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wagwan Wednesday &some News


The President will be in Scranton to talk jobs, the economy and more; this should also be a moment the public hears about the improvements made from where we were the President will talk about where we are heading and need to be.

just another rant …

 Again, despite Teapublicans, President Obama has been working for the Middle and Lower Classes though folks on the right prefer to think and talk otherwise. Things are better; we all know the recovery is not over though if you asked Teapublicans they would say they probably really have not seen a big difference in their lives. I have to wonder if the house of bush gave full disclosure as to when our economy spiraled into that ditch – started –  and who really is giving this President the time to correct it… realistically.

So, I received comment about President Obama ignoring the Constitution. I appreciate the fact that i even get any comments at my blog … i try to respond to most comments  like the one below …  

FLPatriot said 1 day ago:

“You’d think the oath that mattered most to our elected leaders would be this one:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…”

If the President ignores it, why should we expect any politician to follow it?

ME:In order to reply accurately to your comment regarding the President  ignoring the Constitution you must be more specific by listing specific examples of or where President Obama has, in your words “ignored it”. I know you are politically to the right so the comment is not a surprise …but I think that a pledge made to a private citizen such as Grover Norquist Versus the oath taken by members of Congress are definitely subject to questions –  have proven repeatedly which oath and or pledge is more important with their votes … and sadly they are known to say they think Obama has it out for and against the constitution. Most Rs&T ‘members of Congress talk about the state of our constitution and try to use it against the Obama Admin. If you listen the next thing you hear is their slogan about having to “take their country back” because the constitution is being misused, the 14th Amendment is not good enough for Americans. Now, in this year of 2011 and more  progressive bills being passed Teapublicans feel the Constitution,specifically the 14th Amendment needs to be adjusted, changed, or taken out completely. It seems to me that what these people are afraid of is what our world of Americans looks like and what it will look like in the future and it will be more progressive, more black and  brown, more gays, more interracial, more lefties than these people want to accept.

Other News …

President Obama Presses for Payroll Tax Cut Extension

FCC Nominees in Confirmation Hearing

Lawmakers Consider Internet Sales Tax

Senate Votes on Defense Programs; Payroll Tax Vote Friday

Senators Hear About Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes

Proposed Trucking Hours Examined in House Hearing

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Pizza is a vegetable? Tell Congress to Promote Healthy School Meals


 

We thought we fixed this when Ronald Reagan  declared ketchup to be a vegetable and most of our country laughed out loud.   But apparently not.

 http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2F2w9NMwavBAhxQgjDpoZ9NcufT5FYZsE

Late last night, Congress  unveiled change to the National School Lunch program that will allow a few dabs  of tomato paste to be considered a vegetable which means that a pizza  is back on our kids’ tables and obesity is here to stay.

Congress chose to look past the straightforward  recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences‘ Institute of Medicine and  the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and instead get in bed with the  American Frozen Food Institute and the National Potato Council to gut major  policy recommendations from the bill.   This unhealthy serving of  corporate special interests will hurt America‘s children — all 55 million of  our kids, particularly poor and disadvantaged kids who have to count on school  for their lunches.

Our nation’s schoolchildren deserve better. Tell  Congress to support the USDA’s work to improve schools meals. The health of our  nation’s schoolchildren is simply too important to be left to special interest  groups like the American Frozen Food Institute or the National Potato Council.

But don’t just listen to Earth Day Network on  this one. Over 100 retired generals and admirals recently declared that the  dire state of our nation’s school food is a national security concern. Why?  One-third of all applicants to the U.S. military are turned down because they  are simply “too fat to fight.”

The USDA had proposed school nutrition standards  that would have doubled the overall amount of fruits and vegetables and would  have increased whole grains and low-fat dairy, while reducing sodium, unhealthy  fats and excess calories. Yet, lobbying from special interest groups has once  again derailed some of these critically important improvements-improvements  that would have given our kids a fighting chance. 

Let the USDA finish its job of helping schools  improve the nutritional quality of their meals. Tell Congress to get off the  payrolls of those FAT cats and back on the side of our children.  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=2qyDe9WZrcbUkgWGnKl%2FONcufT5FYZsE

– The Earth Day Network Team

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate ..will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act & debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill.


the Senate Convened 10:00am November 29, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act. When the Senate resumes the DoD Authorization bill, Senator Udall (CO) will be recognized to speak.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm on Tuesday.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment to the bill, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The Senate is now debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill. The time until 12:15pm will be equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the amendment. Additional debate on the amendment is possible beyond 12:15pm

2:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Udall (CO) amendment #1107 (detainees); Not Agreed To: 37-61

Senator Levin announced on the floor that he is currently working on an agreement that would result in 2 votes both with 60-vote thresholds. Those votes would be in relation to the Paul amendment #1064 (Iraq) and the Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR). The managers are also working on clearing a package of approximately 40 amendments.

Further, prior to the caucus recess, the McCain amendment #1230 (TRICARE) was modified further. The McCain amendment #1281 (transfer arms to Georgia) was modified.

By unanimous consent, the Levin-McCain amendment #1092 (contracting) was agreed to. The Senate is now considering the Paul amendment #1064, with 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will resume consideration of the Landrieu amendment #1115 with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the two amendments in the following order:

– Paul #1064 (Iraq)

– Landrieu #1115 (SBIR)

There will be two minutes equally divided in between the votes with no amendments in order to either amendment prior to the votes. Both amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

As a result of this agreement, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes at approximately 6:20pm, if all time is used.

The Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR), as modified, was agreed to by voice vote. There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote will occur around 11am tomorrow. That vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, DoD Authorization bill.

At approximately 11:00am on Wednesday, November 30th, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

 The filing deadline for all second degree amendments to S.1867 is 10:30am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Udall (CO) amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act; Not Agreed to: 37-61

2) Paul amendment #1064; Not Agreed to: 30-67(60-vote threshold)

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.337, designating December 10, 2011, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.338, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Adopted S.Res.339, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1917, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011

                ************************************************************************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 29, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 30, 2011.8:21:33 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.8:21:22 P.M. -Mr. Tonko moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:21 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.7:32:30 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 477.7:20:22 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:14:03 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:11:03 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.7:10:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.7:10:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:10:24 P.M. -H.R. 1801On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 – 0 (Roll no. 862).7:03:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”7:02:35 P.M. -H.R. 2192Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:02:25 P.M. -H.R. 2192On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 407 – 1 (Roll no. 861).6:55:34 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”6:54:27 P.M. -H.R. 3012Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:26 P.M. -H.R. 3012On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 389 – 15 (Roll no. 860).6:31:02 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”6:30:47 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.5:03:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:03:39 P.M. -H.R. 2465Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:03:34 P.M. -H.R. 2465On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:47:16 P.M. -H.R. 2465DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2465.4:47:13 P.M. -H.R. 2465Considered under suspension of the rules.4:46:56 P.M. -H.R. 2465Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2465 — “To amend the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.”4:45:45 P.M. -H.R. 1801At 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.4:35:05 P.M. -H.R. 1801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1801.4:35:02 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered under suspension of the rules.4:34:18 P.M. -H.R. 1801Mr. Cravaack moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”4:33:47 P.M. -H.R. 2192At 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.4:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2192DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2192.4:24:59 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered under suspension of the rules.4:24:39 P.M. -H.R. 2192Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”4:23:18 P.M. -H.R. 3012At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cohen objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:07:19 P.M. -H.R. 3012DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3012.4:07:17 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered under suspension of the rules.4:07:03 P.M. -H.R. 3012 Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”4:06:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:05:30 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.2:13:43 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:03:09 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:41 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kucinich to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:01:11 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Kucinich demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich 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.2:00:50 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:42 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:24 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

AFL-CIO America’s Union Movement … a repost from 1/2011


Here in Washington, we live in an Alice-in-Wonderland political climate. Politicians of both parties tell us we can—and should—do nothing to address our jobs crisis. The new Republican leaders in the House—who campaigned on the promise of jobs—are squandering their first days of legislative business on a vote to take away health care gains from 30 million Americans.

Yet the attacks on working families are even worse in many states. Too many governors are launching attacks on workers—fueled by the enthusiasm and the financial support of people like Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, and Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire publisher behind Fox News.

When I say an attack on workers’ rights, I am not talking about demands for concessions in tough times by employers. I am talking about the campaigns in state after state, funded by shadowy front groups, aimed at depriving all workers—public and private sector—of the basic human right to form strong unions and bargain collectively to lift their lives. These attacks on workers ultimately are attacks on our children—and their ability to have the kind of life we wish for them. Make no mistake: attacking workers is a choice—a choice to tear down our whole country, rather than building us up.

It’s inexcusable that many of our leaders still don’t realize our country rises and falls as one nation, and that a good-wage growth path is essential to our survival. That’s why I gave a speech this morning at the National Press Club that laid out our vision for moving forward.

Many governors and state legislatures across the country are using the politics of misery and anger to lay the burden of budget problems on working families. Their proposals would destroy our public institutions, deprive our children of quality schooling and care, and crush working people’s rights and living standards, while failing to invest in building a stronger nation and middle class.

>> Then, please sign our petition to federal and state leaders. It says: “I reject the politics of misery and anger. We need to build a future that lives up to our children’s expectations.”   at … http://www.aflcio.org/

After three years, our jobs crisis still is raging. Families are more squeezed than ever. Our poorest communities are totally devastated. And young adults are struggling to find their footing more than at any time in our history since the Great Depression.

Yet many of our newest governors are willing to make things worse. Last Friday in Cincinnati, Ella Hopkins and a group of her co-workers went out on a frigid night to stand in front of City Hall. Ella is a child care worker. She cares for children when parents are at work. At the end of her week, the state of Ohio pays her about $350 after taxes. She stood out in the cold to ask her new governor, John Kasich, to respect her freedom to form a union to improve her life and those of her co-workers. Kasich had said state workers like her are “toast.”

In the same week Gov. Kasich made cracking down on home care and child care workers his first priority, he increased the salaries of his senior staff by more than 30 percent. Outrageous.

In some state capitals, things have gotten so bad we see not just an attack on the middle class, but an attack on economic rationality itself. Govs. Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Scott Walker of Wisconsin both rejected high-speed rail through in their states. They turned their backs on jobs and their own state’s future. They’re betting on misery and anger, rather than hope and progress and common sense.

Newly elected governors and state legislatures need to stop doing the exact opposite of what works. They need to stop destroying our public institutions, stop depriving our children of quality schooling and care, and stop crushing working people’s rights and living standards. Instead, they need to invest in building a strong future and a solid middle class.

Tell our state leaders: “I reject the politics of misery and anger. We need to build a future that lives up to our children’s expectations.”

And watch the speech I gave at the National Press Club.

The fact is, we are a nation that still has choices—and we don’t need to settle for stagnation and ever-spiraling inequality. We don’t need to hunker down, dial back our expectations and surrender our children’s hope for a great education, our parents’ right to a comfortable retirement, or our own health and economic security. We don’t need to sacrifice our nation’s aspiration to make things again—or our human right to advance our situation by forming a union if we want one. All these things are within the reach of the great country in which we live. But building a better nation starts at the bottom up—with us and with our state leaders.

Tell our state leaders: “I reject the politics of misery and anger. We need to build a future that lives up to our children’s expectations.”

Then, watch my speech.

http://act.aflcio.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=bBJrrxY7XeEYNyyNx386e2qA2ystVlt3

Last week in Tucson, President Obama called upon us to build a future that “lives up to our children’s expectations.” We cannot build such a future as isolated individuals—either morally or economically. Working people know we can build that future, but only if we come together and agree to invest in it.

The labor movement hasn’t given up on America—and we don’t expect our leaders to, either.

In solidarity,

Richard L. Trumka

President, AFL-CIO

P.S. We can and should be building up the American middle class—not tearing it down. We need to educate our children, build a clean energy future and invest in 21st century American infrastructure that makes us competitive in the world. It’s time to act like the wealthy, compassionate, imaginative country we are—not turn ourselves into a third-rate, impoverished “has-been.”

Please also watch my speech, calling on our leaders to make choices that move America forward. http://act.aflcio.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=VjsMLiqmMCabMDEoI7%2Fs%2FGqA2ystVlt3

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