Tag Archives: Congress

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Don’t let Congress double the student loan interest rate … Murshed Zaheed, CREDO Action


Tell Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate<br /> on student loans
            Clicking here will automatically add your name to this petition to      Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:
            “Do not let the interest rate double on federal student loans. Extend the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, keeping college education affordable for the 99%.”            
      Automatically add your name:     
Take action now!      Learn more about this campaign

CREDO Action | more than a network, a movement.

Stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans.

Dear Friend,

This is unbelievable. The interest rates on federal student loans will double this summer if Congress doesn’t take action.1

Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans. Click here to automatically sign the petition.

Millions of American students from working class families are able to obtain a college education thanks to low-interest federal student loans. But now Congress is putting those loans in serious jeopardy at a time when students and their families can least afford to pay higher interest rates.

Back in 2007, when the Democrats were in charge of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. It reduced the interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans incrementally over four academic years, from 6.8 percent at the time to the current 3.4 percent.2  The current Republican leadership in the House is planning to let this legislation expire on July 1, effectively doubling the interest rates on these loans. This will result in an average of $5,000 in additional payments for students who are scheduled to pay their loans backs in 5 years, and $11,000 for those who are paying back in 10.3

With Republicans in the House poised to double the interest on federal student loans, we need  leadership from the Senate.Specifically, we need Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to stand up and fight on behalf of millions of American students:

Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans.

If Leader Reid leads the Democratic-controlled Senate to move first and take steps to pass legislation that ensures the interest rates remain fixed at 3.4 percent, it will force the hand of Congressional Republicans to either pass the measure or go on the record as the party fighting against the interest of millions of America’s working class students and their families.But we need both the House and the Senate to pass it before July 1, so we need to convey our sense of urgency to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today.

Federal student loans with low interest rates, such as the subsidized Stafford loan, are designed to benefit students whose families make under $40,000 a year — folks who can least afford to see their interest rates jump.4 These loans help the neediest students, who are often not eligible to receive Pell Grants.  Adding further financial stress on these students and their families by letting the interest rates double this July would be devastating, especially given the extremely fragile state of our economy.

Urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: FIGHT to stop Republicans from doubling the interest rate on student loans. Click here to automatically sign the petition.

As Sarah Jaffe observed in her excellent piece in AlterNet:

“It’s worth noting, as well, that many of the big banks that make a killing on private student loans and still have billions of government-subsidized student debt on their books, are able to borrow money from the government through the Federal Reserve’s discount window at nearly no interest at all. Why, then, are young people, who aren’t guilty of trashing the economy but remain the victims of a rate of unemployment nearly twice that of the rest of the population, expected to pay more?”5

Now is the time for all of us to speak up on behalf of our students. Click here to automatically sign the petition and consider inviting students from your personal network to join the fight.

Click below to automatically sign our petition urging Senator Reid to fight to keep college education affordable and not let the interest rate double on federal student loans.

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=5541975&id=36922-5440681-yT2lVHx&t=12

Thank you for speaking out to make sure that all students can afford a higher education — including those from working class families.

Murshed Zaheed, Deputy Political Director CREDO Action from Working Assets

PS: This issue is deeply personal for me. Coming from a working class family, I have been able to pursue my own aspirations by working hard and getting a great education from amazing academic institutions. This opportunity would not have been possible for someone like me if I hadn’t had access to affordable federal student loans with low interest rates.  I hope you willjoin this cause on behalf of the students andconsider inviting any students you know in your personal network to join this fight by forwarding them this link:

http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=5541974&id=36922-5440681-yT2lVHx&t=15

1. Sarah Jaffe, “Is Congress Going to Double the Interest on Your Student Loan?,” AlterNet.org February 22, 2012. 2. Ann Carrns, “Rising Concerns Over Student Loans, Public and Private,” the New York Times Blog, March 14, 2012. 3. Sarah Jaffe, “Is Congress Going to Double the Interest on Your Student Loan?,” AlterNet.org February 22, 2012. 4. Moe Bedard, “Vermont Senators Leahy And Sanders Join Bill To Prevent July Interest Rate Increase On Stafford Student Loans,” LoanSafe.org, February 2, 2012. 5. Sarah Jaffe, “Is Congress Going to Double the Interest on Your Student Loan?,” AlterNet.org February 22, 2012.

Black History

Congress:the Republican led House continues their assault on Americans – the Senate resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill


featured photo by flossboss

the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 21, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The time from 2:30pm until 3:00pm will be as if in morning business to acknowledge the milestone reached by Senator Mikulski as the longest serving woman in Congress.

Following morning business (approx. 10:40am), the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the IPO bill, and immediately proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill.

Under the previous order, if cloture is invoked time would run as if cloture were invoked at 12:00 noon yesterday.

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the IPO bill; Invoked: 76-22

The following amendments are pending to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

The following amendments have been considered to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

The Reed (RI)-Landrieu-Levin amendment #1833 (substitute) and Cantwell amendment #1836 (Export Import Bank Reauthorization fell on a point of order that the amendments were not germane post-cloture.

Senator Reid then offered Merkley-Bennet et al amendment #1884 (crowdfunded securities) and Reed (RI) amendment #1931 (relating to the definition of the term “held of record”).

Under the previous order, the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time began counting as if cloture had been invoked at 12:00noon yesterday. If all time is used, cloture would expire at 6pm today, however, time may be yielded back and we could have 3 votes as early as 4pm.

Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #319, S.1945, to permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. Senator Sessions then objected to the request.

Senator Sessions then asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #247, S.671, Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act, with a committee-reported amendment.

Senator Durbin then asked Senator Sessions to modify his request to pass S.671 and to include the following bills:

– Executive Calendar #246, S.1792, the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act

– Executive Calendar #233, S.1793, the Investigative Assistant for Violent Crimes Act and

– Discharge Judiciary and Pass S.1669, the Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act, with a substitute amendment

Senator Sessions objected to Senator Durbin’s modification; subsequently Senator Durbin objected to Senator Sessions’ original request.

At approximately 12:30pm on Thursday, March 21st, there will be a series of up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:

  • Reed amendment #1931 (regarding the definition of “held of record” to the Merkley amendment #1884 to H.R.3606
  • Merkley amendment #1884, (CROWDFUND Act) as amended, if amended
  • Passage of H.R.3606, as amended, if amended
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act (if cloture is invoked, the motion to concur will be agreed to by unanimous consent)
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #441, the nomination of David Nuffer, of UT, to be US District Judge for the District of Utah
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #462, the nomination of Ronnie Abrams, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #463, the nomination of Rudolph Contreras, of VA, to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to the votes on the Reed amendment, the Merkley amendment, passage of H.R.3606 and confirmation of the Nuffer nomination; there will be 4 minutes of debate prior to the cloture vote on the motion to concur with respect to the STOCK Act. We expect to order all votes after the first vote be 10 minutes in duration on Thursday.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act is 10:30am Thursday. If your Senator has a germane second degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill; Invoked: 75-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.403, to authorize testimony, document production, and legal representation in United States v. Richard F. “Dickie” Scruggs.

Discharged the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from further consideration of H.R.306, Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

WRAP UP

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF March 21, 2012

  112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION 

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2012.9:42:16 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:42:02 P.M. -Mr. Gingrey (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.8:45:29 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.8:44:59 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.8:44:07 P.M. -H.R. 5Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.8:43:57 P.M. -H.R. 5On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.8:43:44 P.M. -H.R. 5Mr. Smith (TX) moved that the Committee rise.3:06:46 P.M. -H.R. 5GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with six hours of general debate on H.R. 5.3:06:20 P.M. -H.R. 5The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:06:20 P.M. -H.R. 5House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 591 and Rule XVIII.3:05:26 P.M. -H.R. 5Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5 with 6 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-18 shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as original text for the purpose of amendment. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended.3:05:21 P.M. -H.R. 5Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 591. H.R. 5 — “To improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”3:03:50 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 308 – 101, 3 Present (Roll no. 121).2:57:22 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the vote on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed from earlier in the day.2:57:21 P.M. -H.R. 886Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:57:20 P.M. -H.R. 886On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 2, 2 Present (Roll no. 120).2:49:59 P.M. -H. Res. 591Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:49:58 P.M. -H. Res. 591On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 182, 1 Present (Roll no. 119).2:41:03 P.M. -H. Res. 591On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 179, 1 Present (Roll no. 118).2:16:33 P.M. -H. Res. 591Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 591 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”2:16:20 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 591 and on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:15:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 21.1:48:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.1:48:02 P.M. -H. Res. 591POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 591, the Chair put the question on ordering the previoius question 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.12:49:06 P.M. -H. Res. 591DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 591.12:49:00 P.M. -H. Res. 591Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 591 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”12:48:16 P.M. -H.R. 886At 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.12:41:35 P.M. -H.R. 886DEBATE – The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 886.12:41:00 P.M. -H.R. 886Mr. Stivers moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.12:40:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.12:39:52 P.M. -Mr. Nugent asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on March 22. Agreed to without objection.12:39:24 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.12:39:22 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.12:38:51 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 108 — “Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.”12:38:41 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Mr. Nugent asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.12:02:44 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.12:02:32 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Slaughter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:12 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that she had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Miller (NC) 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. Miller (NC) 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.12:00:16 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Carl Hickerson, Springfield Baptist Church, Washington, DC.12:00:09 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 21.11:21:54 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:43 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.10:00:14 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:03 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the so-called JOBS Act bill … AFL – CIO has the facts


Urgent: Congress is rushing to deregulate Wall Street—pushing a cynically named “JOBS Act.” This bill could pass as early as Monday.

Senate Democrats, including Jack Reed, Carl Levin and Mary Landrieu, have offered the “INVEST in America Act” to amend the “JOBS Act” and make it less harmful. We need to support these amendments while making it clear that working families oppose the so-called JOBS Act bill.

Please urge your senators to vote FOR the “INVEST in America Act” to make the JOBS Act less harmful to workers and consumers—and AGAINST the cynically named “;JOBS Act” bill.

America needs jobs. Yet Congress has not yet passed basic legislation like a measure to reauthorize surface transportation programs, which would create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Instead, next week Congress once again will look to deregulate Wall Street.

Workers’ retirement savings will be at greater risk of fraud and speculation if securities market deregulation once again is railroaded through Congress. Our economy will be at risk from the folly of policymakers promoting financial bubbles and ignoring the needs of the real economy.

The AFL-CIO calls on Congress to set aside the politics of the 1%, the old game of special favors for Wall Street, and turn to the business of real job creation.

Urge your senators to vote FOR the “INVEST in America Act,” which will amend the JOBS Act to make it less harmful to workers and consumers—and AGAINST the cynically named “JOBS Act” bill.

Thank you for all the work you do.

In Solidarity,

Richard L. Trumka
President, AFL-CIO
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Flood Congress with Support for Climate Action … Union of Concerned Scientists


Union of Concerned Scientists

Flood Congress with Support for Climate Action

 http://action.ucsusa.org   << Take Action

Global warming emissions present a danger to public health—from worsening ozone pollution to hotter, longer heat waves and other types of extreme weather. For instance, heavy rain and floods are likely to get worse in a warming world, leaving us more and more vulnerable to health risks such as drowning and exposure to contaminated water.

Floods are one of deadliest and most expensive natural disasters in the United States. The average annual U.S. flood losses in the past 10 years were more than $10.2 billion. More than half of all waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States occur in the aftermath of heavy rain, and floodwaters may contain more than 100 types of disease causing bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

In order to protect our health from these effects of climate change, we must reduce global warming emissions now.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on the verge of releasing draft standards that will limit global warming emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act. Unfortunately, dirty energy companies and their allies in Congress are trying to block the EPA from moving forward with these historic standards.

Tell your members of Congress to protect our health from the effects of climate change and oppose any legislation that would block or delay the EPA’s ability to reduce global warming emissions under the Clean Air Act.

Take Action Today!

Sincerely,
Chrissy Elles
Chrissy Elles
Outreach Associate
UCS Climate & Energy Program

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF … &some News


just another rant …

The weather is just as mad as what is going on politically No.

With a couple of weeks into March, the countdown to March Madness … the NCAA championships has begun unless you are living under a rock. I was psyched about the tournament until the sad news that the Huskies would not be going to the big dance, but good to know that Gonzaga would be though. Gonzaga is not considered a threat Washington State is proud that they won their first game 74 – 54 WVU. The fun sort of fell out when band members from Mississippi were reported shouting racist things at a NCAA player named Angel; Angel is Puerto Rican and while he holding it down this band members shouted,”where is your green card”. I have to say that our young people learn from various sources one being home school and our environment. If this happened here, these kids would be suspended from band as they are representatives of their school, some probably have scholarships and could be revoked if due process is implemented. Where is the outrage?  Payback came when Angel Rodriguez was the guy who helped his team win. So, let the madness commence. The crazy climate (changes) around the country should have all of our attention yet Republican politicians that “We the People” pay to do our business are climate deniers, evolution deniers and apparently, they deplore jobs bills, specifically #theAmericansJOBsACT. They continue, if you hadn’t noticed to ignore the President’s bills creating their own that obviously scale back progress, include nasty pills that hurt seniors, minorities, immigration, gays, women and voter rights. If you have been watching closely, Republicans on both the state and federal level have been playing a nasty game with the lives of so many Americans; creating and passing bills that will screw Americans on the State level or will never pass in the U.S. Senate. If it is not already obvious, Republicans do not have your best interests in mind. End Scene … imagine – a camera does a 360 with a wide shot of several women Senators from any state clearly flummoxed about Conscience versus Contraceptive rights, the VAWA and several other bills waging War on Women. What ensue are several weeks of vulgar vile and nasty bills forcing Women into 2nd Class citizenship in at least 30 states. This new reality is happening in the right month though. As the madness on the Senate floor reaches a new low with bills against contraceptives, women, minority’s seniors and student’s debates votes taken on S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill passes 74 – 22 but remember “as amended” with more amendments than some want. The question is will House Republicans do what is right or avoid the bill while time runs out on great construction jobs. There are just about 2weeks left to pass S.1813; if you have time call a member of Congress to let them know a vote against this bill is an expression against America.

In 2010, President Obama was in Philadelphia right around now talking about what HCR will do for everyone, what the exchanges will offer when implemented. Though, if you listened to the Media garbage back then, we were supposed to believe that it is his last ditch effort to push, jam, ram and or dupe Senators to get HCR through; contrary to what Republicans and or “the Media” says the debate on HCR took longer than a year. I don’t know about you but that hardly qualifies for ramming or rushing in my opinion. The biggest issue for me about HCR was that Congress did not listen to the people and of course, “the media” kept the public from hearing all of what HCR could do for you personally. Now, with staff shake-ups we find out that FOX was NOT the only station with a strategy to limit the information “We the People” received by station bigwigs like Murdoch and the Koch brothers. Finding out that the 24/7 news cycle is actually manipulated should make us all give pause and question what we see or hear on the television machine.

On March 26, the Supreme Court will begin to hear arguments to the Affordable Care Act. FYI, the Affordable Care Act case, scheduled to last for 3 days and we all need to demand access to the case.

Calling March mad because of college basketball is an established thing but considering the madness in the political air lately but the behavior from Republican members of Congress will probably make us all go beyond mad if they keep voting to repeal, eliminate, and replace all things public service only to privatize it all.

 FYI Republicans,  Women are not 2nd class citizens; we have jobs,  handle our own businesses and our families needs.  The idea that a group of socially conservative people have gone out of their way to misinform Americans including some smart folks are in positions of creating ludicrous laws while on the floor of Congress on both the State and Federal level and it should raise the outrage on all people who are sane – The War on Women is not silly