bra” to help breast cancer survivors who had mastectomies feel beautiful too.

Sign My Petition

I was six years old when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. But my mom is one of the lucky ones, and she survived after undergoing a mastectomy — a procedure that removes one or both breasts — when she was just 36 years old.

Even though she’s been cancer free for over 21 years, my mom still struggles to find bras for women missing a breast that are not only comfortable and attractive, but affordable. I’ve been a Victoria’s Secret customer for years, and I know they’re outspoken supporters of women with breast cancer.

Now I’m asking them to act on their word by making a “Survivor Bra” for women who have lost one or both of their breasts due to cancer. I started a petition on Change.org asking Victoria’s Secret to be a leader for survivors of breast cancer by making a bra that is comfortable for women who have had mastectomies. Click here to sign my petition.

My mom is amazing. Even when she was going through exhausting chemotherapy — all while raising me — she never complained. Now, after years of being cancer free, my mom still has to drive to an expensive specialty store just to find bras and swimsuits that fit.

Cancer survivors, especially women who have had a mastectomy, often struggle with their image and self-confidence. With thousands of stores located across the country and online, Victoria’s Secret could provide breast cancer survivors everywhere with access to better bras.

Victoria’s Secret’s parent company has publicly said that “breast cancer is an issue close to many of us.” I believe that with your signature, they will do the right thing and become a leader in helping women with breast cancer feel beautiful again after a mastectomy. They’ve responded to public pressure like this before, and now you can help get them to respond again.

Click here now to sign my petition asking Victoria’s Secret to make a “Survivor Bra” for survivors of breast cancer.

Thank you for your support!

Allana Maiden Richmond, Virginia

Black History

Congress: The House :::::: The Senate

01/24/2013 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET January 25,2013

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 12:00pm with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.

The Senate stands in recess until 2:00pm.

This afternoon we will continue to work on an agreement to consider resolutions relating to changes to the rules and standing orders and an agreement to consider the Hurricane Sandy supplemental appropriations.

Another message will be sent when any agreements are reached.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in 4 votes at 7:55pm (2 voice votes and 2 roll calls).

As a result of this agreement, Senators should expect 2 voice votes and 2 roll call votes in relation to the items listed below to begin at 7:55pm this evening.

– S.Res.5, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide for cloture to be invoked with less than a three-fifths majority after additional debate (voice vote expected) (Harkin).

– Lee amendment #3, would guarantee every senator the right to offer one germane amendment post-cloture (expect a voice vote)

– S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate ((60-affirmative vote threshold), as amended, if amended; and

– S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed (2/3 of those voting-affirmative threshold).

The Senate will now proceed to the consideration of the following resolutions, en bloc:

S.Res.5, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide for cloture to be invoked with less than a three-fifths majority after additional debate (Harkin);

S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate (Reid-Levin-McCain);

S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed (Reid-McConnell-Levin-McCain)

The time until 7:55pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, for the purpose of debating these resolutions concurrently. The only amendment in order to any of the resolutions is a Lee amendment to S.Res.15; Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to S.Res.5. Upon the disposition of S.Res.5, the Senate vote in relation to the Lee amendment to S.Res.15. Upon disposition of the Lee amendment, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to S.Res.15, as amended, if amended. S.Res.15, relative to the Standing Order will be subject to a 60 vote threshold for adoption and S.Res.16, amending the Standing Rules, will be subject to a threshold of two-thirds of those voting for adoption. No amendments, motions or points of order are in order to any of these resolutions prior to the votes in relation to the resolutions. Neither of the resolutions are divisible.

7:55pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate (60-affirmative vote threshold), as amended, if amended;

Adopted: 78-16

8:19pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed (2/3 of those voting-affirmative threshold);

Adopted: 86-9

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Adoption of S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate; Adopted: 78-16

2) Adoption of S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed; Adopted: 86-9

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.17, To constitute the majority party’s membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

Adopted S.Res.18, To constitute the minority party’s membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.325, To ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until May 19, 2013, and for other purposes.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

——————————————————————-

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on January 25, 2013.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: Republican led House ::: Democractic led Senate

01/23/2013 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET January 23, 2013

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be a period of morning business for debate only until 12:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of S.81, to provide guidance and priorities for Federal Government obligations in the event that the debt limit is reached. (Paul)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.82, to provide that any executive action infringing on the Second Amendment has no force or effect, and to prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes. (Paul)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.83, to provide for continuing operations of Government in a fiscally responsible manner. (Paul)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.124, No Budget, No Pay Act. (Heller)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————————–

9:00:00 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

9:01:00 A.M.

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

9:03:49 A.M.

SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. McClintock demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

9:04:13 A.M.

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

9:04:43 A.M.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE WHOLE HOUSE – Under Clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentlewoman from Missouri, Mrs. Emerson, the whole number of the House is 432.

9:04:57 A.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:20:12 A.M.

H. Res. 39

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 39 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 325) to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until May 19, 2013, and for other purposes.”

9:20:35 A.M.

H. Res. 39

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 39.

10:54:11 A.M.

H. Res. 39

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 193 (Roll no. 26).

11:02:32 A.M.

H. Res. 39

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 190 (Roll no. 27).

11:02:33 A.M.

H. Res. 39

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

11:10:45 A.M.

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 291 – 129, 2 Present (Roll no. 28).

11:10:57 A.M.

H.R. 325

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 39. H.R. 325 — “To ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until May 19, 2013, and for other purposes.”

11:11:02 A.M.

H.R. 325

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 325 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. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution provides that the amendment printed in the report shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended shall be considered as read. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended.

11:11:44 A.M.

H.R. 325

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 325.

12:37:10 P.M.	H.R. 325	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
12:37:34 P.M.	H.R. 325	Mr. Murphy (FL) moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
12:37:55 P.M.	H.R. 325	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (FL) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a new section pertaining to Protecting Veterans, Troops, and Seniors from Benefit Cuts and Cost Increases.
12:46:34 P.M.	H.R. 325	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
1:13:43 P.M.	H.R. 325	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 151 – 277 (Roll no. 29).
1:23:57 P.M.	H.R. 325	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 285 – 144 (Roll no. 30).
1:23:58 P.M.	H.R. 325	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:24:46 P.M.	H. Res. 42	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 42 — “Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”
1:25:01 P.M.	H. Res. 42	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
1:25:05 P.M.	H. Res. 42	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:26:39 P.M.		Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on January 25 at 2 p.m. Agreed to without objection.
1:26:40 P.M.		Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns January 25, it adjourn to meet on January 29 at 1 p.m. Agreed to without objection.
1:27:06 P.M.		BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – Pursuant to sections 5580 and 5581 of the revised statutes (20 U.S.C. 42-43), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Mr. Johnson of Texas and Mr. Cole of Oklahoma to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution .
1:28:20 P.M.		GOVERNING BOARD OF THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS – Pursuant to section 4(d) of H. Res. 5, 113th Congress, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following individuals to the Governing Board of the Office of Congressional Ethics: (Nominated by the Speaker with the concurrence of the Minority Leader) Mr. Porter J. Goss of Florida, Chairman; Mr. James M. Eagen, III, of Colorado; Ms. Allison R. Hayward of Virginia; and Mr. Bill Frenzel of Virginia, Alternate; (Nominated by the Minority Leader with the concurrence of the Speaker) Mr. David Skaggs of Colorado, Co-Chairman; Mrs. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke of California; Ms. Karan English of Arizona; and Mr. Mike Barnes of Maryland, Alternate.
1:28:48 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
1:37:30 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
2:45:12 P.M.		Mr. Franks (AZ) moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:45:30 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:45:32 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on January 25, 2013.

« Previous Day

~ Recent Post

They are gaining ground … by jamming legislation through: We need to push back

01/22/2013 Nativegrl77

Today is the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Stand with us today and resolve:

We won’t let the anti-choice radicals win.

DONATE

Today is the 40th anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade decision — which granted women the power to control their own reproductive lives and futures.

And while I wish we could simply celebrate today, the fact is that Roe v. Wade was only the start of the fight for our reproductive freedom, not the end.

Will you make a generous donation to NARAL Pro-Choice America? Your support today shows that you understand we must keep fighting.

Because this constitutional right has been under attack for 40 years. And, as I’m sure you know… radical anti-choice politicians are gaining far too much ground in the states.

Just consider these frightening statistics:

87 percent of U.S. counties have no abortion provider…
111 abortion restrictions were enacted in the states in 2011 and 2012 alone…
33 states have laws that subject women seeking abortion services to biased-counseling requirements and/or mandatory delays… and
45 states and the District of Columbia have laws subjecting abortion providers to burdensome restrictions not imposed on other medical professionals.

Can I count on you to make a contribution right now to help us turn the tide on this dangerous trend?

We’ve been here before. We’ve stood up to extreme anti-choice groups and politicians in the states and won. In Mississippi, we mobilized activists and helped defeat a dangerous “personhood” ballot measure. And in North Dakota, we helped beat a ballot measure that would have allowed a boss to deny basic health-care coverage to his employees… just based on his personal beliefs.

But I need you with us again… because these attacks won’t slow down any time soon.

I need your help today. I need you to make a generous contribution right now. We cannot leave women in states across the country without a voice. You and I must be their voice.

Make your voice heard loud and clear. Help NARAL Pro-Choice America protect and defend choice at all levels of government.

We can’t do this without you. And women in all 50 states? They need you too.

Thank you for all that you do,Sincerely,

Nancy Keenan

President, NARAL Pro-Choice America

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

2ND Term Inaug2013

01/22/2013 Nativegrl77

You and I, as citizens

bywhitehouse

“You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course. You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time — not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals.”