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It’s estimated that 22 American military veterans die by suicide every day. That’s nearly one every hour, of every day, of every week, of every month. That’s over 8,000 veterans every year. That number almost included Kris Goldsmith, pictured above. Kris is an Army vet from Long Island. He deployed to Iraq in 2005, where he went on more than 300 missions. Kris left the Army in 2007 with a “general discharge” after he attempted to take his own life. Kris’s “less-than-honorable” discharge status made him ineligible for the GI Bill and was unemployable for two years. But thanks to strong support and personal courage, Kris made it through. And not only is he surviving, he’s thriving. He is recovering from PTSD and attending Nassau Community College – where he’s president of the student veterans group. He’s a survivor. Now he wants to save others, and he needs your help. This week, Kris and more than 30 veterans of IAVA are in DC telling Congress that the time has come to take real steps to help those in crisis. IAVA is the first and largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. We’re asking Congress to increase funding for mental health providers, ensure a smooth health care transition for veterans when they leave the military, and spread awareness to ensure everyone knows that it’s ok to ask for help. We need you to help fund this trip and all the work that comes after. Will you join our fight by donating $25 to help end veteran suicide? Even one veteran taking their own life is one too many. Your support can help save the lives of people who have shown exceptional bravery for our country. We can’t do it alone. Will you stand with IAVA’s member veterans as they storm Capitol Hill by donating $25? Thank you for showing veterans across the country that you’ve got their back. Sincerely, Paul Rieckhoff |
Tell Governor Inslee: Stop food stamp cuts in Washington
Please Call Gov. Inslee 360-902-4111
Last month, President Obama signed a new “farm bill” that cuts food stamp funding by about $800 million per year. These heartless cuts – which Republicans forced through in Congress – slash $90 in food stamp benefits per month from 850,000 families nationwide.
Fortunately, a bipartisan group of governors in six states have found a way to reverse these devastating cuts by participating in a special “heat and eat” program, which leverages heating assistance payments into higher food stamp benefits.1 Governor Inslee can stop the cuts to the food stamp program in Washington, but it is going to take grassroots pressure to make that happen.
CREDO activist Heather Magrath started a campaign on CREDOMobilize.com, which allows activists to start their own petitions. The petition, which is to Governor Inslee, asks the following:
Nearly a million Americans are on the verge of losing $90 per month in food stamps benefits. I urge you to sign an executive order increasing heating assistance subsidies to prevent thousands of Washington families from losing access to food stamps.
Sign the petition: Tell Governor Inslee to stop the food stamp cuts in Washington.
$90 per month may not seem like much, but for families in Washington who are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, the recent cuts to the food stamp program can be devastating.
By slightly increasing state funding for heating assistance to residents slated to lose part of their food stamp benefits, governors in six states have completely stopped the Republican food stamp cut from affecting residents in their states.
With unemployment still unacceptably high and millions of families struggling to get by, we need to do everything in our power to stop the Republicans’ irresponsible attempts to slash our social safety net. Governor Inslee needs to follow the lead of these governors and prevent thousands of Washington residents from losing $90 each month in food stamp benefits.
Thanks for fighting to stop food stamp cuts in Washington.
Murshed Zaheed, Deputy Political Director CREDO Action from Working Assets
1. “Republican Governor Will Protect His State’s Residents From Food Stamp Cuts,” Think Progress, March 6, 2014
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the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 3/31 ~~ the House
The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, March 31, 2014.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.4302, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 with the time until 5:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #573, John Owens to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
At 5:30pm, there will be at least 2 roll call votes (3 expected):
– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit,
– Expected motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to H.R.4302 (60-vote threshold),
– Passage of H.R.4302 (60-vote threshold), and
– Motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance extension (possible voice vote).
Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent that following disposition of the Owens nomination tonight, the Senate proceed to a vote on passage of Calendar #336, S.2157, Commonsense Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014 (Full SGR repeal with OCO and other House-passed offsets), and the Senate then resume consideration of H.R.4302, as provided under the previous order. Senator Sessions objected.
Senator Sessions then asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Calendar #330, S.2122, Responsible Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014 (Hatch). Senator Wyden objected.
Senator Sessions made a point of order that H.R.4302 violates section 201-A of S.Con.Res.21, the concurrent resolution on the Budget for fiscal year 2008. Senator Wyden moved to waive all applicable points of order.
At 5:30pm today there will be a series of up to 4 votes (we expect 3 roll calls and 1 voice vote) in relation to the following items:
– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John B. Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit (majority vote threshold);
– Motion to waive applicable budget points of order with respect to H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold);
– Passage of H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold); and
– Adoption of the motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance extension (voice vote expected).
Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Calendar #336, S.2157 with a Wyden substitute amendment (Full SGR Repeal with OCO and additional offsets). Senator Hatch objected.
Senator Hatch then asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Calendar #330, S.2122, Responsible Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014 (Hatch). Senator Wyden objected.
5:34pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John B. Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit;
Confirmed: 56-42
6:13pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Wyden motion to waive applicable budget points of order with respect to H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold);
Agreed to: 64-35
At 6:31pm, the Senate began a 10-minute roll call vote on passage of H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold).
Passed: 64-35
Senator Menendez asked unanimous consent the Judiciary committee be discharged from further consideration of S.Res.404, honoring the accomplishments and legacy of Cesar Estrada Chavez.
Senator Sessions asked to modify the request with a Vitter amendment at the desk. Senator Menendez did not accept the request to modify and Senator Sessions objected to the original request.
The unofficial transcript of the exchange is below.
MR. MENENDEZ: MR. PRESIDENT, I SHORTLY AM GOING TO MAKE A
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST ON S.RES.404, A RESOLUTION THAT I
INTRODUCED HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CESAR CHAVEZ. THIS
RESOLUTION HAS BEEN BLOCKED BY MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE AISLE EVERY TIME IT HAS COME UP FOR THE LAST SEVEN
CONSECUTIVE YEARS. EVERY TIME. EVERY TIME. NOW, TODAY, ON WHAT
WOULD HAVE BEEN CESAR CHAVEZ’S.87th BIRTHDAY, I ASK MY
REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES TO FIND IT IN THEIR HEARTS TO HONOR A MAN
WHO REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COUNTRY. FRANKLY, I DON’T
UNDERSTAND THEIR RELUCTANCE. I DON’T UNDERSTAND THEIR
OBSTRUCTIONISM. I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN LOOK BACK AT
THAT TIME IN HISTORY, AT THE SACRIFICES CESAR CHAVEZ MADE FOR
OUR COUNTRY, ASKING FOR NOTHING MORE THAN FAIR TREATMENT AND
JUSTICE. NOW, I REALIZE IT’S UNCOMMON TO MAKE A LIVE UNANIMOUS
CONSENT REQUEST FOR A COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTION, BUT IF
REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO OBJECT YET AGAIN FOR AN EIGHTH YEAR IN
A ROW TO HONORING A — IN MY VIEW, A GREAT AMERICAN HERO, I
REALLY WANT IT TO BE ON THE RECORD. I THINK REPUBLICANS NEED TO
ANSWER TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS TO WHY AS A PARTY THEY CAN
AGREE TO PASSING RESOLUTIONS HONORING WORLD PLUMBING DAY OR
CONGRATULATING THE PENN STATE DANCE MARATHON — BOTH SENATE
RESOLUTIONS THAT WERE ADOPTED THIS MONTH BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
– BUT INSIST ON STANDING IN THE WAY OF HONORING A CIVIL RIGHTS
TRAIL BLAZER WHO CHANGED THE COURSE OF OUR NATION’S HISTORY.
CESAR CHAVEZ WAS A MAN BEFORE HIS TIME AND HE DESERVES PROPER
RECOGNITION. HE DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY,
JUSTICE AND DIGNITY. NOT ONLY FOR HISPANIC FARM WORKERS BUT FOR
ALL WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES. YET OUR FRIENDS ON THE OTHER
SIDE CANNOT FIND IT IN THEIR HEARTS TO HONOR HIM, AND I HAVE TO
ASK WHY. WHY CAN’T THEY SIMPLY SAY “YES”?
IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MAN WHO GAVE OF HIMSELF FOR HIS CAUSE
AND DESERVES TO BE REMEMBERED AND HONORED BY THE UNITED STATES
SENATE. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES PROCLAIMED TODAY,
MARCH 31, 2014, AS CESAR CHAVEZ DAY. OVER TEN STATES HONOR HIS
LIFE AND LEGACY EACH YEAR ON THIS DAY. THE SECRETARY OF THE
INTERIOR ESTABLISHED A NATIONAL MONUMENT IN HIS HONOR. AND
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, YOU’LL FIND SCHOOLS AND PARKS, STREETS,
LIBRARIES AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMED AFTER CESAR CHAVEZ
AS WELL. SO I IMPLORE SENATE REPUBLICANS TO RECONSIDER DENYING
CESAR CHAVEZ’S LEGACY FOR AN EIGHTH YEAR IN A ROW. ADOPT THIS
COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTION BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. GIVE CESAR
CHAVEZ THE RECOGNITION HE SO DESERVES. THAT’S ALL WE ASK.
NOTHING MORE. THIS YEAR, THERE IS A NEW MOVIE CHRONICLING THE
LIFE OF CESAR CHAVEZ, A LIFE LIVED WITH HONOR AND DIGNITY AND
DECENCY FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL OF US. THE FILM IS LONG
OVERDEUVMENT THAT LIFE, THAT DEDICATION, THAT SPIRIT WILL
ALWAYS BE MISSED. HE WAS BORN NEAR HIS FAMILY’S FARM IN YUMA,
ARIZONA. WHEN HE WAS 10 IN THE HARD TIMES OF THE DEPRESSION,
THE FAMILY LOST THEIR FARM, LIKE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS, AND
THEY BECAME MIGRANT FARM WORKERS, LABORING IN VINEYARDS ACROSS
THE SOUTHWEST, WHERE HE LEARNED OF THE INJUSTICE AND HARDSHIP
OF A FARM WORKER’S LIFE. HE NEVER LEFT THOSE FIELDS. HE NEVER
LEFT THE LAND. HE NEVER TURNED HIS BACK ON THE PEOPLE WHO
WORKED IT AND THE REST IS HISTORY. ROBERT KENNEDY CALLED HIM
ONE OF THE MOST HEROIC FIGURES OF OUR TIME. I THINK IT’S
BECAUSE CESAR CHAVEZ UNDERSTOOD AND BELIEVED IN ONE FUNDAMENTAL
TRUTH. HE ALWAYS SAID — QUOTE — “THE FIGHT IS NEVER ABOUT
GRAPES OR LETTUCE. IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT PEOPLE.” HE WAS RIGHT AND
THAT FIGHT CONTINUES TODAY. THE STRUGGLE FOR FAIRNESS AND
DIGNITY FOR EVERY AMERICAN GOES ON AND CESAR CHAVEZ WAS AND IS
ITS INSPIRATION. HE CERTAINLY IS AN AMERICAN HERO BUT MOST
DEFINITELY A HERO TO THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY. HE PAVED THE WAY
FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISPANIC-AMERICANS, FOR INNOVATIVE AND
SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS. IF THERE’S ONE MAN THAT REDEFINED
LEADERSHIP, IT IS CESAR CHAVEZ. AND I THINK MY COLLEAGUES NEED
TO KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY STANDS WITH ME TODAY AND STANDS
FIRMLY BEHIND MY RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
CESAR CHAVEZ. MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE A LIST AND IN THE INTEREST
OF TIME I WON’T READ IT BUT OF OVER 29 NATIONAL AND ACTUALLY 37
NATIONAL HISPANIC AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS ALL WHICH SUPPORT THE
RESOLUTION THAT I’D ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO INCLUDE IN THE
RECORD.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION.
MR. MENENDEZ: WE ALL EAGERLY AAWAIT THE DAY WHEN POLITICS WILL
NO LONGER PRECLUDE ITS PASSAGE. CESAR CHAVEZ’S PROFOUND LEGACY
AND LASTING LEGACY CAN BE REDUCED TO THREE WORDS — THEY ECHO
FROM THE FIELDS OF DELANO, CALIFORNIA, ACROSS AMERICA ALL THE
WAY TO THE WITHOUT. CE SE QUEDA. THESE THREE WORDS, WHILE
SIMPLE IN NATURE, HARBORED THE POWER OF COMMUNITIES TO MOVE
FROM DARKNESS TO A BRIGHTER LIGHT OF HOPES. THESE THREE WORDS
REPRESENTED AS THE VERY CORE OF SPIRIT THAT BREATHES LIFE INTO
AMERICA’S STRUGGLE FOR A BETTER LIFE. AS THE LEADER OF THE
FIRST SUCCESSFUL FARM WORKER’S UNION IN THE UNITED STATES, HE
FOUGHT TO ENSURE THOSE WORKING TIRELESSLY TO PROVIDE AMERICANS
WITH FOOD RECEIVED THE BENEFITS THEY DESERVED. NONETHELESS, HIS
SERVICE EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR AGRICULTURAL FIELDS AND PROVIDES
INSPIRATIONS TO THOSE WORKING TO IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS,
EMPOWERING WORKERS, REGARDLESS OF RACE OR ETHNICITY. HIS
COUNTLESS EFFORTS TO ENSURE EQUALITY, JUSTICE AND DIGNITY FOR
ALL PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES ARE A TESTAMENT OF HIS
LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS, A SUCCESS THAT CAN ONLY BE MEASURED BY
THE LASTING IMPACT HE’S MADE TOWARD ENDING WORKPLACE
DISCRIMINATION, UNSAFE AND UNFAIR WORKING CONDITIONS, LOW
WAGES, AND CHILD LABOR. HE WAS MORE THAN JUST A FARMER WITH A
VISION. HE WAS A CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER THAT EMBODIED THE PURSUIT
OF JUSTICE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS
TODAY. SO I COME TO THE FLOOR TODAY TO HONOR THE LIFE AND
ACHIEVEMENTS OF CESAR CHAVEZ, TO ASK MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES
TO PUT ASIDE THEIR POLITICS AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT BY A MAN WHOSE
LIFE AND LEGACY DESERVE THE RECOGNITION OF THIS NATION, ONE
NATION, AND ONE CONGRESS. LET US STAND TOGETHER AND RECOGNIZE
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF A GREAT AMERICAN HERO, BUT MOST
IMPORTANTLY, LET US HONOR THE VALUES THAT MAKE OUR COUNTRY
GREAT, THE VALUES OF TOLERANCE, HOPE AND FREEDOM UPON WHICH
THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED. LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER, AS CHAVEZ
SAID, THE FIGHT IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE PEOPLE. WITH THAT, MR.
PRESIDENT, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
BE DISCHARGED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF S.RES.404, THE
RESOLUTION BE AGREED TO, THE PREAMBLE BE AGREED TO, AND THE
MOTION TO RECONSIDER BE LAID UPON THE TABLE WITH NO INTERVENING
ACTION OR DEBATE.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION?
MR. SESSIONS: MR. PRESIDENT?
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE SENATOR FROM ALABAMA.
MR. SESSIONS: RESERVING THE RIGHT TO OBJECT. I WOULD NOTE THAT
THE RESOLUTION HAS NOT COME OUT OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND
THAT SENATOR VITTER, WHO HAS FILED AN AMENDMENT TO THE
RESOLUTION, ASKS THAT THAT AMENDMENT BE ACCEPTED OR VOTED ON,
WHICH HAS BEEN NOT AGREED TO. THE AMENDMENT WOULD SAY A COUPLE
OF THINGS. ONE, WHEREAS CESAR ESTRADA CHAVEZ STRONGLY BELIEVED
IN ENFORCING IMMIGRATION LAWS, THEREBY REDUCING THE DELETERIOUS
EFFECTS OF INEXPENSIVE LABOR ON THE WAGES OF FARM WORKERS IN
THE UNITED STATES AND WHICH WAS RECOGNIZED BY THE CONGRESSIONAL
BUDGET OFFICE IN JUNE OF 2013 IN THEIR REPORT ENTITLED
“ECONOMIC IMPACT OF S.744, THE BORDER SECURITY AND ECONOMIC
OPPORTUNITY AND MODERNIZATION ACT.” AND HE OFFERS THIS
“WHEREAS,” A SECOND ONE. “WHEREAS, CESAR ESTRADA CHAVEZ
RECOGNIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECURE SOUTHERN BORDER WITH
MEXICO THROUGH CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF
IMMIGRATION LAWS BY ENCOURAGING MEMBERS OF THE UNITED FARM
WORKERS OF AMERICA TO CONTACT THE IMMIGRATION AND
SO THOSE WERE — THAT NOT HAVING BEEN ACCEPTED, I GUESS I WOULD
ASK THAT THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTED. IT’S AT THE DESK, BE AGREED TO
PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION. WELL, MR. PRESIDENT
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: DOES THE SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY SO
MODIFIED HIS REQUEST.
MR. MENENDEZ: RESERVING THE RIGHT TO OBJECT, MR. PRESIDENT,
THIS IS NOT ABOUT CESAR CHAVEZ. THIS IS ABOUT IMMIGRATION. NOW,
I KNOW THAT MY DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE HAS A DIFFERENT VIEW
ABOUT IMMIGRATION THAN I DO. I KNOW THAT HE AND SENATOR VITTER,
ON WHO HE’S OFFERING THIS AMENDMENT BY, ALSO HAS A DIFFERENT
VIEW. THE SENATE HAS SPOKEN ON THE QUESTION OF IMMIGRATION. 67
SENATORS, TWO-THIRDS OF THE SENATE, HAS ALREADY SENT AN
IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. SO
WHILE WE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS, THAT’S NOT THE ISSUE OF
CESAR CHAVEZ. AND IN MY VIEW, IT IS AN INJUSTICE TO HIS MEMORY
TO OFFER SUCH AN AMENDMENT, AND THAT’S WHY I WILL HAVE TO
OBJECT. MR. SESSIONS: MR. PRESIDENT?
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION TO THE ORIGINAL
REQUEST?
MR. SESSIONS: I WOULD OBJECT AND WOULD JUST NOTE THAT I DO HAVE
A DIFFERENT VIEW, AND ON THESE ISSUES WITH REGARD TO THE IMPACT
OF S.744, HAD IT PASSED, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ADVERSE TO FARM
WORKERS WHO ARE IN THIS COUNTRY WORKING HARD, KNEES PAY RAISES,
AND NEED BETTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES, AND I THINK THESE ARE
IMPORTANT PARTS OF MR. CHAFF HE IS’S CAREER $CHAVEZ’S CAREER.
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE SENATE WOULD BE PLEASED TO ACCEPT THEM.
I UNDERSTAND WE HAVE A DISAGREEMENT, AND I WOULD YIELD THE
FLOOR AND EXPRESS MY RESPECT FOR SENATOR MENENDEZ AND HIS
LEADERSHIP ON THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE, BUT WE DISAGREE
ON THIS SUBJECT.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: OBJECTION IS HEARD. MR. MENENDEZ: MR.
PRESIDENT?
THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY.
MR. MENENDEZ: MR. PRESIDENT, YOU KNOW, I HAVE DEEP RESPECT FOR
SENATOR SESSIONS, BUT I’LL JUST SIMPLY SAY, THIS IS THE EIGHTH
YEAR — THE EIGHTH YEAR — IN WHICH UNDER SOME FIG LEAF –
BEFORE THEY COULD HIDE THROUGH THEIR OBJECTION. THIS IS REALLY
A FIG LEAF. THE SENATE HAS EXPRESSED ITSELF ON IMMIGRATION
REFORM. THIS IS NOT ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM. THIS IS ABOUT
CESAR CHAVEZ. THIS IS ABOUT A MAN THAT LED BOYCOTTS ACROSS THE
COUNTRY TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE RIGHTS OF FARM WORKERS AND ALL
WORKERS ACROSS THE LAND. AND THERE IS NO BIGGER SUPPORTER BY
THE WAY OF IMMIGRATION REFORM THAN THE UNITED FARM WORKERS,
WHICH HE HELPED BUILD, CREATE, AND TODAY IS ONE OF THE
STRONGEST VOICES FOR THAT IMMIGRATION REFORM. SO IT’S REALLY
SHAMEFUL THAT WE CAN PASS, YOU KNOW, COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTIONS
ON SOME OF THE MOST INSIGNIFICANT ISSUES, BUT ON THE LIFE OF
SOMEONE WHO CHANGED THE COURSE OF THIS COUNTRY FOR MILLIONS OF
LATINOS WHO UNDERSTAND THAT LIFE AND HISTORY AND WOULD WANT TO
SEE THAT LIFE COMMEMORATED THAT THERE CAN BE A CONTINUING
OBJECTION EIGHT YEARS, AND I WILL KEEP COMING EACH YEAR TO THE
FLOOR, MR. PRESIDENT, TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN, BECAUSE AT SOME
POINT IT WILL. AND WITH THAT, MR. PRESIDENT, I YIELD THE FLOOR.
The Senate adopted the motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the UI Compensation Extension, by voice vote. Senator Reid then offered substitute amendment #2874, filled the remaining slots in the amendment tree, and filed cloture on the substitute amendment and underlying bill.
Under Rule 22, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment (UI) will occur on Wednesday. Senators will be notified when the cloture vote is scheduled. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate time prior to a vote on adoption of the substitute amendment. Upon disposition of the substitute, the Senate would then proceed to a cloture vote on the underlying bill. If cloture is invoked on the underlying bill, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate on prior to passage of the bill, as amended, if amended.
WRAP UP
Roll Call Votes
1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John B. Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Confirmed: 56-42
2) Motion to waive applicable budget points of order with respect to H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (if point of order is raised) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 64-35
3) Passage of H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold); Passed: 64-35
Additional Legislative items
Adopted S.Res.405, resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of March 31 through April 2, 2014, as “National Assistant Principals Week”.
Adopted S.Res.406, Designating April 4, 2014, as “National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day”
Adopted S.Res.407, honoring former U.S. Senator and Navy Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton.
Additional Executive items
Discharged the Commerce committee and confirmed PN1058 Kelly R. Welsh, of Illinois to be General Counsel of the Department of Commerce by voice vote.
Confirmed all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy in addition to the following items:
AIR FORCE
Executive Calendar #714 Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Rock – to be Lieutenant General
Executive Calendar #715 Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Trask – to be Lieutenant General
Executive Calendar #716 Col. Andrew J. Toth – to be Brigadier General
Executive Calendar #717 Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew – to be General
Executive Calendar #718 Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold – to be Lieutenant General
Executive Calendar #719 Col. Robert I. Miller – to be Brigadier General
ARMY
Executive Calendar #720 Lt. Gen. William B. Garrett, III to be Lieutenant General
Executive Calendar #721 Maj. Gen. Herbert R. McMaster, Jr. – to be Lieutenant General
Executive Calendar #722 Col. Robert D. Tenhet – to be Brigadier General
Executive Calendar #723 Col. Bertram C. Providence – to be Brigadier General
Executive Calendar #724 Maj. Gen. Bennet S. Sacolick – to be Lieutenant General
Executive Calendar #725 Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers – to be Admiral
Executive Calendar #726 Vice Adm. John W. Miller – to be Vice Admiral
Executive Calendar #727 Capt. David A. Lane – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)
MARINE CORPS
Executive Calendar #728 to be Major General
Brig. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault
Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese
Brig. Gen. James W. Lukeman
Brig. Gen. Carl E. Mundy, III
Brig. Gen. Daniel J. ODonohue
Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock, II
Brig. Gen. Gary L. Thomas
==============================================
Last Floor Action:3/28
11:02:59 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 April 1, 2014.
========================================================
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About me… Be a seed for change
About Me
I am a Mom, earned BA and all opinions if any, are my own. I support President Barack Obama and while I do tweet deals I look for them too. I am a buyer/seller/user of new, vintage and gently used household items. I have been a part of the work force since age 18, after experiencing some issues with some folks, I had to quickly learn and become an Activist/Advocate for my children, my family, and myself.
I come from a fishing hunting based family and as a kid I ran track, was a song dance and cheerleader, a gymnast with 10yrs of dance training, love reading, music, food, gorgeous men and movies – Not necessarily in that order. I grew up wearing hand-me-downs as a kid. Unlike most, all the women in my family had/have great taste, we all sew and two of my sisters were fashionistas, all influenced by designers like Donna Karan, Albert Nippon, Mizrahi and Diane Von Furstenberg among others and they all definitely had a significant impact on my love for fashion over the years. I definitely redesigned all my hand-me-down Levis jeans, shortened skirts, dresses and made rompers for summer while at home. When I left home, I became an avid designer & thrift shopper while in college. I have to be honest, where I come from designer and great thrift shopping was an unknown entity, but the move to the city changed that. The city screamed Urban and Thrift shops were everywhere, the prices and the fashion choices beyond right. I say avid because shopping is definitely a sport and by definition avid means having an ardent desire marked by a keen interest and enthusiasm, which describes my state of my mind when I shop for designer and or thrift. After becoming a part of the work force my shopping changed to more designer brands and the thrift shopper waned …not forgotten but my preference changed over the years. Then life stepped in and I became a single parent, which was definitely lifestyle change. It forced me into taking a step backward to look at what is important.
So, going back to shopping … shabby chic and on to refurbishing consignment etc. I cannot begin to tell people how compelled I feel sometimes, to take home- reclaim pieces sitting on the curbside that have absolutely nothing wrong or a slight flaw that might need a little work or that my kids have been beyond embarrassed at times and thankful as well after getting a great reclaimed repurposed item. Yes, we are at a time when going back to the basics makes sense, yet this is not why I recycle, reclaim, or push reuse to be sure and I do not take every piece for obvious reasons. It is important to say that living a more sustainable lifestyle is just more cost effective, it was the way my family lived. My mom, who along with some friends were green living activists in our neighborhood and advocates for those in need, they quilted blankets, jarred, smoked and pickled all kinds of fish but mostly salmon, made soap, and when making soap became too tedious my mom and friends collected “leftover” slivers of soap; created both liquid and bar soap. Hey, do not forget the marble; anyway, my mom recycled everything that can be and anything biodegradable was usually used in her garden -she lived a green life.
My mom was a teacher while in Florida, she moved from FL to Washington alone, to find a better place to bring up my sibs( 3kids) while my dad worked, they both worked hard over the years to maintain a household of 10 staying active in the community, registered voters, and attended marches for civil, women and human rights with a focus on VETS. 
Yes, we all had chores but her garden of greens, herbs, etc. worked only by her and often accompanied by food from the fishing and hunting trips family friends etc. went on. My mom was and still is my DIY Mentor and I think about her every day like most children. I definitely was a hand-full as a kid and though none of us could fill her shoes, we definitely reflect upon her as our mentor and power source. After years of watching others be subjected to and having experienced discrimination myself in school and in the workforce I felt a need to stand up against, help mobilize and find solutions for issues like discrimination, child care, landlord tenant/union and worker rights, which came very easy. My grams, pictured below … had her own business .. this is amazing and definitely makes you wonder … she was born in 1893, here she is with her fresh pearls, handmade dress and matching hat! told she was definitely a force to be reckoned with. 
I cannot say Katrina led immediately to,” Be a Seed for Change”, but life experiences, several business ideas and names later had a profound impact on wanting to live a more socially conscious lifestyle. I can say my family history and a combination of what I have learned loved and have several years of experience in becomes apart of who you are , the job doesn’t define you, but the interests of living green is a choice to go full circle and includes, but not limited to: buying/selling new, vintage, gently used clothes, sewing, recycling, Public Defenders as a docket clerk, started a food bank program at one of my first jobs, onsite Worker Rights Rep., Child Care Canvasser/Organizer, worked in Conference housing, Customer Service , Cold Calling, Brand/Marketing Rep and several years in the Event Industry — Booking Events, Venue Tours, Event Set-up/Tear down, facility management and yes, janitorial duties as well.
Be a Seed for Change
Virtual Thrift Shop Owner
Act locally ~~ Aim globally 
Living & Blogging about a Eco-Conscious Life Style
Reuse Redecorate Re-purpose Reclaim
~~ Reduce ~~
The amount of materials going into landfills
and
buy local to Reduce your Eco-footprint
Carmenc@beaseedforchange.org
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Mikaela is dying
My wife Mikaela is dying of kidney cancer, but a new drug could save her life. Please sign my petition asking drug companies BMS, Merck, and Genentech to give Mikaela access to this medicine.
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Mikaela was my high school sweetheart, my college girlfriend, and we got married the summer after she and I graduated from rival schools: Berkeley and Stanford. For my entire adult life, she has been my home. Two years into married life, she was diagnosed with a rare type of kidney cancer. Now Mikaela could die, and I am fighting to get access to a new drug that could give us a chance at saving her life.
Mikaela received her diagnosis last fall. After six months of treatment, we are running out of options. We found out about a new kind of breakthrough drug being tested by several pharmaceutical companies that is set to revolutionize treatment for many cancers, including kidney cancer. We’ve tried to get into many clinical trials for this drug, but because Mikaela has a very rare subtype of cancer, she’s been deemed ineligible.
But then we got new hope: an oncologist at Stanford agreed to oversee Mikaela’s care if one of the drug companies that manufactures this new drug, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, or Genentech, would agree to give Mikaela access to the drug under a “compassionate use” program.
We’ve been trying everything we can think of to help Mikaela get access to this new drug. Then her doctors suggested we start a petition, because other patients have had success that way. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, a 7-year-old boy in Virginia got access to a new cancer drug after his family started a petition.
I’m not a radical person; I’m just deeply in love with Mikaela. We’re not starting this petition looking for a battle. We’re looking for allies in the battle we’re already fighting.
Mikaela is only 25 years old. We have so much left to do in our lives. I can’t lose her knowing that there is medicine out there that could save her life if only she could access it. Medicine, mind you, that will be FDA approved and the new gold standard for kidney cancer treatment by 2015.
After you sign, join our community and help us fight. We rely upon our followers to help us give Mikaela a chance.
Thank you for helping me fight for the love of my life. Mikaela and I appreciate it more than we can say.
Keith Knapp
Folsom, California
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