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Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center

06/28/2013 Nativegrl77

Here are some things we don’t think you should be punished for:

Having a chronic disease.
Taking care of an elderly parent.
Living in a neighborhood where exercising outdoors isn’t safe.

Seems obvious, right? But a loophole in the health care law could do just that.
We need your help to close a loophole in the health care law that could punish low-income women and women with chronic diseases. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released proposed rules on the health care law’s wellness program that would increase premiums and out-of-pocket costs for individuals who do not or cannot participate in certain wellness activities, such as an exercise program. Help us make sure that employer-sponsored wellness programs don’t penalize women and their families.
Programs that increase premiums or out-of-pocket costs for individuals who do not participate in employer-run wellness programs could cause women who hold more than one job, who have childcare or eldercare responsibilities, or health conditions that restrict their ability to participate in program activities to pay more for health coverage or health care. And they ignore other economic and environmental barriers to improving health for low-income women and the fact that women who are pregnant or breast feeding might be medically-advised against participating in certain activities, such as a weight-loss program.
You have less than a week to make your voice heard! The IRS is only taking comments about its proposed rules on the health care law’s wellness program until July 2. That’s why we need you to make your voice heard today.
Going to the gym and eating healthy foods are good goals but easier for some than others. If your neighborhood grocery store doesn’t have fresh vegetables, you have children or elderly family to care for, or your community doesn’t have an affordable gym or sidewalks for you to walk and run on— it may be nearly impossible to be part of a program that requires you to participate to keep your health insurance premiums or out of pocket costs affordable.
Take action now.
Thank you for all you do for women and families.
Sincerely,

Judy Waxman Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights National Women’s Law Center

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Ballot #594

06/28/2013 Nativegrl77

It’s official.

Last week we got our ballot number — 594.

And this week, we got the language from the secretary of state, which will be finalized the week of July 8. After that, we can start our petition drive to make sure that criminal background checks are on the ballot in 2014.

With your help, we’re going to make sure that every single person purchasing a gun in Washington has to pass a criminal background check — and keep our families safe.

Thanks for pledging your support to help us make this simple, commonsense reform the law.

We’d love to hear your ideas about the campaign. Click here to join us on Facebook!

We’re very excited by how quickly this campaign has been coming together, and that is a direct result of the support of thousands of folks just like you.

Thanks for stepping up.

Talk to you soon,

Zach

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Meet us for dinner — airfare on us

06/28/2013 Nativegrl77

Between trips to Capitol Hill, state legislatures, and Gabby’s work recovering from her injury, we don’t get many chances to just sit down and enjoy a relaxing meal with friends.

And that’s a shame, because we have so much thank you for — you’ve taken our effort to pass gun violence legislation and turned it into a grassroots movement.

We’d love to share our appreciation in person.

Contribute $5 or more today and you’ll be automatically entered to join us and six supporters for a lobster dinner in Portland, Maine on Saturday, July 6th. Choose a friend or family member to bring along, and we’ll take care of your airfare and lodging.

http://action.americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/gabby-and-mark

The dinner is part of a Rights and Responsibilities Tour we’re kicking off that will take us from Alaska to North Carolina with a few stops between during the first week of July.

As a bonus, you can be sure that your contribution will go towards our campaign to change our gun laws, or change Congress if they refuse to act.

We’d love to see you while we’re in Maine.

All the best,
Gabby and Mark

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS on break until 7/8/2013 the House

06/28/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, July 8, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #90, the nomination of Gregory Alan Phillips, of Wyoming, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Phillips nomination.

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

Last Floor Action:
10:07:36 A.M. -H.R. 2231
On agreeing
to the DeFazio amendment (A008) Roll Call 299 – Recorded vote pending.

9:00:59 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

9:03:16 A.M.

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

9:04:36 A.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. Wilson (SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson (SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

9:05:05 A.M.

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

9:05:22 A.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:13:57 A.M.

H.R. 2231

Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2231 — “To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase energy exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf, provide for equitable revenue sharing for all coastal States, implement the reorganization of the functions of the former Minerals Management Service into distinct and separate agencies, and for other purposes.”

9:17:56 A.M.

H.R. 2231

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

9:18:56 A.M.

H.R. 2231

An amendment, offered by Mr. DeFazio, numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to prohibit offshore oil and gas leases in Bristol Bay off the coast of Alaska.

9:19:39 A.M.

H.R. 2231

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio amendment No. 8.

9:29:08 A.M.

H.R. 2231

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

9:29:44 A.M.

H.R. 2231

An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to provide that all claims arising from projects taking place due to the underlying bill be filed within 60 days and resolved within 180 days. It would also place restrictions on appeals and institute a “loser pays” requirement on individuals or entities filing suit, except in specified circumstances, and stipulate that the amendment only applies to individuals or entities which are not party to the pending leases.

9:30:07 A.M.

H.R. 2231

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 9.

9:39:05 A.M.

H.R. 2231

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

9:39:48 A.M.

H.R. 2231

An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to ensure that no portion of this legislation is construed as affecting the right of any state to prohibit the management, leasing, developing, and use of lands (including offshore oil drilling) beneath navigable waters within its boundaries.

9:40:00 A.M.

H.R. 2231

DEBATE – Grayson Part B amendment No. 10 modified pursuant to the order of the House of June 27, 2013.

9:40:18 A.M.

H.R. 2231

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment No. 10, as modified.

9:50:43 A.M.

H.R. 2231

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grayson amendment, as modified, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grayson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

9:51:09 A.M.

H.R. 2231

An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capps, numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to ensure Section 203, relating to oil and gas lease sales in the Southern California planning area, and Title III, relating to OCS revenue sharing with coastal states, have no force or effect.

9:52:07 A.M.

H.R. 2231

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps amendment No. 11.

10:03:00 A.M.

H.R. 2231

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Capps demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

10:07:36 HR 2231 On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment (A008) Roll Call 299 – Recorded vote pending.———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

9:00:59 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:03:16 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:04:36 A.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. Wilson (SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson (SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
9:05:05 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Williams to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:05:22 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:13:57 A.M.	H.R. 2231	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2231 — “To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to increase energy exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf, provide for equitable revenue sharing for all coastal States, implement the reorganization of the functions of the former Minerals Management Service into distinct and separate agencies, and for other purposes.”
9:17:56 A.M.	H.R. 2231	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:18:56 A.M.	H.R. 2231	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeFazio, numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to prohibit offshore oil and gas leases in Bristol Bay off the coast of Alaska.
9:19:39 A.M.	H.R. 2231	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio amendment No. 8.
9:29:08 A.M.	H.R. 2231	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
9:29:44 A.M.	H.R. 2231	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to provide that all claims arising from projects taking place due to the underlying bill be filed within 60 days and resolved within 180 days. It would also place restrictions on appeals and institute a “loser pays” requirement on individuals or entities filing suit, except in specified circumstances, and stipulate that the amendment only applies to individuals or entities which are not party to the pending leases.
9:30:07 A.M.	H.R. 2231	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 9.
9:39:05 A.M.	H.R. 2231	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
9:39:48 A.M.	H.R. 2231	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to ensure that no portion of this legislation is construed as affecting the right of any state to prohibit the management, leasing, developing, and use of lands (including offshore oil drilling) beneath navigable waters within its boundaries.
9:40:00 A.M.	H.R. 2231	DEBATE – Grayson Part B amendment No. 10 modified pursuant to the order of the House of June 27, 2013.
9:40:18 A.M.	H.R. 2231	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment No. 10, as modified.
9:50:43 A.M.	H.R. 2231	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grayson amendment, as modified, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grayson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
9:51:09 A.M.	H.R. 2231	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capps, numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 113-131 to ensure Section 203, relating to oil and gas lease sales in the Southern California planning area, and Title III, relating to OCS revenue sharing with coastal states, have no force or effect.
9:52:07 A.M.	H.R. 2231	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 274, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps amendment No. 11.
10:03:00 A.M.	H.R. 2231	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Capps demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
10:36:54 A.M.	H.R. 2231	On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 235 (Roll no. 299).
10:42:36 A.M.	H.R. 2231	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 217 – 202 (Roll no. 300).
10:47:51 A.M.	H.R. 2231	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 209 – 210 (Roll no. 301).
10:52:06 A.M.	H.R. 2231	On agreeing to the Capps amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 241 (Roll no. 302).
10:52:17 A.M.	H.R. 2231	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2231.
10:53:17 A.M.	H.R. 2231	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10:53:27 A.M.	H.R. 2231	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.
10:54:38 A.M.	H.R. 2231	Mr. Schneider moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.
10:55:55 A.M.	H.R. 2231	Floor summary: 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 prohibit the issuance of permits or leases for new oil and gas slant, directional or offshore drilling in or under any of the Great Lakes. The Motion would also require that any permit or lease issued pursuant to the bill encourage that all equipment used under drilling permits be made in America and that the holder of the permit avoid outsourcing American jobs.
11:06:40 A.M.	H.R. 2231	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:15:36 A.M.	H.R. 2231	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 195 – 225, 1 Present (Roll no. 303).
11:22:18 A.M.	H.R. 2231	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 235 – 186 (Roll no. 304).
11:22:19 A.M.	H.R. 2231	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:23:01 A.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and put the question on agreeing to the Journal de novo.
11:23:02 A.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
11:23:04 A.M.	H.R. 2231	The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2231.
11:23:58 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
11:24:49 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2383, H.R. 1151, and H.R. 324.
11:25:16 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed further one minute speeches.
11:37:52 A.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
11:37:53 A.M.		Official Objectors: The Majority Leader announced the following Members as official objectors on the part of the majority for the 113 Congress: For the Private Calendar: Representatives Goodlatte, Sensenbrenner, and Gowdy. The Minority Leader announced the following Members as official objectors on the part of the minority for the 113 Congress: For the Private Calendar: Representatives Serrano, Nadler, and Bass.
12:39:01 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
12:39:20 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
12:39:21 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 19. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on July 8, 2013.