Story by Craig Welch
Photo’s by Steve Ringman/ The Seattle Times
Click on Photo below for the full Story & Video

Add your name to VoteVets’ petition calling
for an end to the government shutdown
The Republican-sponsored government shutdown promises to have a drastic, and immediate, impact on veterans and military family members.
Starting today, the Department of Veterans Affairs may be forced to furlough up to 20,000 claims processors — wiping out all of the recent progress made reducing the backlog.
We could also begin to see immediate lapses in care. During the 1995 shutdown, some military hospitals canceled appointments and even some surgeries.
From there, things only get worse…
The VA believes that after two or three weeks “benefit checks it issues, including disability claims and pension payments will be disrupted.”
Worse still, the toll sequester has already taken on military readiness will be multiplied with each passing day.
But nothing ends this shutdown faster than the voices of veterans and military family members, particularly those personally impacted.
Add your name to mine on VoteVets’ petition calling for an end to the government shutdown, and let them know if you expect it to impact your family.
http://action.votevets.org/shutdown
In their zeal to deny coverage to the one million-plus uninsured veterans who will qualify for health care under the Affordable Care Act, Ted Cruz and his Tea Party allies are disproportionately placing the burden of a shutdown on military families.
We have an extraordinarily unique voice in this fight. It’s critical that you make yours heard today.
All the best,
General (Ret.) Wesley Clark
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by RAN
Today I visited the corporate headquarters of Mars, Inc. with Strawberry, an orphaned orangutan from Indonesia, to let the company know that consumers all across the world want Mars to stop using Conflict Palm Oil in its products.
| Tell Mars and the rest of the Snack Food 20 to cut Conflict Palm Oil! |
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Mars and all of the Snack Food 20 companies need to hear from you too!
Unlike some of its fellow Snack Food 20 companies, like Kraft and Smucker’s, Mars is on the move. We have a chance to push Mars, the maker of wildly popular brands like M&Ms, Snickers, and Combos, to become an industry leader in sourcing responsible palm oil.
After RAN put the snack food sector on notice last April, Mars, Inc. responded by strengthening its palm oil commitment. The company has committed to working towards sourcing 100% of its palm oil from traceable sources that are not associated with deforestation, expansion on carbon-rich peatlands and the violation of human and labor rights.
Mars needs to hear from you right now—the power is in your palm! Tell Mars to turn its new commitments into a global palm oil policy and take action to cut Conflict Palm Oil from its products immediately.
At the Mars HQ, Strawberry and I gave representatives of the company a copy of the RAN report Conflict Palm Oil: How US Snack Food Brands are Contributing to Orangutan Extinction, Climate Change and Human Rights Violations and outlined RAN’s demand to cut Conflict Palm Oil. We’re confident the company is getting the message.
But Mars won’t change unless it hears from enough of us that we expect it to cut Conflict Palm Oil from its products. Tell Mars and the rest of the Snack Food 20 to cut Conflict Palm Oil from their products!
The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:30am on Wednesday, October 2, 2013.
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until noon with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
The period for morning business for debate only has been extended until 2:00pm.
There period for morning business has been extended until 5:00pm.
Senator Toomey asked that the Murray request (found below) be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a budget conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit and to go to conference on the continuing resolution.
Senator Murray declined to modify her request and Senator Toomey objected to the original request.
UC Request
Murray: I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate receives a Message from the House that they have passed H.J.Res.59, as amended by the Senate, the Senate then proceed to the consideration of Calendar #33, H.Con.Res.25; that the amendment which is at the desk, the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to; the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the Senate proceed to vote on a motion to insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and authorize the Chair to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate; with all of the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.
Toomey: I object
The Senate reached an agreement that if the Senate receives a bill from the House which is identical to S.1566, a bill providing a short term extension of Iraq special immigrant visas, as passed by the Senate, then the bill be read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.
WRAP UP
No ROLL CALL VOTES
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
If the Senate receives a bill from the House which is identical to S.1566, a bill providing for a short-term extension of Iraq special immigrant visas, as passed by the Senate, the bill will be passed by the Senate.
If the Senate receives from the House any of the following joint resolutions or bills by 11:00am on Thursday, October 3rd, the measures will be placed on the Legislative Calendar under the provisions of Rule 14 during Thursday’s session:
– H.J.Res.70, Open Our National Parks and Museums Act
– H.J.Res.71, Provide Local Funding the District of Columbia Act
– H.J.Res.72, Honoring Our Promise to America’s Veterans Act
– H.J.Res.73, Research for Lifesaving Cures Act and
– H.R.3230, Pay Our Guard and Reserve Act.
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
****************************************************************
Last Floor Action:
10:01:10 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate.
At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
| 10:00:00 A.M. | The House convened, starting a new legislative day. | |
| 10:00:52 A.M. | The Speaker designated the Honorable Glenn Thompson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. | |
| 10:01:10 A.M. | MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business. |
| 11:49:52 A.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes | |
| 12:00:30 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 2. | |
| 12:00:31 P.M. | Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. | |
| 12:01:40 P.M. | POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Cicilline demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Cicilline demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. | |
| 12:02:30 P.M. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Womack to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. | |
| 12:02:37 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. |
| 12:41:11 P.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair. | |
| 1:40:25 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 2. | |
| 1:41:43 P.M. | Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 370. | |
| 1:42:10 P.M. | H. Res. 370 | Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 370 — “The title of this measure is not available.” |
| 1:44:23 P.M. | H. Res. 370 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 370. |
| 3:20:22 P.M. | H. Res. 370 | On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 197 (Roll no. 509). |
| 3:28:41 P.M. | H. Res. 370 | On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 198 (Roll no. 510). |
| 3:28:42 P.M. | H. Res. 370 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 3:28:45 P.M. | UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which previous proceedings had been postponed. | |
| 3:36:32 P.M. | On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 246 – 173, 2 Present (Roll no. 511). | |
| 3:36:53 P.M. | H.J. Res. 71 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370. H.J. Res. 71 — “Making continuing appropriations of local funds of the District of Columbia for fiscal year 2014.” |
| 3:36:58 P.M. | H.J. Res. 71 | The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 70, H.J. Res. 71, H.J. Res. 72, H.J. Res. 73, and H.R. 3230. The resolution provides for 30 minutes of debate on each measure and provides for one motion to recommit each measure. The resolution also provides that it shall be in order at any time through the calendar day of October 6, 2013, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules. |
| 3:37:21 P.M. | H.J. Res. 71 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 71. |
| 4:19:44 P.M. | H.J. Res. 71 | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. |
| 4:19:49 P.M. | H.J. Res. 71 | On passage Passed by voice vote. |
| 4:20:44 P.M. | H.J. Res. 71 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 4:25:52 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370. H.J. Res. 73 — “Making continuing appropriations for the National Institutes of Health for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.” |
| 4:25:57 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 70, H.J. Res. 71, H.J. Res. 72, H.J. Res. 73, and H.R. 3230. The resolution provides for 30 minutes of debate on each measure and provides for one motion to recommit each measure. The resolution also provides that it shall be in order at any time through the calendar day of October 6, 2013, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules. |
| 4:26:36 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 73. |
| 5:08:53 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 73, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kingston demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced. |
| 5:09:53 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370. H.J. Res. 70 — “Making continuing appropriations for National Park Service operations, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.” |
| 5:09:58 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 70, H.J. Res. 71, H.J. Res. 72, H.J. Res. 73, and H.R. 3230. The resolution provides for 30 minutes of debate on each measure and provides for one motion to recommit each measure. The resolution also provides that it shall be in order at any time through the calendar day of October 6, 2013, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules. |
| 5:10:13 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 70. |
| 5:49:49 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. |
| 5:50:18 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | Mr. Van Hollen moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations. |
| 5:50:19 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Van Hollen 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 pending reservation of a point of order. |
| 5:54:20 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | Mr. Simpson raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Simpson stated that the provisions of the amendment exceed the scope of the bill and the amendment is therefore, not germane Sustained by the Chair. |
| 6:02:36 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | Mr. Van Hollen appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair. |
| 6:02:47 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | Mr. Simpson moved to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair |
| 6:03:25 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Roll Call 512 – Yea and Nay vote pending. |
| 6:29:33 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 194 (Roll no. 512). |
| 6:35:56 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | On passage Passed by recorded vote: 252 – 173 (Roll no. 513). |
| 6:35:57 P.M. | H.J. Res. 70 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:36:08 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 73 — “Making continuing appropriations for the National Institutes of Health for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.” |
| 6:49:52 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 254 – 171 (Roll no. 514). |
| 6:49:52 P.M. | H.J. Res. 73 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:50:05 P.M. | H.R. 3233 | Mr. Goodlatte asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider. |
| 6:50:25 P.M. | H.R. 3233 | Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 3233 — “To extend the period during which Iraqis who were employed by the United States Government in Iraq may be granted special immigrant status and to temporarily increase the fee or surcharge for processing machine-readable nonimmigrant visas.” |
| 6:50:50 P.M. | H.R. 3233 | On passage Passed without objection. |
| 6:51:53 P.M. | H.R. 3233 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 6:52:30 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. | |
| 7:03:34 P.M. | SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. |
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just another rant
Will somebody tell Republicans it is time to pay the bills? The media keeps reminding us that thousands of people will be out of jobs, as if anyone needs to be reminded. In what was/is considered the worse economic collapse, Republicans voted against the stimulus package in 2008, but they acted as if they voted for it when the money came in. While they were handing out checks left and right they continued to bad mouth PBO and the big government behavior, some Republicans asked for more money others said the money really did help but would deny it if asked. The fact is, even more tried to give the money back which not only hurt their constituents it put Teachers, Police and other first responders at risk of losing their jobs.
Yet, here we are in the year 2013 with Republicans deciding that holding America hostage in the 11th hour is the best way to do “The Peoples Business.” Apparently, they are still pissed that #ACA passed through Congress ~ became a law (ACA) which was then deemed constitutional by SCOTUS but they do not care so #ACA has been on the floor say 43 – 46 times. The Republican Party talks about how unfair the Democrats have been while wasting tax payer money and looking quite stupid at the same time. So, after hours and hours of legislative ping pong, Republicans continue to say NO to just about everything to people/voters who might otherwise be unemployed before the November elections. It baffles me and got to wonder how does this 1% behavior look to their constituents, not to mention it seems reckless and inadvisable but given the last few months of The Political Party of NO does not disappoint. They have proven not to be honest players, have not voted on any jobs bills and call unemployment bailouts; listen if this does not open your eyes what Republicans can do to let the public realize they are willing to use Americans as pawns to gain control of Congress. Though PBO is in his 2nd term, Republicans continue to play political games, the governing party is in place and the fix needed is not.
Congress knows what to do to fix the problem, yet Republicans do not seem to care
The month of September has so many memories, good bad and the really ugly. It is a time when summer ends a time to remember history and is yet another step to move the debt deficit and new bills forward, not to experience past acts or behaviors. It is a month to invoke compassion, peace, love and cooperation, we all know the weather and the NFL won’t
Republicans seem to say one thing and do anther on the floor of Congress. If the economy had been ok prior to the election of President Obama, the amount of spending would be next to nothing …people just seem to have amnesia … but we cannot let Republicans gain control of what will be not only a correction but a move toward the 21st Century. It may cost a little more but what better way to spend money …on All Americans not a select few not for a group who practices exclusion. The notion that the collapse of our economy just happened is stupid and people need to realize the sad reality that the last guy could have fended off this but opted to pass the buck on the next President. I remember Bush saying this guy has no clue, it was an offensive comment then, and now 5.5 yrs. later, it does not take a rocket scientist to know that the state of our economy was a lot worse than we will ever really know. I would like to know whom among us is that stupid to think it would be corrected in 20 months when the fix is for about 30 years of errors that got us into this financial crisis?
I blame the Republican Tea Party for our current lack of improvement with all their no votes, blocking major legislation and using Americans as pawns to gain back control by any means necessary. Conservatives continue invoke fear, promote hate toward people considered to be in the Protected Classes and that is not just scary but should be a red flag for those who expect Politicians to speak out and up for All Americans; clearly The Republican Tea Party is not for everyone.
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