Tag Archives: house

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET September 24, 2010

Morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session.

Unanimous Consent:
S.Res.644, a resolution designating the week beginning October 10, 2010 as “National Wildlife Refuge Week.”

S.3839, a bill to provide an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (extends through January 31, 2011)

S.3196, the Pre-election Presidential Transition Act (with Kaufman-Voinovich substitute amendment)

H.R.6190, FAA Extension Act (extends to December 31, 2010)

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:30amET September 28, 2010

Black History

Congress -the House & Senate …

09/22/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET September 22, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:00pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Following Leader remarks, the time until 10:00am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The time from 10:00am to 4:00pm will be controlled in 30-minute alternating blocks of time.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3454, the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

Unanimous Consent:
S.3828, a bill to make technical corrections in the 21st century communications and accessibility act of 2010 and the amendments made by that Act.

H.R.4667, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2010

S.1448, a bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land.

S.2906, a bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to modify a provision relating to leases involving certain Indian tribes.

H.R.3908, Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness Grants Act

H.R.5682, a bill to improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes.

S.Res.623, A resolution commending the encouragement of interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by the entertainment industry, and for other purposes.

S.Res.638, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Small Business Development Center Network

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00pmET September 22, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2010

6:55 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:54 P.M. –

Mr. Tiahrt requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 29: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Tiahrt requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 28: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Mr. Tiahrt requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on September 24.

Mr. Tiahrt requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 23: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Thompson of PA for 5 min, and Mr. Coffman of CO for 5 min.

6:44 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. Mr. Perlmutter filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1640.

H.R. 3470:

to authorize funding for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high rates of infant mortality, and for other purposes

6:43 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 324 – 64 (Roll no. 533).

6:34 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5131:

to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes

6:33 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 215 – 174 (Roll no. 532).

6:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:00 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 5809:

to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for take-back disposal of controlled substances in certain instances, and for other purposes

5:58 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5809. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1433:

expressing support for designation of September 2010 as Blood Cancer Awareness Month

5:47 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

5:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1433. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 2781:

to change references in Federal law to mental retardation to references to an intellectual disability, and to change references to a mentally retarded individual to references to an individual with an intellectual disability

5:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

5:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5710:

to amend and reauthorize the controlled substance monitoring program under section 399O of the Public Health Service Act

5:35 P.M. –

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.

5:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5710. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 1745:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for volunteer practitioners at health centers under section 330 of such Act

5:23 P.M. –

5:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1745. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2923:

to enhance the ability to combat methamphetamine

5:12 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

5:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2923. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5756:

to amend title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to provide for grants and technical assistance to improve services rendered to children and adults with autism, and their families, and to expand the number of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disablities Education, Research, and Service

5:05 P.M. –

4:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5756. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 3470:

to authorize funding for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high rates of infant mortality, and for other purposes

4:50 P.M. –

4:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3470. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 3199:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to State emergency medical service departments to provide for the expedited training and licensing of veterans with prior medical training, and for other purposes

4:39 P.M. –

4:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3199. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 6130:

to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to expand the permissive exclusion from participation in Federal health care programs to individuals and entities affiliated with sanctioned entities

4:21 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6130. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5131:

to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes

4:03 P.M. –

3:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5131. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 1454:

to provide for the issuance of a Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp

3:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1454. Mrs. Christensen moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H. Res. 1508:

celebrating the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon in Henderson, Kentucky

3:33 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

3:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1508. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1503:

expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Estuaries Day, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

3:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1503. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 294:

commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway

3:21 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 294. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5194:

to designate Mt. Andrea Lawrence, and for other purposes

3:18 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5194. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5152:

to adjust the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill, and for other purposes

3:15 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5152. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 4195:

to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4195. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5494:

to direct the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior to transfer certain properties to the District of Columbia

3:03 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:02 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5494. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4823:

to establish the Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area in the Coconino National Forest, Arizona, and for other purposes

2:59 P.M. –

2:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4823. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5110:

to modify the boundary of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and for other purposes

2:47 P.M. –

2:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5110. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5811:

to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe

2:34 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5811. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 4347:

to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:30 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4347. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

2:26 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:00 p.m. today.

2:24 P.M. –

Mrs. Christensen asked unanimous consent That, the Speaker be authorized to entertain motions to suspend the rules on the legislative day of Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, relating to the following measures: S. 1674; H.R. 5307; H. Res. 1545; H. Res. 1560; H. Res. 1582; a bill to renew the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve demonstration projects designed to test innovative strategies in state child welfare programs; and a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. Agreed to without objection.

2:23 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 22, 2010, at 12:25p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 3814 and S. 3717

2:05 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. 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 21, 2010, at 2:40p.m. stating that that body had passed without amendment H.R. 4505 and S. 624.

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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 16, 2010, at 4:39p.m. stating that that body had passed without amendment H.R. 6102.

2:03 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wamp 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.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Douglas Fisher, Grace Church, Millbrook, New York The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

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Congress back in Session 9/20/10

09/20/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET September 20, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 3:00pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each

At 3:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3454, the Department of Defense Authorization bill. There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate.

Unanimous Consent:
S.624, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act, with a Durbin amendment

H.R.4505, an Act to enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces

S.Res.630, a resolution designating November 28, 2010 as “Drive Safer Sunday”

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:30pmET on September 20, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:35 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on September 22, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Hinojosa moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:33 P.M. –

Mr. Hinojosa asked unanimous consent That the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) may be recognized only on the legislative day of Thursday, September 23, 2010, to offer the resolution that he noticed on Thursday, September 16, 2010, without further notice under clause 2(a)(1) of rule 9. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Hinojosa asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Monday, September 20, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

2:32 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Hinojosa 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.

2:31 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

2:30 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Donna F. Edwards to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: The 100 Vote Senate

09/16/2010 Nativegrl77

It’s common wisdom that nothing gets done in the U.S. Senate without a 60 vote supermajority, but this common wisdom is entirely too optimistic. Although only a small minority of senators object to any one of President Obama’s judicial nominees, confirmations have slowed to such a glacial pace that Republican control over federal trial courts increased since Obama took office. Likewise, a massive 372 bills that passed House during the Obama presidency have yet to receive a vote in the Senate. Only a handful of these bills were even remotely controversial in the House, and 44 of them passed the House unanimously. Such obstruction works, even against uncontroversial bills and nominations, because the Senate’s system of filibusters, delay tactics and secret holds empowers just one senator to bring the institution to a standstill. The Senate does not operate by majority rule; It does not really even operate by supermajority rule. Increasingly, the Senate can only act unanimously.

THE TOOLS OF OBSTRUCTION: The most valuable commodity in the Senate is not votes, it is time. Sixty senators can break a filibuster through a process known as “cloture,” but filibustering senators can force up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate once a filibuster is broken. Although 30 hours may not seem like a lot, when you multiply it across the hundreds of judges, ambassadors and other officials that require Senate confirmation — not to mention the 372 unpassed bills — it adds up to more time than there actually exists to move business forward on the Senate floor. For example, take Obama’s 44 unconfirmed judicial nominees. At 30 hours per nominee, it would take nearly two months to confirm each of these judges, and that’s assuming the Senate worked around the clock on both weekdays and weekends, and that it passed no bills, confirmed no other nominees, and took up no other matters for this entire period. Moreover, in part because just one senator can initiate a filibuster, it’s possible for the Senate’s single most radical member to bring the entire body to a standstill. To top all of this off, that one senator often doesn’t even need to reveal who they are thanks to “secret holds.” According to one count, there are 132 secret holds on Obama’s judicial nominees and no way to know who is behind them.

THE COST OF OBSTRUCTION: The Senate is not a rubber stamp, and it can and should reject bills that don’t deserve to be law. But as long as the right can — under cover of secrecy — delay Senate business into oblivion, it is unlikely that more than a few the 372 languishing bills will ever be considered on their merits. Beyond essential bills to prevent catastrophic global warming and mitigate the damage caused by the Supreme Court‘s egregious decision allowing unlimited corporate funds into American elections, these bills were almost entirely uncontroversial in the House. They include measures to prevent prisons from becoming breeding grounds for AIDS, to authorize relief for torture victims, and to ensure that college dorms are equipped with fire sprinklers. Even bills to enable a full investigation into BP’s catastrophic oil spill and to ensure that BP is held accountable for this spill are being denied a Senate vote. Meanwhile, obstructing Obama’s judicial nominees has one purpose: maintaining the right’s stranglehold on the federal judiciary. Until this stranglehold is broken, everything from health care reform and stem cell research to the environment and the fairness of American elections is in jeopardy.

THE POWER OF ONE: Obstructionism could get a whole lot worse if any one of the Tea Party’s radical slate of candidates joins the Senate. Under the Senate’s anachronistic rules, just one senator can forbid any Senate committee from holding hearings after 2pm. Likewise, a single senator can demand that every proposed amendment to a pending bill be read aloud — wasting hours of time in the process. Indeed, the Senate’s ability to function is built upon unanimous consent agreements. If just one senator refuses to join any of these agreements, the body will effectively shut down. This is not an academic concern. When Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle served in the state legislature, it was common to say that bills passed “62 to Angle,” because of Angle’s pattern of casting solitary “no” votes. Likewise, Kentucky GOP candidate Rand Paul has promised to oppose any budget which includes a penny of deficit spending, effectively demanding that the Senate do the impossible. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), who is already staking out a role as the leader of the Senate’s emerging extremist faction, admitted that his goal for the Senate is “complete gridlock.” In other words, next year’s Senate class could include a number of senators who simply aren’t in touch with reality, and it only takes one to sabotage the entire legislative body.

The Progress Report

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

thirsty Thursday &some News …

09/15/2010 Nativegrl77

This week the 206 has had good bad and somewhat pleasant weather. The left coast is definitely experiencing fall with a little bit of heat now and then. The dog days of summer are waning.

President Obama will be in Connecticut for 2 fund raisers, has put Liz Warren in charge of setting up the Consumer Agency we all know was needed and is now going to help protect if not advocate and enforce financial reform. There are reports that President Obama has ordered all oil and gas platforms that are unused closed. All I can say is finally. The facts are that the latest explosions have created chaos and are unsafe for the workers as well as exposing the truth of limited and or no inspections or improvements done in years, which just seems unreal. We all have to ask why these things were left unattended to for so long and is this yet another gaffe on the part of last President as well as the local state government officials. The latest explosions in the mining and or energy industries have created deaths that could have been avoided but because we have a President willing to act swiftly for the safety of All Americans future deaths on such high risk jobs should be reduced or stopped. It also is just one of many examples of this being the moment for America to move forward into the 21st Century people.

We are all inclined to being competitive by nature … yet on some level everyone wants all people to be civil, prosper, and seek opportunity, which sounds great until the ideology of us against them comes up. Republicans have become the group that has now outed themselves as the Political Party against the Middle-Class. If people would just take the time to read listen and understand what the Boehner’s, Bachmann, mcconnells,mccain, cantor and more are doing and saying: the difference is ideology it is one group who feels the middle class needs to be put back on track thus getting and or starting the economy back up. The 2Wars, AIG, housing bubble and the 2 huge Tax Cuts for the wealthy got us into trouble and as far as i can tell most Republicans plan to go back to the way Bush ruled and that has to be a sign, a warning to people out there on the fence. Any vote for the Democratic Party is a vote for moving into the 21st Century and as we all know Americans are suffering, have been for decades. This is a moment to make changes to help everyone not just a select few contrary to what Republicans offer. Is it hard to understand that had Bush and his admin done what was right our economy; meaning the Banks, Auto industry and anything related would not have needed a huge amount of cash thrown at it to save it. It is true and unfortunate that Republicans have been able to reduce legislation that the impact on our economy is slow. The stimulus bill; had it been larger would have stimulated the economy faster, the rich, middle and lower class would be in much better shape but Republicans have a different plan and it includes throwing All Americans under the bus in order to gain back control. Think about what it will mean to you and your family if Republicans gain back control. Ask yourself, can we afford another or absolute crash to our economy. Can we endure the threat to shut down our economy and will the middle class, the poor, disabled, elders, and people of colour be apart of the plan or victims of the Republicans because repealing, shutting down or anything else they plan to do if in control will have consequences and impact all of us.

The 9/11 and Katrina catastrophes were not just examples of bad governing they made me realize that the cold truth to how Republicans would handle a true disaster on our home land. It was embarrassing to know that warnings of possible levee failures and repairs needed were not taken seriously. I still cannot understand why the Army Corp did not make them as prescribed. How many people lost their lives that day because of incompetence by local and state government officials who failed to have a comprehensive emergency plan. It is now 10 years later and people are either still struggling or were forced to make the difficult choice of relocating and is it just me or has the NYC local and state government decided to save money, clear out the poor and wait for the value to increase and rebuild in order to make money. There are reports that the 9/11 site created health issues for the first responders and still might be an issue but what they should have done was to confirm the health risks and then deal with it.

The facts behind why our economy crashed has been forgotten by many but the house of Bush made decisions that hurt the middle class and these same errors will be repeated by current Republicans if they gain control of Congress. The last guy sent huge sums of money to Iraq instead of spending that money on Americans. It should upset and outrage everyone. I have my theories about the truth behind our crash but here we are; we have a financial mess that is local and global because we are all connected yet a large group refuses to accept that. We have a new President that come in to clean up the big mess left by the last guy. It is obvious big things had to be done to fix the mess of the last eight years. Think about it, after years of tax cuts given to the people making the most obviously wealthy and though they claim to be the ones creating not just jobs but are providing opportunities? The fact is that the money did not trickle down then, it still is not and will not trickle down to the middle class .The fact is people that the WEALTHY stopped spending and started saving, yes; too many people were given loans for housing …it was a big mistake… loans were given to people who could not pay because the money seemed unending, greed and someone felt let the next guy fix the problem and instead of taking hold of the problem and solving the last guy passed the worthless buck and gave it to our new President. President Obama has a huge mess to fix and those of us who have been watching know Republicans have tried to back him into a corner forcing him to be seen not only as a failure but loose votes from the very people who voted him into office. The problem is can people who vote see the BS that is truly the Republican Party of NO? We have come a long way with great legislation put into place to help all Americans but because Republicans have stalled, blocked, and scaled down a lot of legislation so we continue to dig ourselves out of a recession …people need to wake up see the light find the Jesus moment and realize the only way for us to get back on track is to get more democrats in Congress.

I ask – what would your neighborhood look like had Republicans been successful in blocking HR1586, called a bailout by Bachmann, Boehner said when will the bailouts end…Come on HR1586 keeps our children’s Teachers employed, keeps our Police employed and the streets safer, our homes and elderly able to get help if and or they need it. These things would be unavailable people . This is no joke folks , it is not propaganda; all anyone has to do is remember search and or read your history.

For 22 months Republicans have made it impossible to get out of the Recession ditch completely with no votes on legislation that would impact the middle and lower class. Now, two years later people who use to be considered middle-class are now experiencing what is like being out of a job, being homeless, being on food stamps is a non-partisan issue, yet, Republicans do not agree. Again, they have voted no, blocked and made Harry Reid scale down legislation that could not only have gotten us out of this recession, reduced unemployment, create more jobs and the nasty hate rhetoric now being used overtly probably would be but a memory. Republicans have yet to move past being left out of the plans for the stimulus, health care and financial reform bills but were willing to get on the floor of Congress and filibuster all our chances as Americans to get back on track because they want President Obama to fail. The things that no American should forget because as Public Servants we expect them to behave at a higher standard than the average American but the comments made that any legislation would be President Obama’s waterloo, the outburst that Joe Wilson had during our President’s speech will not be forgotten. When you listen to those on the right like fox news spewing hate and engaging in fear mongering on any given day; it makes you wonder what really is the motive and could people who once seemed reasonable truly believe the nonsense that these people are willing to say just to get attention or stop any progress related to all the issues on the minds and table of Americans.

It is offensive as an American to hear the comments thrown out there at my President by those on the right or Public Servants let alone to the office of President

President Obama genuinely tried to be bipartisan and while those left of center were becoming more and more upset our President who I believe understands politics a lot better than the pundits remained cool accepted the comments being made behind his back and now we all know the plan was to embarrass him. The old school politics would continue to be a battle. Mr. Boehner is just one example of putting ones Party first before America. We have millions of people still hurting, even Republican mayors and governors came forward to say vote yes, yet Boehner and his associates agreed to meet with the President in private; made comments on national tv that they would like to see the proposal before making any decisions then told his fellow Republicans to vote no to anything offered up. This showed just what kind of person he and some of the Republicans are and M. Steele stating that,” being bipartisan is overrated ” shows that Republicans see politics as a game — Republicans see We the people as pawns willing to withhold help real Americans need.

id laugh but it hurts

Other News …

**Starting today the Black Farmers will ride Tractors to DC to press Congress to act on the settlement promised but still unpaid for involving minority farmers.

**Thousands of dead birds found in the Gulf

**Senate to end debate and vote on small biz bill

**Under President Obama the deficit has dropped by 8% …what the Media won’t tell you

**Karl might become a hurricane by Friday

CSPAN …