Daily Archives: 06/18/2013
I saved people from fire. Now I have cancer

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Firefighter with breast cancer needs your help to stop dangerous chemicals in homes
I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer last year. The news was a really big shock considering I have no family history of the disease. It got even worse when the doctor told me the cancer is most likely related to my job and environment as a firefighter. Later I learned that most women with breast cancer have no family or other known risk factors.
Did you know that couches and other common household items including many children’s products contain harmful flame retardant chemicals? I didn’t have any idea about this health hazard until I started doing some research. The Chicago Tribune has extensively reported on flame retardants and about how these chemicals “migrate out of products into household dust ingested by people, especially young children.” They also reveal that there are studies showing “some flame retardants can make smoke from fires even more toxic.” Numerous scientific studies have shown that many flame retardant chemicals can cause cancer, reproductive difficulties, developmental problems and other serious health issues.
I found out that firefighters are at such high risk from dangerous chemicals that women firefighters in my city are diagnosed with breast cancer at 6 times the rate of other women.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the power to help put an end to unnecessary flame retardants in furniture and other everyday products. But instead of taking strong action, they may be moving to obstruct vital health protections. Please sign my petition to show them that people like us matter! The Commission has a July 1 deadline for comments, and this is our best chance to have a real impact on this public health issue.
I know that my children are proud of the work I do, and I strive to be a good role model for them. But I never expected that giving back in this way would expose me to cancer-causing flame retardant chemicals that are threatening my life and the future I’m trying to build for my family.
Fire safety experts are on record testifying that these dangerous flame retardant chemicals do not even effectively prevent fires in furniture and many other products, but huge chemical companies are behind efforts to keep their products in household items despite what’s happening to people like me.
As I have traveled through my cancer journey, I have asked myself, how I can be a catalyst for change? I want my story to help bring about change and slow the rate of cancer and exposure to toxins, not just for firefighters but for our children. The chemical industry is well-funded so I decided to work with the Center for Environmental Health on this campaign because I believe our health is the most important gift we have for ourselves and our families.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has until July 1 to hear from you on their current comment period. Please sign to ask that they prioritize public safety over chemical companies’ bottom lines. Tell them to put a stop to dangerous flame retardant chemicals.
the Senate S.744,Border Sec.,Econ Op,Immigration~~~~ CONGRESS ~~~~ the House HR1797,HR1947, HR1151,HR1896
The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, June 18, 2013.
- Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
- Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.
- The time until 12:30pm and the time from 2:15pm until 3:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
- The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
- At approximately 3:00pm, there will be up to 4 roll call vote in relation to the following, in the following order:
- Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion);
- Landrieu amendment #1222 (citizenship for internationally adopted children);
- Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT system); and
- Tester amendment #1198 (Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials).
- All amendments will require 60 affirmative votes. There will be two minutes equally divided between the votes and all after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.
- Senator Leahy, the manager of S.744, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, has encouraged senators to file their amendments by this Thursday, June 20.
- As a reminder, at 3:00pm today there will be a series of up to 4 roll call votes on the following amendments to S.744, Comprehensive Immigration Reform:- Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion);- Landrieu amendment #1222 (citizenship for internationally adopted children);- Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT system); and- Tester amendment #1198 (Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials).The first vote in this series will be a 15 minute vote and the remaining will be 10 minute votes.
- Each amendment is subject to a 60-affirmative vote threshold.
- 3:01pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion);Not Agreed To: 39-54
- The Landrieu amendment #1222 (citizenship for internationally adopted children) was then agreed to by voice vote.
- At 3:35pm the Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT);Not Agreed To: 36-58
- 3:56pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Tester amendment #1198 (Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials);Agreed To: 94-0
- The following amendment are pending to S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act:
- Leahy amendment #1183 (international participation in the performing arts)
The following amendments have been considered to S.744:
- Grassley amendment #1195 (prohibit the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months) Tabled: 57-43
- Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 39-54
- Landrieu amendment #1222 (citizenship for internationally adopted children); Agreed to by voice vote
- Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT system)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 36-58
- Tester amendment #1198 (modify Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 94-0
- The amendments listed below are in order to be called up to S.744, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. No second degree amendments are in order prior to a vote, and the amendments are not subject to division. Tomorrow we will continue to work towards an agreement to vote in relation to the amendments.- Manchin #1268 (border security contractor salaries);
– Pryor #1298 (recruitment of former Armed Forces members for Customs and Border Protection);
– Merkley #1237, as modified (H.R.2-B nonimmigrants);
– Boxer #1240 (National Guard/Coast Guard training);
– Reed #1224 (merit-based immigrant visa applicants)
– Cornyn #1251 (Statement of Congressional findings);
– Lee #1208 (Fast-track approval of border security);
– Paul #1200, as modified (border security enhancements);
– Heller amendment #1227 (Nevada representative on Southern Border Security Commissions); and
– Cruz #1320 (border security).
- WRAP UP
- ROLL CALL VOTES1) Thune amendment #1197 (permanent resident status after border completion )(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 39-54
2) Vitter amendment #1228 (US-VISIT system)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 36-58
3) Tester amendment #1198 (Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials)(60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 94-0
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Adopted S.Res.143: recognizing the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority in the efforts of the United States Government to promote democracy and good governance on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2013.
Adopted S.Res.173, Designating September 2013 as “National Child Awareness Month” to promote awareness of charities benefitting children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States and recognizing efforts made by those charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the United States.
Adopted S.Res.174, designating June 20, 2013, as “American Eagle Day”.
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
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Last Floor Action:6/17/13
9:46:30 P.M. – The House adjourned.
The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 18, 2013.
| 10:00:56 A.M. | The House convened, starting a new legislative day. | |
| 10:01:19 A.M. | The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. | |
| 10:01:26 A.M. | MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business. | |
| 10:47:52 A.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today. | |
| 12:00:28 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 18. | |
| 12:00:30 P.M. | Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Bradley Hales, Reformation Lutheran Church, Culpepper, Virginia | |
| 12:01:54 P.M. | The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. | |
| 12:01:56 P.M. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Bonamici to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. | |
| 12:03:54 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle. | |
| 12:34:37 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 18, 2013, at 9:48 a.m., stating that that body had passed S. 330. | |
| 12:35:04 P.M. | The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced. | |
| 12:35:40 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | Mr. Reichert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1896 — “To amend part D of title IV of the Social Security Act to ensure that the United States can comply fully with the obligations of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, and for other purposes.” |
| 12:35:57 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 12:35:58 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1896. |
| 12:48:58 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | 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. |
| 12:50:00 P.M. | H.R. 475 | Mr. Gerlach moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 475 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include vaccines against seasonal influenza within the definition of taxable vaccines.” |
| 12:50:08 P.M. | H.R. 475 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 12:50:10 P.M. | H.R. 475 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 475. |
| 1:00:43 P.M. | H.R. 475 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 1:00:46 P.M. | H.R. 475 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 1:01:10 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1151 — “To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and for other purposes.” |
| 1:01:24 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 1:01:26 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1151. |
| 1:16:41 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | 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. |
| 1:16:54 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | By the direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Foxx called up H. Res. 266 and asked for its immediate consideration. |
| 1:21:56 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | POINT OF ORDER – Ms. Edwards raised a point of order against the provisions of H. Res. 266 on the grounds that they violated the Congressional Budget Act. The Chair announced that the necessary threshold had been met and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the point of order at the end of which the Chair will put the question on consideration of the resolution. |
| 1:36:04 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | On question of consideration of the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 1:36:06 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 266 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1797) to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.” |
| 1:36:17 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 266. |
| 3:09:16 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 248). |
| 3:18:11 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 249). |
| 3:18:12 P.M. | H. Res. 266 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 3:18:16 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1151 — “To direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan at the triennial International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, and for other purposes.” |
| 3:18:43 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Roll Call 250 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending. |
| 3:25:48 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 250). |
| 3:25:49 P.M. | H.R. 1151 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 3:26:53 P.M. | H.R. 1947 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 266. H.R. 1947 — “To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes.” |
| 3:26:58 P.M. | H.R. 1947 | The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 1947 and provides for consideration of H.R. 1797 with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit with or without instructions. |
| 3:27:09 P.M. | H.R. 1947 | House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 266 and Rule XVIII. |
| 3:27:10 P.M. | H.R. 1947 | The Speaker designated the Honorable Candice S. Miller to act as Chairwoman of the Committee. |
| 3:28:06 P.M. | H.R. 1947 | GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1947. |
| 4:39:48 P.M. | H.R. 1947 | Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1947 as unfinished business. |
| 4:41:10 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 266. H.R. 1797 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.” |
| 4:41:15 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 1947 and provides for consideration of H.R. 1797 with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit with or without instructions. |
| 4:41:48 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1797. |
| 6:01:33 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. |
| 6:01:53 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 1797, the Chair put the question on passage and, by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of passage until later in the legislative day. |
| 6:02:00 P.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair. | |
| 6:15:25 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 18. | |
| 6:15:39 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1797 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.” |
| 6:45:42 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 251). |
| 6:45:43 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:45:57 P.M. | H.R. 1797 | The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:46:15 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1896 — “To amend part D of title IV of the Social Security Act to ensure that the United States can comply fully with the obligations of the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007 on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, and for other purposes.” |
| 6:54:02 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 252). |
| 6:54:03 P.M. | H.R. 1896 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:54:25 P.M. | Mr. Aderholt filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2410. | |
| 6:55:18 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. |
| 7:01:07 P.M. | SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. | |
| 8:56:31 P.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair. |
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