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


	Take Action: Tell Your Representative to Vote NO



	Protect millions of women and families from the harsh spending cuts the House is voting on this week.

They just never stop.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the budget blueprint introduced by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). The Ryan budget calls for drastic cuts in programs that low-income women and their families depend on to meet their basic needs — and trillions of dollars in additional tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and corporations.
This week, the House will vote on a bill to implement the Ryan budget by slashing Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), child care, and more, and dismantling the Affordable Care Act.
Please contact your Representative TODAY and tell him or her to vote against these devastating cuts!
The bill the House is scheduled to vote on this Thursday, H.R. 4966, would:

Let states reduce eligibility standards for Medicaid, which women disproportionately rely on for health care coverage, and for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Dismantle the Affordable Care Act, by eliminating funding for state health exchanges and community-level preventive and public health initiatives, and by reducing access to affordable health insurance coverage by discouraging the use of premium tax credits.
Terminate the Social Services Block Grant, which gives billions of dollars to states to support seniors and children, including critical funding for child care assistance.
Cut Food Stamp (SNAP) benefits, reducing monthly benefits almost immediately for about 44 million people and denying benefits altogether for as many as 2 million more.
Eliminate eligibility for the refundable Child Tax Credit for many immigrant families.

These cuts are serious, and they’re dangerous. The well-being of millions of American women and their families is at risk, and we need your help today.
Tell your Representative to vote against these unfair and irresponsible measures!
Our Representatives have to hear that we won’t stand for balancing the budget on the backs of women and their families — and that millionaires and corporations have to start paying their fair share of taxes.
Sincerely,

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

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

P.S. Your generous donation allows us to continue to do our work on behalf of women and their families. Please support our work on the budget and other critical issues today.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

BREAKING: President Obama’s marriage announcement

05/10/2012 Nativegrl77

Just moments ago, President Obama made history by boldly stating that gay and lesbian Americans deserve full marriage equality.

In saying so, he reinforced what most Americans believe – LGBT people should be fully and equally part of the fabric of our society. Our families deserve nothing less than the equal respect and recognition that comes through marriage.

President Obama’s time in office has shown that our nation can move beyond its shameful history of discrimination and injustice.

I hope you’ll join me in sending President Obama a heartfelt thank-you note right now.

Thanks to President Obama’s leadership, millions of young Americans have seen that their futures will not be limited by what makes them different.

And now, in supporting marriage equality, he’s extended a message of hope to a generation of young LGBT Americans, helping them understand that they too can be who they are and flourish as part of the American community.

His words also remind gay and lesbian families everywhere that they are not alone or unheard as they struggle – like their neighbors – to afford healthcare and college for their kids, pay their taxes, and plan for retirement.

The burden of discrimination will one day be no more, in part thanks to the President’s leadership at this very moment.

Send a thank-you note to President Obama now.

President Obama has been a crucial ally to our cause. But it’s ordinary people like you, standing up for what’s right, who will continue to drive our movement forward. I thank you for your commitment, and I hope you’ll continue to work for the day when all are equal.

Gratefully, Joe Solmonese President

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Amendment 1 …Michael Langenmayr, Democracy for America

05/10/2012 Nativegrl77

North Carolinians voted down Amendment One — an anti-gay amendment that has far-reaching implications for all families.
Amendment One doesn’t just ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples — it would ban civil unions, domestic partnerships and any other sort of legal recognition.

This is an issue of Civil Rights …

It would also restrict the rights of unmarried couples — gay or straight — to visit one another in the hospital.
Amendment One restricts other rights from unmarried couples, too — like healthcare. The amendment is so poorly-written that there are many far-reaching consequences. If passed, children of unmarried couples could lose their health insurance and prescription drug coverage.
It even restricts domestic violence protections to married women, leaving unmarried women more vulnerable. Single women would not receive the justice and protections they count on and deserve.
Amendment One is an attack on all families — and we need to stop it, now.

Thank you for everything you do.
-Michael
Michael Langenmayr, Political Director Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Protect Yellowstone from PSE’s coal plant!

05/10/2012 Nativegrl77

http://www.sierraclub.org

Yellowstone National park is a national treasure, home to grizzly bears and some of the last herds of free-roaming bison. Every year, over 3 million people visit to see these animals, to watch Old Faithful blow its top, and to view the sunset over Yellowstone Falls.¹

Unfortunately, dirty coal pollution is ruining the view. Haze from a nearby coal-fired plant makes it hard to enjoy these sunsets, or take in the majesty of the roaming bison herds.

Right now, the EPA is taking comments on a plan to cut nearby coal pollution, but they need your support. Tell the EPA to protect Yellowstone National Park from dirty coal pollution today.

Yellowstone is as special to Americans as baseball and apple pie. However, you may not know that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is the single biggest owner of the coal plant in Montana threatening the park.

Let’s show Big Coal that Washingtonians don’t support importing coal-fired electricty that is threatening one of our country’s national treasures by sending 2,000 comments to the EPA. Send your comment now!

Yellowstone was America’s first National Park — founded in 1872. We need to make sure it stays as pristine now, as it was then. As a Washingtonian, your comments will help move our state away from dirty coal and ensure our kids and grand kids experience the park the way it was intended — clean, clear, and unspoiled.

Move Washington beyond coal and make sure the next generation can experience Old Faithful and Yellowstone Falls without looking through toxic air. Urge the EPA to protect Yellowstone National Park today.

Thanks for all you do for the environment,

Seth Ballhorn
Beyond Coal Campaign
Sierra Club

P.S. – After you have taken action, forward this message to your friends.

~ Recent Post

Congress: the Republican led House the Senate considers H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act

05/10/2012 Nativegrl77

The Senate convened at 9:30am on Thursday, May 10, 2012.

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.

During Thursday’s session, it is possible the Senate will consider S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act as well as H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act.

This afternoon Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that the Senate adopt the motion to proceed to H.R.2072, Export Import Bank Reauthorization, and there be 1 hour for debate with no amendments in order prior to vote on passage of the bill.

Senator Kyl asked the Leader to modify his request to allow the following 5 Republican amendments:

– Corker #2102 (export credit agencies)

– Vitter #2103 (energy development)

– Toomey #2104 ($40 billion increase contingency)

– Lee #2100 (phase-out)

– Paul #2101 (limitation on Ex-Im support)

Senator Reid declined to modify his request and Senator Kyl objected to the Leader’s request.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2072, Export Import Bank Reauthorization. Senators should expect the cloture vote to occur Monday evening.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.4967, the Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2012.

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed S.418, Congressional Gold Medal to Civil Air Patrol.

Adopted S.Res.456, commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Adopted S.Res.458, Commemorating May 15, 2012, as the sesquicentennial of the founding of the Department of Agriculture.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

This morning … 9:41am – The Senate is now considering the motion to proceed to Calendar #396, H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act. Senator Reid stated on the floor that he hopes we can pass this bill today. The unofficial transcript of his remarks is below.

The unofficial transcript of his remarks is below.

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT WE’RE NOW ON THE MOTION TO PROCEED TO

THE EX-IM BILL. I HOPE WE CAN PASS THE BILL TODAY. I HAVEN’T

HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE REPUBLICAN LEADER, BUT

I’LL DO THAT SHORTLY AND WILL DECIDE IF THERE’S A WAY FORWARD

ON THAT. SO I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE NEXT HOUR BE

DIVIDED AND CONTROLLED BETWEEN THE TWO LEADERS OR THEIR

DESIGNEES WITH THE MAJORITY CONTROLLING THE FIRST HALF AND THE

REPUBLICANS CONTROLLING THE SECOND HALF.

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, ON A STRONG BIPARTISAN VOTE YESTERDAY,

THE HOUSE PASSED A PIECE OF COMMONSENSE JOB-CREATING

LEGISLATION, THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE 130ER9 — OF THE

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK. FOR MANY, MANY YEARS, THIS LEGISLATION HAS

HELPED AMERICAN COMPANIES GROW AND SELL THEIR PRODUCTS

OVERSEAS, CREATING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS, AND FOR YEARS THE

BANK HAS ENJOYED BROAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT. IT PASSED BY

UNANIMOUS CONSENT ON ONE OCCASION AND BY VOICE VOTE ON ANOTHER

OCCASION. IT IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF SMART

INVESTMENTS CONGRESS SHOULD BE MAKING TO SPUR JOB GROWTH. SO I

HOPE THE SENATE WILL BE ABLE TO QUICKLY APPROVE THE

HOUSE-PASSED MEASURE TODAY AND DO IT BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. I’M

OPTIMISTIC THAT THE 330-93 VOTE IN THE HOUSE YESTERDAY WILL BE

ENOUGH TO CONVINCE SENATE REPUBLICANS THEY SHOULDN’T HOLD UP

THIS LEGISLATION ANY LONGER. 330-93. THE PROCESS OF

REAUTHORIZING THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK HAS TAKEN TOO LONG. I HOPE

WE DON’T HAVE TO FILE CLOTURE ON THIS MATTER, BUT I WILL, IF WE

MUST. LET ME REMIND YOU, MR. PRESIDENT … THE SENATE

CONSIDERED REAUTHORIZING THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION IN MARCH,

TWO MONTHS AGO. SENATE REPUBLICANS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO

SUPPORT THE MEASURE THEN. INSTEAD, ALL BUT THREE OPPOSED IT,

AND THE MEASURE FAILED. THE AMERICAN EXPORTERS HAVE ALREADY

WAITED IN LIMBO FOR TWO MONTHS TO SEE WHETHER REPUBLICANS WOULD

COME AROUND TO BACKING THIS BUSINESS FRIENDLY, JOB-CREATING

ISSUES. BUSINESSES SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WAIT LONGER. WE CAN’T

AFFORD MORE OF THE PARTISAN OBSTRUCTION WE SAW ON THIS

COMMONSENSE LEGISLATION LAST MARCH. TO GET TO THE PRESIDENT’S

DESK, THIS CONGRESS AND EVERY PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT WE PASS

MUST GET TO HIS DESK OR IT DOESN’T BECOME LAW. SO TO DO THAT,

WE NEED DEMOCRATIC VOTES AND REPUBLICAN VOTES. THAT’S JUST A

REALITY. AND IT MEANS WE ABSOLUTELY MUST WORK TOGETHER IF WE

WANT TO GET ANYTHING DONE.

————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 10, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

– -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.3:13:59 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.3:12:12 P.M. -Mr. King (IA) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Friday, May 11, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.3:12:00 P.M. -Mr. King (IA) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11:00 a.m. on May 11. Agreed to without objection.2:56:51 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.2:52:39 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:52:21 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished question was on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.2:52:15 P.M. -H.R. 5326Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:52:14 P.M. -H.R. 5326On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 – 163 (Roll no. 249).2:46:13 P.M. -H.R. 5326On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 181 – 233 (Roll no. 248).2:28:52 P.M. -H.R. 5326The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:17:45 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nadler 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 increase funds for the Office of Violence Against Women by $20.5 million and decrease funds from the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, and the Office of Science and Technology by $20.5 million.2:17:21 P.M. -H.R. 5326Mr. Nadler moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.2:16:53 P.M. -H.R. 5326Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5326 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”2:16:40 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the further consideration of H.R. 5326, which had earlier been postponed.2:16:16 P.M. -H.R. 5652Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:16:15 P.M. -H.R. 5652On passage Passed by recorded vote: 218 – 199, 1 Present (Roll no. 247).2:07:38 P.M. -H.R. 5652On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 170 – 232, 11 Present (Roll no. 246).1:42:57 P.M. -H.R. 5652The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.1:36:45 P.M. -H.R. 5652DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the on the Loebsack 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 add a section to the bill prohibiting former Members of Congress who are registered lobbyists with salaries greater than $1 million from eligibility to receive benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System.1:31:58 P.M. -H.R. 5652Mr. Loebsack moved to recommit with instructions to The Budget.1:31:42 P.M. -H.R. 5652The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.11:00:07 A.M. -H.R. 5652DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 648, the House proceeded with two hours of debate on H.R. 5652.10:58:35 A.M. -H.R. 5652Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5652 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-21 shall be considered as adopted. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived.10:58:30 A.M. -H.R. 5652Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 648. H.R. 5652 — “To provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 201 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2013.”10:55:28 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 2224. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 105, H. Con. Res. 106, H. Con. Res. 117, and H. Con. Res. 118.10:54:32 A.M. -H. Res. 648Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:54:32 A.M. -H. Res. 648On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 183 (Roll no. 245).10:47:42 A.M. -H. Res. 648On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 237 – 177 (Roll no. 244).9:17:07 A.M. -H. Res. 648DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 648.9:15:54 A.M. -H. Res. 648Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 648 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5652) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 201 of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2013.”9:03:26 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.9:03:08 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Coffman of CO to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:50 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. Mrs. Jenkins 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. Mrs. Jenkins objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.9:01:21 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:50 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.