Can’t Deny


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Obama Administration Plans For Release Of National Climate Assessment

There’s a major climate change and public health event that’s set to take place tomorrow, and it doesn’t have to do with the Keystone XL pipeline.

The event is the release of the National Climate Assessment, a high-profile review of the present and future damages that climate change is inflicting and will continue to inflict on the United States. Accompanying the highly scientific report from hundreds of scientists will be a call to action to reduce emissions. And a month from now, the Environmental Protection Agency will propose the first ever limit on carbon pollution from power plants – our largest domestic pollution source. This proposal will likely stir up some controversy on Capitol Hill, where almost six in ten congressional Republicans refuse to believe that humans are the cause of climate change, despite the fact that scientists are as sure of this as they are that cigarettes kill.

Here’s just a bit of what we already know: man-made global warming is bad, and it’s getting worse. It is linked to worsening drought, extreme precipitation, more intense wildfires, and maybe even to lowering the yield of our most important agricultural product, corn. It’s going to make sea levels rise higher, heat waves last longer, and diseases spread farther. Hotter cities means more smog and asthma attacks, too.

The report’s release is also the latest indicator that the White House remains determined to slow climate change. The Obama administration is planning a sizable public outreach effort to coincide with the report: President Obama will give interviews to television meteorologists, including Al Roker of The Today Show; Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will highlight the report while in California; and E.P.A administrator Gina McCarthy will address the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. Today, Counselor to the President (and our organization’s founder) John Podesta addressed the media, shooting down the expected conservative efforts to stop the new power plant climate rule from the E.P.A.: “those have zero percent change of working. We’re committed to moving forward with those rules.”

Americans want our elected leaders to act on climate. And they trust Democrats to do so more than Republicans — in the most recent poll, by an 18-point margin. The release of the National Climate Assessment marks a key moment to focus the nation’s attention on climate change, educate on what the impacts of it have been so far, and marshal support for slashing carbon pollution in the future.

Tune back in tomorrow for a more detailed breakdown of the report’s findings and reactions from around the world of politics.

BOTTOM LINE: The National Climate Assessment, a periodic report by 300 scientists and other experts on the impact of climate change in America, comes out tomorrow. Conservative climate deniers may try to drag their feet in opposition to essential limits on carbon pollution from power plants, but it doesn’t look like they will have much wiggle room from an administration sharply focused on taking meaningful steps to slow the dangerous climate changes hurtling towards us

Student Loans …


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Refinancing Student Loans Allows People To Achieve A Fair Shot

It seems as though everyone—homeowners, corporations, and even state and local governments—is taking advantage of the current historically low interest rates by refinancing their debt. It’s a win for individuals and for the nation as a whole, easing the burden of loan repayment and freeing up income for purchases that stimulate the economy.

But one group is getting left behind in the refinancing trend: students who take out loans to pay for their higher education. And there’s no group that needs it more:

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Indeed, the cost of college tuition and fees has increased an astonishing 1,120 percent in the last 35 years. Student debt now tops $1.2 trillion, with the average graduating senior owing $29,400. One in five households owes student loan debt. Something needs to change.

Yesterday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced a bill to address this issue that is crippling people’s economic security. The bill, called the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, lets student loan borrowers refinance their loans just like other borrowers have been allowed to do. Generation Progress, a leader in promoting this issue, explains how it would work:

Borrowers with student loans currently have to pay them with interest rates of close to 7 percent or more for undergraduate loans, while students taking out new undergraduate loans pay a rate of 3.86 percent under the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, which President Obama signed into law last summer.

Warren’s student loan refinancing bill would allow our students and young Americans to pay back their outstanding loans at the exact same 3.86 percent rate.

The [Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act] was passed with bipartisan support with Senate Republicans signing onto that piece of legislation as recognition of the student debt crisis crippling the American middle class.

…[Warren’s] legislation would be funded by the Buffett Rule, which limits special tax breaks for America’s millionaires and billionaires and helps middle class American families who have worked diligently toward furthering their career and adding value to the country’s economy.

Warren’s bill has 27 co-sponsors in the Senate, all Democrats. Republicans, meanwhile, oppose it because it is paid for with tax reform making sure millionaires don’t pay less in taxes than their secretaries — a policy that has had the support of nearly three-quarters of Americans.

Across the country, it’s getting harder and harder for Americans to afford a middle-class lifestyle. As we mentioned above, refinancing student loan debt along the lines Warren has proposed isn’t just about helping new graduates: young people, middle class families, and seniors will all be on better terms. Here are just a few more reasons why it an essential step:

  • It puts money back in people’s pockets: A borrower paying back $30,500 at 6.8 percent would save just over $53 per month after refinancing.
  • Student loan debt affects people of all ages: The number of education loan borrowers over the age of 60 has tripled since 2005, as parents and grandparents co-sign on loans for their kids.
  • High interest rates disproportionately hurt people of color: Borrowers of color are more likely to depend on financial aid to attend college, including taking out more private loans and exposing themselves to greater financial risk.

BOTTOM LINE: We can strengthen our economy for the long term by improving our education system and raising the skills of American workers. But the costs of a college tuition keeps rising and student debt is spiraling upward. We should put more money back in people’s pockets by refinancing student loans, and Sen. Warren’s bill is a big step forward. Student debt is family debt and solving this problem will assist young people and their families, and help create economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

 

White House events & actions


 

2 minutes and 24 seconds of action

The President made clear in this year’s State of the Union address that wherever and whenever he can take action to expand opportunity for more American families, he’s going to do it — with Congress or without.

While Republicans in Congress have set records in obstruction and inaction, the President has steadily acted on his own to help build real, lasting economic security for the middle class.

President Obama won’t wait for Congress — find out what he’s done already:

Video player: A Year of Action

What Climate Change Means for Regions Across America

The Third U.S. National Climate Assessment confirms that climate change is affecting Americans in every region of the United States and key sectors of the national economy.

READ MORE

State and Local Officials Join the President in Year of Action to Raise the Minimum Wage

In the year since the President first called on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage, 10 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to increase the minimum wage. Connecticut, Maryland, and Hawaii are also lifting their minimum wages to $10.10 an hour, and other states and localities are considering similar legislation.

READ MORE

Taking Action to Attract the World’s Top Talented Professionals

Yesterday, the Obama Administration announced new steps to make it easier for highly skilled workers and talented researchers from other countries to contribute to our economy and ultimately become Americans.

READ MORE

More Than 20 Actions, and Counting:

The President made something very clear in his State of the Union address this past January: Wherever and whenever he can take action to expand opportunity for more American families, he’s going to do it, with Congress or without.

READ MORE

Photo Gallery: Behind the Scenes from January to March 2014

Yesterday, the White House Photo Office uploaded more than 150 photos from January through March of this year, to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what the President and First Lady have been up to.

READ MORE

U.S. to Help Nigeria in the Search for Kidnapped Girls

President Obama discusses the kidnapping of more than 200 teenage girls in Chibok, Nigeria, and says the United States will send military and law enforcement advisors to Nigeria to help rescue the girls.

READ MORE

Continuing to Support National Service Through the Latest Round of AmeriCorps Grants

The Corporation for National and Community Service announces over $205 million in new grants to AmeriCorps programs, which will support over 280 organizations across the country engaged in national service.

READ MORE

White House Social: Teacher Appreciation Week

Yesterday, 22 educators from across the country gathered at the White House for the White House Social for National Teacher Appreciation Week.

READ MORE

 

 

 

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 5/8 ~~ the House


climatephoto

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Thursday, May 8, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the time until 11:15am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 11:15am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and there will be up to 4 roll call votes on the following:

1)     Cloture on Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

2)     Cloture on Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

3)     Cloture on Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois and

4)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #526 Pamela K. Hamamoto – to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador (possible voice vote).

All votes after the first vote in each series will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote.

If cloture is invoked on Executive Calendar numbers 655, 656, or 657, the confirmation votes will be at 1:45pm. Upon disposition of the Rosenstengel nomination, there will be a cloture vote on the Rosenbaum nomination, followed by a vote on confirmation of the Mitchell nomination.

Therefore, there will be up to 5 roll call votes at 1:45pm:

1)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

2)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

3)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois

4)     Cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit and

5)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education.

All votes after the first vote in each series will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote.

During Wednesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on S.2262, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the bill is 1:00pm on Thursday.

11:18am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts.

Invoked: 55-41

The remaining votes in this series will be 10 minute votes.

11:47am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin;

Invoked: 56-40

12:04pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois

Invoked: 54-42

Cloture was invoked on the Rosenstengel nomination by a vote of 54-42. Executive Calendar #526 Pamela K. Hamamoto to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador was confirmed by voice vote.

 

The time until 1:45pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 

At 1:45pm, there will be up to 5 roll call votes (4 expected):

1)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

2)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin

3)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois

4)     Cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit and

5)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education (expected voice vote).

 

All votes after the first vote in each series will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote.

1:48pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts;

Confirmed: 94-0

2:10pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin;

Confirmed: 70-24

2:28pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on cloture on confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois;

Confirmed: 95-0

2:44pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit;

Invoked: 58-36

 

This will be the last roll call vote of the week.

By voice vote, the Senate confirmed Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.3474, which will be used as the legislative vehicle for the Senate Tax Extenders legislation (S.2260). The cloture vote would occur on Tuesday, May 13 or, if cloture is invoked on S.2262, Energy Efficiency, upon disposition of the Energy Efficiency bill.

 

Roll Call Votes

1)     Motion to Invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; Invoked: 55-41

 

2)     Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin; Invoked: 56-40

 

3)     Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois; Invoked 54-42

 

4)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #655 Indira Talwani, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; Confirmed: 94-0

 

5)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #656 James D. Peterson, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin; Confirmed: 70-24

 

6)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #657 Nancy J. Rosenstengel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois; Confirmed: 95-0

 

7)     Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit; Invoked: 57-37

 

Legislative items

Passed S.2197, a bill to repeal certain requirements regarding newspaper advertising of Senate stationery contracts.

 

Adopted H.Con.Res.83, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I.

 

Adopted S.Res.440, recognizing the contributions of teachers to the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States.

 

Completed the Rule 14 process of the following bills in order to place them on the Legislative Calendar:

–        H.R.2824, the Protecting Coal Mining Jobs Act (Republican request) and

–        H.R.3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act (Republican request).

 

Additional Executive items

Confirmed Executive Calendar #526 Pamela K. Hamamoto – to be Representative of the United States of America to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, with the rank of Ambassador by voice vote.

 Confirmed Executive Calendar #615 Theodore Reed Mitchell, of California, to be Under Secretary of Education by voice vote. 

 

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Last Floor Action:5/7
9:56:31 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 8, 2014.

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