~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The New Populist Movement

07/22/2014 Nativegrl77

“More liberal, populist movement
emerging ahead of 2016 elections.”

Front page, The Washington Post, December 1, 2013:

The past two years have been scarred by a government shutdown, the sequester, the near default of the US government and a Tea Party Congress blocking everything.

And yet –

In the midst of the wreckage, we’ve helped build a populist movement that the media and the politicians no longer can ignore.

That movement – that you, the Campaign for America’s Future and others are forcing onto the table the changes that the American people want.

Take a look at last year:

We blocked politicians from cutting one dollar of Social Security and Medicare benefits — and now our champions in Congress are pushing to expand those programs.
We put economic inequality on the national agenda and drove demands for a higher minimum wage.
We pushed for investment in jobs and full employment and against job-killing austerity.
We demanded prosecution of banks and bankers who tanked the economy – and pushed to break up too-big-to-fail financial institutions.
We stopped Larry Summers from becoming Federal Reserve chairman.
We challenged job-killing trade agreements and the corporations that wrote them in secret.

In this election year, we need to keep up the fight. We need to support political champions like Senator Elizabeth Warren. We must keep up the fight for the minimum wage and pre-school for every child. We can’t do this without you. We need your energy and we need your help with a donation.

Can you help with a $10 donation to build this movement?

Thanks for all you do,

Roger Hickey & Robert L. Borosage
Co-Directors, Campaign for America’s Future

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

How Much Time Congress Has Left This Year ~~

07/22/2014 Nativegrl77

Tell our DO NOTHING Congress to take care of the People’s Business !

Calendar via website of House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Aurora, two years later

07/22/2014 Nativegrl77

My heart sank when I heard the news about the shooting two years ago in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. It was opening day of The Dark Knight Rises and 12 people had just been shot and killed at a midnight showing — 58 wounded.

The only thing I could think to do was go to Aurora. I visited the survivors and family members in the hospital.

One of the amazing survivors of the shooting I met was Steve Barton — a guy who just happened to be passing through on a cross-country bike trip when he stopped to go to the movies with friends.

Tomorrow marks two years since the Aurora shooting. Click here to watch Steve’s moving story and then share it with your family and friends to mark this somber anniversary.

After the shooting, Steve focused his incredible talents on fighting for public safety measures that will prevent others’ lives from being affected by gun violence like his was. I’m inspired by his resilience and dedication.

The fact is, there’s a lot more we can do to cut down on gun violence. After the Aurora shooting, Colorado passed a strong law that has already blocked criminals from easily buying guns without a background check.

But making that kind of progress in other states or at the federal level is going to require elected officials with the backbone to act. That’s why it’s so important to support local, state and federal candidates who will push for common-sense gun laws.

On this sad anniversary, let’s all recommit ourselves to turning tragedy into meaning.

Watch Steve’s powerful message now and then spread the word:

http://every.tw/aurora-two-years

It’s an honor to stand with Steve, with you and with all Americans fighting to reduce gun violence.

Thank you,

Christian Bale

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

#LivetheWage … it’s a Challenge

07/22/2014 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

Join Leaders And Advocates Taking The #LiveTheWage Challenge And Live On A Minimum Wage Budget For A Week

July 24th marks 5 years since the last federal minimum wage increase and America can’t wait any longer.

While corporate profits and CEO salaries skyrocket, the minimum wage remains stuck at $7.25 an hour, well below the poverty line for a family of three. We need to raise the minimum wage so that workers have more money to support themselves and their families. More money for workers means more customers for businesses. More customers means more jobs and a stronger economy for everyone.

It’s time for action.

This July, join the national movement to raise the minimum wage by taking the Live the Wage Challenge.

The Live the Wage Challenge asks elected officials, community leaders, advocates and everyday citizens to walk in the shoes of a person who earns minimum wage by living on a minimum wage budget—$77—for one week. Your weekly budget of $77 represents the weekly wages of a full-time worker making the federal minimum wage, minus average taxes and average housing expenses. Your weekly budget includes all your meals, groceries, transportation, and recreational spending. (It does not include long-term and inflexible expenses like loan, car, mortgage, or rent payments, child care, health care, etc.)

Obviously, $77 is not a lot of money. The truth is that you may simply run out of money and go over budget. That’s OK: the Challenge is not easy, and it’s not supposed to be. Workers who make the minimum wage have little, if any, leeway in how they spend their money each month. The Challenge gives a glimpse into just how little the minimum wage provides. It is not enough to live on—much less enough to invest back into the community. Whatever happens — good or bad — by sharing our experiences you will help highlight the critical need to raise the federal minimum wage.

Visit Livethewage.com to learn more about the challenge and read the stories of minimum wage workers and the struggles they face. The Challenge starts on the anniversary and goes for one week: from Thursday, July 24th until Wednesday, July 30th. Invite your friends, your neighbors, your congregation, your co-workers to join. And if you take part, be sure to chronicle the whole experience on social media using the hashtag #LiveTheWage. The more participants share their experiences with others, the bigger the impact we’ll have on the national conversation around the minimum wage.

BOTTOM LINE: Take part in the Live the Wage challenge by walking in the shoes of a minimum wage worker and living on just $77 for a week. We can keep the momentum going to raise the minimum wage – and keep the pressure on legislators who are saying no.

Like CAP Action on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 7/22 the House

07/22/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, July 22, 2014.

Following any leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 10:45am, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each and with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees.

At 10:45am, the Senate will proceed to a series of 3 votes on the following motions:

Following the cloture vote on the deGravelles nomination, the time until 12:30pm will be equally divided and controlled in the usual form.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

If cloture is invoked on any of the nominations, at 2:15pm, there will be a series of up to 3 roll call votes on the nominations.

2:15pm—up to 3 roll call votes:

10:47am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #851 , Andre Birotte, Jr., of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California;

Invoked: 56-43

The next votes will be 10 minute votes.

1. Cloture on Executive Calendar #852 , Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida; and

2. Cloture on Executive Calendar #854 , John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana

11:16am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #852 , Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida

Invoked: 58-42.

11:33am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #854 , John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana.

Invoked: 57-39

2:15pm—3 roll call votes

2:17pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #851 , Andre Birotte, Jr., of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California;

Confirmed:100-0

The next votes will be 10 minute votes.

2:41pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #852 , Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida;

Confirmed: 100-0

2:59pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #854 , John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana;

Confirmed: 100-0

The Senate reached an agreement to vote on confirmation of the Clark, Schapiro, and Creedon nominations following the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.2569, Bring Jobs Home Act. We expect these 3 nominations to be confirmed by voice votes. As a result, we expect 1 roll call vote and 3 voice votes to begin at approximately 11:00am tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22.

11:00am—1 roll call vote expected:

Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2569, Bring Jobs Home Act (roll call vote);
Executive Calendar #802 Julia Akins Clark, of Maryland, to be General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years (voice vote expected);
Executive Calendar #786 Andrew H. Schapiro, of Illinois, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Czech Republic (voice vote expected); and
Executive Calendar #599 Madelyn R. Creedon, of Indiana, to be Principal Deputy Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration (voice vote expected)

This evening, Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #929, Pamela Harris, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit. The cloture vote is expected to occur at a time to be determined on Thursday, July 24.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.510, congratulating the Newport Jazz Festival on its 60^th anniversary

Began the Rule 14 process to place H.R.4719, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend and expand the charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory, on the Legislative Calendar of Business

Executive Business

Filed cloture on Executive Calendar #929, Pamela Harris, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit.

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

Last Floor Action:
6:31:08 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 22.

Last Floor Action:7/22
4:20:15 P.M. -H.R. 4802
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4802.

Last Floor Action:7/18
11:03:12 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 22, 2014.

12:00:28 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:32 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:41 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.
12:22:34 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:08 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 22.
2:00:20 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:39 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:41 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Costa to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:06 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:11:51 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 3:00 p.m. today.
3:04:36 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 22.
3:05:02 P.M.		Mr. Holding filed a report from the Committee on Judiciary on H. Res. 646.
3:05:59 P.M.	H.R. 4572	Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4572 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend expiring provisions relating to the retransmission of signals of television broadcast stations, and for other purposes.”
3:06:34 P.M.	H.R. 4572	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:06:37 P.M.	H.R. 4572	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4572.
3:29:36 P.M.	H.R. 4572	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:29:37 P.M.	H.R. 4572	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:29:43 P.M.	H.R. 4572	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
3:31:40 P.M.	H.R. 1022	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1022 — “To develop an energy critical elements program, to amend the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980, and for other purposes.”
3:31:59 P.M.	H.R. 1022	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:32:02 P.M.	H.R. 1022	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1022.
3:50:49 P.M.	H.R. 1022	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.
3:51:19 P.M.	H.R. 5035	Mr. Bucshon moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5035 — “To reauthorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and for other purposes.”
3:51:42 P.M.	H.R. 5035	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:51:44 P.M.	H.R. 5035	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5035.
3:58:23 P.M.	H.R. 5035	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:59:03 P.M.	H.R. 5120	Mr. Hultgren moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5120 — “To improve management of the National Laboratories, enhance technology commercialization, facilitate public-private partnerships, and for other purposes.”
3:59:10 P.M.	H.R. 5120	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:59:12 P.M.	H.R. 5120	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5120.
4:07:29 P.M.	H.R. 5120	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:08:31 P.M.	H.R. 4803	Mr. Sanford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4803 — “To require the Transportation Security Administration to conform to existing Federal law and regulations regarding criminal investigator positions, and for other purposes.”
4:09:01 P.M.	H.R. 4803	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:09:03 P.M.	H.R. 4803	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4803.
4:19:45 P.M.	H.R. 4803	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:20:02 P.M.	H.R. 4802	Mr. Hudson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4802 — “To improve intergovernmental planning for and communication during security incidents at domestic airports, and for other purposes.”
4:20:12 P.M.	H.R. 4802	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:20:15 P.M.	H.R. 4802	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4802.

4:29:20 P.M.	H.R. 4802	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:29:21 P.M.	H.R. 4802	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:30:23 P.M.	H.R. 4812	Mr. Hudson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4812 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to establish a process for providing expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling to visit war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service, and for other purposes.”
4:30:41 P.M.	H.R. 4812	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:30:46 P.M.	H.R. 4812	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4812.
4:38:13 P.M.	H.R. 4812	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:38:20 P.M.	H.R. 4812	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:39:09 P.M.	H.R. 4508	Mr. Daines moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4508 — “To amend the East Bench Irrigation District Water Contract Extension Act to permit the Secretary of the Interior to extend the contract for certain water services.”
4:39:38 P.M.	H.R. 4508	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:39:41 P.M.	H.R. 4508	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4508.
4:43:38 P.M.	H.R. 4508	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:43:48 P.M.	H.R. 4508	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:43:52 P.M.	H.R. 4562	Mr. Daines moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4562 — “To authorize early repayment of obligations to the Bureau of Reclamation within the Northport Irrigation District in the State of Nebraska.”
4:44:16 P.M.	H.R. 4562	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:44:17 P.M.	H.R. 4562	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4562.
4:48:29 P.M.	H.R. 4562	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:48:35 P.M.	H.R. 4562	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:48:43 P.M.	H.R. 3716	Mr. Daines moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3716 — “To ratify a water settlement agreement affecting the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and for other purposes.”
4:48:56 P.M.	H.R. 3716	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:48:58 P.M.	H.R. 3716	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3716.
4:53:00 P.M.	H.R. 3716	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:53:05 P.M.	H.R. 3716	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:53:16 P.M.	H.R. 2430	Mr. Daines moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2430 — “To adjust the boundaries of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park to include Hinchliffe Stadium, and for other purposes.”
4:53:32 P.M.	H.R. 2430	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:53:35 P.M.	H.R. 2430	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2430.
5:04:45 P.M.	H.R. 2430	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:04:46 P.M.	H.R. 2430	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:05:17 P.M.	H.R. 3802	Mr. Daines moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3802 — “To extend the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy, and for other purposes.”
5:05:26 P.M.	H.R. 3802	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:05:28 P.M.	H.R. 3802	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3802.
5:14:23 P.M.	H.R. 3802	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:14:31 P.M.	H.R. 3802	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:15:09 P.M.	H.R. 4411	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4411 — “To prevent Hezbollah and associated entities from gaining access to international financial and other institutions, and for other purposes.”
5:15:23 P.M.	H.R. 4411	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:15:25 P.M.	H.R. 4411	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4411.
5:41:44 P.M.	H.R. 4411	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.
5:42:39 P.M.	H.R. 4450	Mr. Terry moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4450 — “To extend the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, and for other purposes.”
5:42:49 P.M.	H.R. 4450	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:42:50 P.M.	H.R. 4450	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4450.
6:19:23 P.M.	H.R. 4450	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.
6:19:43 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.
6:31:08 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 22.

6:32:25 P.M.	H.R. 4450	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4450 — “To extend the Travel Promotion Act of 2009, and for other purposes.”
7:01:16 P.M.	H.R. 4450	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 347 – 57 (Roll no. 433).
7:01:17 P.M.	H.R. 4450	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:01:37 P.M.	H.R. 4411	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4411 — “To prevent Hezbollah and associated entities from gaining access to international financial and other institutions, and for other purposes.”
7:08:37 P.M.	H.R. 4411	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 – 0 (Roll no. 434).
7:08:38 P.M.	H.R. 4411	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:09:11 P.M.	H.R. 1022	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1022 — “To develop an energy critical elements program, to amend the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980, and for other purposes.”
7:15:41 P.M.	H.R. 1022	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 260 – 143 (Roll no. 435).
7:24:04 P.M.	H.R. 3230	On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 191 – 207 (Roll no. 436).
7:24:05 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:24:22 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 677.
7:25:12 P.M.		Mr. McKeon filed a report from the Committee on Armed Services on H. Res. 649.
7:26:09 P.M.		NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT – Mr. Peters (CA) notified the House of his intent to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3230.
7:28:11 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:34:14 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:59:29 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:59:38 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:59:39 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 23, 2014.