the Senate CONGRESS 6/24 the House

06/24/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, June 24, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and proceed to a series of 5 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of Paul G. Byron, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida,

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #780, Carlos Eduardo Mendoza, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida,

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #781, Beth Bloom, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida,

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #836, Geoffrey W. Crawford, of Vermont, to be United States District Judge for the District of Vermont, and

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.

11:02am, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #779, Paul G. Byron, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

Confirmed: 94-0

The next votes will be 10 minute votes.

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #780, Carlos Eduardo Mendoza, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida;
Confirmation of Executive Calendar #781, Beth Bloom, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida;
Confirmation of Executive Calendar #836, Geoffrey W. Crawford, of Vermont, to be United States District Judge for the District of Vermont; and
Cloture on Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.

At 11:33am, the Senate began a 10-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #780, Carlos Eduardo Mendoza, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida.

Confirmed: 94-0

At 11:47am, the Senate began a 10-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #781, Beth Bloom, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida;

Confirmed: 95-0

At 12:02pm the Senate began at 10-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #836, Geoffrey W. Crawford, of Vermont, to be United States District Judge for the District of Vermont;

Confirmed: 95-0

12:21m The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on cloture on Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security;

Invoked: 52-44

Cloture was invoked on the Rodriquez nomination by a vote of 52-44. The Senate then reached an agreement to vote on confirmation of the Rodriquez nomination at 4:30pm today. The time from 2:15pm until 4:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Senate stands in recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

4:30pm—1 roll call vote:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security

Senator Hoeven asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #371, S.2280, a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, that there be up to four hours of debate and after the use or yielding back of time, the bill be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Boxer objected.

Senator Shaheen then asked unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate resume consideration of S.2262, the Shaheen-Portman Energy Efficiency bill, that no amendments or motions be in order to the bill other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive, that there be up to 4 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees and that upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended; further that the bill be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

Senator Shaheen also asked unanimous consent that if S.2262 (Energy Efficiency) is passed, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #371, S.2280 (Keystone XL Pipeline) at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, but no later than Thursday, July 17, 2014 and that there be no amendments, points of order or motions in order to the bill other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive, that there be up to 4 hours of debate on the bill equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees and that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill; finally, that the bill be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

Senator Inhofe objected.

4:33pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security;

Confirmed: 52-43

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1) Confirmation of Paul G. Byron, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; Confirmed: 94-0

2) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #780, Carlos Eduardo Mendoza, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida; Confirmed: 94-0

3) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #781, Beth Bloom, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida; Confirmed: 95-0

4) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #836, Geoffrey W. Crawford, of Vermont, to be United States District Judge for the District of Vermont; Confirmed: 95-0

5) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security; Invoked: 52-44

6) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #742, Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security; Confirmed: 52-43

No Legislative items

No Additional Executive items

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Last Floor Action:6/23
9:04:45 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 24, 2014.

10:00:23 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:29 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Glenn Thompson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:51 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:37:55 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:32 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 24.
12:00:34 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:53 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:57 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Ros-Lehtinen to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:13 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.
12:28:49 P.M.	H. Res. 636	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 636 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to provide for expedited approval of exportation of natural gas to World Trade Organization countries, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3301) to require approval for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of oil or natural gas pipelines or electric transmission facilities at the national boundary of the United States for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity to or from Canada or Mexico, and for other purposes.”
12:34:09 P.M.	H. Res. 636	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 636.
1:49:00 P.M.	H. Res. 636	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 341).
1:49:01 P.M.	H. Res. 636	On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 342 – Recorded vote pending.

1:56:32 P.M.	H. Res. 636	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 186 (Roll no. 342).
1:56:33 P.M.	H. Res. 636	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:56:46 P.M.	H.R. 4413	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4413 — “To reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to better protect futures customers, to provide end users with market certainty, to make basic reforms to ensure transparency and accountability at the Commission, to help farmers, ranchers, and end users manage risks to help keep consumer costs low, and for other purposes.”
1:57:05 P.M.	H.R. 4413	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
1:57:23 P.M.	H.R. 4413	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that, pursuant to clause 6 of Rule XVIII, the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:03:05 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 249 (Roll no. 343).
2:06:57 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On agreeing to the Waters amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 242 (Roll no. 344).
2:10:28 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 239 (Roll no. 345).
2:14:04 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 233 (Roll no. 346).
2:18:34 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 252 – 158 (Roll no. 347).
2:18:57 P.M.	H.R. 4413	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4413.
2:19:16 P.M.	H.R. 4413	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2:19:38 P.M.	H.R. 4413	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
2:20:36 P.M.	H.R. 4413	Ms. Kuster moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Agriculture.
2:20:59 P.M.	H.R. 4413	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kuster motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to ensure that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission would: (1) immediately curb the role of excessive speculation in any designated facility within its jurisdiction through which oil and gasoline futures or swaps are traded to eliminate excessive speculation, price distortion, or sudden or unreasonable fluctuations or unwarranted changes in prices; (2) investigate the number of swap and security-based swap market participants that have moved their headquarters or operations out of the United States in order to avoid compliance with United States swap requirements; and (3) require overseas derivatives users to obey American laws prohibiting fraud and manipulation of American markets, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
2:26:52 P.M.	H.R. 4413	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
2:35:03 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 220 (Roll no. 348).
2:41:16 P.M.	H.R. 4413	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 265 – 144 (Roll no. 349).
2:43:17 P.M.	H.R. 3301	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 636. H.R. 3301 — “To require approval for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of oil or natural gas pipelines or electric transmission facilities at the national boundary of the United States for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity to or from Canada or Mexico, and for other purposes.”
2:43:22 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6 and H.R. 3301. For H.R. 6, one hour of general debate and amendments are confined to those printed in part A of the report accompanying the resolution. For H.R. 3301, one hour of general debate and amendments are confined to those printed in part B of the report accompanying the resolution.
2:43:37 P.M.	H.R. 3301	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 636 and Rule XVIII.
2:43:38 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The Speaker designated the Honorable Diane Black to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.
2:43:45 P.M.	H.R. 3301	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3301.
3:40:56 P.M.	H.R. 3301	An amendment, offered by Mr. Pallone, No. 1 printed in part B of House Report to ensure that the complete length of cross- border projects would be subject to full environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
3:40:58 P.M.	H.R. 3301	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 636, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone (NJ) part B amendment No. 1.
3:49:57 P.M.	H.R. 3301	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone part B amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:50:46 P.M.	H.R. 3301	An amendment, offered by Mr. Waxman, No. 2 printed in part B of House Report 113-492 to exclude any project with a pending permit application from the new approval requirements in the bill.
3:50:48 P.M.	H.R. 3301	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 636, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waxman (CA) part B amendment No. 2.
3:57:58 P.M.	H.R. 3301	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waxman part B amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Waxman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:58:39 P.M.	H.R. 3301	An amendment, offered by Mr. Welch, No. 3 printed in part B of House Report 113-492 to ensure that pipeline modifications receive a thorough environmental review process.
3:58:41 P.M.	H.R. 3301	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 636, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch (VT) part B amendment No. 3.
4:08:22 P.M.	H.R. 3301	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Welch part B amendment No. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Welch demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:08:38 P.M.	H.R. 3301	Mr. Whitfield moved that the Committee rise.
4:08:53 P.M.	H.R. 3301	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
4:09:06 P.M.	H.R. 3301	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3301 as unfinished business.
4:10:15 P.M.	H.R. 6	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 636. H.R. 6 — “To provide for expedited approval of exportation of natural gas to World Trade Organization countries, and for other purposes.”
4:10:20 P.M.	H.R. 6	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 6 and H.R. 3301. For H.R. 6, one hour of general debate and amendments are confined to those printed in part A of the report accompanying the resolution. For H.R. 3301, one hour of general debate and amendments are confined to those printed in part B of the report accompanying the resolution.
4:11:07 P.M.	H.R. 6	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 636 and Rule XVIII.
4:11:08 P.M.	H.R. 6	The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Chairman of the Committee.
4:11:23 P.M.	H.R. 6	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 6.
5:15:37 P.M.	H.R. 6	Mr. Gardner moved that the Committee rise.
5:15:48 P.M.	H.R. 6	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
5:15:56 P.M.	H.R. 6	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 6 as unfinished business.
5:16:19 P.M.	H.R. 3301	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3301 — “To require approval for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of oil or natural gas pipelines or electric transmission facilities at the national boundary of the United States for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity to or from Canada or Mexico, and for other purposes.”
5:16:31 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
5:16:48 P.M.	H.R. 3301	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments, which had been debated earlier, and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:44:11 P.M.	H.R. 3301	On agreeing to the Pallone amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 233 (Roll no. 350).
5:49:48 P.M.	H.R. 3301	On agreeing to the Waxman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 171 – 240 (Roll no. 351).
5:53:52 P.M.	H.R. 3301	On agreeing to the Welch amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 234 (Roll no. 352).
5:54:27 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3301.
5:55:12 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:55:23 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The House adopted the amendment as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
5:56:34 P.M.	H.R. 3301	Mr. Schneider moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
5:56:56 P.M.	H.R. 3301	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schneider motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section titled Protecting the Great Lakes and Our Nation’s Drinking Water Supply.
6:02:51 P.M.	H.R. 3301	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:09:45 P.M.	H.R. 3301	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 227 (Roll no. 353).
6:18:01 P.M.	H.R. 3301	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 238 – 173 (Roll no. 354).
6:18:01 P.M.	H.R. 3301	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:18:26 P.M.		Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 641.
6:19:11 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
6:19:55 P.M.	H.R. 4631	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4631 — “To reauthorize certain provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to autism, and for other purposes.”
6:20:12 P.M.	H.R. 4631	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:20:13 P.M.	H.R. 4631	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4631.
6:40:14 P.M.	H.R. 4631	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:40:33 P.M.	H.R. 4080	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4080 — “To amend title XII of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain trauma care programs, and for other purposes.”
6:40:43 P.M.	H.R. 4080	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:40:44 P.M.	H.R. 4080	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4080.
6:49:23 P.M.	H.R. 4080	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:50:06 P.M.	H.R. 3548	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3548 — “To amend title XII of the Public Health Service Act to expand the definition of trauma to include thermal, electrical, chemical, radioactive, and other extrinsic agents.”
6:50:23 P.M.	H.R. 3548	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:50:25 P.M.	H.R. 3548	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3548.
6:56:00 P.M.	H.R. 3548	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:56:15 P.M.	H.R. 1281	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1281 — “To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize programs under part A of title XI of such Act.”
6:56:47 P.M.	H.R. 1281	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:56:50 P.M.	H.R. 1281	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1281.
7:11:00 P.M.	H.R. 1281	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:11:34 P.M.	H.R. 1098	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1098 — “To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain programs relating to traumatic brain injury and to trauma research.”
7:11:47 P.M.	H.R. 1098	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:11:48 P.M.	H.R. 1098	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1098.
7:20:58 P.M.	H.R. 1098	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:21:46 P.M.	S. 1681	Mr. Rogers (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1681 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.”
7:22:00 P.M.	S. 1681	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:22:03 P.M.	S. 1681	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1681.
7:40:19 P.M.	S. 1681	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:40:53 P.M.		The House received a communication from The Honorable Jim Jordan, Member of Congress, 4th District of Ohio. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Congressman Jordan notified the house that he had been served with a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, for testimony in a criminal case, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he will determine whether compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
7:41:10 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:43:05 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:19:44 P.M.		Mr. Blumenauer moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:19:52 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:19:53 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 25, 2014.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Debunked

06/23/2014 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

The Senate GOP “Working Families” Agenda Is Out Of Touch

In anticipation of the White House Summit on Working Families taking place next Monday (and co-sponsored by the Center for American Progress!), Senate Republicans unveiled a “working families” policy package of their own today. And while they may trick some people by adopting progressive language, the actual policy proposals leave a lot to be desired. Here’s a few of them:

Working Parents Home Office Act: introduced by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), this bill would allow parents to deduct home office costs from their taxes if they have a baby crib in the office. Which begs the question: what happens if you happen to work outside of the home?
Forty Hours is Full Time Act: introduced by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), this bill would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s 30-hour workweek rule. Doing that would mean 500,000 people losing health care coverage and going uninsured.
Working Families Flexibility Act, which Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is now pushing and which Republicans tried to pass last April. Instead of requiring that employers pay workers higher wages when they work more than 40 hours a week, as under current overtime laws, the bill would instead give them the option of compensating employees with “comp time” off of work. But rather than giving working parents some relief, it would likely end up putting employer pressure on them to take comp time instead of extra pay and loosen the disincentive employers currently have to make workers stay past 40 hours.
An unnamed alternative to Democrats’ Paycheck Fairness Act, endorsed by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), is similar to Democrats version in that it would end the practice of employers banning their employees from discussing their salaries. However, it lacks the enforcement mechanism by dropping the part of the Democratic bill that raises punitive damages for employers found guilty of pay discrimination against women.

Even with this calculated rollout, the GOP stepped on their feet thanks to Rep. Tim Huelskamp. Earlier today, the Kansas Congressman spoke about the need for husbands to step up and become “real men” by explaining that their wives are “desperately looking for a husband.”

Earlier this year, Senate Democrats offered their own legislative agenda for working families and, in particular, working women. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other House Democrats have pushed their agenda to address equal pay, work/family balance, and childcare. It includes the Paycheck Fairness Act to help enforce equal pay for equal work; a minimum wage increase, which would benefit millions including the increasing share of workers who live off of it as their primary source of income; the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which protects pregnant women in the workplace from common discrimination; investment in job training programs; and support for women entrepreneurs and small businesses.

BOTTOM LINE: Fifty years ago, 25 percent of women were their family’s primary breadwinner or co-breadwinner. Today, that number is nearly two thirds of women. Working families don’t need policies that give them a tax credit for putting a crib in their home office; they need 21st century reforms that acknowledge the changing role of women — and men — in the workplace and at home.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Meet James

06/23/2014 Nativegrl77

For James, a 29 year old in Pensacola, FL, a normal week involves hunting, welding, fishing, and before January 1^st, worrying about his lack of health insurance.

“I’ve always been able to afford health insurance—they just wouldn’t cover me, because I’m a diagnosed diabetic. Being without health insurance was terrifying because you could be bankrupted by someone else not paying attention on the road. Or what if something bad happened in the shop?”

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, James was able to enroll in coverage without worrying about his pre-existing condition.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

‘Serious and Disturbing’ Picture of VA’s Failure to Provide Timely Access to Care

06/23/2014 Nativegrl77

by Patty Murray

Stop Child Summer Hunger

Stop Child Summer Hunger Act

During the school year, low-income children have the opportunity to receive free or reduced-priced meals at school. However, millions of these same children go hungry during summer break. That’s why I was proud to introduce the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act, a long-term, common-sense solution to reducing child hunger during school breaks. This legislation will provide families who have children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This EBT card will include funds that the family can use to purchase food to replace the meals that the children would otherwise be receiving at school. The threat of hunger doesn’t take a summer break. We shouldn’t either. We must do more to make sure kids get the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Learn more about my bill.

“Sen. Murray proposes summer food benefits for low-income kids”
– KUOW

“Bill would buy summer lunch for kids out of school”
– The Olympian

“To fight students’ ‘summer hunger,’ Sen. Murray pushes debit cards for lunches” – KPLU

‘Serious and Disturbing’ Picture of VA’s Failure to Provide Timely Access to Care

The release of the VA’s Nationwide Access Audit of veterans health facilities paints a serious and disturbing picture of the VA’s system-wide failure to provide timely access to care for our nation’s heroes. I am especially concerned by the number of facilities that serve Washington state veterans that have been flagged for further review and investigation. This information confirms what I have been hearing from so many veterans who are struggling with extended wait times in the Pacific Northwest.

Thankfully, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Sanders-McCain compromise, legislation aimed at addressing transparency, wait times, and accountability issues at the VA. This legislation is a critical step toward addressing some of the immediate accountability and access concerns plaguing the VA. In addition, as further investigations and reviews are completed, we need to keep working to ensure the VA continues to take substantive action to address any management, resource, and personnel shortcomings that have contributed to today’s findings.

Critical Federal Funding for Washington State in Appropriations Bills

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to deliver for Washington state in the Appropriations bills passed last week. Funding will go toward projects in Seattle, Spokane, Pullman, Walla Walla and more, and includes everything from funding for the FAA Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment led by Washington State University, to new requirements for oil train safety, to funding for airport improvement projects, and more.

The Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill included funding for additional immigration judges to reduce case backlog, a new report on the next generation of polar icebreakers, and funding for pacific salmon restoration.

Find a list of selected projects and programs in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill that benefit Washington state.

Virginia Governor Defies GOP, Pledges To Expand Health Coverage To Low-Income Virginians

06/23/2014 Nativegrl77

| By CAP Action War Room

Virginia Governor Defies GOP, Pledges To Expand Health Coverage To Low-Income Virginians

Virginia has been embroiled in a political drama for some time now, but with real stakes for hundreds of thousands of the state’s residents. On one side is Governor Terry McAuliffe, who has consistently pushed to close the health coverage gap for low-income working Virginians by including a Medicaid expansion provision in the Virginia state budget. On the other is the GOP legislature, intent on putting politics over people by denying health coverage to working Virginians by preventing Medicaid expansion.

The stalemate appeared to break earlier this month, when the GOP took control of the state Senate in a dramatic turn of events that may have involved an illegal bribe to get a Democrat to step down. State Republicans then rushed to pass a budget that explicitly bans the state from expanding Medicaid.

Things didn’t look good for the roughly 400,000 residents of Virginia who would benefit if the state accepted the federal funding to expand health care under the Affordable Care Act. But today, Gov. Terry McAuliffe made a bold and surprising announcement that he would act unilaterally to close the coverage gap, whether by expanding Medicaid or through another avenue.

The Huffington Post reports:

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) used his line-item veto power Friday to nix portions of the state budget, extending his battle with legislative Republicans who oppose his attempt to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

McAuliffe struck language from the state legislature’s budget that Republicans had inserted in the hopes of blocking a Medicaid expansion, which could provide health care to 400,000 uninsured Virginians.

“By refusing any and all compromise, the House leadership has turned its back on people all over Virginia who were looking to us to help them and their families gain access to lifesaving treatments and medicine,” McAuliffe said at a Friday press conference. “With respect to health care, I am moving forward. There are several options available to me.”

The governor’s office made clear that he doesn’t necessarily intend to extend health coverage by unilaterally expanding Medicaid, a decision that has been considered a possibility before.

“There are a number of options, so we’re exploring all options within the governor’s executive power to get Virginians access to the health care they need,” said a spokesman for McAuliffe.

Either way, this is great news for hardworking Virginia families. The fight will continue on Monday evening when the Virginia General Assembly returns to Richmond to consider action on upholding or overriding his vetoes.

BOTTOM LINE: In too many states, Republican lawmakers are refusing to provide health coverage to millions of Americans simply because of politics. These political games have real consequences. In the face of a Republican legislature refusing to compromise on Medicaid expansion, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe vowed to take matters into his own hands in order to make sure working Virginia families get the care they deserve.