~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Thoughts and prayers

04/07/2014 Nativegrl77

After yet another horrific tragedy in Fort Hood this week, we here at the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility would like to offer our thoughts and prayers for all of those affected by this terrible event.

But we know all too well that our thoughts and prayers aren’t enough — we have to offer something more. It is times like this that we are reminded that only together can we address gun violence in our communities, here in our state and across the nation.

We in Washington State are standing together and taking the first step in addressing this problem: We’re going to bring I-594, which would apply existing background checks to all firearm sales in Washington, to the ballot in November.

Take a stand. Join us. Become part of the solution at our Ju‌ne 2‌n‌d event — just click here to RSVP.

In the face of these tragedies, we need to join hands and work together to make our state safer — and we can’t do it without you.

Thank you,

Zach Silk
Campaign Manager
Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Oncologist had discussions with Merck this week, and they rejected our request

04/07/2014 Nativegrl77

Greetings from Mikaela & I, especially to the 200,000+ who’ve joined our team since our previous email update! At 405,000, we now outnumber our old hometown of Oakland, CA!

For both new and established #WeGotThis members, it’s essential that you join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/savemikaela), our blog (http://shegotthis.wordpress.com/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/keithknappjr). We post regular updates and requests for help on these pages, and you’ll miss great shareable content like the #WeGotThis video (http://bit.ly/QMzfPB) if you don’t join us!

You’ll find an update on Mikaela’s health & campaign progress later in this email, but we urgently need your help:

1. Mikaela’s Million — We are working with the change.org folks on planning a day for us to deliver your petitions directly to Merck. Because doing this will require me to leave Mikaela, I want to maximize the impact by having 1,000,000 petitions to hand over. If each of you can get 1-2 of your friends or family to sign the petition, we’ll be able to hit this number easily. Please do it today; Mikaela does not have time to wait.

2. #WeGotThis shirts — Inspired by successful campaigns of the past, we are selling #WeGotThis t-shirts to help fund our campaign. They were designed by Mikaela herself and are available for $15 at http://teespring.com/mikaelaknapp. They are only available until Tuesday (April 8), so buy yours today! The petition URL is on the back of the shirt, so these will be a great way to spread the word with your local community.

3. Social Media Crew: We want to start engaging directly with Merck through their social channels, but we need your help to amplify our noise. If you’re interested in getting involved with this effort, please shoot me an email (keithknappjr@gmail.com) and I’ll add you to our #WeGotThis social media email list. You’ll be prompted to share things like ready-made tweets, so it won’t be a huge time commitment. Before you sign up, please understand that Mikaela & I value the positive tone of the campaign, and will in no way be asking you to attack these companies through their social channels; in fact, we wholeheartedly discourage it.

On to the updates:

First, Mikaela’s health — SHE’S BACK HOME! It always takes her several days to recover from a hospital stay, so she ought to be fully settled by the end of the weekend. We posted a picture of her triumphant return on the #WeGotThis Facebook page, which you should definitely be following for more regular updates than these emails — visit https://www.facebook.com/savemikaela and hit that “LIKE” button right now!

Our fundraiser (http://gfwd.at/1hTL25D) has been a success and we should have our genetic test results within 2 weeks! Thanks to all who donated and those who continue to do so!

Next, an update on our campaign: We’ve had a productive, yet unsuccessful, week of seeking entry into more clinical trials, and we now feel comfortable saying that we have lost all hope on that front. We are shifting the entirety of our efforts to arranging compassionate use with Merck.

Just to be clear, Mikaela’s return home does NOT mean that we have won access to the treatment she needs. Our oncologist had discussions with Merck this week, and they rejected our request for compassionate use. We are not giving up, and our Congressman’s office is working with Merck & the FDA to find ways to assuage their concerns.

Thanks for your continued love and support. Mikaela & I are overcome by the personal level of interest many of you have shown in our cause. Your stories of not giving up and beating cancer fuel our fight, and you’re all playing an essential part in helping us to craft a similar story of our own someday.

With hope for a great week.

#WeGotThis,
Keith

Black History

the Senate considers HR3979,EUB CONGRESS 4/7 the House

04/07/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, April 7, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act, post-cloture with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 5:30pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3979, as amended.

Following the vote on H.R.3979 (UI) tonight, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations listed below. There will be two minutes for debate equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees, prior to each vote. We expect the nominations to be confirmed by voice vote.

– Executive Calendar #688 Francis Xavier Taylor, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security;

– Executive Calendar #706 L. Reginald Brothers, Jr., of Massachusetts, to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security; and

– Executive Calendar #549 Mark Bradley Childress, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania.

At 5:32pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on passage of H.R.3979, as amended, Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2014;

Passed: 59-38

The Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice votes:

– Executive Calendar #688 Francis Xavier Taylor, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security;

– Executive Calendar #706 L. Reginald Brothers, Jr., of Massachusetts, to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security; and

– Executive Calendar #549 Mark Bradley Childress, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #345, S.2199, to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes. Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed would occur on Wednesday, April 9.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

WRAP UP

Wrap Up for Monday, April 7, 2014

Roll Call Vote

1) Passage of H.R.3979, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2014, as amended: Passed: 59-38

Additional Legislative items

Discharged the Judiciary committee and passed S.2195, to deny admission to the US to any representative to the UN who has engaged in espionage activities against the US with Cruz amendments to the bill and the title.

Adopted H.Con.Res.92, to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition

Adopted S.Res.414, supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week

Adopted S.Res.415, Designating April 2014 as “National Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Month”

Adopted S.Res.416, authorizing official photo in the Senate Chamber

Began the Rule 14 process to place H.R.2575, Save American Workers Act, on the Legislative Calendar of Business.

Executive items

Confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

– Executive Calendar #688 Francis Xavier Taylor, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security;

– Executive Calendar #706 L. Reginald Brothers, Jr., of Massachusetts, to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security; and

– Executive Calendar #549 Mark Bradley Childress, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Republic of Tanzania.

===========================================

Last Floor Action:
8:31:04 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 8, 2014.

Last Floor Action: 4/4
4:26:27 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 7, 2014.

12:00:14 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:19 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Frank R. Wolf to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:55 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:09:44 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:12 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 7.
2:00:20 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:56 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:06 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.
2:02:50 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:07:00 P.M.		The House received a communication from Thomas Tillett, District Chief of Staff, Congressman Joe Pitts. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tillett notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, requesting documents in a third-party civil case. He has determined that there are no documents responsive to the subpoena, and that it is not necessary for him to determine whether compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
2:08:26 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 April 7, 2014 at 10:19 a.m.: That the Senate passed H. Con. Res. 88.
2:09:00 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Somalia – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-103).
2:10:38 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
4:02:22 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 7.
4:02:59 P.M.	H.R. 1872	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 539. H.R. 1872 — “To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase transparency in Federal budgeting, and for other purposes.”
4:03:04 P.M.	H.R. 1872	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1874, H.R. 1871, and H.R. 1872. The resolution provides for 1 hour of general debate for each bill. Specified amendments printed in Part B of House Report 113-400 are in order for H.R. 1874. The resolution allows for one motion to recommit with instructions for each bill.
4:48:01 P.M.	H.R. 1872	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
4:48:18 P.M.	H.R. 1872	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 1872 would be postponed.
4:50:18 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:50:27 P.M.	H.R. 3470	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3470 — “To provide for the transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign countries, and for other purposes.”
4:50:47 P.M.	H.R. 3470	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:50:48 P.M.	H.R. 3470	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3470.
5:03:53 P.M.	H.R. 3470	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:03:59 P.M.	H.R. 3470	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
5:08:28 P.M.	S. 404	Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 404 — “To preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.”
5:08:48 P.M.	S. 404	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:08:51 P.M.	S. 404	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 404.
5:26:00 P.M.	S. 404	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:26:59 P.M.	H.R. 4323	Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4323 — “To reauthorize programs authorized under the Debbie Smith Act of 2004, and for other purposes.”
5:27:20 P.M.	H.R. 4323	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:27:23 P.M.	H.R. 4323	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4323.
5:54:57 P.M.	H.R. 4323	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:55:15 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:20:52 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 7.
6:20:55 P.M.	H.R. 1872	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1872 — “To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase transparency in Federal budgeting, and for other purposes.”
6:21:17 P.M.	H.R. 1872	Ms. DeLauro moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on the Budget.
6:21:39 P.M.	H.R. 1872	Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Delauro 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 to prohibit the underlying legislation from taking effect until the female-to-male earnings ratio of full time, year-round workers is at least 100% as determined by the Census Bureau and women receive equal pay for equal work. Additionally, it would ensure that the underlying legislation cannot increase the cost of any loan for a small business, student, veterans housing or any agricultural purpose.
6:32:48 P.M.	H.R. 1872	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:58:46 P.M.	H.R. 1872	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 179 – 217 (Roll no. 165).
7:05:30 P.M.	H.R. 1872	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 230 – 165 (Roll no. 166).
7:05:30 P.M.	H.R. 1872	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:08:06 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 90	Mrs. Miller (MI) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
7:08:20 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 90	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 90 — “Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.”
7:08:26 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 90	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
7:08:40 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 90	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:09:33 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:20:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
8:30:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 7.
8:30:10 P.M.		Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 544.
8:31:00 P.M.		Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:31:02 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:31:04 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 8, 2014.