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Six months ago, I took on the job of leading this amazing and unbelievably committed organization—Rainforest Action Network. Since then, not a day has gone by that I haven’t felt the weight of what my job means. We are on the front line of a fight that will determine what kind of world we live in, and what kind of world we leave behind. Every single day I am challenged. Excited. Honored. Every day, my purpose is absolutely clear to me: to stand in solidarity with communities around the globe and do everything I can to protect the earth’s forests and climate. I know I’m not the only one. I know you care very deeply about the same things. This is the time of year to make good on our commitments, and one way you can do this is by supporting Rainforest Action Network with a tax-deductible year-end contribution. RAN is no ordinary organization–but you probably know that. We take on the biggest, most well-funded polluters and exploiters in the world–oil, coal, agribusiness and timber corporations–and we win. It sometimes takes years, but we persist, we fight, we organize, and we absolutely refuse to give up. It took two years, but we finally forced eight major banks to acknowledge their role in destroying Appalachian communities and agree to severely limit funding of mountaintop removal. It took thousands of RAN activists speaking out, but this summer General Mills agreed to stop harming Indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems by sourcing only responsibly produced palm oil. That’s what it takes to create change. It takes time, it takes courage, it takes passion–it takes RAN, and it takes you. These victories are exactly what you support when you contribute to RAN. Unlike many organizations, we never take money from big business. We have no government money. This independence is what allows us to speak the truth no matter the consequences. It is the right thing to do, and it’s why RAN is here. With victories though, comes increased opposition, and our opposition has deep, deep pockets. RAN’s annual budget is pocket change compared to the multi-national corporations who’d like to see us fail. That’s why your support matters so very much to RAN. We can’t keep this up without you. So thank you in advance for your support. And thank you for being a part of Rainforest Action Network, for sharing our vision and our passion, and for fighting every single day for a just and thriving earth.
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Bankrate.com
| Here are stories published today |
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Help End Economic Insecurity – Your Gift Matched
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| Many women and families are hurting in this fragile economy. The unemployment rate among women is the highest in a quarter-century. As many as 300,000 children are at risk of losing access to affordable child care. Yet much of the talk in Washington is about reducing the deficit and cutting programs that serve women and their families, even as the wealthiest Americans receive billions of dollars in tax breaks.
That’s not the right prescription for fixing the ailing economy. We will fight for policies that promote economic growth, create jobs, and support the economic well-being of women and families. We will work to protect and improve programs that give vital support to women and children, such as Social Security and child care assistance, and for fair and responsible tax policy. Throughout the last two-year session of Congress, the Center fought hard for these programs and more. We spearheaded the effort to expand funding for child care and Head Start in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, leading to the largest increase in federal funding for these programs in a decade. We were instrumental in securing significant improvements in the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit in the same legislation and in winning a two-year extension of those improvements in the tax bill signed into law by the President last week. We helped secure billions of dollars in incentive payments for states to expand unemployment insurance coverage for women and low-wage workers, which 39 states have taken advantage of already. In the coming year, we will fight for women’s economic security by:
When the new session of Congress begins in January, with many more Members hostile to programs that will support women and families, we will have our work cut out for us. In its 38 years, the Center has faced similar challenges before and prevailed — and with your help, we’ll win again. Thanks in advance for your generous support. Sincerely, |
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3days til Xmas … is the duck done or still lame …Congress still in SEssion-Final vote on START might happen,test vote on 9/11 Responders
Senate Convenes: 9:00amET December 22, 2010
The Senate passes Defense Authorization bill but needs House approval
| Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the New START Treaty, post-cloture. Time during the adjournment or period of morning business will count post-cloture.We hope that we will be able to yield back some of the post-cloture debate time on the START Treaty. Tomorrow we will also work on an agreement to consider the 9/11 health legislation and a number of Executive nominations.
Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled. The following amendments are pending to the START Treaty: |
| Votes: 298: Resolution of Advise and Consent to Ratification, as amended, for the New START Treaty; Agreed To: 71-26. 299: Confirmation of Mary Helen Murguria, of Arizona, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit; Unanimous Consent: Passed H.R.6398, a bill to require the Federal deposit Insurance Corporation to fully insure Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts. Passed H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, with Gillibrand-Schumer amendment Passed S.4058, a bill to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures. Passed H.R.6517, with Brown substitute amendment (Brown substitute is a 6-week extension of Andean Trade Preferences Drug Eradication Act and Trade Adjustment Assistance). |
| Unanimous Consent: Passed H.R.6523, the DoD Authorization bill, with Levin-McCain amendment.Passed S.4053, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act. Passed H.R.6398, a bill to require the Federal deposit Insurance Corporation to fully insure Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts. Passed H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, with Gillibrand-Schumer amendment Passed S.4058, a bill to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosures. Passed H.R.6517, with Brown substitute amendment (Brown substitute is a 6-week extension of Andean Trade Preferences Drug Eradication Act and Trade Adjustment Assistance). |
Adopted H.Con.Res.336: providing for the conditional adjournment of the House and Senate through January 5, 2011.
Adopted S.Con.Res.78, a concurrent resolution honoring the work and mission of the Delta Regional Authority on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Federal-State partnership created to uplift the 8-State Delta region.
Adopted S.Con.Res.71, a concurrent resolution recognizing the United States national interest in helping to prevent and mitigate acts of genocide and other mass atrocities against civilians, and supporting and encouraging efforts to develop a whole of government approach to prevent and mitigate such acts.
Adopted S.Res.705, a resolution providing for a technical correction to S.Res.700
Adopted S.Res.707, a resolution commending Lula Davis.
Adopted S.Res.706, a resolution extending the authority for the Senate National Security Working Group.
Adopted S.Res.432, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Lung 2010.
Adopted H.Con.Res.275, a resolution expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the second Sunday of September as Arts in Education Week.
Star Printed Calendar #706, S.583, the Building a Stronger America Act.
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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 11:00amET December 22, 2010
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 22, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
6:00 P.M. –
The House adjourned Sine Die pursuant to H. Con. Res. 336.
On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. McDermott moved that the House do now adjourn.
to extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes
5:58 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.
Mr. McDermott asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.
5:57 P.M. –
NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY AND INTEGRITY – Pursuant to Section 106 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (P.L. 110-315) and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Dr. George T. French, Fairfield, Alabama, to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity for a term of six years. .
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 336.
5:52 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.
appointing a committee to inform the President
5:49 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:48 P.M. –
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Considered as privileged matter.
to authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo
5:47 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed without objection.
5:46 P.M. –
Mr. Lujan asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
Considered by unanimous consent.
to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosure
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed without objection.
Mr. Perriello asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
Considered by unanimous consent.
to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:45 P.M. –
On passage Passed without objection.
making a technical correction to a cross-reference in the final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to the House of Representatives and employees of the House of Representatives
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
Mrs. Davis (CA) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
Considered by unanimous consent.
to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain stock of real estate investment trusts from the tax on foreign investment in United States real property interests, and for other purposes
5:44 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to without objection.
Mr. McDermott asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendments.
honoring the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides
5:43 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
supporting Olympic Day on June 23, 2010, and congratulating Team USA and World Fit participants
5:40 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
Mr. Van Hollen asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
Considered by unanimous consent.
to amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel, and for other purposes
5:39 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed without objection.
On agreeing to the Van Hollen amendment Agreed to without objection.
Amendment offered by Mr. Van Hollen.
5:38 P.M. –
Considered by unanimous consent.
5:36 P.M. –
Mr. Van Hollen asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes
5:35 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 206 – 60 (Roll no. 664).
4:21 P.M. –
The previous question was ordered pursuant to a previous special order.
4:10 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded further with debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 847.
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 4058.
to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes
3:55 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 847.
3:54 P.M. –
Pursuant to a previous special order the House moved to agree to the Senate amendment.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Arcuri asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to take from the Speaker’s table the bill H.R. 847, with the Senate amendment thereto, and to consider in the House, without intervention of any point of order except those arising under clause 10 or rule 21, a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or his designee that the House concur in the Senate amendment; that the Senate amendment be considered as read; that the motion be debatable for 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and; that the previous question be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption with intervening motion. Agree to without objection.
3:53 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 22, 2010 at 11:30 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. 4053.
3:52 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 22, 2010 at 2:17 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 6398, without amendment.
3:50 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 22, 2010 at 3:11 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 847, with an amendment.
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 22.
11:25 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
11:13 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to without objection.
11:10 A.M. –
Mr. Skelton asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendments.
11:08 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.
The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 22, 2010, at 9:41 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 5470, H.R. 4445, S. 3903 and H.R. 6523 with amendments.
11:06 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
11:05 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Skelton to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
11:04 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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Fwd: The winning shirt
We’ve seen such an incredible response from the Repower America community that we can send you a Repower America T-shirt for a donation of $25 or more.
A Repower America T-shirt does more than demonstrate your support for clean energy — your donation helps strengthen our efforts to take on the challenges of 2011.
It’s now more important than ever that we win the fight for our environment, our economy and our planet’s future. And right now, we’re counting on supporters like you to keep leading the way.
I’ve included Vice President Gore‘s latest message below. Take a moment to have a look and see what you can do to make sure we stay strong in the weeks and months ahead.
Thanks for stepping up,
Maggie L. Fox
President and CEO
The Alliance for Climate Protection
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Al Gore
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 1:37 PM
Subject: The winning shirt
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Dear Friend,
With 2011 just a few weeks away, it’s time to send a clear and powerful message to climate deniers and polluters: Momentum is on our side, and we can’t be stopped. The climate movement faced considerable setbacks in 2010. But even the worst polluters are starting to realize that when it comes to protecting our planet and building a new foundation for the U.S. economy, they are on the wrong side of history. They can doubt us and delay us. But there’s nothing they can do to stop our clean energy future. Last week, thousands of Repower America members voted to select 2011’s official T-shirt. Wearing this T-shirt is a way for everyone across the country to proclaim their belief that our clean energy future is undeniable.  Everywhere you look, momentum towards a clean energy future is building. The science of climate change is considered beyond dispute by all but a few scientists, governments and NGOs. More and more communities and local governments across the country are demanding renewable resources, and companies around the globe are adopting climate-friendly business models. I wish I could tell you that the fossil fuel industry has seen the writing on the wall and is getting ready to change. But you and I know that when people are in denial they don’t let facts stand in their way. Instead, I can tell you this: In the weeks and months ahead, it’s more important than ever for us to continue fighting for the clean energy future that our children and grandchildren deserve. Donate $50 or more today to get your free, limited edition Repower America T-shirt. The climate movement will never back down as long as supporters like you keep stepping up. Thanks for all you do, |
Be a Seed for Change 
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