Monthly Archives: February 2015

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Fight (At All Costs) Club


By

Congressional Republicans Continue To Play Politics With National Security

There are 15 days (just 5 legislative days) for Congressional Republicans to agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before the agency shuts down, and things are not looking good. Senate and House Republicans have been refusing to pass legislation that will fund the department unless it also dismantles President Obama’s recent executive actions that focus immigration enforcement on felons, not families.

Like they have done in the past holding the U.S. economy hostage by refusing to raise the debt ceiling, and letting the government shutdown because they wanted to take healthcare away from millions of people, now Republicans are playing politics with our national security. Shutting down DHS would have dire consequences. The agency is home to our national security infrastructure, including the Nuclear Detection Office, the Secret Service, Border Patrol and customs officers, TSA, FEMA, and more. Not only would shutting the agency down put our national security at risk, but it would also leave more than 143,000 workers — many of whom risk their lives daily to protect our nation — without a paycheck.

Meanwhile, the president’s immigration plan that is of such concern to the GOP is in fact a big gain for the country on both the national security and economic security fronts. The order allows low-priority immigrants to come forward, pass background checks and apply for deferred action and a work permit, which means fewer people living in the shadows and beyond the rule of law. And under this plan, immigrants would be better integrated into our economy as well: working legally and paying their fair share of taxes would bring in $22.6 billion in new payroll tax revenue over the next 5 years and increase GDP by $90 to $210 billion in the next 10.

The conflict is being driven by tea party Republicans who refuse to pass a clean funding bill — but GOP leadership and other less extreme Republicans refusing to take responsibility and address this ploy deserve equal blame. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL), for example, has been on both sides of the debate in just the last two days. On Tuesday, he threatened to build “coffins outside each Democratic office” if they didn’t acquiesce to the GOP’s demands and there was a successful attack during a DHS shutdown. On Wednesday, just after polling found that voters in his state favor the President’s immigration action by two-to-one, Kirk changed his tune: “As the governing party, we should govern. I would think we should just pass a regular appropriations bill under regular order.” (Sen. Kirk is up for re-election next year. Coincidence?)

Other conservatives in Congress may continue to refuse to acknowledge the benefits of the president’s actions on immigration, but a majority of Americans do, according to a Public Religion Research Institute poll released today. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of Americans want Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform rather than overturn Obama’s policies, including 62 percent of Republicans. And more than three-quarters (76 percent) support the policies included in the president’s action on immigration, including a majority of GOP voters.

BOTTOM LINE: There is no excuse for playing politics with national security, especially at a time when our commander-in-chief is asking Congress to authorize the use of military force in the face of increased national security threats. Congressional Republicans have shown that they are willing to do just that. Now in control of both chambers of Congress, Congressional Republicans are trying to use the funding of essential government programs as leverage to deport parents and children.

Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 2/13 ~Pro-forma 2/16 & 2/19 ~ the House


capitolsnowclosed

  ~ February 27,2015 DHS shutdown deadline ~

Will Republicans let DHS shutdown?

 btw #MitchMcconnell is in charge of the Senate, contrary to what Boehner is telling America ~ Ask Republicans what amendments or poison pills have they attached that causes DNC problems?

Shutdown&Security Vs Immigration

Dems are calling for a so-called “clean” DHS funding bill free of any controversial GOP riders targeting President Obama’s executive immigration actions.

The Senate stands adjourned to convene for pro forma sessions only, with no business conducted, on the following dates and times:

Monday, February 16, 2015 at 4:45pm and

Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 10:00am.

When the Senate adjourns on Thursday, February 19, it will stand adjourned until 3:00pm on Monday, February 23, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, Senator Hoeven will be recognized to deliver Washington’s Farewell Address. Following the reading, the Senate will recess until 4:30pm and upon reconvening will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.240 (DHS approps). At 5:30pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.240.

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Last Floor Action:
12:22:42 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 17, 2015.

Last Floor Action:
9:17:09 A.M. -H.R. 636
DEBATE – The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 636.

9:00:17 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:26 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable John J. Duncan Jr. to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:00:47 A.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:34 A.M. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. LaMalfa 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. LaMalfa objected to the voice vote based on the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
9:03:01 A.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McClintock to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:11 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.
9:16:18 A.M. H.R. 636 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 101. H.R. 636 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend increased expensing limitations, and for other purposes.”
9:16:23 A.M. H.R. 636 The resolution provides for consideration of both H.R. 644 and H.R. 636 under closed rules.
9:17:09 A.M. H.R. 636 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 636.

10:30:58 A.M. H.R. 636 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10:31:24 A.M. H.R. 636 Mr. Neal moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Ways and Means.
10:31:43 A.M. H.R. 636 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require that the bill be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to extend the tax provisions in the underlying bill for one year in order for comprehensive tax reform to address these provisions. It also would prevent these three temporary tax provisions from permanently adding to the deficit, as opposed to the permanent extension in the underlying legislation that costs $79.2 billion and puts further pressure on the United States domestic discretionary priorities, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was withdrawn.
10:40:48 A.M. H.R. 636 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:07:50 A.M. H.R. 636 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 173 – 241 (Roll no. 81).
11:15:02 A.M. H.R. 636 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 272 – 142 (Roll no. 82).
11:15:03 A.M. H.R. 636 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:16:04 A.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed from earlier in the legislative day.
11:23:36 A.M. On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 158, 1 Present (Roll no. 83).
11:23:58 A.M. Mr. Russell asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, February, 13, 2015, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2015, and that the order of the House of January 6, 2015, regarding morning-hour debate not apply on that day. Agreed to without objection.
11:24:00 A.M. United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 1928a, and the order of the House of January 6, 2015 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly: Mr. Turner, Mr. Johnson of OH, Mr. Miller of FL, Mr. Marino, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Cook and Mr. Kinzinger of IL.
11:24:10 A.M. Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy – Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4355(a), and the order of the House of January 6, 2015 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy: Mr. Pompeo and Mr. Womack.
11:25:05 A.M. Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy – Pusuant to 10 U.S.C. 6968(a), and the order of the House of January 6, 2015 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy: Mr. Young of IN and Mr. Rooney of FL.
11:25:30 A.M. Board of Visitors to the United States Coast Guard Academy – Pursuant to 14 U.S.C. 194, and the order of the House of January 6, 2015 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Coast Guard Academy: Mr. Smith of NE.
11:26:00 A.M. Board of Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy – Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 9355(a),and the order of the House of January 6, 2015 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Air Force Academy: Mr. Lamborn and Ms. McSally.
11:27:00 A.M. Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy – Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 51312(b), and the order of the House of January 6, 2015 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Mr. King of NY.
11:28:24 A.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
11:42:51 A.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
12:22:34 P.M. Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.
12:22:41 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
12:22:42 P.M. The House adjournedpursuant to a previous special order.The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on February 17, 2015.

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a message from President Barack Obama … #ACAIsHereToStay!


I spent the morning meeting with people who were benefitting from the Affordable Care Act — some folks who are saving hundreds of dollars a month on their premiums, a few people with preexisting conditions who now have access to coverage, and someone who took advantage of a free checkup, caught a tumor early, and is now cancer free.

Then in the afternoon, I saw that Republicans in the House voted to repeal the law that’s providing all of those benefits.

The idea that we would even consider taking that away from the tens of millions who are benefitting under this law makes no sense.

So I’m asking: Will you join me in standing up for Obamacare today?

The Affordable Care Act is not an abstraction. For Americans all over the country, it’s about providing the security they need to live their lives.

So why is it that making sure that folks lose access to health care is at the top of the Republican agenda in this new Congress?

It’s working: People are being covered, and plans on the exchanges are affordable. Health care inflation is at its lowest rate in 50 years. The overall tab for the Affordable Care Act is less than originally projected.

I would just ask our Republican friends to once again consider why they think it’s an important priority to take away health care for millions of people. But as long as they do, I’m going to be standing up for this law.

I hope you’ll join me:

http://my.democrats.org/Obamacare-Is-Here-to-Stay

Barack Obama

P.S. — The progress we’ve made on health care because of the Affordable Care Act is just one of the things I’m looking forward to talking about next week, when Democrats come together in Washington for the DNC’s annual Winter Meeting.

If you enter before midnight tonight, you could have a chance to join me there.

Black History

the Senate ~~~ CONGRESS 2/12 ~~~ the House


redpeacesign

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Thursday, February 12, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Democrats controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Ashton Carter to be Secretary of Defense until 2:00pm with the time equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees. At 2:00pm, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Carter nomination.

 

2:07pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #12, Ashton B. Carter, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Defense.

Confirmed: 93-5

Following the vote on confirmation of the Carter nomination (confirmed 93-5), the Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R.240, DHS appropriations. Senator McConnell then asked unanimous consent that the motion to proceed be agreed to; the managers, or their designees, be recognized to offer amendments in an alternating fashion, with the majority manager offering the first amendment.

Senator Durbin objected.

Senator Durbin then asked unanimous consent that following the enactment of the text of S.272, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Democratic Leader, but no later than Monday, March 16th, the Senate proceed to the consideration of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, as passed by the Senate by a vote of 68-32 on June 27, 2013, the text of which is at the desk.

Senator McConnell objected and then filed cloture on the motion to proceed. We expect the cloture vote to occur at 5:30pm on Monday, February 23, 2015.

 

 

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #12, the nomination of Ashton Carter to be Secretary of Defense: confirmed: 93-5.

Legislative Business

Adopted Calendar #18, S.Res.73: Committee Funding.

Adopted S.Res.52: Calling for the release of Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko.

Adopted S.Res.78: Honoring the life of Jerry Tarkanian.

Adopted S.Res.79: Honoring the life of Dean Smith.

Adopted S.Res.80: Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year.

Adopted S.Res.81: Expressing the sense of the Senate re: trafficked children

Adopted S.Res.82: Commending Kathleen Alvarez Tritak on her service to the United States Senate.

Executive Business

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Last Floor Action:
2:00:51 P.M. -H. Res. 101
On ordering the previous question Roll Call 77 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

Last Floor Action: 2/11
7:58:42 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 12, 2015.

10:00:28 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:41 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Evan H. Jenkins to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:49 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.
10:33:45 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:53 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 12.
12:00:56 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:02:12 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:16 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Brownley of CA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:37 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.
12:39:32 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 February 12, 2015 at 9:09 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 295.
12:40:52 P.M. H. Res. 101 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 101 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 644) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and expand the charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 636) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend increased expensing limitations, and for other purposes.”
12:42:06 P.M. H. Res. 101 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 101.
1:31:09 P.M. H. Res. 101 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the resolution, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the Yeas and Nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until a time to be announced.
1:32:31 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:21 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 12.
2:00:31 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announed that the unfinished business was the question on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 101, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:00:46 P.M. H. Res. 101 Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 101 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 644) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and expand the charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 636) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend increased expensing limitations, and for other purposes.”
2:00:51 P.M. H. Res. 101 On ordering the previous question Roll Call 77 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

2:30:02 P.M. H. Res. 101 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 164 (Roll no. 77).
2:39:39 P.M. H. Res. 101 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 163 (Roll no. 78).
2:39:40 P.M. H. Res. 101 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:40:42 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 February 12, 2015 at 1:42 p.m.: appointments were made to the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China; the National Council on the Arts; the United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki); Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; President’s Export Council; and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.
2:41:02 P.M. H.R. 644 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 101. H.R. 644 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and expand the charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory.”
2:41:07 P.M. H.R. 644 The resolution provides for consideration of both H.R. 644 and H.R. 636 under closed rules.
2:42:14 P.M. H.R. 644 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 644.
4:23:52 P.M. H.R. 644 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
4:24:12 P.M. H.R. 644 Mr. Neal moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Ways and Means.
4:24:24 P.M. H.R. 644 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment that adds 3 new sections to the bill. The point of order was subsequently withdrawn.
4:34:17 P.M. H.R. 644 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:00:21 P.M. H.R. 644 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 168 – 245 (Roll no. 79).
5:09:21 P.M. H.R. 644 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 279 – 137 (Roll no. 80).
5:09:22 P.M. H.R. 644 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:15:01 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:27:35 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:47:44 P.M. Mr. Denham moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:47:55 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:48:00 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 13, 2015

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Progressive Breakfast: 13 Questions: About Greece, Europe, Austerity – and Us


Richard Eskow

13 Questions: About Greece, Europe, Austerity – and Us

Every day brings more headlines in the European debt drama: “Greece elects anti-austerity government.” “Greek Finance Minister says he won’t negotiate with the ‘Troika.’” “Anti-austerity movements gain ground across Europe.” What’s behind these stories? What does the future hold? What, if anything, are the implications for the United States?

Capital & Main Takes On Inequality

California news site Capital & Main launches month-long series on “how economic inequality is transforming California, and what can be done to rebuild our vanishing middle class.”

Greece v. Europe

Europe squeezes Greece. NYT:“The central bank decided that it would no longer accept Greek government bonds as collateral for loans, saying that it was not confident the country could meet its bailout requirements. The move raises the stakes for Greece, indicating that the European Central Bank, at least, is not prepared to bend its rules to accommodate the country’s newly elected government.”

Greece doesn’t budge. Bloomberg:“The government ‘remains unwavering in the goals of its social salvation program, approved by the vote of the Greek people,’ according to a Finance Ministry statement issued overnight.”

House GOP v. Senate GOP

Party split over immigration and funding Homeland Security. Politico:“What has caused the most consternation among top Republicans is a palpable fear that their party could incur a political backlash if the impasse causes a shutdown of an agency so essential to national security if no deal is reached before the Feb. 27 deadline … [But a]nything less than a full-fledged battle would spark a revolt from the right.”

“Democrats feel they have political leverage and have shown no sign of backing down,”reports The Hill.

Can Republicans even agree on a budget? WSJ:“Rep. Tom Price (R., Ga.), who heads the House Budget Committee, has promisedto offer a proposal that balances the budget in 10 years, which would require much deeper spending cuts than what many Democrats—and possibly those Republican senators who face re-election next year—will agree to…”

Trio of Republicans propose actual replacement for Obamacare. NYT:“[The bill] would halt the expansion of Medicaid and scale back subsidies for middle-income people to buy private insurance … [It would] reduce federal regulation of insurance policies [and] no longer require insurance policies to include coverage for maternity care … Their plan includes a potentially explosive proposal: Workers would have to pay federal income tax on the value of employer-provided health benefits that exceed certain annual thresholds — $12,000 for individuals and $30,000 for families.”

Nothing new from Jeb. W. Post’s Jim Tankersley:“…Jeb Bush’s speech on Wednesday before the Detroit Economic Club … was the highest-profile example to date of a Republican presidential hopeful embracing economic inequality and middle-class stagnation as problems that define America. What it was not — at least on its face — was a break with orthodox conservative thinking about the economy.”

Conservatives In States Target Workers

IL Gov. Bruce Rauner aims to weaken labor. NYT:“[Gov. Rauner] said on Wednesday that the state should ban some political contributions by public employee unions and allow local ‘right to work’ laws … reporters tried repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, to get the longtime Assembly speaker, Michael J. Madigan, to voice a firm opinion about the governor’s suggestions on right-to-work laws.”

TN legislature rebuffs GOP governor who wanted to expand Medicaid. The Hill:“[Gov. Bill] Haslam, a Republican, failed to garner enough support among members of his own party. Only three of the 10 Republicans on the [Senate] Health panel voted for the plan; the final vote was 7 to 4 against expansion.”