Monthly Archives: September 2017

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

How can they deny climate science after Harvey, Irma, Jose, and Maria?


We must hold fossil fuel corporations and climate-denying politicians accountable right now!

Take Action!

Give genourously today to hold the line on climate change-fueled extreme weather and to support all of Greenpeace’s work.

Take action

The whole country looks on as survivors in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands piece their lives back together after this month’s extreme weather events. At a time of great anxiety, we can find solace in communities coming together — friends and strangers helping one another repair their homes and remove debris, sharing generators and food, collecting and distributing funds and supplies to those who need them. I’m so proud that Greenpeace’s supporters have been a part of that — your generosity is staggering.

Greenpeace supporters also know that we can’t count on those who fueled these problems to correct them. The people hit hardest by these extreme weather events are focused on restoring their homes and livelihoods — so they’ll need to rely on the rest of us to hold the right people accountable.

Can I count on you to make an urgent gift to help us do just that and support all our work to protect the environment?

As we do all we can to support families and communities that are rebuilding, we must take on the additional work of demanding that fossil fuel corporations and climate science-denying politicians pay for the disasters made worse by undermining climate action. With their obscene profit margins and campaign war chests, it is unconscionable that they would refuse to protect our people and our planet from rising seas and stronger storms. We must force the issue.

Donate right now to stand together, hold the line against the corporations and climate change deniers who got us into this devastating situation, and support all our important campaigns. Let’s do all we can, and stretch as far as we can, to stand up for victims of extreme weather until they have the strength to rejoin us.

Yours in solidarity,

Annie Leonard
Executive Director, Greenpeace USA

P.S. While communities rebuild we must hold fossil fuel corporations and climate science-denying politicians accountable for stronger Hurricanes. Give generously right now to support all of Greenpeace’s important work!

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Celebrating the past and the future! join by Sept 24 ~ Lonnie G. Bunch III, Founding Director of the NMAAHC
Join TodayAs our first anniversary approaches, we are thrilled to think back on the past year—and the long road to the opening of the Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture.

We have so many stories to tell!

It has only been one year, but the Museum’s story is already remarkable. As is that of the over 2 million visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture that have shared it with us.

As much as we celebrate the past, it is equally important to look ahead. That is why I hope you will help the Museum achieve its anniversary wish:

Be one of 1,000 people to join the Museum as a Charter Member before our anniversary!

This is a very time-sensitive action to take because it is one of your last chances to support the Museum and receive Charter Member status.

The Museum is truly a special place. The grand Heritage Hall, the serene Contemplative Court and of course, the state-of-the-art interactive galleries showcasing the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions leave visitors from all walks of life with a deeper understanding of the African American experience.

In every hall and exhibition, we are delivering on a sacred promise to so many generations of African American ancestors—that we will tell and honor their stories. We celebrate their remarkable achievements and the perseverance that kept African American culture alive through hundreds of years of hardship.

But this promise must be pursued and fulfilled with every passing year.

That is why I hope you will help the Museum grow even stronger in the year ahead by joining as a Charter Member today.

We have built a living monument to people who endured unimaginable trials to survive, and despite every setback persevered. Now we must persevere in telling their story—and the story of all those who will come next. It is up to us, and we must succeed.

So please help us meet our goal of inspiring 1,000 people to join the Museum to honor our first anniversary and put us on a path to our strongest future.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Join Ruben | Demand ICE End Random Screening of Latinos


Ruben recently wrote a letter to Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Thomas Homan demanding answers in the wake of reports that the agency obtained guests lists from Motel 6 to target and detain Latinos.

Carmen, immigration officers are now feeling emboldened by Trump to racially profile innocent Latinos.

Will you join Ruben in demanding that ICE end these racist tactics?

Instead of directing their resources toward individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety, ICE agents have been indiscriminately targeting Latinos in Phoenix.

This is what we feared would come from Trump. We can’t let him get away with it.

Join Ruben | Call on ICE to End These Racist Tactics >>

In solidarity,

— GallegoforArizona.com

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the senate Sept 14th-21st **CONGRESS** 2017 the house


Wrap Up 9/21/2017  The Senate stands adjourned to convene for a pro forma session only with no business conducted on Thursday, September 21, at 8:30am. When the Senate adjourns on Thursday, it will next convene at 4:00pm on Monday, September 25, 2017.   On Monday, following leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #176, William…

Wrap Up 9/18/2017 

Roll Call Votes Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.2810, National Defense Authorization Act, as amended; invoked: 90-7. Passage of H.R.2810, NDAA, as amended; passed: 89-8.   Legislative Business Passed Calendar #37, S.188 – EGO Act.   Adopted S.Res.260 – designating September 2017 as “School Bus Safety Month”.   Adopted S.Res.261 – recognizing the month of… MORE

Wrap Up 9/14/2017 

Roll Call Votes Confirmation of Pamela Hughes Patenaude (HUD); confirmed: 80-17. Motion to invoke cloture on McCain-Reed amendment #1003, as modified (substitute); invoked: 84-9.   Legislative Business Passed Calendar #26, S.129 – National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2017, with Wicker substitute amendment.   Passed Calendar #202, S.1393 – to streamline the process… MORE

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

House Activity 9/21/2017

Last Floor Action: 
11:04:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 2(b) of H. Res. 513. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on September 25, 2017.

11:00:09 A.M.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.11:00:19 A.M.The Speaker designated the Honorable Mark Meadows to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.11:00:42 A.M.Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. Gary Studniewski, St. Peters Catholic Church, Washington, DC.11:02:03 A.M.SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – Pursuant to section 2(a) of H. Res. 513, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.11:02:10 A.M.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:02:19 A.M.The House received a communication from Hakeem Jeffries, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jeffries notified the House that he had been served with a third party subpoena for documents, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The United States Attorney’s Office has explained that while Mr. Jeffries’ office is not involved in this matter, it may posses documents that could assist the investigation. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.11:02:30 A.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 September 19, 2017 at 10:21 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 188.11:03:43 A.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 September 20, 2017 at 9:50 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 3110, without amendment.11:04:07 A.M.The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 2(b) of H. Res. 513. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on September 25, 2017.

House Activity 9/18

2:00:18 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:26 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:41 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. Michael Wilker, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Washington, D.C.
2:02:20 P.M. SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – Pursuant to section 2(a) of H. Res. 513, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
2:02:25 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:08 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 September 14, 2017 at 3:06 p.m.: That the Senate agreed to S. Res. 254.
2:03:21 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 September 18, 2017 at 10:46 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 129, S. 1393, S. 1532, and S. 1536.
2:03:58 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 2(b) of H. Res. 513. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on September 21, 2017.

House Activity 9/14

9:00:59 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:01:04 A.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:04 A.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:02:06 A.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Krishnamoorthi to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:02:15 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.
9:16:14 A.M. H.R. 3697 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 513. H.R. 3697 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens associated with criminal gangs, and for other purposes.”
9:16:19 A.M. H.R. 3697 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3697 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
9:17:10 A.M. H.R. 3697 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3697.
10:18:31 A.M. H.R. 3697 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10:18:45 A.M. H.R. 3697 Mr. Beyer moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on the Judiciary.
10:18:56 A.M. H.R. 3697 Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Beyer 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 add at the end of the bill a section pertaining to Protecting Innocent Religious Workers from Deportation.
10:26:50 A.M. H.R. 3697 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
10:51:49 A.M. H.R. 3697 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 220 (Roll no. 516).
11:00:27 A.M. H.R. 3697 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 175 (Roll no. 517).
11:00:29 A.M. H.R. 3697 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:00:30 A.M. H.R. 3354 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3354 — “Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes.”
11:01:32 A.M. H.R. 3354 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
11:07:12 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Palmer amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 – 194 (Roll no. 518).
11:10:27 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Gohmert amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 223 (Roll no. 519).
11:15:01 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Norton amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 222 (Roll no. 520).
11:18:24 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 226 (Roll no. 521).
11:21:40 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 245 (Roll no. 522).
11:25:06 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 221 (Roll no. 523).
11:29:21 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Mitchell amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 241 (Roll no. 524).
11:32:50 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Huizenga amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 211 – 195 (Roll no. 525).
11:36:07 A.M. H.R. 3354 On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 265 – 143 (Roll no. 526).
11:36:13 A.M. H.R. 3354 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3354.
11:36:54 A.M. H.R. 3354 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:37:03 A.M. H.R. 3354 The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
11:38:28 A.M. H.R. 3354 Ms. Jackson Lee moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Appropriations.
11:38:39 A.M. H.R. 3354 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee 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 strike the $2.3 billion in total appropriated for a border wall and for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase detention beds; and to transfer funds to the FEMA Federal Assistance Account to provide addition funds for pre-disaster mitigation services.
11:46:30 A.M. H.R. 3354 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:53:37 A.M. H.R. 3354 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 223 (Roll no. 527).
12:00:23 P.M. H.R. 3354 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 211 – 198 (Roll no. 528).
12:00:25 P.M. H.R. 3354 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:00:37 P.M. H.R. 3284 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3284 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series, and for other purposes.”
12:06:32 P.M. H.R. 3284 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 – 4 (Roll no. 529).
12:06:33 P.M. H.R. 3284 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:06:56 P.M. Mr. Brady (TX) filed a report from the Committee on Ways and Means on H. Res. 479.
12:06:57 P.M. MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia.
12:09:23 P.M. Mr. Allen asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, September 14, 2017, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 18, 2017 and that the order of the House of January 3, 2017, regarding morning-hour debate not apply on that day. Agreed to without objection.
12:09:51 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:31:02 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
1:34:12 P.M. Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:34:21 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:34:22 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on September 18, 2017.