Wrap Up 6/16/2017 Roll Call Votes Adoption of Gardner SA #250, as modified (NASA); agreed to: 94-6. Adoption of Graham SA #240 (NATO); agreed to: 100-0. Passage of S.722, as amended (Iran-Russia Sanctions); passed: 98-2.   Legislative Business Passed Calendar #122, S.782, to reauthorize the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, and for other purposes.  …

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Wrap Up 6/15/2017 Roll Call Votes Adoption of Gardner SA #250, as modified (NASA); agreed to: 94-6. Adoption of Graham SA #240 (NATO); agreed to: 100-0. Passage of S.722, as amended (Iran-Russia Sanctions); passed: 98-2.   Legislative Business Passed Calendar #122, S.782, to reauthorize the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, and for other purposes.  MORE

Wrap Up 6/14/2017 Roll Call Votes Adoption of amendment #232, as modified (Russia sanctions); agreed to: 97-2.   Legislative Business Passed by voice vote S.1083 with House amendment, Merit Systems Protection Board.   No Executive Business MORE

Wrap Up 6/13/2017 Roll Call Votes Motion to discharge SFRC from further consideration of S.J.Res.42 (Saudi arms deal disapproval); not agreed to: 47-53.   Legislative Business Passed Calendar #92, S.831: to designate the facility of the US Postal Service in Canonsburg, PA, as “Police Officer Scott Bashioum Post Office Building”.   No Executive Business MORE

Wrap Up 6/12/2017 Roll Call Votes Confirmation of Kenneth P. Rapuano to be Assistant Secretary of Defense; confirmed: 95-1.   Legislative Business Adopted S.Res.190, honoring the memory of the victims of the terrorist attack on the Pulse Orlando nightclub one year ago.   No Executive Business MORE

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Last Floor Action: 6/16/2017
9:32:56 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 20, 2017.

9:30:16 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:30:25 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:30:54 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:32:02 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:32:05 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:32:06 A.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 15, 2017 at 3:10 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. 722.
9:32:56 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 20, 2017.

House Activity 6/15/2017

10:00:16 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:26 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:54 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.
10:35:31 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:55 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.
12:01:59 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:03:43 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:03:45 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Crawford to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:06 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.
12:13:25 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 15, 2017, at 9:13 a.m.: That the Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1083.
12:13:42 P.M.	H. Res. 379	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 379 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2372) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the rules relating to veteran health insurance and eligibility for the premium tax credit, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2579) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax credit with respect to unsubsidized COBRA continuation coverage.”
12:15:41 P.M.	H. Res. 379	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 379.
12:26:22 P.M.	H. Res. 379	The previous question was ordered without objection.
12:26:27 P.M.	H. Res. 379	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
12:26:36 P.M.	H. Res. 379	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:29:54 P.M.	H.R. 2372	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 379. H.R. 2372 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the rules relating to veteran health insurance and eligibility for the premium tax credit.”
12:29:59 P.M.	H.R. 2372	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2372 and H.R. 2579, with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except a motion to recommit with or without instructions on each bill. Both measures will be considered read and are closed to amendments.
12:31:13 P.M.	H.R. 2372	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2372.
12:58:07 P.M.	H.R. 2372	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
12:58:54 P.M.	H.R. 2372	On passage Passed by voice vote.
12:59:53 P.M.	H.R. 2579	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 379. H.R. 2579 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax credit with respect to unsubsidized COBRA continuation coverage.”
12:59:58 P.M.	H.R. 2579	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2372 and H.R. 2579, with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except a motion to recommit with or without instructions on each bill. Both measures will be considered read and are closed to amendments.
1:00:38 P.M.	H.R. 2579	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2579.
1:10:37 P.M.	H.R. 2579	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
1:41:40 P.M.	H.R. 2579	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 267 – 144 (Roll no. 308).
1:41:43 P.M.	H.R. 2579	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:41:45 P.M.	H.R. 2372	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:42:35 P.M.	H. Res. 385	Mr. McCarthy asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.
1:42:35 P.M.	H. Res. 385	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 385 — “Expressing gratitude for the heroic actions of the United States Capitol Police and other first responders in the attack on Members of Congress on June 14, 2017, and expressing hope for a full recovery for the injured.”
1:46:03 P.M.	H. Res. 385	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
1:46:07 P.M.	H. Res. 385	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:51:33 P.M.		COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. McCarthy on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House for next week.
2:03:20 P.M.		Mr. McCarthy asked unanimous consent that the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Doggett, may be recognized on the legislative day of Wednesday, June 21, 2017, to offer the resolution that he noticed on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, without further notice under clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX. Agreed to without objection.
2:03:29 P.M.		Mr. McCarthy asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:30 a.m. on June 16. Agreed to without objection.
2:03:31 P.M.		Mr. McCarthy asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, June 16, 2017, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.
2:04:02 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:26:07 P.M.		Mr. Payne moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:26:17 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:26:18 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 16, 2017.

House Activity 6/14/2017

10:00:04 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:19 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:00 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:47 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 14.
12:14:54 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:17:38 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:17:41 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:18:26 P.M.		The Speaker and Democratic Leader addressed the House to speak about the tragedy that occurred in Alexandria, VA.
12:31:15 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 14, 2017 at 9:24 a.m.: that the Senate passed S. 831
12:32:00 P.M.		Mr. McHenry moved that the House do now adjourn.
12:32:15 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
12:32:39 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 15, 2017.

House Activity 6/13/2017

10:00:06 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:15 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable James Comer to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:41 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.
10:55:32 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:02 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 13.
12:00:04 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. M. Davies Kirkland, Dulin United Methodist Church, Falls Church, VA
12:01:39 P.M.		SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson (SC) 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. Wilson (SC) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
12:02:15 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.
12:03:57 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.
12:18:45 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 13, 2017 at 11:23 a.m.: Appointment: Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children.
12:18:45 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Jason Chaffetz. Mr. Chaffetz submitted his resignation as Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The resignation was accepted without objection.
12:19:45 P.M.	H. Res. 381	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 381 — “Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”
12:20:34 P.M.	H. Res. 381	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:20:40 P.M.	H. Res. 381	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:20:41 P.M.	H. Res. 378	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 378 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2581) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require the provision of social security numbers as a condition of receiving the health insurance premium tax credit, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1094) to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the accountability of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
12:22:38 P.M.	H. Res. 378	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 378.
1:22:00 P.M.	H. Res. 378	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 229 – 189 (Roll no. 302).
1:28:39 P.M.	H. Res. 378	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 229 – 190 (Roll no. 303).
1:28:42 P.M.	H. Res. 378	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:28:47 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the vote on the Speaker’s Approval of the Journal.
1:35:33 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 166, 2 Present (Roll no. 304).
1:37:24 P.M.	H.R. 2581	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 378. H.R. 2581 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require the provision of social security numbers as a condition of receiving the health insurance premium tax credit.”
1:37:29 P.M.	H.R. 2581	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2581 and S. 1094, with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except a motion to recommit with or without instructions on H.R. 2581, and a motion to commit on S. 1094. Both measures will be considered read and are closed to amendments.
1:39:51 P.M.	H.R. 2581	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2581.
2:29:55 P.M.	H.R. 2581	Ms. Sanchez moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Ways and Means.
2:30:12 P.M.	H.R. 2581	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sanchez motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to add an exemption to the underlying bill for newborn children who are less than one year of age.
2:36:06 P.M.	H.R. 2581	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
2:36:20 P.M.	H.R. 2581	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sanchez motion to recommit with instructions, Chair put the question on adoption of the motion to recommit and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Sanchez demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the motion to recommit with instructions until later in the later legislative day.
2:37:36 P.M.	S. 1094	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 378. S. 1094 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the accountability of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
2:37:41 P.M.	S. 1094	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2581 and S. 1094, with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except a motion to recommit with or without instructions on H.R. 2581, and a motion to commit on S. 1094. Both measures will be considered read and are closed to amendments.
2:37:57 P.M.	S. 1094	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 1094.
3:36:48 P.M.	S. 1094	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:37:03 P.M.	S. 1094	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on S. 1094, the Chair put the question on passage and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Roe (TN) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on passage of S. 1094 until later in the legislative day.
3:37:41 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of the Sanchez motion to recommit with instructions and passage of H.R. 2581, and passage of S. 1094, both of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:38:00 P.M.	H.R. 2581	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2581 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require the provision of social security numbers as a condition of receiving the health insurance premium tax credit.”
4:04:23 P.M.	H.R. 2581	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 193 – 231 (Roll no. 305).
4:11:29 P.M.	H.R. 2581	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 238 – 184 (Roll no. 306).
4:11:30 P.M.	H.R. 2581	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:13:08 P.M.		NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER RESOLUTION – Mr. Doggett notified the House of his intent to rise to a point of privilege pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, and to offer a privileged resolution. The Chair subsequently announced that under rule IX, a resolution offer from the floor by a Member other than the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader as a question of the privileges of the House has immediate precedence only at a time designated by the Chair within 2 legislative days after the resolution is properly noticed. The Chair further announced that it would not, at that point, make the determination required by the rule.
4:24:46 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on passage of S. 1094, which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
4:25:32 P.M.	S. 1094	Considered as unfinished business. S. 1094 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the accountability of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
4:36:05 P.M.	S. 1094	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 368 – 55 (Roll no. 307).
4:36:06 P.M.	S. 1094	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:36:54 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
4:49:06 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the emergency with respect to Belarus – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 115-47).
4:50:55 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:46:47 P.M.		Mr. Burgess filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 382.
5:47:24 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
6:23:01 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:23:03 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:23:04 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 14, 2017.

 

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Unless we act now, our most treasured national monuments will be on President Trump’s chopping block. Trump, buoyed by big oil and gas companies, signed an executive order that puts 26 national monuments in jeopardy, including Washington’s Hanford Reach and the San Juan Islands. Just this week, we learned the devastating news that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is considering shrinking the borders of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, in order to open it to corporate mining and drilling. But we still have a chance to protect Bears Ears and the rest of our cherished national monuments. Earlier this week, I asked progressives across the country to submit public comments in support of our national monuments. In two short days, we have already received more than 7,000 responses. Will you help me get to 10,000 responses by the end of the week? Submit a public comment today, and help bring an end to the Trump administration’s attacks on our environment. Comments have poured in, from every corner of Washington state and all across the country. Here are just a few of the over 7,000 responses we’ve received so far:   We can not afford to let up. We are the last line of defense protecting many of the most beautiful places in America from devastation — the future of these parks depends on us. The Trump administration’s assault on our environment will not stop, and neither can we. Submit your comment now, and join the fight to protect our national monuments! Thank you, Maria Cantwell U.S. Senator

 

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions testified before the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee.  He rambled and stumbled through his answers, and was even defiant.                                                    He clearly looked uncomfortable. At one point during the testimony, Sessions said: “It is an appalling and detestable lie that I would collude with Russian officials.” ¹ But Jeff Sessions is an appalling and detestable liar.

Jeff Sessions lies aren’t limited to Russia either. While he’s covering up for rich and powerful friends like Trump he is straight up lying about his reasons for cruel decisions that could have devastating impacts on Black people–decisions like reinstating private prisons at the federal level to pay off Trump’s friends in the industry.

So far over 38,000 Color of Change members have joined in to demand the FEC expose the corruption between Trump and private prison company GEO Group. Carmen, your name is missing, will you sign the petition?  During the 2016 presidential election, GEO Group illegally donated to a Trump PAC and then immediately started seeing benefits after Trump’s election. But the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has yet to hold the large, profitable private prison company accountable. Meanwhile, Sessions continues to push for harsh and cruel punishments to fuel GEO Group profits with the suffering of Black communities. Something doesn’t add up here, and it’s time to connect ALL dots.

Sign the petition

Let’s #StopGEO,

Rashad Robinson, and the rest of the Color of Change Team

P.S. Check out the original email we sent below:

References:

1. “Attorney General Sessions calls allegations of collusion with Russia an ‘appalling and detestable lie’,” VICE, 12-20-2016 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/8043?t=6&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

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GEO Group is cashing in on Trump’s presidency.   It is time for the FEC to expose the private prison industry’s scheme to make profits off of people. TAKE ACTION!

 

GEO Group — one of the country’s largest and most profitable private prison companies — had a big plan this election season. Step 1: Pay big money to get Trump elected. Step 2: Make private prisons rich again. It all started during the 2016 presidential campaign when GEO Group illegally donated more than $225,000 to a Trump PAC, Rebuild America NOW.¹ Then as soon as he was sworn in, Jeff Sessions lifted the ban on the federal use of private prisons. And just last week, Sessions ordered 94 U.S. Attorneys to seek the harshest punishment for drug offenses. This is all music to GEO Group’s ears. The company knew by bankrolling Trump’s move into the White House, they would see their profits rise with each prison bed.

This all happened right in front of the eyes of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) — the group that is responsible for overseeing campaign finance laws and ensuring electoral and democratic integrity. It is against the law for companies that receive government contracts to donate to political campaigns. The Campaign Legal Center has led the fight in exposing the profiteers and filed a complaint against GEO Group with the FEC but the FEC has failed to do its job. It is time for the Commission to step up immediately and hold GEO Group accountable.

GEO Group and the Trump administration’s cozy relationship is dangerous and threatens our communities. Demand FEC holds GEO Group accountable for illegally scheming to make money off the presidential election.

There is no reason for private prisons to exists — these institutions do not serve the public’s best interest nor does it increase public safety. For decades, the cruel and money-hungry system has contributed to mass incarceration and the U.S. having the world’s largest prison population. After years of activism and community mobilization, The Obama administration was finally making the effort and took action to create prison reform. In August 2016, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates announced that the Obama administration would begin phasing out private prisons.² After the announcement, GEO Group’s stock took a deep nosedive. But they kept banking on Trump to crawl their way back into big profits.

There is clear, research-based evidence that private prisons do not work. Jeff Sessions still reversed the ban on federal private prisons. Sessions said the ban on private prisons hurt the prison system’s ability to meet the future needs for housing.”³ This, of course, is all code for increasing the imprisonment of people for profit. And it’s time to connect the dots. As soon as Sessions ended the Obama administration’s ban on federal private prisons, GEO Group became the first for-profit company to receive contracts to operate private detention centers under the Trump era.⁴ The payoff is HUGE. Two former aides of Jeff Sessions now work as lobbyists at GEO Group to help drive their influence. They even lobbied for and wrote legislation in Texas that would increase jail time for immigrant children and end safety regulations at the detention centers where these children are locked up.⁵ Since 1989, companies like GEO Group have spent over $35 MILLION lobbying and supporting political campaigns to keep Black people in jail. They’ve lobbied for longer sentences, “three-strikes” rules, and anti-immigration legislation like Arizona’s notorious racial profiling law. And they will keep giving the most money to any politician who will boost their agenda.

The private prison system isn’t meant to reduce crime. It is just an excuse to keep GEO Group’s bottom line intact. Demand an investigation.

For decades, the private prison industry has fueled mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting Black people. Over the years, too many neighborhoods and communities of color have been demolished and decimated by the “War on Drugs,” over policing and militarizing streets. We’ve seen these devastating effects in cities like New York, where the “Rockefeller” drug laws which set an automatic life in prison sentence for drug addicts and even those carrying just small amounts drugs. And even in Los Angeles, where in the 1980’s and 1990’s under the leadership of Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, homes were raided, and people were rounded up and shot and killed by police. The War on Drugs ruined lives all because of some “tough on crime” stance by greedy politicians to help the prison industrial complex grow and remain strong.

The private prison industry’s stronghold on profits takes away real funding and investment in safe, affordable housing, education, jobs, and community defense for Black people. Harsh and extreme drug and sentencing policies benefit the pockets of private prison companies. As of 2014, Black and Brown people made up roughly 60% of the prison population.⁶ This is what GEO Group wants. The more Black people who are jailed in their unsafe and poorly operated facilities, the more money they will have in their bank accounts.

Tell FEC: Investigate GEO Group’s “pay to play” arrangement with the Trump administration.

The Federal Elections Commissions has the opportunity to hold this private prison company accountable. By stepping up to investigate the wrongdoing of the GEO Group it will be a major force in exposing the corrupt nature of an industry that locks up Black people and stalls Jeff Sessions new “War on Drugs” effort and other racist policies. The FEC should not turn a blind eye to this pay to play scheme that is fundamentally hurting the lives of Black people and other vulnerable communities. A real investigation needs to happen NOW.

Sign the petition.

Until justice is real,

Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Anay, Clarise, Enchanta, Malaya, Katrese, and the rest of the Color Of Change team

References:

1. “Pay to Play: The giant private prison operator GEO Group may have illegally funded a Donald Trump super PAC,” VICE, 12-20-2016 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7971?t=14&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

2. “PRIVATE PRISON COMPANY GEO GROUP GAVE GENEROUSLY TO TRUMP AND NOW HAS LUCRATIVE CONTRACT,” Newsweek, 05-11-2017 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/7972?t=16&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

3. “Justice Department Keeps For-Profit Prisons, Scrapping an Obama Plan,” New York Times, 02-23-2016 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7973?t=18&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

4. “FOLLOWING SUPER PAC SUPPORT, PRIVATE PRISON COMPANY WINS TRUMP ADMIN CONTRACT,” Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, 04-11-2017 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7974?t=20&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

5. “PRIVATE PRISON CORPORATION WROTE TEXAS BILL EXTENDING HOW LONG IMMIGRANT CHILDREN CAN BE DETAINED,” The Intercept, 05-02-2017 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7975?t=22&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

6. “Study: More People of Color Sentenced to Private Prisons Than Whites,” Huffington Post, 04-23-2014 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/7976?t=24&akid=7594.1174326.EysDJE

Petitioning Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, BVT Superintendent and the members of the BVT School Committee BVT: GRANT MR. LEMARBRE THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS HE DESERVES AS HE BATTLES ALS! Petition by Kate Francy Upton, Massachusetts 2,112 Supporters Sign Kate’s petition Mr. Phillip LeMarbre is a beloved Advanced Placement Biology teacher at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) who was fired just 103 days prior to qualifying for full retirement benefits including health insurance. In the fall of 2016, Mr. Phillip LeMarbre was formally diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Shortly after his diagnosis, Mr. LeMarbre requested to return to teaching at BVT with accommodations but was denied by BVT officials.  Mr. LeMarbre has been teaching at BVT for 9+ years but in the state of MA, a teacher must have taught for 10 years to receive a full pension. Since his termination, Mr. LeMarbre was only 103 days shy of meeting the state requirement. Mr. LeMarbre is a well-respected educator and loving family man. Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, BVT superintendent, has declined to right this wrongdoing and grant Mr. LeMarbre the benefits he deserves and was requesting to work for. According to the ALS Association, “There can be significant costs for medical care, equipment and home health caregiving later in the disease.” We believe Mr. LeMarbre not only deserves his full benefits, but that Mr. Fitzpatrick and the school committee needs to lead by example to show the students at BVT that compassion takes precedence over policy. Please sign this petition requesting that superintendent Fitzpatrick and the school committee at BVT reinstate Mr. LeMarbre’s full benefits and allow him to receive the medical care and retirement he rightfully deserves.

Serving through the Storm: Choosing the Right Service Organization Hurricane season is here!  You can help communities stay healthy, safe and strong through the storm.  Get started before the storm strikes! Learn about three service organizations that help protect health and save lives when disaster strikes and how to join.  Learn More >> Beat the Heat:  Preventing and Treating Heat-Related Illness Summer is here and temperatures are rising across many parts of the country, putting many people at risk for heat-related illness. But not everybody has the same level of risk.  Children under four years of age, adults over 65, people who are overweight, and people who are on certain medications are more susceptible to heat related illness. Find out how you can prevent heat-related illnesses and how recognize when someone needs help.  Learn More >> Protect Your Partner from Zika If you are infected with Zika, you can transmit it to your partner – even if you don’t have symptoms.  Many people infected with Zika virus don’t have symptoms or only have mild symptoms, and they may not know they have been infected. Think you might be infected?  Recently traveled to a location where Zika is present?  Use a condom to prevent spreading the virus. Learn More >> Be Ready to Help!  Bystander Response Saves Lives During National Safety Month, people and organizations across the country are asking themselves “what does it take to keep each other safe?” One simple answer: be ready to help!  Learn about 5 simple steps that you can take to save someone’s life if they are hurt. Learn how you can help keep a critically injured person alive until help arrives.  Learn More >> Be a Super Dad! Make Sure Your Family is Ready for Disasters Make plans now to keep your family safe and healthy in a disaster.  Get a kit.  Make a plan.  Do a drill.  By taking some time to prepare before a disaster strikes, you can help your family face a tornado, flood, hurricane or whatever other disasters are common in your area.  Learn More >>