~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Heartless

05/09/2013 Nativegrl77

11 Awful GOP Amendments to the Immigration Bill

Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee officially kicks of the process of amending and working through what could be an historic reform of our broken immigration system.

The Republican members of the Gang of 8 — Sens. McCain (AZ), Flake (AZ), Graham (SC), and Rubio (FL) — deserve credit for their hard work and willingness to compromise on a plan that includes a pathway to earned citizenship. That said, other Republicans have offered dozens of offensive, mean-spirited, and just plain heartless amendments that serve no other purpose than to cause trouble, score cheap political points, demonize immigrants, and/or generally gum up the works for as long as possible in order to try and kill the bill.

ThinkProgress has rounded up 11 of the worst of these GOP amendments:

1. Undocumented immigrants can never become citizens. “No person who is or has previously been willfully present in the United States will [sic] not in lawful status…shall be eligible for United States citizenship.” Offered by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

2. Mandatory DNA testing. Registered provisional immigrant applicants must submit a DNA sample to the Department of Justice to compare against the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) at the FBI. Offered by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

3. Zero assistance. Would prohibit undocumented immigrants who earn provisional legal status from applying for permanent residence if they qualify for state means-tested assistance, the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), the temporary assistance for needy families program (TANF), or supplemental security income benefits (SSI). Offered by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL).

4. Bans humanitarian travel. Immigrants who are in provisional legal status but have to go back to their home countries for a humanitarian reason (to visit a sick relative, for instance) would be prohibited from re-entering the United States. Currently, the provisional legal status includes an authorization for travel.Offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

5. Guts family re-unification. The green card distribution for some foreigners relies on a point allocation system in which a certain number of points must be accumulated before those individuals can qualify for a merit-based visa. This amendment would eliminate points for siblings of U.S. citizens and points for individuals from low-sending countries from counting towards merit-based immigrant visas. Offered by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL).

6. In-person interviews for 11 million immigrants. Sure to slow down the process time for 11 million immigrants, an in-person interview would be required to determine one’s eligibility requirements for provisional legal status. Offered by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL).

7. Limits visas to South Korea. In an effort to force South Koreans to buy beef from the United States again, this amendment threatens to withhold E-5 visas from South Korea immigrants until the country removes its age-based import restrictions on beef. Offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

8. Enforces head-of-household deportation and causes family separations. Under the current bill, immigration judges have the authority to decline to deport individuals if they believe that the immigrant’s removal will result in hardship for his or her U.S. citizen child. This amendment would waive this judicial discretion and allow the deportation to occur. Offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

9. Prevents low-income undocumented immigrants from seeking legalization. The amendment would require individuals applying for provisional legal status to maintain regular employment and a “regular income or resources” above 400 percent of the poverty line (more than $92,000for a family of four). Under the current bill, immigrants must earn at 100 percent of the poverty line or show regular employment. Offered by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL).

10. Restricts visas for refugees. This amendment would prohibit individuals from applying for refugee and asylum status until one year after the Director of National Intelligence submits a review related to the Boston bombings to Congress. Offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

11. Allows for racial profiling. Would allow Federal law enforcement to take into account an individual’s country of origin when allowing them into the country. Offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

Finally, in a very Downton Abbey-esque move, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) filed an amendment to allow undocumented immigrants to be hired, but only as domestic workers, specifically including cooks, waiters, butlers, governessess, maids, valets, gardeners, footmen, grooms, and chauffeurs.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Vice President Biden told a Sierra Club activist that he opposes the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.

Silicon Valley backlash against Zuckerberg group’s pro-dirty energy ad campaign grows.

Fox News brings on convicted cover-up expert to comment on alleged Benghazi cover-up.

Immigration bill would boost Social Security and Medicare by $300 BILLION over the next decade.

NRA youth magazine recommends that kids build indoor home shooting ranges.

Seven times Republicans demanded the budget process they are now obstructing.

Racist author of Heritage anti-immigration study says Latinos have inherently lower IQs.

Amazon pulls bleeding ex-girlfriend shooting target after outcry.

Gabby Giffords’ anti-gun violence Super PAC raised $11 MILLION last quarter.

Black History

Congress

05/09/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act. We will continue to work through amendments to the bill. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act:

The following amendments have been considered to S.601:

Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) Not Agreed to: 56-43 (60-vote threshold)
Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans) Agreed to: 68-31 (60-vote threshold)
Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799 Agreed to by UC
Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian carp) Agreed to: 95-0
Pryor amendment #801, as modified (farms) Agreed to by UC
Pryor amendment #806 (work-in-kind) Agreed to by UC
Inhofe amendment #835, with a modification to the instruction lines (rural water infrastructure projects) Agreed to by UC
McCain amendment #833 (levee safety programs) Agreed to by UC
Murray amendment #832 (cargo noncontainer) Agreed to by UC
Senator Reid Murray unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.Senator Murray objected to modifying the request.
Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.
At 1:30pm today, the Senate will turn to Executive Session to consider the nominations of Shelly Decker Dick and Nelson Stephen Roman. Under the previous order, there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. We expect to consider one by voice vote and the other by a roll call vote, but Republicans have not indicated which one will require the roll call vote.Up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 2:00pm:
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #39, the nomination of Shelly Decker Dick, of Louisiana, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana; and
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #41, the nomination of Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York
Upon disposition of the nominations, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, Water Resources Development Act. As a reminder, we reached an agreement yesterday that the next amendment in order is the Blunt amendment #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather). The managers of the bill are working on moving the bill forward.
WRAP UP
ROLL CALL VOTES1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #41, the nomination of Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York Confirmed: 97-0
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.360, to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley to commemorate the lives they lost 50 years ago in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

Adopted S.Res.136, recognizing the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, and congratulating Park Geun-Hye on her election to the Presidency of the Republic of Korea.

Adopted S.Res.137, designating May 2013 as “Older Americans Month”.

Adopted S.Res.138, Congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administration of charter schools across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 14^th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be celebrated the week of May 5 through May 11, 2013.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #39, the nomination of Shelly Decker Dick, of Louisiana, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana by voice vote.

This afternoon Senator Reid filed cloture on S.601, Water Resources Development Act of 2013.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments is 4:00pm on Monday, May 13. If your senator have a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve the right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The cloture vote will occur at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 14.

The managers of the bill will work over the weekend on an agreement to complete action of the WRDA bill. If an agreement can be reached, we would seek to vitiate the cloture vote.

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, the nomination of William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.

The Senate reached the following agreement to consider the Moniz nomination. At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will consider Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy. There will be up to 3 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

9:00:28 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:32 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane, SND, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, Chardon, OH.
9:02:15 A.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Coffman 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. Coffman demanded the yeas and nays 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.
9:03:08 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Bridenstine to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:04:38 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:25:18 A.M.	H.R. 807	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 202. H.R. 807 — “To require that the Government prioritize all obligations on the debt held by the public in the event that the debt limit is reached.”
9:25:23 A.M.	H.R. 807	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 807 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order.
9:26:19 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 807.

10:16:33 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 622 and agreed to H. Con. Res. 32.
10:17:34 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.R. 807.
10:34:18 A.M.	H.R. 807	An amendment, offered by Mr. Camp, printed in House Report 113-52 to clarify that the prohibition on compensation for Members of Congress as well as language to require that the Secretary report to Congress any time the new authority is used.
10:34:22 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 202, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Camp amendment.
10:45:12 A.M.	H.R. 807	The previous question was ordered on the amendment (A002) pursuant to the rule.
11:12:50 A.M.	H.R. 807	On agreeing to the Camp amendment; Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 340 – 84 (Roll no. 140).
11:13:21 A.M.	H.R. 807	Mr. Maffei moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
11:14:40 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maffei motion to recommit with instructions pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding a new section pertaining to the prohibition on default that pays China first instead of protecting America’s seniors, veterans, and those harmed by natural disasters. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.
11:24:25 A.M.	H.R. 807	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:33:43 A.M.	H.R. 807	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 200 – 227 (Roll no. 141).
11:41:33 A.M.	H.R. 807	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 – 207 (Roll no. 142).
11:41:34 A.M.	H.R. 807	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:49:29 A.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 264 – 140, 1 Present (Roll no. 143).
11:49:54 A.M.		COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Brady(TX) on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.
12:14:05 P.M.		Mr. Brady (TX) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, May 9, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 2:00p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2013 and that the order of the House of January 3, 2013, regarding morning-hour debate not apply on that day. Agreed to without objection.
12:15:00 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

12:32:27 P.M.

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

HR1406 : Working Families Flexibility Act

05/08/2013 Nativegrl77

As a “Two-Minute Activist,” you know that we still have a lot of work to do to pass laws that will help workers balance the demands of their work and their families. But we can’t – and we won’t – let Congress fool us with the misnamed Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406).
We’ve heard the House may vote on H.R. 1406 as early as next week. This bill claims to offer flexibility to employees by allowing them to convert overtime work into paid time off (i.e. comp time) for family responsibilities. But this bill is not an improvement for working families: Under the Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406), employers would still have complete discretion over whether to approve workers’ requests to convert their overtime into comp time. This means that employees will still have trouble using accumulated days for an emergency, or even to plan for things like parental leave or caregiving leave.
Nothing is currently stopping employers from offering more flexible schedules. Creating yet another system of hurdles for workers to access leave, left entirely at the discretion of their employer, is not the way to achieve flexibility. In just a few days, the House is voting on the problematic Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406): Tell your representative to vote against H.R. 1406!

Don’t forget to register for AAUW National Convention in New Orleans, June 9-12! At Convention you can connect with more than 600 AAUW members from around the country, hear from esteemed speakers such as MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry and fair pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter, and (did we mention?) enjoy the city of New Orleans! Register today so you don’t miss out!
Follow AAUW Public Policy on Twitter, and read AAUW’s blog for discussion, information, and advocacy for women and girls.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 150,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and 700 college and university partners. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political.

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

05/08/2013 Nativegrl77

Beamonstar Products Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of SexVoltz, Velextra, & Amerect Marketed as a Dietary Supplement, Due to Undeclared Active Ingredients

05/07/2013 09:23 PM EDT

Queen Creek, AZ, BeaMonstar Products is voluntarily recalling all of SexVoltz brand SKU’s 626570609490, 827912089028, 626570617877, 626570615316, Velextra brand SKU’s 626570619475, 626570619475, 626570619475, 626570619475 , Amerect SKU’s 626570619031, 626570619598 capsules to the retail level. Laboratory analysis conducted by the FDA on SexVoltz and Velextra has determined these products contain undeclared tadalafil. Amerect is voluntarily recalled because it has the potential to contain undeclared tadalafil. Tadalafil are FDA-Approved drugs used to treat male erectile dysfunction (ED), making the products unapproved new drugs.

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Cargill’s Animal Nutrition Business Conducts Voluntary Recall of Lamb Feed

05/06/2013 05:25 PM EDT

Cargill’s animal nutrition business today announced a voluntary recall of Showmaster® S-Series Show Lamb Feed (BW) because it contained incorrect sodium molybdate levels. To date, there are 170, 50-pound bags of feed still out in the market.

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Medtronic Announces FDA Classification Of Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Cap Communication

05/03/2013 09:16 AM EDT

In keeping with its commitment to keep physicians informed about product performance and safety, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction notification in February 2013 to provide physicians with information concerning the potential for deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead damage associated with the use of the lead cap provided in Medtronic DBS lead kits and dystonia therapy kits.

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Nestle USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Varieties/Production Codes of California Pizza Kitchen and DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas

05/03/2013 10:42 AM EDT

Nestlé USA’s Pizza Division today announced the voluntary recall of select production codes of four different frozen pizzas sold in the U.S. These include: • California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Crispy Thin Crust White®, UPC 71921 98745; production codes are 3062525951, 3062525952 and 3063525951