~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

War as a last resort ? … common sense


VoteVets.org

When it comes to a diplomacy-first approach with Iran, President Obama is right.

“The American people expect us to only go to war as a last resort, and I intend to stay true to that wisdom.” – State of the Union address

The purpose of Iranian sanctions was always to open the door to negotiations; it would be irresponsible to tie negotiator’s hands as those efforts are beginning to bear fruit.

The U.S. Senate is set to take up the matter as early as next week, and last November’s election puts our diplomatic progress in jeopardy. As veterans, military family members, and VoteVets supporters, it’s important we make our voices heard.

Sign our petition telling the U.S. Senate to VOTE NO on the Menendez-Kirk bill designed to ensure diplomatic efforts fail.

Congress has the responsibility to do everything it can before putting American troops in harm’s way — which, as the President said, should only be a last resort.

That means letting diplomacy work without undermining our negotiators.

The debate isn’t over, but it’s clear that momentum is on the side of those who want to empower our negotiators and provide them the support they need. That’s good for America’s security, and military.

Add your voice to the debate. Tell the Senate to give diplomacy a chance:

http://action.votevets.org/iran

We’re going to deliver your signatures directly to Senators Menendez and Kirk’s offices. So your voice makes a difference.

Thanks for making it heard.

Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton
 VoteVets.org

Black History

the Senate ~~~ CONGRESS 1/26 ~~~ the House


capitolsnowclosed

The Senate stands adjourned under the provisions of S.Res.38 until 4:30pm on Monday, January 26, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1. The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the bill is 3:00pm on Monday, with the second degree amendment deadline set for 5:00pm.

During Thursday’s session of the Senate, Senator McConnell filed cloture on the Murkowski amendment #2 (substitute) and on the underlying bill, S.1, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The next roll call vote will occur at 5:30pm on the motion to invoke cloture on the Murkowski amendment #2 (substitute).

 

5:32pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Murkowski amendment #2 (substitute) to S.1, a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline;

Not invoked: 53-39

Senator McConnell entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote.

5:58pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1, a bill to approve the Keystone pipeline;

Not Invoked: 53-39

Senator McConnell entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote.

There will be no further roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

  1. Motion to invoke cloture on Murkowski amendment #2; Not agreed to: 53-39.
  2. Motion to invoke cloture on S.1, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline; Not agreed to: 53-39.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.41, congratulating the North Dakota State University football team for winning the 2014 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title.

Executive Business

=====================================================================

Last Floor Action:
6:32:21 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 27, 2015.

Last Floor Action:
2:12:45 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

Last Floor Action:
3:08:03 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 26, 2015.

12:00:16 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:21 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Rick W. Allen to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:44 P.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:08:17 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:17 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 26.
2:01:19 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:05 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:08 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pitts to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:32 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:11:38 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 26, 2015, at 12:47 p.m., stating that that body had agreed to S. Res. 38.
2:11:43 P.M. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 3003, and the order of the House of January 6, 2015, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Mr. Smith of NJ, Chairman.
2:12:31 P.M. Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 6913, and the order of the House of January 6, 2015, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China: Mr. Smith of NJ, Chairman.
2:12:45 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

3:33:31 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 26.
3:33:40 P.M. Mr. Royce asked unanimous consent That, the order of the House of January 6, 2015, regarding Morning-Hour debate not apply on January 27, 2015. Agreed to without objection.
3:34:02 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
3:34:23 P.M. H.R. 514 Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 514 — “To prioritize the fight against human trafficking within the Department of State according to congressional intent in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 without increasing the size of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.”
3:34:38 P.M. H.R. 514 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:34:40 P.M. H.R. 514 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 514.
3:51:04 P.M. H.R. 514 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:51:08 P.M. H.R. 514 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:51:10 P.M. H.R. 515 Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 515 — “To protect children from exploitation, especially sex trafficking in tourism, by providing advance notice of intended travel by registered child-sex offenders outside the United States to the government of the country of destination, requesting foreign governments to notify the United States when a known child-sex offender is seeking to enter the United States, and for other purposes.”
3:51:23 P.M. H.R. 515 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:51:24 P.M. H.R. 515 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 515.
4:08:48 P.M. H.R. 515 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:08:51 P.M. H.R. 515 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:09:01 P.M. H.R. 357 Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 357 — “To amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to expand the training for Federal Government personnel related to trafficking in persons, and for other purposes.”
4:09:14 P.M. H.R. 357 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:09:17 P.M. H.R. 357 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 357.
4:22:20 P.M. H.R. 357 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:22:22 P.M. H.R. 357 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:23:00 P.M. H.R. 468 Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 468 — “To amend the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act to increase knowledge concerning, and improve services for, runaway and homeless youth who are victims of trafficking.”
4:23:15 P.M. H.R. 468 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:23:17 P.M. H.R. 468 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 468.
4:35:10 P.M. H.R. 468 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:35:13 P.M. H.R. 468 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:35:18 P.M. H.R. 469 Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 469 — “To amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to enable State child protective services systems to improve the identification and assessment of child victims of sex trafficking, and for other purposes.”
4:35:36 P.M. H.R. 469 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:35:38 P.M. H.R. 469 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 469.
4:58:52 P.M. H.R. 469 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
4:59:28 P.M. H.R. 246 Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 246 — “To improve the response to victims of child sex trafficking.”
4:59:53 P.M. H.R. 246 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:59:55 P.M. H.R. 246 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 246.
5:20:43 P.M. H.R. 246 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:21:16 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:26:26 P.M. The House received a communication from Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Haas notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in connection with a criminal case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she will determine whether compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
5:26:52 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:28:20 P.M. Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 48.
6:29:00 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:32:07 P.M. Mr. Jenkins (WV) moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:32:20 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:32:21 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 27, 2015.

============================================================

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Putting Women’s Health First


Q: Is it true that women in the Philippines now have free access to contraception?

A: Yes, it is true! Millions of Filipinos will finally have universal, free access to contraception—as well as expanded reproductive health education. After a decade of political debate and year-long a Supreme Court battle, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also known as the RH Law, will be going into effect. Read more > In the News Mississippi Governor Bryant Signs Dangerous and Unconstitutional Ban on Abortion…read more > Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Severely Restricting Access to Medication Abortion…read more > Health Care Providers Ask Full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to Reconsider Texas Law that Blocks Abortion Access…read more >   RW, April 2014

  In The NEWs

Mississippi Governor Bryant Signs Dangerous and Unconstitutional Ban on Abortion…read more >

Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Severely Restricting Access to Medication Abortion…read more >

Health Care Providers Ask Full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to Reconsider Texas Law that Blocks Abortion Access…read more >

RW, April 2014

Putting Women’s Health First

RW, April 2014

A Dallas hospital has chosen to discriminate against two good doctors rather than protect women’s health. Recently, the hospital revoked the doctors’ admitting privileges, specifically because—and they said as much—they provide abortion services. That’s illegal, and our partners are fighting against the hospital’s decision in court. Here’s what the hospital told them: “[Your] practice of performing [abortions] is disruptive…[and] creates significant exposure and damages to [our] reputation within the community.” It’s insane for a hospital to deny women care because it believes performing abortions “damages” its reputation. This lawsuit will remind the hospital—and the Texas government—that it must put women’s health first. Read More >

Victory in North Dakota and Arkansas

RW, April 2014

When Arkansas banned abortion at twelve weeks of pregnancy last year, we thought the state was redefining the word “extreme.” But just weeks later, North Dakota set a new low by banning abortion at six weeks—before most women even know they’re pregnant. We immediately challenged both of these laws and, with help from supporters like you, we’ve secured resounding victories from the courts. It’s essential that we’re prepared to challenge dangerous and unconstitutional restrictions like these, but the truth is women should not be forced to go to court, year after year in state after state, to protect their constitutional rights. We need Congress to pass a law that will stop these bans before they get passed. Please urge your senators and representatives to support the Women’s Health Protection Act. Take action today >

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Ruth Schmidt


Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest

This year,(2014) Alaska lost a legend when Ruth Schmidt passed away at the age of 97.

In a time when many women weren’t encouraged to enter scientific fields, Ruth received her Masters (in 1939) and Ph.D. (in 1948) from Columbia University before going on to become a prominent geologist. She moved to Alaska in 1956, and later founded the Geology Department at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

An article in the Anchorage Daily News from April summed up just how impressive Ruth’s accomplishments were: “Recently the American Association of Petroleum Geologists announced it would honor the organization’s first 100 female members to commemorate its centennial in 2017. The first woman featured is Ruth A.M. Schmidt.”

Ruth was a treasure to the state of Alaska, not just because of her professional accomplishments, but also because of her storied philanthropic work.

As her obituary notes, “she supported conservation, opera and symphony, social services, public media, science, and science education for women and minorities.”

There’s something else to add to the list: Ruth supported women’s health and reproductive justice.

We were overwhelmed and amazed when we learned that part of Ruth’s will included a bequest to Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, the first-ever contribution of that type to our organization.

We want to thank and honor Ruth for her support of women’s health and reproductive freedom.

Because of Ruth’s generosity, we have been able to wage a stronger fight against the threats to women’s health posed by politicians who want to interfere in personal medical decisions. Coupled with the support of thousands of activists like you – as donors, volunteers, and community supporters – we’ve been able to advance a progressive agenda across Alaska, Idaho, and Washington fighting for women and families.

Ruth was a trailblazer for women, for science, for Alaska, and for reproductive health and rights. If you want to continue her legacy with us, add your name to the list as someone who will continue to fight for women’s health in 2015 and beyond.

Thank you for all that you do.

Elaine Rose
CEO
Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest 
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center


I have some hard news to share with you.

After nearly 12 years of working on women’s health and reproductive rights at the National Women’s Law Center, I’ve decided to move on to my next adventure.

I am grateful to have been able to serve with you in the fight on behalf of women and their families for all these years. Together, we protected and expanded Medicaid and defeated outrageous attempts to curb reproductive health on the state and federal levels. We also passed a landmark health care law that is helping millions of Americans through better insurance coverage and targeted benefits for women. Now all insurance plans will cover contraceptives without co-pay.

We made Margaret Sanger proud.

A few of my favorite photos from over the years

A few of my favorite photos from over the years

We still have much work to do, and many battles ahead. That’s why I’m thrilled that Gretchen Borchelt, our current Senior Counsel and Director of State Reproductive Health Policy, will be taking over the reins of the Health and Reproductive Rights team at the National Women’s Law Center as the new year begins. Gretchen and I have worked together for 8 years, and I know she’ll provide strong, experienced and committed leadership. She’s as enthusiastic about continuing this work as I am to see her do it.

Gretchen and me

Gretchen and me

Thank you for all the wonderful years. And please stay in touch.

With gratitude,

Judy Waxman

politics,pollution,petitions,pop culture & purses