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Obsessed


By ThinkProgress War Room

37th Time’s the Charm?

Tomorrow, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives will once again vote to repeal Obamacare. If this sounds familiar it is because it is the 37th time — yes, that’s 3-7 — that House Republicans have tried to repeal Obamacare.

This obsession has not come for free, either in terms of time nor money. One estimate pegs the cost to taxpayers of these 37 repeal attempts at some $55 MILLION. What could we do with that same $55 MILLION? Here’s four ideas:

1. Restore cuts from sequestration to Title X family planning programs and Title V maternal and child health services. The National Women’s Law Center calculates that a 5 percent cut to the budgets of each program will reduce them by $15 million and $32.5 million, respectively. Rather than voting to repeal a bill that expands women’s access to preventative services, the House could use the money to expand them.

2. Double the Department of Justice’s budget for sexual assault services, which has currently been authorized a $50 million budget. The program gives money to states so that they can support rape crisis centers and other nongovernmental organizations that provide direct intervention, core services, and other assistance to the victims of sexual assault. Current funding is inadequate, as some states receive less than $300,000 and many programs lack the resources to meet victims’ needs.

3. Grant a request for $50 million to train 5,000 new mental health professionals as part of a new initiative to expand mental health treatment and prevention services. This proposal came in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting to address gaps in the mental health system.

4. Help states implement paid leave policies. President Obama included a $50 million State Paid Leave Fund in his 2011 budget to provide start-up support for states that want to enact paid leave for workers. More than 40 percent of workers don’t have access to paid sick leave, heading to work when they or their family members experience an illness, but this funding could help give them a better option.

In terms of time, this calculation from the New York Times shows why this is one of the most unproductive Congresses in history:

That means that since 2011, Republicans have spent no less than 15 percent of their time on the House floor on repeal in some way.

The real cost, of course, comes in terms of the more than 100 MILLION Americans who would be harmed by the GOP’s obsession with taking away their health care benefits, including:

  • 129 MILLION Americans with pre-existing conditions who will once again be at the mercy of the insurance companies.
  • 105 MILLION Americans would see lifetime limits on what their insurance company has to cover, which Obamacare banned, put back in place.
  • 71 MILLION Americans, including 34 MILLION seniors, who are currently eligible for no-cost preventive care, including mammograms and birth control.
  • 18 MILLION middle-class Americans who will receive a tax credit averaging $4,000 a year starting next year.
  • 17 MILLION children with pre-existing conditions who today, as we speak, cannot be denied coverage.
  • 13 MILLION consumers who received more than $1 BILLION in rebates last year because of an Obamacare rule requiring insurers to spend 80 percent of premiums on actual medical care would no longer be eligible for such rebates because insurers would no longer be held to such a standard.
  • 6 MILLION young adults who are currently able to stay on their parents’ insurance — 3.1 MILLION of whom were previously uninsured.
  • 6 MILLION seniors who are receiving discounts — more than $6 BILLION worth so far — on their prescription drugs thanks to Obamacare.

In addition, repealing Obamacare would increase the deficit by more than $100 BILLION over the next ten years and eliminate new resources to fight fraud. These fraud fighting efforts have recouped $4.2 BILLION just this past fiscal year from those seeking to defraud seniors and taxpayers.

BOTTOM LINE: The GOP’s obsession with taking away health care benefits from more than 100 MILLION Americans is a waste of time, a waste of money, and harmful to the tens of millions of Americans already benefiting from Obamacare.

Black History

CONGRESS


  • Wednesday, May 15, 2013

    capitol33

    The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.  There will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the items listed below, in the order listed.  All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.  There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote.
    • Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment);
    • Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);
    • Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);
    • Udall(NM) amendment #853 (pilot program);
    • Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges);
    • Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs);
    • Passage of S.601, as amended.
    • As a reminder, at 10:30am there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, and on passage of the bill.The first vote will be the usual 15 minute vote and the remaining votes will be 10 minutes in duration. Senator Reid intends to close the votes as quickly as possible. Senators are encouraged to remain on or close to the floor during the vote series.Last week we were able to reach short time agreements on the Tavenner (CMMS) and Orrick (Northern District Judge of CA) nominations. Senator Reid intends to execute those orders later today. Senators will be notified when the votes are scheduled.
    • 10:30am votes:–           Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment);-           Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);

    –           Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);

    –           Udall(NM) amendment #853 (pilot program);

    –           Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges);

    –           Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs);

    –           Passage of S.601, as amended.

    Tavenner Agreement:

    At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #92 the nomination of Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There will be 1 hour for debate equally divided in the usual form prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

    Orrick Agreement:

    At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided and controlled prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, the nomination of William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.

    • 10:35am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Coburn amendment #815 (beach replenishment);Not Agreed To: 43-53
    • 11:01am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);Not Agreed To: 35-61
    • The following amendments have been considered to S.601,  the Water Resources Development Act:
      • Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) Not Agreed to: 56-43 (60-vote threshold)
      • Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans) Agreed to: 68-31 (60-vote threshold)
      • Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799 Agreed to by UC
      • Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian carp) Agreed to: 95-0
      • Pryor amendment #801, as modified (farms) Agreed to by UC
      • Pryor amendment #806 (work-in-kind) Agreed to by UC
      • Inhofe amendment #835, with a modification to the instruction lines (rural water infrastructure projects) Agreed to by UC
      • McCain amendment #833 (levee safety programs) Agreed to by UC
      • Murray amendment #832 (cargo noncontainer) Agreed to by UC
      • Blunt amendment #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather) Agreed to by UC
      • Sessions amendment #811, as modified (Tennessee Valley Authority to grant restrictions) Agreed to by UC
      • Coburn amendment #823 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission) Agreed to by UC
      • Warner amendment #873 (4 Mile Run) Agreed to by UC
      • Baucus amendment #847 Agreed to by UC
      • Boxer-Vitter amendment #899, as modified Agreed to by UC
      • Inhofe amendment #895 Agreed to by UC
      • Wicker amendment #894 Agreed to by UC
      • Inhofe amendment #867 Agreed to by UC
      • Boozman amendment #872 Agreed to by UC
      • Thune amendment #912 Agreed to by UC
      • Cornyn amendment #880 Agreed to by UC
      • Murkowski amendment #904 Agreed to by UC
      • Klobuchar amendment #884 Agreed to by UC
      • Wyden amendment #870, as modified Agreed to by UC
      • Cochran amendment #911, as modified Agreed to by UC
      • Carper amendment #882 Agreed to by UC
      • Murkowski amendment #903, as modified Agreed to by UC
      • Durbin amendment #906, as modified Agreed to by UC
      • Levin amendment #893 Agreed to by UC
      • Collins amendment #898 Agreed to by UC
      • Cardin amendment #861, as modified Agreed to by UC
      • Brown-Graham amendment #907 Agreed to by UC
      • Wyden amendment #896 Agreed to by UC
      • Inhofe amendment #797 Agreed to by UC
      • Barrasso amendment #868 Not Agreed to: 52-44
      • Sanders amendment #889 Not Agreed to: 56-40
      • Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment) Not Agreed To: 43-53
      • Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects) Not Agreed to: 35-61
      • Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs for military) Agreed to by voice vote
      • Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods) Agreed to: 60-36
      • Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges), as modified Agreed to by voice vote
      • Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs) was agreed to by voice vote
      • 11:23am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);Agreed To: 60-36
      • The Senate is in a period of morning business until 2:00pm with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.At 2:00pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, en bloc.The time until 4:30 pm, will be equally divided in the usual form, with Senator Baucus in control of the time from 4:15 to 4:30pm. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed.
      • There will be two minutes for debate between the votes. The second vote be 10 minutes in length.
      • 4:30pm votes:–         Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and-         Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
      • Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.Senator Wyden objected to modifying the request.Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.
      • 4:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, William H. Orrick III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of CaliforniaConfirmed: 56-41
      • 5:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesConfirmed: 91-7
      • Executive Calendar #92, the nomination of Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was confirmed 91-7. Following the vote, Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.954, a bill to reauthorize agricultural programs through 2018 (the Farm bill). There will be no further roll call votes today.
      • The Senate has reached an agreement that on Monday, May 20th, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #73, S.954, the Farm bill.
      • WRAP UP FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013ROLL CALL VOTES
      • 1)      Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment) to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act; Not Agreed to: 43-532)      Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects); Not Agreed to: 35-613)      Merkley-Brown amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods); Agreed to: 60-364)      Passage of S.601, WRDA, as amended; Passed: 83-14

        5)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; Confirmed: 56-41

        6)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Confirmed: 91-7

        LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

        Adopted S.Res.142, designating May 15th, 2013, as “National MPS (Mucopolysaccharidosis) Awareness Day”.

        Completed the Rule 14 process of S.953, the Student Loan Affordability Act. (Reed)

        No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 5/14
9:10:47 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 15, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

37 Times the Charm


 

National Women's Law Center
 
 
     
  People Before Politics  
     
   
     
                  Tell Congress to oppose the repeal of the health care law.  
     
  Take Action  
     

Thirty-six. That’s how many times some leaders in Congress have forced a vote on repealing the health care law. But there’s nothing like lucky 37. Yep, you heard me right — this week, the House of Representatives is poised to vote for the 37th time to repeal the health care law.
Tell your Representative to oppose the repeal of the health care law.
They know this is the law of the land, but they have decided to waste time and taxpayer dollars by holding this vote to play to their political base. Here are three reasons why repealing the health care law would hurt Americans:

  • Nearly 27 million women would stop getting preventive services without co-pays.
  • More than 3 million young adults would lose the health coverage they get from their parents’ health plans.
  • 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions would continue to be at the mercy of the insurance industry.

Enough already! Congress needs to stop the politics and get back to the people’s work. Tell your Representative to oppose the repeal of the health care law.
Thank you for all you do for women and their families.
Sincerely,
 
Judy Waxman   Judy Waxman Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights National Women’s Law Center      

P.S. Help us continue to make a difference in the lives of women and their families. Make a generous contribution today.
Black History

CONGRESS


The Senate's side of the Capitol Building in DC.
The Senate’s side of the Capitol Building in DC. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
  • The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.
  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act with the time until noon equally divided and controlled between Senators Boxer and Vitter or their designees.
  • At noon, there will be a cloture vote on S.601, WRDA. The managers of the bill continue to work on a finite list of amendments; Senators will be notified if an agreement is reached.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, is 11:15am today. Please send a signed copy of any germane second degree amendments to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The managers of the bill continue to negotiate an agreement to complete action on the WRDA bill. Last night we hotlined a list of amendments that could either be agreed to or would require a vote. We believe we are close to being able to lock in an agreement to limit amendments and vitiate cloture, but, as always, that takes consent and we’re not quite there yet. Another message will be sent if and when an agreement is reached.

If no agreement can be reached, at approximately 12:00 noon the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.601, WRDA.

In an effort to give the managers additional time to work on an agreement to limit amendments to S.601, the cloture vote has been postponed and will now occur at 2:30pm.

If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will proceed to the cloture vote at 2:30pm. If cloture is invoked, it will be considered as having been invoked at 12:00 noon.

It appears that we are very close reaching an agreement on a finite list of amendments to S.601, WRDA. We are currently in a quorum call to finalize the details. If we are able to reach an agreement, cloture would be vitiated and we could see some votes on amendments in the 5:30pm range tonight. Again, if no deal is reached, we would proceed with the cloture vote.

The following amendments are pending to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act:

The following amendments have been considered to S.601:

Senator Boxer asked consent to consider a finite list of amendments including Johnson (SD) #891 (flood insurance) and Landrieu #888 (flood insurance). Senator Toomey reserved his right to object and stated his opposition to Landrieu’s amendment #888 and objected to the request.

After some debate between Senators Landrieu and Toomey, Senator Boxer asked the same consent without the Landrieu and Johnson (SD) amendments.

Senator Rubio reserved his right to object and asked that the Rubio amendment #892 (IRS) be in order. Senator Boxer reminded the Senate that this is a water resources bill and did not agree to include the Rubio amendment in the agreement. Senator Rubio did not object to the overall agreement on the WRDA bill and the request was agreed to.

As a result of this agreement, we will not have a cloture vote on the bill. We expect a series of 2 votes beginning at 5:00pm tonight. Most likely candidates for roll call votes tonight are Barrasso #868 and Sanders #889. Inhofe #797 will likely be a voice vote. We expect to resume voting in relation to the remaining amendments and passage at a time to be determined tomorrow.

The following amendments will be considered and agreed to, en bloc:

–          Baucus #847;

–          Boxer-Vitter #899, as modified;

–          Inhofe #895;

–          Wicker #894;

–          Inhofe #867;

–          Boozman #872;

–          Thune #912;

–          Cornyn #880;

–          Murkowski #904;

–          Klobuchar #884;

–          Wyden #870, as modified;

–          Cochran #911, as modified;

–          Carper #882;

–          Murkowski #903, as modified;

–          Durbin #906, as modified;

–          Levin #893;

–          Collins #898;

–          Cardin #861, as modified;

–          Brown-Graham #907; and

–          Wyden #896.

Further, that the only remaining amendments in order to the bill be the following:

–          Inhofe #797;

–          Barrasso #868 (60 affirmative vote threshold);;

–          Sanders #889 (60 affirmative vote threshold);

–          Coburn #815;

–          Coburn #816;

–          Merkley #866;

–          Udall(NM) #853;

–          Hoeven #909; and

–          Boozeman #822

No second degree amendments are in order to any of the amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments. The time until 5:00pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or designees, for debate on the amendments. At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the amendments in the order listed. All after the first vote will be ten minute votes. There will be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote. The following amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold:  Sanders #889; Barrasso #868.

Finally, upon disposition of the Hoeven amendment #909, the cloture motion be withdrawn and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of S.601, as amended.

At 5pm today, the Senate will vote in relation to the Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights) and Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters). Both amendments are subject to 60-affirmative vote threshold. Following the votes, the Senate will turn to a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. When the Senate resumes consideration of S.601, WRDA, tomorrow (expect around 11:15am), we will resume the voting sequence in the previous order. The first vote in each series will be 15 minute votes and the subsequent votes will be 10 minutes in duration.

5pm votes

–          Inhofe amendment #797 (land exchange) **expect voice vote

–          Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights)

–          Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters)

Tomorrow’s roll call votes (approx. 11:15am)

–          Coburn #815 (beach renourishment);

–          Coburn #816 (Infrastructure Deathourization Commission projects);

–          Merkley #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);

–          Udall(NM) #853 (pilot program);

–          Hoeven #909 (surplus water charges);

–          Boozeman #822 (recreational lands pass programs);

–          Passage of S.601, as amended.

The Senate agreed to the Inhofe amendment #797 (land exchange) by voice vote.

At 5:06pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 52-44

Next Vote:

Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters)

5:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters);

Not Agreed To: 56-40

Senator Warner asked unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.

Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.

Senator Warner objected to modifying the request.

Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Barrasso amendment #868 (water rights) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 52-44 (60-vote threshold)

2)      Sanders #889 (restoration of certain properties impacted by natural disasters); Not Agreed To: 56-40 (60-vote threshold)

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.140, Commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices made by the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.

Adopted S.Res.141, A resolution recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.953, the Student Loan Affordability Act. (Reed)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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Last Floor Action:
2:03:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on May 14, 2013.

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

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