Urge your House rep to vote against the RELIEF Act, a Tea Party attempt to gut the Lacey Act

Did you know that almost half of all rainforest destruction is done illegally?
Government corruption, lax laws and poor enforcement result in widespread illegal deforestation across the globe. This unofficial forest clearing makes it extremely challenging to truly protect critically endangered species like the orangutan or Sumatran tiger from extinction, and it contributes enormous amounts of carbon to our atmosphere.
And now the best law on the books to prevent illegal logging worldwide—the Lacey Act—is under attack.
Please send a letter today asking your congressional representative to vote against the RELIEF Act.
The Lacey Act prohibits illegally sourced wood and wood products from being imported into the U.S. and penalizes companies that trade or sell such products. It is a powerful tool for reducing global deforestation rates and protecting jobs in the American forest products industry. It has been so successful that other countries are looking to create their own versions of it.
But the Lacey Act is now under attack by those wishing to end environmental protections and regulations. Their proposals, such as the RELIEF Act, would effectively gut the Lacey Act, reversing years of hard-fought efforts to stop international deforestation.
The RELIEF Act would directly benefit notorious forest destroyers like Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) and would allow illegal loggers around the world to operate with impunity. The result would be a flood of illegal wood into the U.S. market.
Send a message today urging your representative to vote no on the RELIEF Act and any other bill that would weaken the Lacey Act.

		For the forests,
		Robin Averbeck Rainforest Free Paper Campaigner Twitter: @therightpaper

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Bush-era tax cuts for the richest two percent

07/24/2012 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

National Women's Law Center - Don't Discount Women: Demand Fair Change Not Spare Change


	Stand Up for Tax Fairness



	Call your Members of Congress at 1-888-744-9958 and tell them that it’s time for the richest Americans to pay their fair share.

	Call 1-888-744-9958 today!

It’s go time!
In less than 24 hours Congress will start to vote on whether to end — or extend — the Bush-era tax cuts for the richest two percent.
Ending the Bush-era tax cuts on income above $250,000 per couple, as President Obama and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) have proposed, would help restore fairness to the tax code and protect programs vital to women and their families. It would give 98 percent of Americans their full tax cuts next year. And the wealthiest two percent would still receive tax breaks on their first $250,000! We simply can’t afford to give even more tax breaks to those who need them least when so many women and families are struggling just to make ends meet.
Calling is easy. And only takes a couple of minutes. Dial 1-888-744-9958 and listen to easy instructions and a sample script.
Ending the Bush-era tax cuts on income above $250,000 would save about $1 trillion over the next ten years — funding that’s urgently needed to protect programs like child care, Pell Grants, Head Start, Medicaid, and Title X family planning services. It’s time to stop trying to balance the budget on the backs of women and families. The richest Americans need to start paying their fair share of taxes.
There’s no time to waste: Call your Members of Congress at 1-888-744-9958 and tell them that it’s time for the richest Americans to pay their fair share: we need to end the Bush tax cuts on income over $250,000.
Your Senators and Representative are getting ready to vote and they need to hear from you right NOW! Tell them that you expect them to stand up for women and families — and end the Bush tax cuts for the richest two percent!
Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher Vice President, Family Economic Security National Women’s Law Center

P.S. When we are this close to a vote, calls are one of the most effective ways for us to make an impact. Please take just a few minutes to call your Members of Congress at 1-888-744-9958.

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HIV/AIDS

07/24/2012 Nativegrl77

How Far We’ve Come: Brad Kiley on HIV/AIDS

This week, the 2012 International AIDS Conference is being held in Washington, D.C. The Conference provides an opportunity for Administration officials to reflect on the effect that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives, and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease. Here, Brad Kiley, Director of the Office of Management and Administration, shares how HIV/AIDS has personally impacted his life.More

How Far We’ve Come: John Berry on HIV/AIDS

This week, the 2012 International AIDS Conference is being held in Washington, D.C. The Conference provides an opportunity for Administration officials to reflect on the effect that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives, and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease. Here, John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shares how HIV/AIDS has personally impacted his life.More

How Far We’ve Come: Valerie Jarrett on HIV/AIDS

This week, the 2012 International AIDS Conference is being held in Washington, D.C. The Conference provides an opportunity for Administration officials to reflect on the effect that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives, and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease. Here, Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, shares how HIV/AIDS has personally impacted her life.More

How Far We’ve Come: Tina Tchen on HIV/AIDS

This week, the 2012 International AIDS Conference is being held in Washington, D.C. The Conference provides an opportunity for Administration officials to reflect on the effect that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives, and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease. Here, Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to the First Lady, shares how HIV/AIDS has personally impacted her life.More

How Far We’ve Come: Grant Colfax on HIV/AIDS

This week, the 2012 International AIDS Conference is being held in Washington, D.C. The Conference provides an opportunity for Administration officials to reflect on the effect that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives, and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease. Here, Grant Colfax, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, shares how HIV/AIDS has personally impacted his life.More

How Far We’ve Come: Cecilia Muñoz on HIV/AIDS

This week, the 2012 International AIDS Conference is being held in Washington, D.C. The Conference provides an opportunity for Administration officials to reflect on the effect that HIV/AIDS has had in their own lives, and how far we’ve come in the fight against the terrible disease. Here, Cecilia Muñoz, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, shares how HIV/AIDS has personally impacted her life.More

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House presenting bills that hurt & the Senate considers S.3412,MiddleClass Tax Cut Act2012

07/24/2012 Nativegrl77

Convenes: 10:00amET July 24, 2012
Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
At 3:40pm, the Senate will observe a moment of silence in memory of Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police who were killed 14 years ago in the line of duty defending the Capitol, the people who work there, and its visitors against an armed intruder.
As a reminder, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.3412, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2012 on Monday, July 23^rd. If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.3412 will be on Wednesday.

As a reminder, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.3412, the Middle Class Tax Cut on Monday, July 23^rd.By unanimous consent, at 2:15pm on Wednesday, July 25^th, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3412, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Indian Affairs Committee and passed S.2090, a bill to amend the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act to extend the period of time provided to the Indian Law and Order Commission to produce a required report, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.527, designating August 16, 2012, as “National Airborne Day”.

Adopted S.Res.528, recognizing the 100^th anniversary of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the preeminent organization representing podiatric medicine and surgery, celebrating its achievements, and encouraging the association to continue proving guidance on foot and ankle health issues to the people of the United States and of the world.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3429, the Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012. (Nelson FL)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3420, the Permanent Tax Relief Act. (Lee)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

——————————————————–
10:41:54 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

www.Houselive.gov

10:00:10 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

10:00:24 A.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable David Rivera to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00:47 A.M.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:41:54 A.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:58 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 24.

12:01:00 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Bud Roland, St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Austin, Texas.

12:03:04 P.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:03:12 P.M.

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

12:03:57 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.

12:31:00 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

1:15:26 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 24.
1:16:05 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification stating that the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of certain persons to undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon or its democratic processes and institutions is to continue in effect beyond August 1, 2012 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-127).
1:19:18 P.M.	H. Res. 738	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 738 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4078) to provide that no agency may take any significant regulatory action until the unemployment rate is equal to or less than 6.0 percent, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6082) to officially replace, within the 60-day Congressional review period under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, President Obama’s Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program (2012-2017) with a congressional plan that will conduct additional oil and natural gas lease sales to promote offshore energy development, job creation, and increased domestic energy production to ensure a more secure energy future in the United States, and for other purposes.”
1:20:58 P.M.	H. Res. 738	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 738.
2:17:47 P.M.	H. Res. 738	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 738, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.
2:17:48 P.M.		<action_description>The Speaker announced that the House do now recess The House is in recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.
2:30:27 P.M.		<action_description>The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 24.
2:30:29 P.M.	H. Res. 738	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 738 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4078) to provide that no agency may take any significant regulatory action until the unemployment rate is equal to or less than 6.0 percent, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6082) to officially replace, within the 60-day Congressional review period under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, President Obama’s Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program (2012-2017) with a congressional plan that will conduct additional oil and natural gas lease sales to promote offshore energy development, job creation, and increased domestic energy production to ensure a more secure energy future in the United States, and for other purposes.”
2:56:56 P.M.	H. Res. 738	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 177 (Roll no. 502).
2:57:04 P.M.	H. Res. 738	MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Aurora, Colorado shooting.
3:07:42 P.M.	H. Res. 738	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 244 – 170 (Roll no. 503).
3:07:43 P.M.	H. Res. 738	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:07:54 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
3:10:00 P.M.	H.R. 459	Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 459 — “To require a full audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks by the Comptroller General of the United States before the end of 2012, and for other purposes.”
3:10:12 P.M.	H.R. 459	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:10:16 P.M.	H.R. 459	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 459.
3:40:00 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police.
3:41:00 P.M.	H.R. 459	DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.R. 459, as amended.
4:01:29 P.M.	H.R. 459	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
4:03:01 P.M.	H.R. 4157	Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4157 — “To prohibit the Secretary of Labor from finalizing a proposed rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 relating to child labor.”
4:03:17 P.M.	H.R. 4157	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:03:19 P.M.	H.R. 4157	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4157.
4:40:35 P.M.	H.R. 4157	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:40:47 P.M.	H.R. 4157	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:40:51 P.M.	H.R. 4157	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:41:50 P.M.	H.R. 6082	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 738. H.R. 6082 — “To officially replace, within the 60-day Congressional review period under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, President Obama’s Proposed Final Outer Continental Shelf Oil & Gas Leasing Program (2012-2017) with a congressional plan that will conduct additional oil and natural gas lease sales to promote offshore energy development, job creation, and increased domestic energy production to ensure a more secure energy future in the United States, and for other purposes.”
4:41:55 P.M.	H.R. 6082	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4078 and H.R. 6082. H.R. 4078 is accorded 2 hours of general debate and H.R. 6082 is accorded 1 hour of general debate. For H.R. 4078, specified amendments printed in Part B of the report are in order and for H.R. 6082, specified amendments printed in Part C are in order. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit with or without instructions for each bill.
4:42:16 P.M.	H.R. 6082	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 738 and Rule XVIII.
4:42:17 P.M.	H.R. 6082	The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert J. Dold to act as Chairman of the Committee.
4:42:26 P.M.	H.R. 6082	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 6082.
4:46:41 P.M.		Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX, the Speaker postponed until a time to be announced, the roll call vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 459, as amended, which was ordered on July 24, 2012.
5:48:11 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (WA), numbered 1 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to make technical corrections to the underlying bill.
5:49:23 P.M.	H.R. 6082	On agreeing to the Hastings (WA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:49:59 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 2 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to strike the provision that requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a single multi-sale environmental impact statement for all of the new areas opened for drilling by the underlying bill.
5:50:34 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt (NJ) amendment No. 2.
5:58:44 P.M.	H.R. 6082	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:59:15 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Ms. Richardson, numbered 3 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to add a new section which provides that in determining the areas off the coast of California to be made available for leasing under this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall consult with the Governor and legislature of the State of California.
5:59:24 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richardson amendment No. 3.
6:02:56 P.M.	H.R. 6082	On agreeing to the Richardson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:03:05 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, numbered 4 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to prohibit gas produced under new leases authorized by this legislation from being exported to foreign countries.
6:03:10 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment No. 4.
6:11:55 P.M.	H.R. 6082	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:12:37 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, numbered 5 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to create a statutory requirement that new leases offered pursuant to this act include drilling safety improvements in response to the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster.
6:13:08 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment No. 5.
6:25:24 P.M.	H.R. 6082	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:26:18 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 6 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to end free drilling in the Gulf of Mexico by requiring oil companies to pay in order to receive new leases on public lands.
6:26:22 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment No. 6.
6:31:54 P.M.	H.R. 6082	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:32:25 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (FL), numbered 7 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to require each drilling permit application to include an estimate of how much the price of gasoline will decrease as a result of any oil or gas found under the permit.
6:32:28 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 7.
6:43:19 P.M.	H.R. 6082	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:44:09 P.M.	H.R. 6082	An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (FL), numbered 8 printed in Part C of House Report 112-616 to require each drilling permit application to include an estimate of the impact on global change of the consumption of any oil or gas found under the permit.
6:44:21 P.M.	H.R. 6082	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 738, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 8.
6:52:33 P.M.	H.R. 6082	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:52:56 P.M.	H.R. 6082	Mr. Hastings (WA) moved that the Committee rise.
6:53:14 P.M.	H.R. 6082	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
6:53:25 P.M.	H.R. 6082	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 6082 as unfinished business.
6:54:52 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:55:28 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Aurora, CO

07/23/2012 Nativegrl77

Remembering the Victims of the Aurora, Colorado ShootingPresident Obama honors the victims of the tragedy in Colorado, those who knew and loved them, and those who are struggling to recover.Watch President Obama’s weekly address: