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Wisconsin…


For Black folks, collective bargaining means equality in the workplace.

Now, this basic right is under attack in Wisconsin — and across the country.

Support the workers who are fighting back.

There was once a time in this country when Black folks would work 12-hour days for less money than their White co-workers who worked only eight. The key to leveling the playing field for Black workers was collective bargaining — and now Republicans around the country are attacking this basic right.

The right of workers to negotiate as a group for better wages, benefits and working conditions has been important for everyone, but it’s been especially meaningful for Black Americans. Before we could collectively bargain, we had little control over our working conditions and no protection from racial discrimination in the workplace.

That’s why it’s critical that we stand with the workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, New Jersey, and everywhere else collective bargaining is coming under attack. Please join us in sending a message of support to all those fighting this battle on the front lines. It takes only a moment:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/778?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=3

In Memphis in 1968, Black sanitation workers worked in dangerous, inhumane conditions under abusive White supervisors for little pay. After two workers were crushed to death by a malfunctioning city garbage truck, the city’s Black sanitation workers sought to unionize. They demanded better wages, safer working conditions, and the right to collectively bargain for these things. They took to the streets of Memphis bearing signs that read, “I am a man.” During the strike, police attacked and jailed Black workers for peaceful protest. Months later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said that “all labor has dignity,” joined these workers on the front lines. He was assassinated while leading the effort to win collective bargaining rights for these workers.1

Collective bargaining has helped Black workers vulnerable to workplace discrimination win needed on-the-job protections. “Black workers have an interest in unions as all workers do, because they give them power in the labor market to improve working conditions, and allow them due process and fairness on the job,” says labor scholar Stephen Pitts. “Any sort of institution that allows due process procedures and reduces arbitrary behavior in decision making is positive for black folks.”2

More than just protection from discrimination, collective bargaining has won Black workers fairness in pay and advancement, access to health insurance and retirement savings, and basic worker safety protections.3 This is especially true for Black public-sector workers. Twenty-five percent of all Black college graduates work in the public sector, and government work is second only to health and education services in concentration of Black workers.4 As scholar Michael Honey points out, “The one toe-hold many black and minority workers (and especially women among them) still have in the economy is in unionized public employment.5

Now, Republicans in state legislatures around the country are attacking public employees’ collective bargaining rights. The battle began in Wisconsin, when Republican Governor Scott Walker offered a bill that would strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights. In response, thousands of regular people filled the state capitol in protest — with many camping out there for days or even weeks. To stop the bill and force Republicans to negotiate, 14 Democratic state senators left Wisconsin, (preventing Republicans from voting on the bill). Despite the overwhelming public opposition to the bill, Republicans were eventually able to pass the law using procedural tricks late last week.6 But the protesters in Wisconsin drew the world’s attention to this fight, and exposed the attack on collective bargaining rights as hugely unpopular and politically motivated. And right now they’re working to hold Republicans accountable in powerful ways.

Wisconsin is one of many states where collective bargaining is under attack. Republicans in Ohio just passed a law similar to Wisconsin’s, and states from Indiana to New jersey are prepared to follow suit.

Republicans say that their effort to roll back collective bargaining rights is necessary to curb spending in times of economic hardship, but that just doesn’t square with the facts. In no state are public employees’ salaries or pension benefits a major cause of their current financial problems.7 The Republican efforts are part of a strategy to attack public employees’ unions, which overwhelmingly give money to Democratic interests. Without the strength of the unions, many expect that President Obama and other Democrats will have a tougher time raising funds for the 2012 election.8

DePaul University law professor Terry Smith says that, “Dismantling bargaining rights will disproportionately affect African Americans.”9 This right has played a vitally important role in Black Americans’ move into the middle class. For Republicans, the economic well-being of Black folks (and all workers) is only collateral damage in a political battle. It’s shameful.

That’s why it’s important that we stand with the brave workers around the country fighting to preserve the right to collectively bargain in their states. They’re on the front lines, and your message of support will help them keep going even as circumstances get tougher. Please join us in telling these workers that you stand with them, and then ask your friends and family to do the same.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/workers

Thanks and Peace,

— James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team

March 15th, 2011

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/205?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=6

References:

1. “How Unions Helped Bring Economic Justice to Black Workers,” AlterNet, 2-25-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/785?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=8

2. See Reference 1

3. “Gutting Unions Hurts the Black Middle Class,” The Root, 3-11-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/779?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=10

4. “Black Workers Central to National Union Battle,” ColorLines, 3-1-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/780?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=12

5. “It’s 1968 All Over Again and King’s Fight for Unions Is Still Essential,”

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/781?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=14

6. “Wisconsin Union Law to Take Effect on March 26,” Wall Street Journal, 3-14-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/782?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=16

7.“Unions aren’t to blame for Wisconsin’s budget,” The Washington Post, 2-18-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/783?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=18

8. “WI Senate GOP Leader Admits On-Air That His Goal Is To Defund Labor Unions, Hurt Obama’s Reelection Chances,” Think Progress, 3-9-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/784?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=20

9. See Reference 3

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The Hyde Amendment … a reminder~~STARTED 12/13/1971 ENDED 1/22/1973 internet


Unhappy Birthday to the Amendment That Started the War on Women

I received a like & a few comments from someone from the extreme right, well, a breitbart team member.  I have no respect for what breitbart represented.

I also have issues with FOX being considered a news program that is actually a Republican station, so any use of them as a resource is just not going to fly. When it comes to Election2012, I am definitely concerned about the folks that Ryan represents the fact that he not only follows, but also quotes Ayn Rand while quietly plotting out a plan to overturn roe V wade. The top of the ticket is an even scarier thought because Ryan like Romney along with other Republicans have planned NOT to give Americans the necessary information to make intelligent choices. Though folks are starting to tune in this – is the most important election Americans have had to participate in and Republicans are doing whatever they have to in order that left leaning folks right to vote is suppressed in election2012. I am, particularly concerned about a woman’s right to choose as Republican Governors  took it upon themselves to pass unacceptable legislation ,screamed about their religious freedoms have been violated. While women all over the World watched in horror as a panel of men who not only refused to listen to Sandra fluke, they denied Eleanor Holmes Norton a seat at the table as well. I don’t know about you but I was pissed, scared and determined not to let a group of men turn back the clock in a fight for by women who suffered from a lack of Equality in all its forms, I mean are these men serious? do they think women are too stupid to make their own health care decisions or is there another reason for the sudden need to ban birth control possibly trash roe V wade.  Maybe. I know Women’s suffrage was about a whole lot more than reproductive rights and we all must remember VAMA and the Equal pay Act are bills sitting waiting to become laws. While those in Congress, specifically republicans have decided, no business is good for their Elections there is a lot of Republican talk out there about birth control and abortion, which should scare Women. As VP Joe Biden stated in the debate, roe V wade is only as safe as the Supreme Court justices allowed to sit on the court are objective.    The Hyde amendment was a knee jerk reaction from a man or group of men who believed that had the right to invade a Woman’s personal space, life and their right to choose. Unfortunately, in the end it became a law. We all know 98% of women use birth control. I know plenty girls (women) who have had abortions at 18, some are now married , have kids doing quite well thank you… went to college have good jobs and some are in that 47% because they are single parents . As a person of colour and mom, I am more than scared to be governed by Romney/Ryan … imagine that finger wagging Gov. Brewer did ; only it will be Romney/Ryan after having eliminated all social programs warning all of us brown, black ,mixed and whites folks considered a part of that low life 47%.  So, as we gasp at most if not at all of what Conservatives are saying  we hear so-called Republican, Trump and the rest of the new Republicans the notion that the time has come for the Rich to Rule America is in full effect this very moment.

I grew up thinking America was a good place to live for everyone but given the push from the “have it all” but it’s not enough seem to be trying to buy Election2012 Votes, we must all stay the course, fight back with our votes to fight the mission to turn back the clock or change our democracy.  I have some serious doubts, especially with what I am reading on your blog – Republicans have taken a big risk and trashed 47% ,do not forget this includes Vets, teachers, firefighters police …City County and State workers have been cut, slashed and burned by the GOP.

I know the write up was negative … Though it might be a good opportunity to trade information, find out exactly why ideology rates higher than the greater good … well, at least ask.

FYI … from the Center for American Progress

Unhappy Birthday to the Amendment That Started the War on Women

… birth control become controversial?” In some ways, we can thank former Rep. Henry Hyde (R.-Ill.) for setting us on this path. The attacks on contraceptive coverage can be traced back to an amendment of his that turns 36 years old today. The Hyde Amendment…

By Jessica Arons | Monday, October 1, 2012

  • Introduction: 30 Years is Long Enough, by Jessica Arons
  • Part One: Hyde Amendment History, by Marlene Gerber Fried
  • Part Two: Dignity and Justice for Some?, by Sarah Horsley
  • Part Three: Does the Hyde Amendment Violate Human Rights?, by Patty Skuster and Jamie D. Brooks
  • Part Four: Expanding Reproductive Choice, by Susan Jenkins
  • Part Five: The Future of Hyde, by Toni M. Bond Leonard
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Congress: the Republican led House debates helping the MidClass-Unemployed-Workers – the Senate conts to work on JOBS S.1944,a bill to create jobs by providing payroll tax relief for middle class families and businesses


the Senate Convened at 11:30amET December 7, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the final 30 minutes.
  • As a reminder, cloture was filed on the nomination of Richard Cordray to be Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Unless an agreement is reached, this vote will be Thursday morning.

This morning Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.1944, a bill to create jobs by providing payroll tax relief for middle class families and businesses, and filed cloture on the motion. We expect the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to occur Friday morning.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1958, to extend the National Flood Insurance Program until May 31, 2012 by voice vote

Adopted S.Res.345, expressing the sense of the Senate on the closure of Umatilla Army Chemical Depot, Oregon.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

———————————————————————————————–

Republicans say they will help only if paid for & regulations eliminated, cut Medicare… though a lack of appropriate regulations caused our economic collapse … these same members of Congress did not pay for the Bush Bonus $$ then or for the extension –Where are t hose jobs the JOB Creators promised

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 7, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:20:50 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.6:19:59 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:19:56 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.6:19:13 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 32Considered as unfinished business. 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.”6:19:13 P.M. -S. 683Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:19:08 P.M. -S. 683On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:18:41 P.M. -S. 683Considered as unfinished business. S. 683 — “To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Mantua, Utah.”6:18:41 P.M. -H.R. 1560Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:18:39 P.M. -H.R. 1560On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:17:58 P.M. -H.R. 1560Considered as unfinished business. 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.”6:17:58 P.M. -H.R. 2351Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:17:55 P.M. -H.R. 2351On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:17:16 P.M. -H.R. 2351Considered as unfinished business. 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.”6:17:16 P.M. -H.R. 2360Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:17:13 P.M. -H.R. 2360On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:16:27 P.M. -H.R. 2360Considered as unfinished business. 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.”6:16:26 P.M. -S. 535Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:16:13 P.M. -S. 535On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:15:51 P.M. -S. 535Considered as unfinished business. S. 535 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands within Fort Pulaski National Monument, and for other purposes.”6:15:50 P.M. -H.R. 944Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:15:48 P.M. -H.R. 944On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.6:15:09 P.M. -H.R. 944Considered as unfinished business. 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.”6:14:23 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:13:51 P.M. -H.R. 1254At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Pitts 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.5:33:02 P.M. -H.R. 1254DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1254.5:32:59 P.M. -H.R. 1254Considered under suspension of the rules.5:32:21 P.M. -H.R. 1254Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1254 — “To amend the Controlled Substances Act to place synthetic drugs in Schedule I.”5:32:06 P.M. -H. Res. 486Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:32:03 P.M. -H. Res. 486On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.5:31:50 P.M. -H. Res. 486Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 486 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”5:30:36 P.M. -Mr. Webster asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Agreed to without objection.5:29:49 P.M. -Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 487.5:29:30 P.M. -H.R. 10Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:29:29 P.M. -H.R. 10On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 – 184 (Roll no. 901).5:21:57 P.M. -H.R. 10On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 235 (Roll no. 900).5:05:01 P.M. -H.R. 10The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.4:55:34 P.M. -H.R. 10Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeLauro motion to recommit. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to insert a provision entitled “Protection of Food Safety and Consumer’s Right to Know through Country-of-Origin Labeling”.4:53:59 P.M. -H.R. 10Ms. DeLauro moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.4:53:17 P.M. -H.R. 10The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.4:53:03 P.M. -H.R. 10The 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.4:52:28 P.M. -H.R. 10The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 10.4:52:10 P.M. -H.R. 10On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 240 (Roll no. 899).4:48:26 P.M. -H.R. 10On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 242 (Roll no. 898).4:44:44 P.M. -H.R. 10On agreeing to the McCarthy (NY) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 246 (Roll no. 897).4:41:32 P.M. -H.R. 10On agreeing to the Schrader amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 238 (Roll no. 896).4:36:42 P.M. -H.R. 10On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 187 – 236 (Roll no. 895).4:11:11 P.M. -H.R. 10UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.4:10:41 P.M. -H.R. 10POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moore amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Moore demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:02:22 P.M. -H.R. 10DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore Part B amendment No. 7.4:02:18 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore, numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to exempt any rule relating to veterans or veterans affairs.4:01:47 P.M. -H.R. 10POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.3:53:20 P.M. -H.R. 10DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) Part B amendment No. 6.3:53:18 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to exempt all rules promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.3:52:30 P.M. -H.R. 10POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McCarthy (NY) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. McCarthy (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:45:35 P.M. -H.R. 10DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McCarthy (NY) Part B amendment No. 5.3:45:30 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Mrs. McCarthy (NY), numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to exempt any rule relating to food safety, workplace safety, air quality, consumer product safety, or water quality.3:45:22 P.M. -H.R. 10By unanimous consent, the McKinley amendment was withdrawn.3:41:00 P.M. -H.R. 10DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley Part B amendment No. 4.3:41:00 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Mr. McKinley, numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to reduce the annual effect on the economy of the term `major rule’ from $100,000,000 or more to $50,000,000 or more.3:40:56 P.M. -H.R. 10POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schrader amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Schrader demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:36:31 P.M. -H.R. 10 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schrader Part B amendment No. 3.3:36:00 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Mr. Schrader, numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to require a cost benefit analysis to be included with reports to Congress and require agencies to submit criteria for cost benefit analyses to Congress within 12 months of enactment.3:35:26 P.M. -H.R. 10POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Johnson (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:27:31 P.M. -H.R. 10DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson (GA) Part B amendment No. 2.3:27:05 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Mr. Johnson (GA), numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to exempt any rule that the Office of Management and Budget determines would result in net job creation.3:26:39 P.M. -H.R. 10On agreeing to the Sessions amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:18:20 P.M. -H.R. 10DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 479, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sessions Part B amendment No. 1.3:18:00 P.M. -H.R. 10An amendment, offered by Mr. Sessions, numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-311 to require the agency submitting the report on a proposed Federal rule to include an assessment, as part of the cost-benefit analysis submitted to the Comptroller General and each House of Congress, of anticipated jobs gained or lost as a result of implementation, and to specify whether those jobs will come from the public or private sector.2:00:02 P.M. -H.R. 10GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 10.1:59:54 P.M. -H.R. 10The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Chairman of the Committee.1:59:53 P.M. -H.R. 10House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 479 and Rule XVIII.1:59:46 P.M. -H.R. 10Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 10 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended.1:59:41 P.M. -H.R. 10Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 479. H.R. 10 — “To amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law.”1:54:01 P.M. -H.R. 1540The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Armed Services for consideration of the House bill and the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: McKeon, Bartlett, Thornberry, Akin, Forbes, Miller (FL), LoBiondo, Turner (OH), Kline, Rogers (AL), Shuster, Conaway, Wittman, Hunter, Rooney, Schilling, Griffin (AR), West, Smith (WA), Reyes, Sanchez, Loretta, McIntyre, Andrews, Davis (CA), Langevin, Larsen (WA), Cooper, Bordallo, Courtney, Loebsack, Tsongas, and Pingree (ME).1:53:36 P.M. -H.R. 2055The Speaker appointed conferees: Rogers (KY), Young (FL), Lewis (CA), Frelinghuysen, Aderholt, Emerson, Granger, Simpson, Culberson, Crenshaw, Rehberg, Carter, Dicks, Visclosky, Lowey, Serrano, DeLauro, Moran, Price (NC), and Bishop (GA).1:52:48 P.M. -H.R. 2055Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:52:47 P.M. -H.R. 2055On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 409 – 13 (Roll no. 894).1:45:43 P.M. -H.R. 1540Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:45:42 P.M. -H.R. 1540On motion to close portions of the conference Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 406 – 17, 1 Present (Roll no. 893).1:37:07 P.M. -H.R. 1540Mr. McKeon moved to close portions of the conference.1:36:54 P.M. -H.R. 1540On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by recorded vote: 421 – 2 (Roll no. 892).1:10:18 P.M. -H.R. 1540The previous question was ordered without objection.12:49:04 P.M. -H.R. 1540DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Smith(WA) motion to instruct confeeres on H.R. 1540. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House to insist on the amendments contained in subtitle I of title V of the House bill (sections 581 through 587 relating to improved sexual assault prevention and response in the Armed Forces).12:48:53 P.M. -H.R. 1540Mr. Smith (WA) moved that the House instruct conferees.12:48:31 P.M. -H.R. 1540On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection.12:47:27 P.M. -H.R. 1540Mr. McKeon asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.12:41:13 P.M. -H.R. 2055POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Dicks motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2055, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion to instruct conferees and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2055 until a time to be announced.12:40:42 P.M. -H.R. 2055The previous question was ordered without objection.12:34:44 P.M. -H.R. 2055DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Dicks motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2055. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House to recede to the Senate on the higher level of funding for the “Department of Veterans Affairs-Medical and Prosthetic Research” account.12:34:31 P.M. -H.R. 2055Mr. Dicks moved that the House instruct conferees.12:34:09 P.M. -H.R. 2055On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection.12:33:42 P.M. -H.R. 2055Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.12:04:37 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.12:02:44 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Quigley to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:34 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:09 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Roger Schoolcraft, Fayetteville, Arkansas12:00:45 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 7.11:17:55 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:39 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.10:00:20 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert E. Latta to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:00 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Giving thanks …


Just another rant…

There are so many things to be thankful for -being alive having children alive well and feisty as ever, my family which is huge. We all know people we consider extended family, and most are alive and doing well, though we all know life is not normal yet as colds, flu, covid, and RSV … you fill it in as the time to seal up our homes comes closer and closer. The weather is giving off winter is coming vibes with a sharp drop in the temperature and a possibility of snow for next week while the skies were white and the temperature did drop the rain is causing flooding and the snow is falling in our mountains

The mornings have been very crisp, and the sky appears blue, then the down pour of rain decided to make life miserable.  So, it is good to know that as we slide into Thanksgiving, a whole lot of sports are on their way and maybe drown out some of the nasty Republican comments about the people they are using as political footballs after the red wave fizzled out.

The media is spending a lot of time beating the: “what ifs” meme for any chance a clean deficit/debt deal can be made while Republicans exert their disdain over the end results. As citizens and taxpayers,, the people expect members of Congress to do the work of the people and so far the Republican Party NO since 2008 is still making the choice to act irresponsibly with a whole lot of malice behind every vote, interview, and comment.  When will folks ask themselves every time some so-called representative from the right tries to sell their reasons for tax giveaways. The difference between bad and catastrophic outcomes, given we have never been in a situation like this before, and maybe the era of trump is the problem… right?

So, the choice is easy. The average voter V the oncoming deficit soon to be created by Republicans!! Suffice it to say… I give thanks that enough left leaning Americans voted to keep control of the Senate. I will admit, this voter wonders about the outcome of the House of Representatives.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. “- Margaret Mead