Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Bills and Hearings in the House 3/15

03/15/2013 Nativegrl77

9:00 am	Hearing: Unaffordable: Impact of Obamacare on Americans’ Health Insurance PremiumsCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Health
9:30 am	Hearing: Chairman Brady Announces Hearing on MedPAC’s Annual March Report to CongressCommittee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Health
10:00 am	Hearing: The Posture of the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa CommandCommittee on Armed Services: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: RESCHEDULED: Oversight Hearing – Sandy Disaster Relief and RecoveryCommittee on Appropriations: Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

:::::: CONGRESS ::::::

03/14/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, March 18, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.

The filing deadline for all 2^nd degree amendments to the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 and H.R.933 is 4:30pm on Monday.

The managers of the bill will work on a finite list of amendments to the continuing appropriations bill over the weekend.

Senators should expect a roll call vote at 5:30pm. There will either be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 or several votes in relation to amendments to the bill.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action:
6:48:40 P.M. -The House adjourned. 3/14

The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 15, 2013.

9:00:18 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

9:00:28 A.M.

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

9:01:58 A.M.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Fitzpatrick demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fitzpatrick objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.

9:02:18 A.M.

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

9:02:30 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.

9:16:51 A.M.

H.R. 803

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 113. H.R. 803 — “To reform and strengthen the workforce investment system of the Nation to put Americans back to work and make the United States more competitive in the 21st century.”

9:16:56 A.M.

H.R. 803

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution makes in order as original text for purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-4. The resolution makes in order only those amendments printed in this report.

9:17:09 A.M.

H.R. 803

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 113 and Rule XVIII.

9:17:11 A.M.

H.R. 803

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.

9:17:24 A.M.

H.R. 803

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 803.

10:16:58 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Ms. Foxx, numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-16 to provide an application process for local or regional boards to be designated as a local workforce investment area, authorizes GAO to complete two studies related to Workforce Investment Act programs, and makes technical and clarifying amendments.

10:17:58 A.M.

H.R. 803

<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foxx amendment No. 1.

10:29:56 A.M.

H.R. 803

On agreeing to the Foxx amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

10:30:17 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mr. Gallego, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-16 to advance manufacturing in the state and local plans sections to assist American Veterans obtain better job opportunities in that field.

10:30:34 A.M.

H.R. 803

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gallego amendment No. 2.

10:33:09 A.M.

H.R. 803

On agreeing to the Gallego amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

10:33:28 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-16 to change the percentage of authorized State Allotment funding set aside for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian employment and training grants. It replaces a provision that limits the set aside to no more than 1 percent of total funding with a fixed 1 percent guarantee.

10:33:31 A.M.

H.R. 803

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young (AK) amendment No. 3.

10:41:26 A.M.

H.R. 803

On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

10:41:44 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mrs. Black, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-16 to express a sense of Congress that any administrative costs to federal, state, or local entities as a result of this act be off-set by funds currently being used for marketing and outreach at the United States Department of Agriculture.

10:41:46 A.M.

H.R. 803

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Black amendment No. 4.

10:47:15 A.M.

H.R. 803

By unanimous consent, the Black amendment was withdrawn.

10:47:21 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-16 to require that if reports due to Congress that evaluate the programs that are covered by this legislation are not transmitted on or before the time period specified for that report, amounts authorized to be appropriated under this title shall be reduced by 10 percent for the next fiscal year and reduced by an additional 10 percent for each subsequent fiscal year until such report is transmitted to Congress.

10:47:23 A.M.DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garrett amendment No. 5.H.R. 803

10:55:11 A.M.	H.R. 803	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:55:29 A.M.	H.R. 803	An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Tierney, An substitute amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-16 to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act in a responsible way th at ensures workers can obtain jobs and build careers through strategic partnerships and enables businesses to identify and hire qualified personnel to grow and continue our economic recovery.
10:55:32 A.M.	H.R. 803	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Tierney substitute amendment No. 6.
11:53:42 A.M.	H.R. 803	On agreeing to the Tierney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 192 – 227 (Roll no. 73).
11:54:05 A.M.	H.R. 803	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 803.
11:54:56 A.M.	H.R. 803	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:55:05 A.M.	H.R. 803	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.
11:56:04 A.M.	H.R. 803	Mr. Miller, George moved to recommit with instructions to Education and the Workforce.
11:56:30 A.M.	H.R. 803	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the George Miller (CA) 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 nothing in the underlying bill repeals, denies, or weakens the wages, employment protections, employment or training opportunities for seniors, disabled veterans, women in nontraditional occupations, youth, or people with disabilities. The Motion would also raise the minimum wage, in increments over the course of two years, to $10.10 and increase the minimum wage for tipped employees to 70% of the minimum wage.
12:07:42 P.M.	H.R. 803	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
12:16:39 P.M.	H.R. 803	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 233 (Roll no. 74).
12:24:51 P.M.	H.R. 803	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 202 (Roll no. 75).
12:24:51 P.M.	H.R. 803	>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:25:07 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
12:27:29 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the Economic Report of the United States. – referred to the Joint Economic Committee and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-2).
12:31:18 P.M.		World War I Centennial Commission – Pursuant to Section 4(b) of the World War I Centennial Commission Act (Pub.L. 112-272), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the World War I Centennial Commission: Mr. Poe of TX.
12:31:58 P.M.		Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Center – Pursuant to Section 313 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 (2 U.S.C. 1151), as amended by Section 1601 of Pub L. 111-68, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Center: Mr. Fortenberry.
12:33:08 P.M.		COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Cantor on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.
12:45:00 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, March 15, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2013, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
1:00:45 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
1:13:30 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Ted Poe, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Poe notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:13:55 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Bob Goodlatte, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Goodlatte notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:14:35 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Raul R. Labrador, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Labrador notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:14:36 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Lamar Smith, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Smith notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:15:13 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable George Holding, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Holding notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:16:35 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Trent Franks, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Franks notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:17:16 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Keith J. Rothfus, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Rothfus notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to quash the subpoena.
1:18:12 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Michelle Bachmann, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Bachmann notified the House that she had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mrs. Bachmann had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, she intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:18:48 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Steve Chabot, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chabot notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Chabot had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:19:21 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Ron DeSantis, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. DeSantis notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. DeSantis had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:20:04 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Blake Farenthold, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Farenthold notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Farenthold had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:20:48 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Spencer Bachus, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Bachus notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Bachus had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:21:28 P.M.		<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The House received a communication from the Honorable Joe Heck, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Heck notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Heck had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:22:09 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Louie Gohmert, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Gohmert notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Gohmert had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:22:53 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Jim Jordan, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jordan notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Jordan had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:23:40 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Member of Congres s. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Sensenbrenner notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:24:15 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Doug Collins, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Doug Collins (GA) notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:24:56 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable K. Michael Conaway, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Conaway notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:25:37 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable John Campbell, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Campbell notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:26:22 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Darrell Issa, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Issa notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:26:58 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable J. Randy Forbes, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Forbes notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:27:41 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Trey Gowdy, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Gowdy notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:28:30 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
2:51:15 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:51:25 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:51:35 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on March 18, 2013.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Photo of the Day: Taking Bo for a Walk

03/14/2013 Nativegrl77

Bo, the Obama family dog, follows First Lady Michelle Obama as she walks across the South Lawn of the White House towards the Kitchen Garden, March 11, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

War on Women, Budget Edition

03/14/2013 Nativegrl77

ThinkProgress War Room

Latest GOP Budget Marks Latest Attack on Women

Budgets are statements of values and priorities. Based on the GOP’s latest budget, apparently the interests of women are not a priority.

Here’s a look at how the GOP budget is bad for women and children.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

No, lowering taxes doesn’t grow the economy.

South Carolina GOP lawmaker suggest they blocked Medicaid expansion because Obama is black.

Is Texas turning blue?

Even Paul Ryan admits that we’re not facing a debt crisis.

Latest GOP budget gives millionaires at least a $200,000 tax cut.

It’s time for the Obama administration to lift its secrecy on drones.

The new pope’s views on LGBT equality.

Everything you need to know about the Steubenville rape trial.

President Obama evolves even further on marriage equality.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

John Hocevar, Greenpeace

03/14/2013 Nativegrl77

The National Marine Fisheries Service wants to allow fishing nets known as “walls of death” in crucial leatherback turtle habitat.

Take Action
Act now to tell them to protect this endangered species.

Endangered leatherback turtles migrate 6,000 miles across the Pacific each year, and at the end of their journey looms a deadly threat.

Drift gillnets, known as “walls of death,” float just off the California coast. While their purpose is to catch swordfish, these nets ensnare and drown more than a hundred marine mammals a year. Rare sharks and endangered sea turtles are also among the casualties.

Leatherback turtles can currently take refuge in a small conservation area, but not for much longer. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is working to shrink this safe space—a move that threatens the survival of their species.

NMFS has tried to rollback conservation areas before, and has only backed down when facing fierce public opposition. Together, we can stop NMFS again, and help leatherback turtles stave off extinction.

Send a message to NMFS to tell them that conservation areas for endangered leatherback turtles should be expanded, not put in jeopardy.

Around the world, the leatherback population is plummeting due to careless fishing practices. Even though leatherbacks have thrived for millions of years, scientists predict it won’t last another 20 years if we don’t act. At this point, even one leatherback killed is too many.

And these nets are not just killers for leatherbacks. Whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other endangered species become entangled and die every year. For every one pound of swordfish caught by these gillnets, 27 pounds of other marine species die pointlessly.

We must keep waging battles with those who plunder our fisheries rather than manage them—whether it is off the California coast, in the frigid waters of the Bering Sea or in the fisheries of the Atlantic—to secure our oceans’ future.

Act now and tell NMFS that you want stronger protections for the leatherback turtle and other species near these dangerous fisheries.

Overfishing, climate change, and ocean acidification threaten to turn our oceans into deserts. Greenpeace is working for a future where overfishing has ceased, while endangered species like the leatherback turtle can flourish in protected marine reserves.

Every short-sighted and profit-driven decision we stop is another step towards true protection of the ocean ecosystems that nourish us.

Let’s bring down these “walls of death.”

For the oceans,

John Hocevar
Greenpeace USA Ocean Campaign Director