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Polar bears and seals in danger


greenpeace

Shell’s plans mean disaster for the Arctic, and our government might let it happen.

Take action!

Tell the Obama administration that the environmental impacts of Arctic drilling are too big to ignore.

Submit a Comment

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Voter poll issues …


As Florida’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi has a duty to uphold our laws and justice system with integrity.

But she could not care less. She’s been selling out Florida’s justice system to Washington lobbyists, socializing with attorneys who have corporate clients under state investigation.

They shower her with free trips, and in return, she’s been dropping cases and looking the other way. This behavior is wildly inappropriate – and a clear violation of Florida law.

Add your name: Call on Rick Scott to set up an independent investigation into Bondi’s blatant disregard for the law!

We cannot continue to let Bondi rob Floridians of the justice they deserve.

Our state needs an AG who’ll fight back against the bad guys, not someone who’ll take their gifts and hobnob with them at island resorts.

It is our Governor’s obligation to do the right thing by holding Bondi accountable for her actions. Will you stand with us?

Tell Rick Scott to set up an independent investigation into Bondi’s behavior! Add your name here.

Thanks,

Florida Democrats

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Local Momentum For National Change On Poverty


By

Virgil Pack is a father of two from Richmond, Virginia, who works 3 low wage jobs for 65 hours a week with no benefits. He has completed two years of college and used to run his own business, he says, “but in this economy this is all the work I can find. Every month is a struggle to make ends meet.”

Virgil shared his story during the release event at CAP Action for this year’s Half in Ten annual report, Building Local Momentum for National Change: The 2014 Half in Ten Poverty and Inequality Indicators Report. The report examines 21 different indicators of economic security and opportunity to track the goal of cutting poverty in half in 10 years. In states and municipalities across the country, movements to raise the minimum wage, provide paid sick leave and universal pre-K, and other progressive policies have gained steam. But there is much more that needs to be done for people out there like Virgil and his family. Here are some of the key findings:

There was some progress on the poverty rate this year but chronic economic insecurity persists. The national poverty rate fell from 15 percent in 2012 to 14.5 percent in 2013—the first statistically significant decrease since 2006—but many low-income Americans continue to struggle to make ends meet in today’s economy. Income inequality is at the same level as the 1920’s, service sector wages have been flat for over a decade, and the minimum wage hasn’t kept track with the rising costs of living.

halften1117pr.JPG

CREDIT: HALF IN TEN

Progress and momentum at the local and state level shows that public will is building in the right direction. In the recent election, voters in blue states and red states strongly supported progressive policies that would boost the economic security of American families. In fact, in five out of five states where a minimum wage increase was on the ballot, voters supported the increase by an average of 26 points.

Especially as the groundwork for the 2016 begins, we must leverage local and state progressive movements and successes to build a truly national anti-poverty movement. With income inequality at levels not seen since the 1920s, a shrinking middle class, stagnant wages, and too little progress on poverty, we must set the stage to make poverty reduction a serious and accountable priority.

BOTTOM LINE: While there are some bright spots in this year’s poverty data, it’s a strong reminder that our economy still isn’t working for low-income Americans. Promising developments at the local level are a step in the right direction, and it’s time for policymakers at the federal level to make the right choices to support families and cut poverty. Hardworking men and women like Virgil shouldn’t have to work full time or overtime and still worry about providing basic necessities for their families.

See Also: VIDEO: Building Local Momentum for National Change: The 2014 Half in Ten Poverty and Inequality Indicators Report

Black History

the Senate ~~~ CONGRESS 11/18 ~~~ the House


 

2ebe4-gulfwindsunset

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. There will be up to 6 hours of debate equally divided between opponents and proponents.

If all debate time is used, at approximately 6:15pm, the Senate will proceed to up to 5 roll call votes, with up to 30 minutes of debate after the vote on the Ross nomination and before the cloture vote on the USA Freedom Act.

6:15pm—5 roll call votes:

  1. Passage of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline [60-vote threshold];
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #856, Leslie Joyce Abrams, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #857, Mark Howard Cohen, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #858, Eleanor Louise Ross, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;
  5. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2685, the USA Freedom Act.

 

When the Senate recessed for the caucus luncheons, there were approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes of debate time remaining (Boxer controls 73 minutes, Landrieu controls 33 minutes, and Hoeven controls 89 minutes). If all time is used and no time is added, the series of 5 roll call votes (4 roll calls, 5 voice votes, 30 minutes of debate, cloture vote on MTP to USA FREEDOM) would begin at approximately 5:30pm this evening.

5:30pm—5 roll call votes:

  1. Passage of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline [60-vote threshold];
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #856, Leslie Joyce Abrams, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #857, Mark Howard Cohen, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #858, Eleanor Louise Ross, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;

* 5 voice votes to confirm ambassadors

* Up to 30 minutes for debate

  1. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2685, the USA Freedom Act.

Prior to the 30 minutes for debate, we there will be a series of voice votes to confirm the Basset, Bernicat, Zumwalt, Allen, and Roebuck nominations (to be ambassadors).

5 Voice Votes:

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #927 Leslie Ann Bassett – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Paraguay;
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #954 Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1047 James Peter Zumwalt – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Senegal and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau;
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1048 Craig B. Allen – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam;
  5. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1052 William V. Roebuck – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain

The series of tonight’s votes is now expected to begin closer to 5:55pm.

 

The time until 5:45pm will be equally divided between Senators Boxer, Landrieu and Hoeven, or their designees. At 5:45pm, Senator Hoeven will be recognized for 2 minutes for closing remarks, then Senator Landrieu will be recognized for 2 minutes, and then Senator Boxer will be recognized for up to 4 minutes. Upon conclusion of Senator Boxer’s remarks, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone Pipeline.

 

Approx. 5:53pm—5 roll call votes:

  1. Passage of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline [60-vote threshold];
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #856, Leslie Joyce Abrams, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #857, Mark Howard Cohen, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #858, Eleanor Louise Ross, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;

* 5 voice votes to confirm ambassadors

* Up to 30 minutes for debate

  1. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2685, the USA Freedom Act.

 

Prior to the 30 minutes for debate, we there will be a series of voice votes to confirm the Basset, Bernicat, Zumwalt, Allen, and Roebuck nominations (to be ambassadors).

 

5 Voice Votes:

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #927 Leslie Ann Bassett – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Paraguay;
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #954 Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1047 James Peter Zumwalt – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Senegal and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau;
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1048 Craig B. Allen – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam;
  5. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1052 William V. Roebuck – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain

 

5:55pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on passage of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline [60-vote threshold];

Not Passed: 59-41

 

CORRECTION: Senator Vitter objected to the Boxer request to allow for the EPW committee to meet today.

 

Next:

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #856, Leslie Joyce Abrams, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia;
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #857, Mark Howard Cohen, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #858, Eleanor Louise Ross, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia;

* 5 voice votes to confirm ambassadors (Basset, Bernicat, Zumwalt, Allen, and Roebuck)

* Up to 30 minutes for debate

  1. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2685, the USA Freedom Act.

 

Prior to the 30 minutes for debate, we there will be a series of voice votes to confirm the Basset, Bernicat, Zumwalt, Allen, and Roebuck nominations (to be ambassadors).

 

5 Voice Votes:

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #927 Leslie Ann Bassett – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Paraguay;
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #954 Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1047 James Peter Zumwalt – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Senegal and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau;
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1048 Craig B. Allen – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam;
  5. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #1052 William V. Roebuck – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Bahrain

6:27pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #856, Leslie Joyce Abrams, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia;

Confirmed: 100-0

The Cohen, Ross, Basset, Bernicat, Zumwalt, Allen, and Roebuck nominations were confirmed by voice votes. There will now be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to 2685, the USA Freedom Act. Some of the time may be yielded back.

7:26pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2685, USA FREEDOM Act;

Not invoked: 58-42

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

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

  1. Passage of S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline; Not Passed: 59-41.
  2. Confirmation of Leslie Joyce Abrams, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia; Confirmed: 100-0.
  3. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2685, the USA Freedom Act; Not Invoked: 58-42.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.577: Holiday Season Charitable Collections in Senate Buildings

Executive Business

Confirmed the following by voice vote:

  1. Mark Howard Cohen, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia
  2. Eleanor Louise Ross, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia
  3. Leslie Ann Bassett, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Paraguay
  4. Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, to be Ambassador to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
  5. James Peter Zumwalt, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
  6. Craig B. Allen, to be Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam
  7. William V. Roebuck, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain

 

 

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

Last Floor Action:
5:45:38 P.M. -H.R. 1422
On motion to recommit with instructions Roll Call 524 – Recorded vote pending.

Last Floor Action:
11:05:12 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today

Last Floor Action:
8:27:27 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 18, 2014.

10:00:26 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:33 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Glenn Thompson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:47 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.
11:05:12 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

 

12:00:18 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 18.
12:00:23 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Arne Panula, Catholic Information Center, Washington, DC.
12:01:45 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:50 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Thompson of PA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:10 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.
12:20:10 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 November 18, 2014 at 9:45 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. Res. 579. relative to the death of Howard O. Greene, Jr.
12:20:22 P.M. H. Res. 756 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 756 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1422) to amend the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to provide for Scientific Advisory Board member qualifications, public participation, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4012) to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not transparent or reproducible; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4795) to promote new manufacturing in the United States by providing for greater transparency and timeliness in obtaining necessary permits, and for other purposes; and providing for proceedings during the period from November 21, 2014, through November 28, 2014.”
12:27:19 P.M. H. Res. 756 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 756.
1:23:46 P.M. H. Res. 756 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 225 – 190 (Roll no. 521).
1:31:21 P.M. H. Res. 756 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 192 (Roll no. 522).
1:31:22 P.M. H. Res. 756 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:35:37 P.M. H.R. 1422 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 756. H.R. 1422 — “To amend the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to provide for Scientific Advisory Board member qualifications, public participation, and for other purposes.”
1:35:42 P.M. H.R. 1422 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012 and H.R. 4795. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. General debate is limited to 1 hour for each bill. The resolution specifies certain amendments are in order for H.R. 1422, H.R. 4012, and H.R. 4795. One motion to recommit with instructions is permitted for each bill.
1:37:00 P.M. H.R. 1422 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1422.
2:29:09 P.M. H.R. 1422 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 1422 had been postponed.
2:29:57 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
5:01:23 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 18.
5:01:26 P.M. H.R. 1422 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1422 — “To amend the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to provide for Scientific Advisory Board member qualifications, public participation, and for other purposes.”
5:02:05 P.M. H.R. 1422 An amendment, offered by Mr. Stewart, numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 113-626 to make technical changes to conform with recent amendments to the underlying statute. The amendment also reiterates the independence of the Science Advisory Board and clarifies pre-existing language.
5:02:10 P.M. H.R. 1422 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 756, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Stewart Part A amendment No. 1.
5:07:58 P.M. H.R. 1422 The previous question was ordered on the amendment (A002) without objection.
5:35:22 P.M. H.R. 1422 On agreeing to the Stewart amendment; Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 523).
5:37:04 P.M. H.R. 1422 Mr. Maloney, Sean moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
5:37:17 P.M. H.R. 1422 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sean Maloney 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 to prohibit people from serving on the Science Advisory Board if they represent a corporation or a trade association with a financial interest in the outcome of the Boards decisions. The reservation of the point of order was subsequently withdrawn.
5:45:33 P.M. H.R. 1422 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:45:38 P.M. H.R. 1422 On motion to recommit with instructions Roll Call 524 – Recorded vote pending.

 

5:53:39 P.M. H.R. 1422 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 195 – 225 (Roll no. 524).
6:02:17 P.M. H.R. 1422 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 229 – 191 (Roll no. 525).
6:02:19 P.M. H.R. 1422 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:04:09 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:10:37 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:13:10 P.M. Mr. Rice (SC) moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:13:17 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:13:18 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 19, 2014.

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

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Alma Adams … goes to Washington


by OnPolitics Featured Image

Record-setting 100th woman in Congress takes oath today

When Alma Adams takes the oath of office Wednesday, the North Carolina Democrat will set a new record and become the 100th woman to serve in this current Congress. 401 more words

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