~ my 2cents ...

let the madness of March commence …&some News


rain wind and more rain…more wind …

just another rant …

What worried me before the mid-term elections was the possibility that people who have no experience, civility, common sense or clarity may get on the floor of Congress and really ruin what used to be a great country if they “take back their country.” I guess you can plug in whatever that means for you though it sounds like an awful way to live if you are a minority on any level. Now, 7.5 yrs. later you would think, maybe people have experienced enough bs and now understand that elections have consequences. The true answer is no, not many constituents in red states have been laughing, listening or have learned  from what has occurred on the floor of Congress .

The grim reality is that a vote for Republicans is a vote against your own best interest people.

If you live under a Republican controlled state, you have to ask yourself what have Republicans really done for you lately especially if you have family friends who are Federal Employees…  co-workers Teachers, Cops, Emts, Firefighters. Honestly, i don’t get it. The Republican mission remains unchanged and is as clear as the nose on your face and what you are hearing right now is only about winning the primary, you cannot be telling me Republicans can or intend to do a 360 or 180 if they win. The mission of Republicans in congress has been to seek out and privatize public service jobs or destroy them while dismantling the ACA by any means necessary. Unfortunately, the “thing” (Women) they have chosen to use as a Political football reared its ugly head again, a need to shutdoen homeland security, EPA,Education. republicans hate immigration reform while the XXL pipeline got vetoed by POTUS, rumors are it may still get built anyway and that boggles my brain.

In 2010, Republican Governors told their constituents their focus was on JObs Jobs Jobs though as time passed it was clear the mission included eliminating unions, defunding education and every social service program available while eliminating Working Families at the same time. This was not just a rude awakening it was a slap in the face, which brought out that sleeping giant that gained speed and culminated into millions of folks fighting back voting POTUS back for a second term. Now, in this 2016 year, the 21st Century the Party of No wants to roll back the clock, stir blue collar workers into a froth with instantiated anger that they, their wives and neighbors will march into that voting booth and vote based on everything other than who really is qualified to be President of the United States . The results from the midterm elections should have been a warning shot; their votes will and have affected our children, our lives, and now a trump president could ruin our future for years to come.  Think of the possibilities, if voters put the Democratic Party back in charge.  There will still be differences of opinion but changing out the extreme and partisan Party for a Congress that might be willing to work together for the greater good, rids America of Citizens United, makes sure that equality in all its forms finally reigns and that income inequality gap starts to fall away. The choice is an obvious one to me as this group of Republican lawmakers on the local State and Federal level decidedly agreed to take an extreme hard right. The Political Party of no made the unseemly choice to sign a pledge to stick by Grover  Norquist! it hurts all Americans, supports Paul Ryan’s farst of a budget that will change Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security as we know it. We cannot afford to give power to Rep.Ryan and  McConnell power that has in my opinion been abused  misused far more than their constituents understand or accept.  Mr. McConnell’s famous statement, that his job, his only goal was and still is to make President Obama a one term President will go down in history, and not in a good way. President Barack Obama has done more for the middle class and poor on his own while in office than those running states, let alone a Congress that has been an obstacle on so many levels during his Great 2Terms in office

Voting is a Right NOT a Privilege ….

below is just one of many stories of brave people who took a stand for us, Annie took a stand for my right to vote … NOW, we all have to Stand Up ! We will NOT let them turn back the Voting Clock !

Annie Lee Cooper

–The Selma Times-Journal reports:Annie Lee Cooper, a civil rights hero, died Wednesday afternoon at Vaughan Regional Medical Center. She was 100 years old.

Cooper became known worldwide in 1965 for a confrontation with Sheriff James G. Clark.

Historian David J. Garrow tells the story in his book, “Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” which was released in the 1970s by Yale University Press.

According to Garrow’s documented version, Cooper had stood in line for hours outside the Dallas County Courthouse to register to vote. Clark ordered the 224-pound, 54-year-old African-American woman to go home. Cooper clamed he poked her in the back of the neck with either a billy club or a cattle prod. Cooper turned and delivered a right hook to the sheriff’s jaw. He dropped to the ground. — Read the whole story –> Annie Lee Cooper, civil rights legend, dies | The Selma Times?Journal

 

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 3/1 ~~ the House


MarchforWomen

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:30am on Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015, post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. All time during recess or adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on the motion to proceed.

 

 

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Last Floor Action:
12:03:11 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.

10:00:40 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:55 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel M. Donovan Jr. to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:24 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.
10:31:59 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:09 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 1.
12:01:13 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:02:43 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:47 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Capps to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:11 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.

 

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Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 3/26 ~~ the House


GOP_Elephant_WRONG_WAY_smallThe Senate stands adjourned until 3:00pm on Monday, February 29, 2016.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015, with the time until 5:30pm equally divided between the two managers or their designees.

At 5:30pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.524.

Wrap Up for Thursday, February 25, 2016

Feb 25, ’16 5:47 PM

Roll Call Votes Adoption of Res.374, relating to the death of Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; adopted: 93-0.   No Legislative Business   No Executive Business

More

 

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House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of February 26, 2016

Last Floor Action:
1:51:43 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 29, 2016.

9:00:44 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:50 A.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:01:50 A.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:01:53 A.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Peters to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:02:12 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.
9:16:33 A.M. H.R. 2406 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2406 — “To protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing, and shooting, and for other purposes.”
9:16:56 A.M. H.R. 2406 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:18:36 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Wittman, No. 1 printed in House Report 114-429 to delete Title XII which has been enacted into law already; remove outdated year references in short titles; make expenditures under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act subject to appropriation; and add the text of HR 3279, as passed by the House, as a new title XVII.
9:18:38 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wittman amendment No. 1.
9:21:33 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Wittman amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:21:51 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Beyer, No. 2 printed in House Report 114-429 to prohibit an individual who is prohibited from possessing a firearm by the Gun Control Act from using a public target range.
9:21:53 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Beyer amendment No. 2.
9:30:23 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Beyer amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Beyer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:30:59 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, No. 3 printed in House Report 114-429 to strike Title III, the exemption to import polar bear trophies taken in sport.
9:31:01 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 3.
9:42:12 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:42:42 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Costa, No. 4 printed in House Report 114-429 to add the Administrator of U.S. Small Business Administration or a designated representative to the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committees membership.
9:42:43 A.M. H.R. 2406 Costa amendment; modified by unanimous consent.
9:43:03 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Costa amendment No. 4, as modified.
9:47:24 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Costa amendment; as modified Agreed to by voice vote.
9:48:13 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Smith (MO), No. 5 printed in House Report 114-429 to add a specification that closures of hunter access corridors shall be clearly marked with signs and dates of closures, but shall not include barriers on the corridor.
9:48:15 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (MO) amendment No. 5.
9:50:46 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Smith (MO) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:52:03 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Ms. Meng, No. 6 printed in House Report 114-429 to permits more than one U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Officer to be placed in a U.S. diplomatic or consular post in an African country with a significant population of African elephants in order to assist local wildlife rangers in the protection of such elephants.
9:52:07 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Meng amendment No. 6.
9:53:41 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Meng amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:54:07 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Huffman, No. 7 printed in House Report 114-429 to require GAO to conduct a study examining the effect of a ban of the trade of fossilized ivory from mammoths and mastodons on the illegal importation and trade of African and Asian elephant ivory within the United States.
9:54:09 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Huffman amendment No. 7.
9:56:45 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Huffman amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:57:12 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Beyer, No. 8 printed in House Report 114-429 to strike language that requires state approval of federal fishing regulations in waters under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
9:57:14 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Beyer amendment No. 8.
10:08:02 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Beyer amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Beyer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:08:41 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Smith (MO), No. 9 printed in House Report 114-429 to prohibit USDA and NFS from issuing restrictions and regulations on hunting and recreational fishing in the Mark Twain National Forest.
10:08:43 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (MO) amendment No. 9.
10:14:42 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Smith (MO) amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Beyer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:15:21 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Newhouse, No. 10 printed in House Report 114-429 to require the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service to publish a notice in the Federal Register, with a justification, for the closure of any public road on Forest System lands.
10:15:23 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Newhouse amendment No. 10.
10:22:11 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Newhouse amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:22:30 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming, No. 11 printed in House Report 114-429 to require the Forest Administrator to amend the travel plan for the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana to allow Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) access on roads nominated by the Secretary of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, except when such designation would pose an unacceptable safety risk. If a road is denied, the amendment would require the Forest Administrator to publish a notice in the Federal Register with a justification for the closure.
10:22:38 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fleming amendment No. 11.
10:30:30 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Fleming amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:30:49 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Griffith, No. 12 printed in House Report 114-429 to allow a person who is not prohibited from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm or ammunition to transport a firearm or ammunition for any lawful purpose from any place where the person may lawfully possess, carry, or transport the firearm or ammunition to any other such place if, during the transportation, the firearm is unloaded.
10:30:53 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Griffith amendment No. 12.
10:43:29 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Griffith amendment No. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Beyer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:44:21 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Hardy, No. 13 printed in House Report 114-429 to add the text of H.R. 373, the Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act, to the end of the bill. Adding such text would expedite access to federal lands for volunteer search and rescue groups to assist in recovering the remains of a deceased individual believed to be located on federal lands.
10:44:23 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hardy amendment No. 13.
10:48:53 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Hardy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:49:25 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Ribble, No. 14 printed in House Report 114-429 to provide for reissuing the 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to delist the gray wolf in the Western Great Lakes and Wyoming from the Endangered Species Act.
10:49:27 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ribble amendment No. 14.
11:02:49 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ribble amendment No. 14, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Beyer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:03:17 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), numbered 15 printed in House Report 114-429 to prohibit the Fish and Wildlife Service from issuing a final rule that preempts state management authority which is protected by law in Alaska and withdrawals a final rule issued by the National Park Service of the same issue.
11:03:42 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young(AK) amendment No. 15.
11:12:21 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Young(AK) amendment No. 15, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Dingell demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:12:52 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Huffman, numbered 16 printed in House Report 114-429 to designate the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness and a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
11:13:14 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Huffman amendment No. 16.
11:24:02 A.M. H.R. 2406 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Huffman amendment No. 16, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Huffman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:24:27 A.M. H.R. 2406 An amendment, offered by Mr. Lowenthal, numbered 17 printed in House Report 114-429 to authorize the Department of Interior, after public comment and if approved unanimously by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, to raise the price of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (“Duck Stamp”) by the rate of inflation, in order to preserve waterfowl habitat.
11:24:30 A.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lowenthal amendment No. 17.
11:30:54 A.M. H.R. 2406 By unanimous consent, the Lowenthal amendment was withdrawn.
11:52:49 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Beyer amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 244 (Roll no. 92).
11:55:56 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 159 – 242 (Roll no. 93).
11:59:31 A.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Beyer amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 236 (Roll no. 94).
12:02:42 P.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Smith (MO) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 173 (Roll no. 95).
12:06:01 P.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Griffith amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 239 – 165 (Roll no. 96).
12:08:54 P.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Ribble amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 171 (Roll no. 97).
12:11:58 P.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 169 (Roll no. 98).
12:15:25 P.M. H.R. 2406 On agreeing to the Huffman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 227 (Roll no. 99).
12:16:01 P.M. H.R. 2406 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2406.
12:16:31 P.M. H.R. 2406 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
12:16:41 P.M. H.R. 2406 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.
12:17:43 P.M. H.R. 2406 Mrs. Lawrence moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Natural Resources.
12:18:02 P.M. H.R. 2406 DEBATE – The House the proceeded with 10 miunutes of debate on the Lawerence motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section at the end of the bill pertaining to Protecting Water Supply for Public Recreation and Safe Drinking.
12:24:42 P.M. H.R. 2406 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
12:31:05 P.M. H.R. 2406 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 165 – 238 (Roll no. 100).
12:36:42 P.M. H.R. 2406 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 242 – 161 (Roll no. 101).
12:36:44 P.M. H.R. 2406 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:36:45 P.M. H.R. 2406 The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2406.
12:38:46 P.M. Mr. Woodall asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, February 26, 2016, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 29, 2016, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
12:39:12 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:51:59 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
1:51:35 P.M. Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:51:41 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:51:43 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 29, 2016.

politics,pollution,petitions,pop culture & purses