~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Government Shutdown Pain Spreads

10/11/2013 Nativegrl77

7 Ways the GOP Shutdown is Hurting Americans

House Republican leaders are at the White House right now presenting their plan to give the nation a six-week reprieve from certain economic doom by agreeing that Congress will pay the nation’s bills through November 22.

We’re glad the Republicans recognize that we absolutely cannot risk an economic shutdown by defaulting on our obligations. As President Obama and Democrats have made clear and continue to make clear, it is non-negotiable for Congress to pay the bills Congress itself has already racked up.

Nevertheless, House Republicans are still insisting on prolonging another crisis – the government shutdown – for absolutely no reason. Republicans started this government shutdown in a failed attempt to deny affordable health insurance to millions of Americans but it should not go on a minute longer, whether it’s over Obamacare, hurt feelings, or any other reason.

Here are seven stories of the pain that is rippling across America thanks to the GOP shutdown:

Shutdown Leaves Maine’s Poor Without Heating Assistance As Winter Approaches: Maine has no home heating aid money left from last season as the shutdown wears on the temperatures fall.

Child Care Subsidies Jeopardized By The Shutdown: While many states should be able to cover the costs during the shutdown, some may not have much money to fall back on.

Jobless Claims Spike As Government Shutdown Cripples Thousands Of Contractor Jobs: About 15,000 of last week’s unemployment benefit applications came from laid-off government contractors.

Some Of The Neediest Schools Running Out Of Money As Shutdown Continues: The shutdown is delaying payments that some schools near Native American reservations and military bases need to keep operating.

The Ongoing Government Shutdown Is Preventing The National Institutes of Health (NIH) From Admitting New Patients To Clinical Trials: NIH clinical trials are typically the last resort for people whose illnesses haven’t responded to other types of treatment. Since the shutdown began last week, just a handful of desperately ill patients have managed to get a spot in an experimental trial at the so-called “House of Hope.”

Five Ways The Government Shutdown Is Threatening Our Health And Safety: The government shutdown is compromising everything from workplace safety to food security to public health research.

Republicans Downplay The EPA’s Closure During The Shutdown — Except When It Hurts Their Districts: Some think it’s better when EPA’s not allowed to protect clean air and water. But Rep. Steve King (R-IA) said on Wednesday that he didn’t see why EPA couldn’t just continue writing a biofuels standard he supports.

BOTTOM LINE: Enough is enough. The longer the GOP keeps the government closed, the more Americans and our economy will suffer. It’s time for Speaker Boehner to allow a vote on a clean funding bill to end this shutdown crisis and re-open the entire government.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Ultimate Adventure Bucket List, Photo Tips, and More! National Geographic

10/11/2013 Nativegrl77

Ultimate Adventure Bucket List

Twenty of the world’s top adventurers share the dazzling new frontiers they’ve discovered, as well as their all-time classic trips to add to your list. Plus: Don’t miss the must-have gear they take on every trip.

• See All 40 Trips

IncludingOK

• Surf, Snowboard New Zealand

• Sail, Kayak Around the World

• Climb in Patagonia, Chile

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by John Whitehouse

10/11/2013 Nativegrl77

“[J]ournalists have been suckered into embracing ‘balance’ and ‘neutrality’ at all costs, and the consequences of their choice in an era of political extremism will only get worse and worse.” – Dan Froomkin on coverage of the government shutdown.

John Whitehouse
Twitter: @existentialfish

The False Equivalency Reporting

Tired of the false equivalency reporting about the government shutdown and looming sovereign debt crisis? So are we. Here are just some of the worst examples of this type of reporting: http://mm4a.org/1bI9RTO
Related: Time‘s entertainment writer James Poniewozik explains succinctly why false equivalence matters during this crisis: http://ti.me/16z3v50 While her colleagues honestly report on the severe consequences of default, CNN’s Erin Burnett pushes the GOP line: http://mm4a.org/1a9ePCi

Even 60 Minutes Fell For This

It was disappointing when NPR fell for a right-wing attack on the Social Security disability program. Now, even the venerable 60 Minutes has fallen for it — causing disability rights groups to condemn the report. Hannah Groch-Begley explains: http://mm4a.org/199FcLi
Related: As expected, Fox News pounced on this immediately, without noting the falling number of such claims: http://mm4a.org/GLMQAF

Fox Changes Its Tune

Fox News pushed Republicans to shut down the government, with Sean Hannity even telling them to “hold the line.” But now that the shutdown is unpopular, Hannity is trying to shift blame to President Obama: http://mm4a.org/19jlE5u
Related: “I want to punish these people.” That’s how Fox’s Stuart Varney talks about federal employees currently furloughed. http://mm4a.org/175tiOM Laura Ingraham joined in, saying that she is “just beginning to enjoy” the shutdown because of how it is punishing federal employees: http://bit.ly/16z73nX

FEATURED VIDEO

Yes, Fox News actually pushed a satirical story that Barack Obama was personally funding a Muslim museum during the government shutdown: http://mm4a.org/1fQXFBP

WEEKLY WTF

Fox News had Zeeda Andrews on to promote her truck rally in DC. Fox didn’t mention that she believes Barack Obama and Osama bin Laden are the same person: http://mm4a.org/1amKLV1

INSIDE THE GUN LOBBY

Alex Zaitchik attended Alan Gottlieb’s Gun Rights Policy Conference. He found what the gun lobby is secretly afraid of, and what they’re planning next: http://mm4a.org/15k1RTO

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

5 Things To Know About The Next Citizens United

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Fracking, superstorms, and science: What you don’t know can hurt you

10/11/2013 Nativegrl77

How will my city hold up against the next superstorm? What’s the truth about the effect of fracking on my drinking water? These days our communities are faced with more and more complex issues. To make smart decisions that protect the health, welfare, and environment of our communities, we need access to current, accurate scientific information. With tools like our recently-released fracking information toolkit that helps citizens and policy makers make informed decisions on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), and our upcoming webcasted forum on how communities can improve prediction, response, and recovery in the face of extreme weather events—UCS is working to integrate science into community decision making so we can better plan for a healthier and safer future. —Karla


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Ask a Scientist

Gretchen Goldman
Analyst
Scientific Integrity Initiative

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Gretchen’s blog >>

“With all the polarized discussion about fracking in the news lately, what does the evidence and data actually tell us about the risks associated with this extraction process for oil and natural gas?”—P. Simon, Oscoda, MI Technological advances such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as “fracking”) have resulted in the rapid expansion of unconventional oil and gas extraction from shale and other tight rock formations that had been previously deemed inaccessible or too costly to tap. Fracking for oil and natural gas has now expanded into some 28 U.S. states, creating new risks in new places including drinking-water contamination, air pollution, and earthquake risks. MORE

This Just In

Join us: What can your community learn from New Jersey?
One year after Hurricane Sandy devastated communities on the east coast, UCS invites you to join us for a forum to learn from New Jersey’s circumstances and experience. Discover strategies that can help coastal states throughout the country use the latest available research to make smart planning decisions as we brace for more damaging storms in the future. MORE

Science in Action

$Join the conversation about fracking$

Fracking: You can help separate fact from fiction
When it comes to air and water quality, we can’t play around with the facts. Join UCS experts on October 17 to explore the pressing questions on people’s minds about fracking and its impact on communities. Using our new report findings, we’ll discuss the barriers that people face in trying to find this information, and offer some needed steps to overcome these obstacles. Join our web-based conversation today.

Black History

the Senate considers S.1569,a bill to ensure the complete and timely CR payment CONGRESS 10/11 the House considers H.R. 2642 relating to crop insurance.”

10/11/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:30am on Friday, October 11, 2013.

Following the prayer and pledge, it is expected the Majority Leader will renew his motion to proceed to S.1569, a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until December 31, 2014.

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair to allow for a Republican special caucus with the President.

During Thursday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.1569. Unless an agreement can be reached, that cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Saturday.

After the Senate convened this morning, Senator Reid renewed his motion to proceed to S.1569, Default Prevention Act of 2013 (extends debt limit until December 31, 2014). As a reminder, yesterday he filed cloture on the motion to proceed. Barring an agreement, that cloture vote will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Saturday.

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the Chair in order to allow Senate Republicans to meet with President Obama at the White House.

The Senate has reconvened and is debating the motion to proceed to S.1569, the Default Prevention Act of 2013 (debt limit through December 31, 2014). Senators are permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

At 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 12, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.1569, Default Prevention Act of 2013 (debt limit through December 31, 2014).

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of H.J.Res.79, Border Security and Enforcement Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

*******************************************************************

Last Floor Action:
9:03:04 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.

9:00:25 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:30 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Doug Collins to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:00:45 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:16 A.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mrs. Foxx demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Foxx objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
9:02:44 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wittman to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:04 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.

9:12:49 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 371. H.J. Res. 76 — “Making continuing appropriations for the National Nuclear Security Administration for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
9:13:17 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 76.
9:57:32 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
9:57:40 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that further proceedings on H.J. Res. 76 had been postponed.
9:57:58 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
10:25:34 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 11.
10:25:38 A.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on further consideration of H.J. Res. 76
10:26:53 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 76 — “Making continuing appropriations for the National Nuclear Security Administration for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
10:27:07 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Ms. Kelly (IL) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
10:27:21 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kelly (IL) motion recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, pending reservation of a point of order.
10:30:11 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment was not germane to the underlying bill. Sustained by the Chair.
10:30:11 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
10:32:06 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Ms. Kelly (IL) appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
10:32:22 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Mr. Frelinghuysen moved to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair.
10:56:50 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 195 (Roll no. 541).
11:07:52 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 248 – 176 (Roll no. 542).
11:07:52 A.M.	H.J. Res. 76	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:07:59 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
1:59:59 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 11.
2:00:07 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 380.
2:01:55 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 October 11, 2013 at 10:15 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 1276, and agreed to H. Con. Res. 58, with amendments.
2:02:24 P.M.	H. Res. 380	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 380 — “Relating to consideration of the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2642) 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, providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 378) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to the Secretary of Agriculture’s administration of tariff-rate quotas for raw and refined sugar, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 379) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to crop insurance.”
2:04:19 P.M.	H. Res. 380	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 380.

3:42:19 P.M.	H. Res. 380	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 219 – 193 (Roll no. 543).
3:53:04 P.M.	H. Res. 380	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 189 (Roll no. 544).
3:53:05 P.M.	H. Res. 380	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:53:18 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
3:54:00 P.M.		The House received a communication from Daniel Strodel, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Strodel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District of Columbia, for documents in a third-party civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Strodel had determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.
3:57:49 P.M.	H.R. 2642	Mr. Lucas moved that the House insist upon its amendment to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.
3:57:50 P.M.	H.R. 2642	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to agree to a conference.
3:57:51 P.M.	H.R. 2642	The previous question was ordered without objection.
3:58:24 P.M.	H.R. 2642	On motion that the House insist upon its amendment to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to by voice vote.
3:59:02 P.M.	H.R. 2642	Mr. Peterson moved that the House instruct conferees.
3:59:21 P.M.	H.R. 2642	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the Peterson motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2642. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House to recede to section 1602 of the Senate amendment (relating to suspension of permanent price support authority), and recede to the Senate position in title IV of the Senate amendment providing at a minimum a five-year duration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other nutrition programs.
4:28:47 P.M.	H.R. 2642	The previous question was ordered without objection.
4:29:26 P.M.	H.R. 2642	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Peterson motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2642, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion to instruct conferees and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Peterson demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2642 until a time to be announced.
4:32:38 P.M.	H. Res. 378	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 380. H. Res. 378 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to the Secretary of Agriculture’s administration of tariff-rate quotas for raw and refined sugar.”
4:33:13 P.M.	H. Res. 378	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 378.

5:36:20 P.M.	H. Res. 378	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:36:45 P.M.	H. Res. 378	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 378, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Peterson demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing the resolution until a time to be announced.
5:37:27 P.M.	H. Res. 379	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 380. H. Res. 379 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding certain provisions of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to crop insurance.”
5:37:42 P.M.	H. Res. 379	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 379.
6:25:11 P.M.	H. Res. 379	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
6:25:36 P.M.	H. Res. 379	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
6:25:49 P.M.	H. Res. 379	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:26:37 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:28:10 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:19:25 P.M.		Mr. Mullin asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:30 a.m. on October 12. Agreed to without objection.
7:20:26 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
8:28:10 P.M.		Mr. Swalwell (CA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:28:15 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:28:20 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on October 12, 2013.