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a message from Sen.Patty Murray -dogged


Republicans don’t have to destroy Medicare. Republicans are choosing to destroy Medicare because preserving tax breaks for oil corporations and billionaires is a bigger priority to them.

This is why we fight. We can’t allow Republicans – and their skewed priorities – to control the Senate, and they will if they gain just four seats. What you do right now truly matters!

The end of this month marks a critical FEC deadline. If we don’t raise $710,342 by June 30, we won’t have the resources to hold the Senate and stop their extreme agenda – such as ending Medicare – from becoming law. We CAN win, but it won’t happen without an army of grassroots supporters – including you.

Please give an immediate $5 or more to the DSCC. Every dollar you give will help Democrats fight – and will help keep Republicans out of power in the Senate. I’m counting on you to help stop them!

When I stepped up to lead the fight to keep our Senate majority, I told my Democratic colleagues that I would be all in, but I needed them to be all in, too. And they are. But that’s not enough. I need each and every grassroots Democrat to step up, too.

We’ve seen the extremes Republicans are willing to go to – their dogged pursuit of ending Medicare is just one example. And they’ll be attacking our candidates even harder than they’re attacking our social safety net. Karl Rove’s American Crossroads and Citizens United’s own PAC are already gearing up.

We see what’s coming. We know the fierce fight that lies ahead. And we know exactly what we need to do to win it. We can’t wait. The Republicans sure aren’t.

We must raise $710,342 by June 30 if we’re going to keep Republicans out of power. Please give $5 or more right now. Every dollar you give will help Democrats fight – and will help keep Republicans out of power. We need your help!

The stakes are higher than a simple Senate majority. This election will determine the path our nation takes. Are we the type of nation that protects the least among us? Or are we the type of nation that allows the young, old, sick and needy to fend for themselves while oil corporations and billionaires reap all the rewards?

This is the time to stand up for what we – as Democrats – believe in. Thank you for joining the fight.

Sincerely,

Sen. Patty Murra

UPDATE: Wisconsin …from BoldProgressives.org


BREAKING: It was just announced in Wisconsin that the unprecedented recall elections of Republicans will take place August 9.

And we’re on offense! If we win, it will be a major defeat for Gov. Scott Walker‘s war on working families — and be seen nationally as a major accountability moment.

Can you help us stay on offense by making calls to key Wisconsin voters soon?

Yes! I’ll make calls from my home — show me the various shifts!

No, thanks — but I’ll donate $3 to support this recall campaign.

Before the calls, we’ll get an insider update from top organizers — including our staffer on the ground in Wisconsin.

Our state-of-the-art calling system is easy to use, and you’ll get all the training you need. Then, we’ll call Wisconsin voters in swing districts.

This is a fight that matters not just in Wisconsin, but for the whole country. Can you sign up to make calls from home?

Yes! I’ll make calls!

No, thanks — but I’ll donate $3 to support this recall campaign.

Thanks for being a bold progressive.

— Michael Snook, Keauna Gregory, Stephanie Taylor, Jeremy Feigenbaum, Caroline Dean, and the PCCC team

Tell Your Members of Congress to Protect Medicaid


National Women's Law Center - Don't Discount Women: Demand Fair Change Not Spare Change
 
 
     
  Tell Your Members  
     
   
     
  Urge your Members of Congress to reject Medicaid cuts, in any form. Call 1-866-922-4970 today!  
     
  Take Action  
     

 

“The Medicaid program for the poor is facing significant cuts in an emerging bipartisan budget deal as Republicans seek to shrink entitlements and Democrats protect other priorities.”Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2011

You’re probably reading in the papers about the ongoing budget debates. Many people are talking about the importance of Medicare and why securing it is critical for elderly individuals. Often ignored in these discussions is Medicaid — the equally vital program for individuals who are elderly, live with disabilities, and economically vulnerable parents — which is at serious risk.

Call 1-866-922-4970 and tell your Members of Congress to preserve Medicaid by rejecting any proposals to cut or restructure this vital program.

Cutting Medicaid would be devastating for women and their families, including many of the same women who also depend on Medicare. Women are more likely to be low-income than men. They also are more likely to hold low-wage or part-time jobs that don’t offer employer-sponsored health insurance. As a result, they comprise more than two-thirds of the adults who receive Medicaid. For many women, Medicaid may be their only source of health coverage, and the current threats to Medicaid will harm women disproportionately. And despite the political rhetoric, cuts to this vital program will not save money. They will just shift costs from the federal government to states, localities and providers, while increasing the burden on seniors who depend on the program for long-term care, people with disabilities, and children and their families.

Don’t let irresponsible cuts to the federal budget harm the most vulnerable women. Call 1-866-922-4970 and urge your Members of Congress to reject Medicaid cuts, in any form.

Besides the danger to Medicaid, the budget passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year and other proposals pending in Congress threaten many additional programs critical to women and their families. Funding for food stamps, child care, Head Start, K-12 education, Pell grants, family planning, domestic violence prevention, and much, much more are at risk.

Your voice will be vital in helping us keep these services safe for women and their families — join us and Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change.

Sincerely,

 
Judy Waxman   Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center
 

P.S. Want to know how threats to Medicaid would affect women in your state? Check out our state-by-state Medicaid fact sheets.

Bankrate.com


 
Auto loan rates for June 16, 2011 | 2011-06-16
Here are the average auto loan rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 
 
National mortgage rates for June 16, 2011 | 2011-06-16
See rates from our survey of CDs, mortgages, home equity products, auto loans and credit cards.
 
 
Credit card interest rates for June 16, 2011 | 2011-06-16
Here are the average credit card rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 
 
Trim fuel costs with gas rewards cards | 2011-06-16
Some cards offer rebates of 5 percent or more, but that might not be the best deal for you.
 
 
CD rates for June 16, 2011 | 2011-06-16
Here are the average CD rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
 
 
Home equity loan rates for June 16, 2011 | 2011-06-16
Here are the average home equity rates from Bankrate’s weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.

Congress- the Republican led House defunds – the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET June 16, 2011

      • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.782, the Economic Development Act. The Feinstein amendment #476 and McCain amendment #411 will be debated concurrently with up to 4 hours of debate with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
      • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 2pm if all time is used), the Senate will proceed to 2 roll call votes in relation to the amendments in the following order:
          • Feinstein #476, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)
          • McCain #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
        • Each amendment will require 60 votes in the affirmative. Upon disposition of the McCain amendment, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
      • There will be no further roll call votes this week.
      • During Thursday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.782, the Economic Development Act.
      • Senator Reid then made a motion to proceed to Calendar #75, S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act.
      • The Senate is now in morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.
      • Today’s roll call votes:
        • Feinstein amendment #476, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit); Agreed to: 73-27
        • McCain amendment #411 (prohibits Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities); Not Agreed to: 41-59
      • The following amendments are pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
        • DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
        • Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
        • Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
        • Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
        • Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
        • Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
        • Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
        • Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
        • McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
        • Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
        • Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
        • Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
        • Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
        • Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
        • McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)
    • Unanimous Consent
    • Adopted S.Res.209, Congratulating the Dallas Mavericks on winning the 2011 National Basketball Association Championship.Adopted S.Res.210, congratulating the Boston Bruins for winning the 2011 Stanley Cup Championship.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 16, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

3:37 P.M. – On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 20, 2011.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:31 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:26 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:06 P.M. – Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Thursday, June 16, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1934:
to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes 

2:05 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed without objection.

H. Res. 299:
permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker 

2:04 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1934:
to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes 

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H. Res. 299:
permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker 

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered by unanimous consent.

S.J. Res. 9:
providing for the reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed without objection.

H. Res. 299:
permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on a date designated by the Speaker 

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

S.J. Res. 9:
providing for the reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

2:03 P.M. – Considered by unanimous consent.Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

S.J. Res. 7:
providing for the reappointment of Shirley Ann Jacksonas a citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed without objection.

2:02 P.M. – Considered by unanimous consent.Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

2:00 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 2112:
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 – 203 (Roll no. 459).

1:51 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 233 (Roll no. 458).

1:33 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to increase funds in CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) by $11.8 million for enforcement against oil and gas speculators, including establishing limits to diminish, eliminate, or prevent excessive speculation that unnecessarily drives up gas prices, and offsets it with a $4 million reduction in departmental administration, and a 7.8 million reduction in salaries and expenses.

1:23 P.M. – Ms. Hochul moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

Ms. Hocul moves to recommit the bill H.R. 2112 to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � Page 55, after line 23, insert the following: � In addition, for carrying out section 4a of the Commodity Exchange Act ***

1:22 P.M. – The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:21 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2112.On motion to rise and report Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Kingston moved for the Committee of the Whole to rise and report.

1:20 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 101 – 314 (Roll no. 457).

1:17 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lipinski amendment Failed by recorded vote: 162 – 254 (Roll no. 456).

1:14 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 228 (Roll no. 455).

1:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 283 – 128 (Roll no. 454).

1:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment Failed by recorded vote: 109 – 310 (Roll no. 453).

1:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Campbell amendment Failed by recorded vote: 132 – 287 (Roll no. 452).

12:59 P.M. – On agreeing to the Holden amendment Failed by recorded vote: 84 – 335 (Roll no. 451).

12:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hirono amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 288 – 132 (Roll no. 450).

12:51 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 235 (Roll no. 449).

12:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scalise amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 179 (Roll no. 448).

12:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 237 (Roll no. 447).

12:41 P.M. – On agreeing to the Garrett amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 – 189 (Roll no. 446).

12:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 240 – 176 (Roll no. 445).

12:34 P.M. – On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 155 – 262 (Roll no. 444).

12:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment Failed by recorded vote: 154 – 262 (Roll no. 443).

12:26 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gibson amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 198 (Roll no. 442).

12:21 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 252 (Roll no. 441).

12:17 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dingell amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 241 (Roll no. 440).

12:13 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kind amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 197 (Roll no. 439).

12:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 212 – 201 (Roll no. 438).

11:57 A.M. – On agreeing to the Pingree (ME) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 238 (Roll no. 437).

11:32 A.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

11:24 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:15 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel to carry out a market access program.

11:14 A.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lipinski amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lipinski demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:07 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lipinski amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.Amendment offered by Mr. Lipinski.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used to alter contract no. GS-35F-4076D with respect to the location of data storage.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:49 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide any benefit described in section 1001D(b)(1)(C) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to a person or legal entity if the average adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds $250,000.

On agreeing to the Flores amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:43 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flores.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

10:42 A.M. – On agreeing to the Gardner amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:40 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gardner amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Gardner.

An amendment to increase funds for “Integrated Activities” and to reduce funds for “National Institute of Food and Agriculture-research and education activities” by $4,400,000, respectively.

10:39 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:24 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to be used for the construction of an ethanol blender pump or an ethanol storage facility.

10:23 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Blackburn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:14 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mrs. Blackburn.

An amendment to reduce each amount made available by this bill by 5 percent.

10:13 A.M. – Mrs. Lummis raised a point of order against the Lujan amendment The amendment violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and imposes new duties on the Secretary of Agriculture. The Chair sustained the point of order.

10:09 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lujan amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Lujan.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide any marketing funds to any entity that advertises, describes, labels, or offers for sale chile peppers as New Mexico chile unless such chile peppers were grown in New Mexico.

10:08 A.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by voice vote.

9:42 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide to upland cotton producers counter-cyclical payments for upland cotton, repayment rates for marketing assistance loans at the prevailing world market price for upland cotton, or loan deficiency payments for upland cotton.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Campbell (CA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Campbell (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:27 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Campbell (CA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Campbell.

An amendment to reduce the amount of funds provided by this bill for “Agricultural Programs, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Salaries and Expenses” by $11,000,000.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holden amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holden demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:18 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Holden amendment no. 38 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Holden.

An amendment numbered 38 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce each amount made available by the bill by 5.88% and the amounts may not be used to carry out the limitations contained in paragraphs (1) through (8) of section 728.

9:17 A.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

9:16 A.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

9:02 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to five per side of the aisle.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz of MN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe (TX) 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. Poe (TX) objected to the voice vote based upon 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.

9:01 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

9:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.