2014 Midyear Newsletter

You can download the full printed version here.

Dear Friend,

The first half of 2014 has been a very exciting time at A Better Balance. Over the past several months wehave been working hard:

Ensuring that all workers in NYC know about their new rights to Paid Sick Days and Pregnancy Accommodations,
Advancing Fairness for Pregnant Workers Across the Country, including Officer Trischler in Florence, KY,
Crafting a Right to Request Flexible Work and Predictable Scheduling,
Launching the A Better Balance Southern Office,
Fighting for LGBT Working Families,
Keeping up the Pressure for Paid Family Leave.

And we are just getting started!

A Better Balance is now on the front lines making a difference, but we need your support to keep the momentum going!

Thank you, as always, for your support.

The A Better Balance Team

Sherry, Dina, Phoebe, Jared, Liz, Elizabeth, Risha, Morenike, Rachel, & Meredith

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 9/8 the House

09/08/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned under the provisions of H.Con.Res.112 until 2:00pm on Monday, September 8, 2014.

On Monday, September 8, following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 5:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session, resume consideration of Executive Calendar #848, Julie Pryor, and immediately proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination.

At 5:30pm—3 roll call votes; 3 voice votes expected

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #848, Jill Pryor, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit (roll call)

2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #910, Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2014 (roll call)

3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #911, Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2020 (voice vote expected)

4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #908, Alan L. Cohen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2016 (voice vote expected)

5. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #909, Lanhee J. Chen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2018 (voice vote expected)

6. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.19, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections (roll call).

Committees are authorized to report Legislative and Executive matters on Tuesday, August 26 from 10:00am to 12:00 noon.

5:32pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #848, the nomination of Jill Pryor, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit;

Confirmed: 97-0

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #910, Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board (roll call vote expected);

2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #911, Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2020 (voice vote expected);

3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #908, Alan L. Cohen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2016 (voice vote expected);

4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #909, Lanhee J. Chen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2018 (voice vote expected); and

5. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.19, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections (roll call vote).

6:13pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #910, Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board;

Confirmed: 54-43

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #911, Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2020 (voice vote expected);
Confirmation of Executive Calendar #908, Alan L. Cohen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2016 (voice vote expected);
Confirmation of Executive Calendar #909, Lanhee J. Chen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2018 (voice vote expected); and
Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.19, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections (roll call vote).

– Henry J. Aaron, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2020;

– Alan L. Cohen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2016;

– Lanhee J. Chen, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2018

6:31pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.19, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.

This will be the last vote of the day.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #848, Jill Pryor, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit; Confirmed: 97-0.
Confirmation of Executive Calendar #910, Henry J. Aaron, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board for a term expiring September 30, 2014; Confirmed: 54-43.
Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.19, an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections; Invoked: 79-18.

Legislative Business

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2772, Supplemental Appropriations for FY2014 (Flake)

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2773, Supplemental Appropriations for FY2014 (Cornyn-Grassley-McConnell)

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2779, Expatriate Terrorists Act (Cruz)

Executive Business

Confirmed the following nominations by voice votes:

Executive Calendar #911, Henry J. Aaron, of the District of Columbia, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2020;
Executive Calendar #908, Alan L. Cohen, of Virginia, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2016; and
Executive Calendar #909, Lanhee J. Chen, of California, to be Member of the Social Security Advisory Board expiring September 30, 2018.

***********************************

Last Floor Action:9/8
4:19:41 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: 8/4
10:06:42 A.M. – The Speaker announced that pursuant to the order of the House of today,

the House stands adjourned until noon on Thursday, August 7, 2014,

unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its adoption of H. Con. Res. 112, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution. Agreed to without objection

2:00:23 P.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

2:00:30 P.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

2:00:49 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

2:02:17 P.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

2:02:19 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Garcia to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2:03:02 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 House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on August 5, 2014 at 11:49 a.m., stating that that body had agreed to H. Con. Res. 112 without amendment.

2:03:33 P.M.

The House received a communication from Representative Cantor wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at 6:00 p.m. on August 18, 2014.

2:03:34 P.M.

ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Cantor, the whole number of the House is 432.

2:03:36 P.M.

H.R. 5078

Mr. Shuster asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be authorized to file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 5078. Agreed to without objection.

2:05:06 P.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:13:47 P.M.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

2:13:57 P.M.

S. 231

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 231 — “To reauthorize the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp.”

2:14:26 P.M.

S. 231

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:14:27 P.M.

S. 231

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 231.

2:18:01 P.M.

S. 231

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:18:04 P.M.

S. 231

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:18:15 P.M.

H.R. 4939

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4939 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2551 Galena Avenue in Simi Valley, California, as the “Neil Havens Post Office”.”

2:18:26 P.M.

H.R. 4939

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:18:28 P.M.

H.R. 4939

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4939.

2:25:51 P.M.

H.R. 4939

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:25:53 P.M.

H.R. 4939

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:26:04 P.M.

H.R. 2819

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2819 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 275 Front Street in Marietta, Ohio, as the “Veterans Memorial Post Office Building”.”

2:26:35 P.M.

H.R. 2819

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:26:36 P.M.

H.R. 2819

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2819.

2:31:18 P.M.

H.R. 2819

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:31:20 P.M.

H.R. 2819

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:31:34 P.M.

H.R. 5089

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5089 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Mulford Road in Mulberry, Florida, as the “Sergeant First Class Daniel M. Ferguson Post Office”.”

2:31:46 P.M.

H.R. 5089

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:31:48 P.M.

H.R. 5089

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5089.

2:37:26 P.M.

H.R. 5089

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.

2:38:06 P.M.

H.R. 2678

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2678 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10360 Southwest 186th Street in Miami, Florida, as the “Larcenia J. Bullard Post Office Building”.”

2:38:10 P.M.

H.R. 2678

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:38:12 P.M.

H.R. 2678

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2678.

2:44:00 P.M.

H.R. 2678

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Collins (GA) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

2:45:17 P.M.

H.R. 5019

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5019 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1335 Jefferson Road in Rochester, New York, as the “Specialist Theodore Matthew Glende Post Office”.”

2:45:18 P.M.

H.R. 5019

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:45:20 P.M.

H.R. 5019

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5019.

2:51:19 P.M.

H.R. 5019

2:52:05 P.M.

H.R. 4443

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4443 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 Vermilyea Avenue, in New York, New York, as the “Corporal Juan Mariel Alcantara Post Office Building”.”

2:52:07 P.M.

H.R. 4443

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:52:09 P.M.

H.R. 4443

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4443.

2:59:31 P.M.

H.R. 4443

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:59:32 P.M.

H.R. 4443

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:00:02 P.M.

H.R. 3957

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3957 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 218-10 Merrick Boulevard in Springfield Gardens, New York, as the “Cynthia Jenkins Post Office Building”.”

3:00:03 P.M.

H.R. 3957

Considered under suspension of the rules.

3:00:05 P.M.

H.R. 3957

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3957.

3:08:28 P.M.

H.R. 3957

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:08:29 P.M.

H.R. 3957

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:08:41 P.M.

H.R. 78

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 78 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4110 Almeda Road in Houston, Texas, as the “George Thomas ‘Mickey’ Leland Post Office Building”.”

3:08:52 P.M.

H.R. 78

Considered under suspension of the rules.

3:08:53 P.M.

H.R. 78

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 78.

3:22:34 P.M.

H.R. 78

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:22:36 P.M.

H.R. 78

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:22:46 P.M.

H.R. 5030

Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5030 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 13500 SW 250 Street in Princeton, Florida, as the “Corporal Christian A. Guzman Rivera Post Office Building”.”

3:22:58 P.M.

H.R. 5030

Considered under suspension of the rules.

3:22:59 P.M.

H.R. 5030

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5030.

3:31:54 P.M.

H.R. 5030

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:31:56 P.M.

H.R. 5030

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:34:00 P.M.

H.R. 2495

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2495 — “To amend the Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 to improve the high-end computing research and development program of the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.”

3:34:01 P.M.

H.R. 2495

Considered under suspension of the rules.

3:34:02 P.M.

H.R. 2495

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2495.

3:46:02 P.M.

H.R. 2495

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:46:04 P.M.

H.R. 2495

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:46:18 P.M.

H.R. 5309

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5309 — “To authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, research, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.”

3:46:31 P.M.

H.R. 5309

Considered under suspension of the rules.

3:46:32 P.M.

H.R. 5309

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5309.

3:57:33 P.M.

H.R. 5309

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:57:35 P.M.

H.R. 5309

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

4:01:21 P.M.

H.R. 744

Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 744 — “To provide effective criminal prosecutions for certain identity thefts, and for other purposes.”

4:02:03 P.M.

H.R. 744

Considered under suspension of the rules.

4:02:05 P.M.

H.R. 744

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 744.

4:19:23 P.M.

H.R. 744

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:19:25 P.M.

H.R. 744

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

4:19:41 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair

5:30:01 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 8.

5:31:02 P.M.

H.R. 3109

Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3109 — “To amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to exempt certain Alaskan Native articles from prohibitions against sale of items containing nonedible migratory bird parts, and for other purposes.”

5:31:21 P.M.

H.R. 3109

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:31:24 P.M.

H.R. 3109

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3109.

5:35:56 P.M.

H.R. 3109

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

5:35:59 P.M.

H.R. 3109

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:36:03 P.M.

H.R. 4283

Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4283 — “To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to maintain or replace certain facilities and structures for commercial recreation services at Smith Gulch in Idaho, and for other purposes.”

5:36:18 P.M.

H.R. 4283

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:36:20 P.M.

H.R. 4283

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4283.

5:41:39 P.M.

H.R. 4283

5:41:46 P.M.

H.R. 4527

Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4527 — “To remove a use restriction on land formerly a part of Acadia National Park that was transferred to the town of Tremont, Maine, and for other purposes.”

5:42:11 P.M.

H.R. 4527

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:42:13 P.M.

H.R. 4527

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4527.

5:47:26 P.M.

H.R. 4527

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

5:47:28 P.M.

H.R. 4527

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:47:54 P.M.

H.R. 4751

Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4751 — “To make technical corrections to Public Law 110-229 to reflect the renaming of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, and for other purposes.”

5:48:11 P.M.

H.R. 4751

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:48:13 P.M.

H.R. 4751

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4751.

5:56:30 P.M.

H.R. 4751

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Young (AK) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

5:56:44 P.M.

H.J. Res. 120

Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution. H.J. Res. 120 — “Approving the location of a memorial to commemorate the more than 5,000 slaves and free Black persons who fought for independence in the American Revolution.”

5:57:02 P.M.

H.J. Res. 120

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:57:06 P.M.

H.J. Res. 120

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 120.

6:05:06 P.M.

H.J. Res. 120

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

6:05:13 P.M.

H.J. Res. 120

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:05:30 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 6:30 P.M. today.

6:30:29 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 8.

6:30:31 P.M.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:30:47 P.M.

H.R. 5089

Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5089 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Mulford Road in Mulberry, Florida, as the “Sergeant First Class Daniel M. Ferguson Post Office”.”

6:31:16 P.M.

H.R. 5089

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Roll Call 481 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending.


6:30:47 P.M.	H.R. 5089	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5089 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Mulford Road in Mulberry, Florida, as the “Sergeant First Class Daniel M. Ferguson Post Office”.”
6:57:05 P.M.	H.R. 5089	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 0 (Roll no. 481).
6:57:05 P.M.	H.R. 5089	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:57:18 P.M.	H.R. 5019	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5019 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1335 Jefferson Road in Rochester, New York, as the “Specialist Theodore Matthew Glende Post Office”.”
7:04:25 P.M.	H.R. 5019	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 – 0 (Roll no. 482).
7:04:25 P.M.	H.R. 5019	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:04:33 P.M.	H.R. 4283	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4283 — “To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to maintain or replace certain facilities and structures for commercial recreation services at Smith Gulch in Idaho, and for other purposes.”
7:17:43 P.M.	H.R. 4283	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 – 1 (Roll no. 483).
7:17:43 P.M.	H.R. 4283	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:18:34 P.M.		Mr. Webster (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 715.
7:19:08 P.M.	H.R. 5106	Mr. Stivers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5106 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Admiral Callaghan Lane in Vallejo, California, as the “Philmore Graham Post Office Building”.”
7:19:19 P.M.	H.R. 5106	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:19:31 P.M.	H.R. 5106	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5106.
7:23:38 P.M.	H.R. 5106	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:23:40 P.M.	H.R. 5106	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:23:54 P.M.	H.R. 4189	Mr. Stivers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4189 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4000 Leap Road in Hilliard, Ohio, as the “Sergeant Shawn T. Hannon and Master Sergeant Jeffrey J. Rieck and Veterans Memorial Post Office Building”.”
7:24:19 P.M.	H.R. 4189	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:24:22 P.M.	H.R. 4189	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4189.
7:27:39 P.M.	H.R. 4189	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:27:42 P.M.	H.R. 4189	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:27:47 P.M.	H.R. 4189	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:28:20 P.M.	H.R. 4651	Mr. Stivers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4651 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 601 West Baker Road in Baytown, Texas as the “Specialist Keith Erin Grace Jr. Memorial Post Office”.”
7:28:56 P.M.	H.R. 4651	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:28:59 P.M.	H.R. 4651	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4651.
7:32:22 P.M.	H.R. 4651	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:32:24 P.M.	H.R. 4651	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:32:34 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:39:19 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:40:34 P.M.		Mr. Horsford moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:40:45 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:40:46 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on September 9, 2014.

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

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Martha Coakley, Democratic Party

09/07/2014 Nativegrl77

running for Governor of Massachusetts

Jobs and the Economy

When Wall Street crashed our economy, they got bailed out; the people of Massachusetts didn’t. But we’ve fought our way back, and now Massachusetts is poised to take off – again. We have the opportunity to build a Commonwealth that is both prosperous and fair, a state where every worker has access to a good job that pays a decent wage, and where businesses want to locate.

Education

We have a responsibility to help every child in Massachusetts reach his or her full potential, and ensuring that an affordable, high quality education is available to every child is vitally important to safeguarding the future health and prosperity of our Commonwealth. A world-class education dramatically expands the opportunities available to young people and will help us remain a state that businesses look to because of the strength of our workforce.

Healthcare

Massachusetts has long been a national leader in providing high-quality, affordable health coverage to our citizens; the Commonwealth is home to some of the best hospitals in the world, and our companies are on the cutting edge of medical innovation. Our goal today must be to balance that world-class level of access and quality with affordability, and to recognize the importance of caring for those with behavioral health issues with the same commitment with which we care for those facing challenges to their physical health.

Civil Rights

Massachusetts has a proud history of standing up for the rights of women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community. As AG, Martha stood with the LGBTQ community when she was the first and only Attorney General to file a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a lawsuit that helped shape the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the law once and for all. Martha is proud to have been part of the fight to ensure equal treatment for all, and is proud to have received the endorsement of MassEquality, but knows there is still much work to be done.

Energy and the Environment

Protecting our environment and building the foundation for a clean energy future are important pieces of the legacy we will hand down to our children. We cannot wait any longer to confront the real challenges we face – confronting the reality of climate change, preserving diminishing natural resources, and mitigating threats to our environment, including pollution and deforestation.

Public Safety and Gun Control

Martha has spent her entire career in public service working to make the people of Massachusetts safer. Martha has sat with numerous families impacted by violent crimes, and prosecuted hundreds of dangerous criminals, including cases involving gun violence. She knows what works, and knows how to tackle the public safety challenges we still face; she is proud to have received the endorsement of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Massachusetts Police Association.

Transportation

Decades of underinvestment have left us with roads and bridges that are crumbling and a public transportation system that is seriously outdated. The condition of the Commonwealth’s transportation system and other public infrastructure is critical to supporting our economy, promoting economic growth in every region, and reducing our impact on the environment. Meaningful investment in our infrastructure now will help ensure economic prosperity and save Massachusetts’ taxpayers millions of dollars in the future.

Women

If we are serious about building a Commonwealth that embraces the principles of equality and opportunity for everyone, we must address the fact that, even today, women face unfair obstacles in their everyday lives. Every young woman should grow up knowing, not hoping, that they will be treated equally. Martha is proud to have received the endorsement of Emily’s List, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood; she is a fearless and devoted advocate who has fought, and as Governor will fight, every day for the economic and social interests of women and their families throughout the Commonwealth.

Housing

Bringing down the high cost of housing in Massachusetts is one of the key steps we can take to energize the economy and lessen the burden on working families in Massachusetts. Reducing the amount individuals and families pay for housing, and increasing our stock of designated affordable housing, will add billions of dollars to economy, encourage young people to stay in Massachusetts, and reduce the rate of homelessness.

Immigration

Martha understands the challenges facing the immigrant community in Massachusetts. She has worked closely with the community to effectively address problems like domestic violence and gangs, and to protect workers from being exploited, regardless of their status. Martha has consistently voiced her support for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, but with Washington hopelessly gridlocked, Martha understands that we need to explore state level solutions to the persistent challenges facing members of the immigrant community and our state.

Worker’s Rights

Throughout her time at Attorney General, Martha has forged a strong relationship with organized labor, and stood alongside them as they have fought for the rights of workers in Massachusetts. Protecting the rights of workers and working families is critical to reducing income inequality and ensuring that everyone can share in economic growth and prosperity.

Veterans

Massachusetts has close to 500,000 veterans; we owe each of these men and women an enormous debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf, but our appreciation cannot stop at “thank you.” Veterans deserve our full support when they leave the military, and there is more we can do to help many veterans deal with the challenges they face as they attempt to transition back into civilian life.

Resource : Her Website

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Who’s up , who’s down Raul Alvillar, Democrats.org

09/06/2014 Nativegrl77

PA Governor: Tom Wolf (D) 56%, Tom Corbett (R) 25%
GA Senate: Michelle Nunn (D) 45%, David Perdue (R) 43%
MI Governor: Mark Schauer (D) 45%, Rick Snyder (R) 43%
NC Senate: Kay Hagan (D) 45%, Thom Tillis (R) 43%

There are 57 binders on a shelf outside my office — one for each state and territory, D.C., and Democrats abroad — so that we can keep track of the latest data on every race we’re watching in this election. Because there are only 62 days until Election Day, we have to know at a glance whether we’re up or we’re down, where we have the resources to win or where we need a big infusion of organizers. Those details can be the difference between victory and defeat.

So what do all these numbers mean for you and me? The big races this year range from blowouts (see you later, Tom Corbett!) to nail-biters — and most are somewhere in between. You can absolutely guarantee that Republicans like David Perdue in Georgia and Rick Snyder in Michigan are going to be doing everything they can to make up the two or three or four points that will put them ahead in the polls and into the winner’s circle on November 4th — and we have to be ready to fight back.