Tag Archives: Republican

March 2013
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The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 12:30pm with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:30pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
Chairwoman Mikulski and Ranking Member Shelby are expected to make their opening statements around 11:00am on H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.
We expect to begin consideration of the bill following the recess for the caucus meetings.

Prior to the caucus recess, Senator Reid moved to proceed to H.R.933, Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013.

We expect to adopt the motion to proceed this afternoon. Once we begin consideration of the bill, Senator Mikulski plans to offer a substitute amendment that includes separate divisions for the Fiscal Year 2013 Agriculture; Commerce, Justice and Science; Defense; Homeland Security; and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Acts.

The Senate stands in recess until 2:30pm.

We have been unable to reach an agreement to begin consideration of H.R.933, Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013. As a result of this impasse, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion. We will continue to work to adopt the motion to proceed tomorrow. If we are unable to adopt the motion, the cloture vote would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no roll call votes tonight.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

.Last Floor Action:
8:10:14 P.M. – The House adjourned. The
next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 13, 2013.

12:00:19 P.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

12:00:28 P.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Jackie Walorski to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

12:00:52 P.M.

12:00:19 P.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

12:00:28 P.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Jackie Walorski to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

12:00:52 P.M.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

12:18:16 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

2:00:41 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 12.

2:00:50 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

2:02:17 P.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

2:02:22 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Beatty to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2:02:56 P.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:15:24 P.M.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II 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 March 12, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 166 and that the Senate had agreed to H. Con. Res. 14 and H. Con. Res. 20 without amendment. The message also stated that the Senate had made appointments to the Senate National Security Working Group and the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress.

2:16:08 P.M.

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to Iran shall continue beyond March 15, 2013. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs andordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-15).

2:17:53 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 5:00 P.M. today.

5:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 12.
5:01:47 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:02:00 P.M.	H.R. 749	Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 749 — “To amend the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to provide an exception to the annual privacy notice requirement.”
5:02:27 P.M.	H.R. 749	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:02:29 P.M.	H.R. 749	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 749.
5:12:19 P.M.	H.R. 749	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:12:25 P.M.	H.R. 749	<aMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:12:47 P.M.	H.R. 1035	Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1035 — “To require a study of voluntary community-based flood insurance options and how such options could be incorporated into the national flood insurance program, and for other purposes.”
5:13:36 P.M.	H.R. 1035	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:13:38 P.M.	H.R. 1035	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1035.
5:20:40 P.M.	H.R. 1035	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.
5:21:11 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 12.
6:32:08 P.M.		Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 107.
6:32:53 P.M.		The House received a communication from The Honorable Mike Rogers (MI). Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Chairman Rogers notified the House that the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence had been served with a criminal trial subpoena for documents, issued by the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and that after consolation with the Office of General Counsel, the Committee had determined under Rule VIII that the documents sought are not “material and relevant,” and that the subpoena is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.”
6:33:15 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:33:39 P.M.	H.R. 1035	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1035 — “To require a study of voluntary community-based flood insurance options and how such options could be incorporated into the national flood insurance program, and for other purposes.”
6:56:24 P.M.	H.R. 1035	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 17 (Roll no. 63).
6:56:25 P.M.	H.R. 1035	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:56:54 P.M.		The House received a communication from The Honorable Ted Poe. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Congressman Poe notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consolation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena sought information that is not “material and relevant,” and not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.”
6:59:56 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
8:10:05 P.M.		Mr. Garamendi moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:10:13 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:10:14 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 13, 2013.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

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Weekly Address: End the Sequester to Keep Growing the Economy.

03/10/2013 Nativegrl77

In his weekly address, President Obama said that businesses have created jobs every month for three years straight — nearly 6.4 million altogether, and have added 246,000 new jobs in February. We must keep this momentum going, and that’s why the President recently met with Republican leaders to discuss how we can replace the harmful, arbitrary budget cuts, called the “sequester,” with balanced deficit reduction.

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Pick Your Poison

03/05/2013 Nativegrl77

By ThinkProgress War Room

Devastating Cuts Take Hold

Devastating, painful, and, above all, avoidable spending cuts went into effect Friday evening after sequestration became official. Instead of agreeing to a balanced replacement that includes targeted spending cuts and new revenues from closing tax loopholes used by the wealthiest Americans and special interests, Republicans are instead forcing these damaging cuts on the country.

Here’s a look at 32 of the dumbest and most devastating cuts.

Health care

$20 million cut from the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs
$10 million cut from the World Trade Center Health Program Fund
$168 million cut from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
$75 million cut from the Aging and Disability Services Programs

Housing

$199 million cut from public housing
$96 million cut from Homeless Assistance Grants
$17 million cut from Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
$19 million cut from Housing for the Elderly
$175 million cut from Low Income Home Energy Assistance

Disaster and Emergency

$928 million cut from FEMA’s disaster relief money
$6 million cut from Emergency Food and Shelter
$70 million cut from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Fund at USDA
$61 million cut from the Hazardous Substance Superfund at EPA
$125 million cut from the Wildland Fire Management
$53 million cut from Salaries and Expenses at the Food Safety and Inspection Service

Obamacare

$13 million cut from the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan Program (Co-ops)
$57 million cut from the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control
$51 million cut from the Prevention and Public Health Fund
$27 million cut from the State Grants and Demonstrations
$44 million cut from the Affordable Insurance Exchange Grants program

Education

$633 million cut from the Department of Education’s Special Education programs
$184 million cut from Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research
$71 million cut from administration at the Office of Federal Student Aid
$116 million cut from Higher Education
$86 million cut from Student Financial Assistance

Immigration

$512 million cut from Customs and Border Protection
$17 million cut from Automation Modernization, Customs and Border Protection
$20 million cut from Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology

Security

$79 million cut from Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance
$604 million cut from National Nuclear Security Administration
$232 million cut from the Federal Aviation Administration
$394 million cut from Defense Environmental Cleanup

BOTTOM LINE: The worst impacts of the cuts won’t happen overnight, but they will happen. Rather than compromise, Republicans instead appear ready to stand by and watch as our economy and millions of Americans are hurt by these irresponsible and devastating cuts. Their reckless behavior got us into this mess in 2011 and now it’s time for them to come back to the table and help get us out of it before the worst impacts of these indiscriminate cuts happen.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

The GOP’s top donor admits that his company probably bribed foreign officials.

Jeb Bush flip-flops on a path to earned citizenship.

Theatrical slut shaming: Daily Caller goes after Ashley Judd for nude scenes.

Mitt Romney is not done proving why he’s not president. And Ann Romney isn’t over it yet.

Can a leading climate denier win in a swing state?

GOP congressman opposed Violence Against Women Act because it protected too many people.

The Associated Press laments the plight of the very wealthy.

Business-friendly Swiss vote for major restrictions on executive compensation.

Corporate profits have risen almost twenty times faster than worker wages since 2008.

Black History

CONGRESS: Republican led House ::::::CIA,Climate Change, Immigration,PayCheck Fairness::::::Democratic led Senate

03/05/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:45am with time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.
Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of S.Res.64, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013.
The only amendment in order to the resolution is a Paul amendment, striking provisions relative to the National Security Working Group with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:15pm), there will be a roll call vote on adoption of the Paul amendment. Upon the disposition of the Paul amendment, the Senate will vote on adoption of S.Res.64, as amended, if amendment (expected voice vote).
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
During Monday’s session, cloture was filed on Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Under the rule, the cloture vote will be on Wednesday morning.

12:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul amendment #25 (National Security Working Group) to S.Res.64, a resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period of March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013.

The Senate is in Executive Session debating Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Halligan, of New York to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia. As a reminder, yesterday Senator Reid filed cloture on the nomination. At this point, that vote is expected to occur tomorrow,Wednesday, March 6. Another message will be sent when the vote is scheduled.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Paul amendment #25 (strike funding for National Security Working Group) to S.Res.64, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013; Not Agreed to: 44-55

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.64, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013 by voice vote.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army and Navy

Confirmed the following:

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #27

to be Major General-

Brigadier General Arnold W. Bunch, Jr.

Brigadier General Theresa C. Carter

Brigadier General Sandra E. Finan

Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Harrigian

Brigadier General Timothy J. Leahy

Brigadier General Gregory J. Lengyel

Brigadier General Lee K. Levy, II

Brigadier General James F. Martin, Jr.

Brigadier General Jerry P. Martinez

Brigadier General Paul H. McGillicuddy

Brigadier General Robert D. McMurry, Jr.

Brigadier General Edward M. Minahan

Brigadier General Mark C. Nowland

Brigadier General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy

Brigadier General Michael T. Plehn

Brigadier General Margaret B. Poore

Brigadier General James N. Post, III

Brigadier General Steven M. Shepro

Brigadier General David D. Thompson

Brigadier General Scott A. Vander Hamm

Brigadier General Marshall B. Webb

Brigadier General Burke E. Wilson

Brigadier General Scott J. Zobrist

Executive Calendar #28 *with the exception of Colonel Scott C. Long

to be Brigadier General-

Colonel Nina M. Armagno

Colonel Sam C. Barrett

Colonel Steven L. Basham

Colonel Ronald D. Buckley

Colonel Carl A. Buhler

Colonel John A. Cherrey

Colonel James C. Dawkins, Jr.

Colonel Patrick J. Doherty

Colonel Dawn M. Dunlop

Colonel Thomas L. Gibson

Colonel James B. Hecker

Colonel Patrick C. Higby

Colonel Mark K. Johnson

Colonel Brian M. Killough

Colonel Robert D. LaBrutta

Colonel Russell L. Mack

Colonel Patrick X. Mordente

Colonel Shaun Q. Morris

Colonel Paul D. Nelson

Colonel John M. Pletcher

Colonel Duke Z. Richardson

Colonel Brian S. Robinson

Colonel Barre R. Seguin

Colonel John S. Shapland

Colonel Robert J. Skinner

Colonel James C. Slife

Colonel Dirk D. Smith

Colonel Jeffrey B. Taliaferro

Colonel Jon T. Thomas

Colonel Glen D. VanHerck

Colonel Stephen N. Whiting

Colonel John M. Wood

Executive Calendar #29 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. Robin Rand

ARMY

Executive Calendar #30 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. John M. Bednarek

Executive Calendar #31 to be General – General Lloyd J. Austin, III

Executive Calendar #32 to be Lieutenant General- Lieutenant General Robert L. Caslen, Jr.

Executive Calendar #33 to be General- Lt. Gen. John F. Campbell

Executive Calendar #34 to be General- Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks

Executive Calendar #35 to be General- Gen. David M. Rodriguez

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #36 to be Major General- Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier

NAVY

Cal. #37 to be Vice Admiral- Rear Admiral William H. Hilarides

Cal. #38 to be Vice Admiral- Rear Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin

—————————————————————————-

March

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Last Floor Action:
8:28:20 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 5, 2013.

Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

10:00:45 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:39 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Ron DeSantis to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:58 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.
10:16:24 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:58 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.

12:01:27 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:02:59 P.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:03:07 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Capps to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:03:16 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.

12:33:00 P.M.

CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 6913 and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Mr. Walz.

12:33:57 P.M.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

12:34:13 P.M.

H.R. 668

Mr. Messer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 668 — “To amend section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, to require that annual budget submissions of the President to Congress provide an estimate of the cost per taxpayer of the deficit, and for other purposes.”

12:34:36 P.M.

H.R. 668

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:34:38 P.M.

H.R. 668

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 668.

1:27:40 P.M.

H.R. 668

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.

1:28:40 P.M.

H.R. 338

Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 338 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to include certain territories and possessions of the United States in the definition of State for the purposes of chapter 114, relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.”

1:28:54 P.M.

H.R. 338

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:28:56 P.M.

H.R. 338

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 338.

1:39:15 P.M.

H.R. 338

1:39:48 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:00:14 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.

2:01:19 P.M.

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

2:01:57 P.M.

H.R. 668

Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 668 — “To amend section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, to require that annual budget submissions of the President to Congress provide an estimate of the cost per taxpayer of the deficit, and for other purposes.”

2:02:14 P.M.

H.R. 668

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Roll Call 57 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending.

2:28:11 P.M.	H.R. 668	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 – 28, 1 Present (Roll no. 57).
2:28:12 P.M.	H.R. 668	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:28:17 P.M.	H.R. 338	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 338 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to include certain territories and possessions of the United States in the definition of State for the purposes of chapter 114, relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.”
2:36:45 P.M.	H.R. 338	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 5 (Roll no. 58).
2:36:46 P.M.	H.R. 338	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:38:05 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:49:31 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
4:27:20 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:36:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.
5:36:22 P.M.		Mr. Cole asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, March 5, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Agreed to without objection.
5:36:41 P.M.		Mr. Cole filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 99.
5:37:00 P.M.		Mr. Cole moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:37:11 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:37:13 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2013.

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White House Women’s Update: Happy Women’s History Month

03/04/2013 Nativegrl77

Friends-

We hope this message finds you well. Happy Women’s History Month! Today marks the beginning of a month dedicated to honoring the women who have made our country great and the moments that have defined this nation.

Thursday was a great day for women across the country with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passing in the House of Representatives, following the Senate’s passage of the same bill. Also this week, the Department of Labor announced the rescission of “Compensation Standards” and “Voluntary Guidelines.”

Today marks the beginning of a month dedicated to honoring the women who have made our country great and the moments that have defined this nation. You can find the President’s Women’s History Month Proclamation here.

Best wishes,

The White House Council on Women & Girls

President Obama Holds a Press Conference to Address the Sequester

President Obama held a press conference this morning after meeting with Congressional leaders to talk about his plans to move the country forward in light of the severe budget cuts that will start to take effect today.

These cuts, which are known as the sequester, will hurt our economy and cost us jobs, the President said. And as Americans all across the country work hard to keep our economic recovery going, arbitrary cuts to services and investments that businesses and workers depend on makes that far more difficult. As the President said:

“None of this is necessary. It’s happening because of a choice that Republicans in Congress have made. They’ve allowed these cuts to happen because they refuse to budge on closing a single wasteful loophole to help reduce the deficit. As recently as yesterday, they decided to protect special interest tax breaks for the well-off and well-connected, and they think that that’s apparently more important than protecting our military or middle-class families from the pain of these cuts.”

Read the President’s complete remarks here.

Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Passed by Congress

On Thursday there was exciting news for women across the country with the reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act passing in the House of Representatives. This bill, which the Senate has already passed, supports the reduction of domestic violence and the improved treatment of rape victims, extending these protections to members of the Native American and LGBT communities.

The President and Vice-President both released statements praising the bill’s importance for the country. Here is the President’s complete statement:

“I was pleased to see the House of Representatives come together and vote to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act. Over more than two decades, this law has saved countless lives and transformed the way we treat victims of abuse. Today’s vote will go even further by continuing to reduce domestic violence, improving how we treat victims of rape, and extending protections to Native American women and members of the LGBT community. The bill also reauthorizes the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, providing critical support for both international and domestic victims of trafficking and helping ensure traffickers are brought to justice. I want to thank leaders from both parties – especially Leader Pelosi, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Leahy – for everything they’ve done to make this happen. Renewing this bill is an important step towards making sure no one in America is forced to live in fear, and I look forward to signing it into law as soon as it hits my desk.”

VAWA: Valerie Jarrett Tweet

US Labor Department Rescinds Restrictions On Investigating Pay Discrimination

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor announced exciting news for women and all Americans. The Department is resending two documents, commonly known as the “Compensation Standards” and “Voluntary Guidelines,” that have dictated how pay discrimination can be investigated. This change will enable to Department of Labor to identify and remedy more forms of pay discrimination.

“Today, we are lifting arbitrary barriers that have prevented our investigators from finding and combating illegal pay discrimination,” said Patricia A. Shiu, a member of the President’s National Equal Pay Task Force.

The Department of Labor also plans to release new guidance for employers that will explain the procedures, analysis and protocols that will now be used in conducting compensation discrimination investigations.

“A strong American middle class hinges on ensuring equal pay,” said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. “As President Obama has made clear, everyone – including the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters among us – must be paid fairly and without discrimination. These new standards will strengthen our ability to ensure that women and men are fully protected under our nation’s laws.”

The new approach will enable investigators to better examine practices and available evidence to uncover discrimination.

Read the complete News Release here.