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Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture
Payroll Tax Cut: Putting Money Back in the Pockets of Middles Class Washington Families
Payroll Tax Cut: Putting Money Back in the Pockets of Middles Class Washington Families
This week I will continue fighting for the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011, a bill that would extend and expand the payroll tax cut for middle class workers. I was disappointed that Republicans blocked this important legislation last week, but I will not give up. I feel very strongly that at a time when so many middle class families are struggling, we owe it to them to extend and expand a provision that puts money back into their pocket – particularly as the holiday season approaches.
Last week, I launched an interactive map on my website to highlight the potential impact on Washington state families if Congress fails to extend the payroll tax cut into next year. The median Washington family has a yearly income of $56,479. Under the current 2% payroll tax cut – that I am fighting to extend – that family is saving approximately $1,130 per year on their tax bill. If the current tax cut expires, their yearly tax bill will go up by that amount. If the payroll tax cut is expanded to 3.1%, as proposed in this bill, that family’s savings will increase to $1,751 per year.
Unacceptable Wait Times for VA Mental Health Care
Last week, I chaired a hearing focused on the long wait for mental health care at some VA facilities across the country – the second hearing on this topic I’ve held this year. At the first hearing, on July 14th of this year, the Committee heard the first-hand stories of two service members, who even after attempting to take their own lives, had mental health care appointments postponed and difficulties cutting through the red tape in order to get care. At last week’s hearing, the Committee heard from a VA psychologist and mental health care coordinator who testified about delays in providing mental health care treatment, including care for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). That hearing also raised questions on whether VA providers were using techniques to ensure initial mental health care appointments fall within the VA’s required 14 day window, without providing true access to care at those appointments.
Following last week’s hearing, I called on the VA’s Inspector General to launch an investigation into wait times for mental health care at VA facilities.
“Senators tell VA to speed up mental health help for veterans” – The Seattle Times
A Huge Victory for Aerospace in Washington
Last week, I applauded the announcement by Boeing and the International Association of Machinists that a tentative agreement had been reached over contract negotiations and production of the 737 MAX in Washington state. This is a monumental announcement for the future of aerospace in Washington state. There is no better news for our region’s economy than a contract agreement between Boeing and the Machinists, and confirmation that Renton will remain home to the 737 line. The ramifications of this news will be felt in businesses large and small, around kitchen tables, and in communities throughout the Puget Sound for years to come. I commend the leadership of both IAM and Boeing for coming to the table, negotiating in good faith, and putting the needs of our region and its workers first. Our state has the skilled workforce, infrastructure, and education resources to continue to be the world’s leader in aerospace. But it’s up to us to ensure that leaders across our state continue to work hand-in-hand to maximize all of our resources. When Boeing and IAM work together, our region wins. I look forward to continued cooperation between both sides as they build on the trust and achievements forged in these negotiations.
“A substantial accomplishment for Boeing, Machinists and the state”
– The Seattle Times
“Big win, huge opportunity”
– The Everett Herald
Twitter Round-up
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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate
Schedule for Monday, December 5, 2011
On Monday, December 5, the Senate will convene at 2:00pm.
Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nominations listed below. There will be up to 1 hour for debate on the nominations.
#363 Edgardo Ramos – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
#364 Andrew L. Carter, Jr. – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
#365 James Rodney Gilstrap – to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas
#406 Dana L. Christensen – to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana
At 5:30pm there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of one of the judicial nominations. We expect the remaining three judges to be confirmed by consent. As a reminder, cloture was filed on the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia. That cloture vote will occur at noon on Tuesday.
At 4:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:
– #363 Edgardo Ramos – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
– #364 Andrew L. Carter, Jr. – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
– #365 James Rodney Gilstrap – to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas
– #406 Dana L. Christensen – to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana
There will be up to one hour of debate on the nominations equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Ramos nomination. We hope the other nominations will be confirmed by voice vote.
5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Edgardo Ramos, of CT, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 89-0
WRAP UP …
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Confirmation of Edgardo Ramos, of Connecticut, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 89-0
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Passed Calendar #239, S.384, a bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to extend the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal to raise funds for breast cancer research.
Adopted S.Res.343, commemorating the 84th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5, 2011.
Began the Rule 14 process of S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (Casey)
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Confirmed the following by voice vote:
#364 Andrew L. Carter, Jr. – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
#365 James Rodney Gilstrap – to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas
#406 Dana L. Christensen – to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana
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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 5, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2011.4:04:52 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.4:04:42 P.M. -Mr. Hastings (WA) moved that the House do now adjourn.4:02:53 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.4:02:11 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:00:28 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 32.4:00:26 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32Considered under suspension of the rules.4:00:07 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. S. Con. Res. 32 — “To authorize the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make technical corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 470, an Act to further allocate and expand the availability of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam, and for other purposes.”3:59:14 P.M. -S. 683At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.3:56:23 P.M. -S. 683DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 683.3:56:19 P.M. -S. 683Considered under suspension of the rules.3:56:01 P.M. -S. 683Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 683 — “To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Mantua, Utah.”3:55:14 P.M. -H.R. 1560At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.3:50:04 P.M. -H.R. 1560DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1560.3:50:02 P.M. -H.R. 1560Considered under suspension of the rules.3:50:01 P.M. -H.R. 1560Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1560 — “To amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe.”3:49:12 P.M. -H.R. 2351At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.3:46:36 P.M. -H.R. 2351 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2351.3:46:35 P.M. -H.R. 2351Considered under suspension of the rules.3:46:19 P.M. -H.R. 2351Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2351 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to continue stocking fish in certain lakes in the North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.”3:45:36 P.M. -H.R. 2360At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.3:39:26 P.M. -H.R. 2360DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2360.3:39:23 P.M. -H.R. 2360Considered under suspension of the rules.3:39:02 P.M. -H.R. 2360Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2360 — “To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to extend the Constitution, laws, and jurisdiction of the United States to installations and devices attached to the seabed of the Outer Continental Shelf for the production and support of production of energy from sources other than oil and gas, and for other purposes.”3:38:32 P.M. -S. 535At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.3:37:18 P.M. -S. 535DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 535.3:37:15 P.M. -S. 535Considered under suspension of the rules.3:37:01 P.M. -S. 535Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 535 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands within Fort Pulaski National Monument, and for other purposes.”3:36:14 P.M. -H.R. 944At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lujan objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.3:33:58 P.M. -H.R. 944DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 944.3:33:56 P.M. -H.R. 944Considered under suspension of the rules.3:33:20 P.M. -H.R. 944Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 944 — “To eliminate an unused lighthouse reservation, provide management consistency by incorporating the rocks and small islands along the coast of Orange County, California, into the California Coastal National Monument managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and meet the original Congressional intent of preserving Orange County’s rocks and small islands, and for other purposes.”3:33:05 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until December 6.3:31:48 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 1540 amended. Senate insisted on its amendment and asked for a conference.3:30:09 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 5.2:04:08 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:30 P.M. today.2:03:30 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.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.2:02:02 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:29 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:25 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 5.12:05:41 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.12:01:30 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.12:00:52 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:25 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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Made in America … Obama
It’s no surprise that professional conspiracy theorists are still on the birth-certificate warpath — but now elected officials are getting their backs.
Yesterday, four Republicans in the New Hampshire State House allowed a hearing requested by a group of birthers who want President Obama officially removed from the state’s primary ballot.
It’s not clear whether all this is a smokescreen or whether these dead-enders actually believe this stuff. But they aren’t letting the facts get in their way — one group in Arizona has even demanded that the President “release the microfiche” of his birth certificate.
Sadly, I don’t have any microfiches on hand, but we have the next best thing: In honor of birthers everywhere, we’re re-releasing the campaign’s limited-edition “Made in the USA” mugs.
Donate $20 or more today and we’ll send you one — complete with a reprint of the President’s birth certificate on the side for everyone to see. BarackObama.com
Here’s what one of the state representatives backing the effort had to say about yesterday’s hearing: “I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but even I could take [the long-form birth certificate] apart and see that it was fraudulent.”
Well, I won’t argue with one part of that statement.
There’s clearly nothing we can do to satisfy this crowd — or anyone else who insists on wasting time and energy on nonsense like this.
But when it starts to make your head hurt, I’ve found the best remedy is to have some tea in my “Made in the USA” mug.
Works like a charm. I recommend Earl Grey:
Thanks,
Julianna
Julianna Smoot
Deputy Campaign Manager
Obama for America
Be a Seed for Change 
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