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Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture
Jon Soltz, VoteVets.org … [Iran] We’re bringing veterans to D.C.
Since we started our campaign to elevate the voices of veterans who support a diplomacy-first approach with Iran, over 20,000 men and women who have worn our country’s uniform have added their names in support.
Today, I want to share a few of their stories with you, and to let you know that in the next few weeks, we’re going to be flying almost two dozen veterans and military family members out the nation’s capital to make their voices heard loud and clear.
Dennis, an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran (Afghanistan) wrote in that “The alternative is an eventual war, again, in the Middle East.”
Matt, an Iraq War Veteran from Colorado added, “Based on my experience in Iraq, I feel that diplomacy is a better path than military action in southwest Asia … Voting [against] the nuclear treaty with Iran would perpetuate our involvement in the region and likely lead to the next generation of our military being worn out in the region.”
Kevin, also an Iraq War Veteran says, “Diplomacy should always be the 1st option. It’s the best option. War is a last resort. With Iraq it was the 1st choice. 4500 Americans and countless Iraqis died for WMD’s that didn’t exist.”
We’re going to bring veterans who have served overseas – people like Dennis, Matt, and Kevin – to tell their legislators how their experiences in war inform their desire for America to reach for a peaceful way to disabuse Iran of their nuclear ambitions.
Contribute $3 today to help us bring them to Washington, D.C. to share their stories.
We received thousands of letters like theirs. Letters from veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Vietnam, and more — generations of combat veterans who wrote in support of the deal.
Congress needs to understand their perspective. Thanks for helping us make their voices heard.
Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran and Chairman
VoteVets
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Understanding The Iran Deal
The United States Reaches A Deal To Cut Off Every Pathway For Iran To Obtain A Nuclear Weapon
After more than two and a half years of intense negotiations, the United States, along with its partners and allies comprising the world’s greatest nations, has reached an agreement that will put Iran’s nuclear program under unprecedented international scrutiny. In exchange for easing economic sanctions, the deal will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
This agreement is the result of years of tough-minded American diplomacy and a comprehensive strategy. When President Obama took office, Iran was hiding a covert nuclear facility and was well on its way to producing a bomb. But after instituting tough sanctions on Iran that helped the United States and the world’s other leading powers negotiate from a position of strength, we have reached an accord that proves that American diplomacy — and not war — can bring meaningful change to make our homeland and the world safer and more secure.
Despite the rhetoric from many who would rather try to score political points instead of do the hard work of actually governing, this agreement is in fact a good deal. In April, the Center for American Progress laid out five criteria to be met in order to ensure US interests are protected and its security concerns are met. The deal reached yesterday meets every single one:
- The agreement cuts off all pathways to an Iranian nuclear weapon.
- The agreement is verifiable through rigorous international inspections of Iran’s nuclear supply chain and facilities.
- Sanctions relief is conditional on Iran fulfilling its commitments and sanctions can “snap back” if those commitments are broken — without being blocked unilaterally by Russia or China.
- The United States retains the ability to counter Iranian human rights abuses and support of terrorism.
- All options remain on the table to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
The many months of negotiations and the decades of economic sanctions have paid off with a meaningful agreement. But now that a deal has been reached, the hard work of monitoring and verification begins. The ultimate success of this deal rests on its robust implementation in the future.
Congress played an important role leading up to the deal by approving sanctions, but now the ball is back in their court. After the hard work of our diplomats, President Obama has made clear that he will veto any attempt to undo the agreement. Congress has 60 days to approve the deal, and has the opportunity to play a constructive role in making the deal even stronger. Instead of the political grandstanding many elected officials employed earlier this spring, Congress should approve the deal and take concrete steps to strengthen it.
BOTTOM LINE: This agreement with Iran is a crucial first step that will allow the United States and its allies to more strongly oppose Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the Middle East. This is just the beginning, not the end, of the hard work. Congress must work to approve and strengthen the deal so attention can turn to robust implementation of the agreement.
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Weekly Address: Meeting the Global Threat of Climate Change
In this week’s address, the President spoke about his upcoming trip to Alaska, during which he will view the effects of climate change firsthand. Alaskans are already living with the impact of climate change, with glaciers melting faster, and temperatures projected to rise between 6 and 12 degrees by the end of the century.
In his address, the President spoke to ways in which we can address these challenges, including the transition away from fossil fuels to more renewable energy sources like wind and solar, an effort in which America is already leading. And he stressed that while our economy still has to rely on oil and gas during that transition, we should rely more on domestic production than importing from foreign countries who do not have the same environmental or safety standards as the United States.
The President looked forward to his upcoming trip, and promised that while he is in office, America will lead the world to meet the threat of climate change before it’s too late.
Watch the President’s Weekly Address here.
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the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 9/8/2015 ~~ the House
The Senate convened at 2:00pm.
Following Leader remarks, the Senate proceeded to the consideration of H.J.Res.61. Senator McConnell offered substitute amendment #2640, related to Congressional disapproval of the proposed Iran nuclear agreement, and then filled the amendment tree with date change amendments.
Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that, with the exception of the McConnell substitute amendment, the pending amendments be withdrawn; that no other amendments, points of order or motions be in order to the joint resolution or McConnell substitute prior to the vote on the McConnell substitute; that at 5:30pm, on Thursday, September 10th, the Senate proceed to vote on the McConnell substitute amendment; that the amendment be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; further, if the McConnell amendment is agreed to, H.J.Res.61, as amended, be read a third time and passed; that the time today until 5pm be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees; that following Leader remarks on Wednesday, September 9th, until 6pm, the time be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees; and that following Leader remarks on Thursday, September 10th, until 5:30pm, the time be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees.
Senator McConnell objected.
Senator McConnell then asked unanimous consent that on Thursday, September 10th at 3:00pm, the substitute amendment to H.J.Res.61 be agreed to, the joint resolution as amended be read a third time and the Senate vote on passage of the resolution as amended.
Senator Reid objected.
Senator McConnell then asked unanimous consent that if cloture is invoked on the substitute amendment to H.J.Res.61, the amendment be agreed to, the joint resolution as amended be read a third time and there be 4 hours of debate equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees and that following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate vote on passage of the resolution as amended.
Senator Reid objected. An unofficial transcript of the exchange is included below.
Today, at 5:00pm, the Senate will enter Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #82, Roseann Ketchmark to be US District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, with 30 minutes equally divided prior to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.
5:33pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #82, Roseann Ketchmark to be US District Judge for the Western District of Missouri;
Confirmed: 96-0
WRAP UP
Roll Call Votes
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #82, Roseann Ketchmark, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri; confirmed: 96-0.
Legislative Business
Agreed to S.Res.243 – 35th anniversary of Small Business Development Centers.
No Executive Business
===================================================
House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of September 08, 2015
| 2:00:00 P.M. | The House convened, starting a new legislative day. | |
| 2:01:04 P.M. | The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. | |
| 2:01:19 P.M. | Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. | |
| 2:02:46 P.M. | The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. | |
| 2:02:49 P.M. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. | |
| 2:03:32 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 August 5, 2015 at 9:18 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 1138, without amendment, S. 1297, and S. 267. | |
| 2:03:45 P.M. | The House received a communication from Timothy H. Reitz, Legislative Assistant, Office of Congressman Jody Hice (GA). Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Reitz notified the House that he had received a grand jury subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, for testimony and documents, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel regarding the subpoena, he will make the determinations required under Rule VIII. | |
| 2:04:05 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 August 6, 2015 at 9:06 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 212, without amendment, H. Con. Res. 72, and S. 1523. | |
| 2:05:48 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 August 6, 2015 at 9:28 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 720, with an amendment, H.R. 2559, without amendment, H.R. 2131, without amendment, H.R. 1531, without amendment, S. 1707, S. 1826, S. 1596, S. 1362, S. 1576, and S. 1347. | |
| 2:06:01 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 Deputy Clerk notified the House that he had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on August 7, 2015 at 10:59 a.m.: that appointments were made to the Commission on Care, and the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China. | |
| 2:06:24 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches. | |
| 2:16:26 P.M. | NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER A PRIVILEGE RESOLUTION – Mr. Roskam of Illinois notified the House of his intention to offer a privilege resolution. | |
| 2:39:50 P.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today. | |
| 4:00:36 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 8. | |
| 4:00:42 P.M. | The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced. | |
| 4:01:20 P.M. | H.R. 1344 | Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1344 — “To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, and young children.” |
| 4:01:29 P.M. | H.R. 1344 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 4:01:31 P.M. | H.R. 1344 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1344. |
| 4:09:55 P.M. | H.R. 1344 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 4:09:57 P.M. | H.R. 1344 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 4:10:14 P.M. | H.R. 1725 | Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1725 — “To amend and reauthorize the controlled substance monitoring program under section 399O of the Public Health Service Act, and for other purposes.” |
| 4:10:22 P.M. | H.R. 1725 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 4:10:23 P.M. | H.R. 1725 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1725. |
| 4:19:54 P.M. | H.R. 1725 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 4:19:56 P.M. | H.R. 1725 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 4:20:28 P.M. | H.R. 1462 | Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1462 — “To combat the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome.” |
| 4:20:37 P.M. | H.R. 1462 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 4:20:39 P.M. | H.R. 1462 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1462. |
| 4:36:20 P.M. | H.R. 1462 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 4:36:22 P.M. | H.R. 1462 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 4:38:37 P.M. | H.R. 2820 | Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2820 — “To reauthorize the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, and for other purposes.” |
| 4:39:28 P.M. | H.R. 2820 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 4:39:30 P.M. | H.R. 2820 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2820. |
| 4:51:53 P.M. | H.R. 2820 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 4:51:55 P.M. | H.R. 2820 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 4:52:10 P.M. | S. 1359 | Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1359 — “To allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by displaying the terms of warranties on Internet websites, and for other purposes.” |
| 4:52:21 P.M. | S. 1359 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 4:52:25 P.M. | S. 1359 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1359. |
| 4:57:12 P.M. | S. 1359 | At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. |
| 4:57:50 P.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today. | |
| 6:32:25 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 8. | |
| 6:32:34 P.M. | UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed. | |
| 6:32:52 P.M. | S. 1359 | Considered as unfinished business. S. 1359 — “To allow manufacturers to meet warranty and labeling requirements for consumer products by displaying the terms of warranties on Internet websites, and for other purposes.” |
| 6:58:39 P.M. | S. 1359 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 – 2 (Roll no. 490). |
| 6:58:39 P.M. | S. 1359 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:59:20 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 70 | Mr. Crawford asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider. |
| 6:59:25 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 70 | Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 70 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.” |
| 6:59:59 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 70 | On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. |
| 7:00:00 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 73 | Mr. Crawford asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider. |
| 7:00:01 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 70 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 7:00:05 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 73 | Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 73 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony.” |
| 7:00:35 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 74 | Mr. Crawford asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider. |
| 7:00:37 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 73 | On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. |
| 7:00:40 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 73 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 7:00:44 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 74 | Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 74 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March.” |
| 7:01:20 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 74 | On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. |
| 7:01:22 P.M. | H. Con. Res. 74 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 7:02:00 P.M. | MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the tragic events in Roanoke, VA. | |
| 7:06:11 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. | |
| 7:24:55 P.M. | SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. | |
| 8:12:50 P.M. | Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 408. | |
| 8:13:24 P.M. | SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches. | |
| 9:45:17 P.M. | Mr. Hoyer moved that the House do now adjourn. | |
| 9:45:30 P.M. | On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. | |
| 9:45:32 P.M. | The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on September 9, 2015. |
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