Tag Archives: Republican

The Right Wing is bent on making voting as difficult as possible. You’ve heard a lot of people complaining about it. Well, we’re doing something about it.

Here in Florida, where the Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the Governor’s Mansion, the Right Wing is field-testing every means known to mankind to discourage voting. They have criminalized voter registration; even the League of Women Voters gave up on it. They have purged the voter rolls in express violation of the Voting Rights Act; Governor Scott basically said, “so sue me.” They cut early voting days in half, because so many African-Americans were voting that way. Their extremist voter ID laws place the burden on the voter to provide his identity to their satisfaction. They have made election administration completely partisan ; do you remember that the head of the 2000 Bush campaign in Florida was in charge of counting the votes? They have created artificial shortages of voting machines in heavily Democratic precincts. They have excluded convicts from voting, and made it virtually impossible for them to restore their constitutional rights. They have even set up roadblocks between voters and polling places on Election Day.

Well, we’re not taking this lying down. We’re fighting back.

Our approach is this: we want to sign up every progressive voter to vote by mail . Here in Florida, when you vote by mail, you get your ballot a month early. It comes to your home, so there is no chance of your going to the wrong precinct. If you lose it, you can get another one. After you mail it in, you can call the Supervisor of Elections, and make sure that it’s been counted. If there is any problem with your ballot, there is plenty of time to fix it.

Compare that to voting on Election Day. If you bring the wrong ID, then if you’re lucky, you’ll get a provisional ballot. You’ll have to go back the next day, and give them what they want. Half of all provision ballots are never counted.

Someone who votes by mail is twice as likely to vote as someone who doesn’t. The highest voter turnout in the 50 States is always in Oregon, where everyone votes by mail.

So we are fighting back by signing up Democrats to vote at home. We are literally going door to door throughout our district, handing Democrats the paperwork that they need to vote at home. We’ve signed up thousands and thousands of them.

And it’s not just for us. Since Florida is the ultimate swing state, we suspect that on Nov. 7, President Obama will be thanking us. And Senator Bill Nelson, too.

It’s still 90 degrees outside on many days here in Orlando. Our district is 100 miles long, and it has almost half a million voters. It’s hard work to drive all around our district and knock on all those doors. To get the numbers that we need, we have to pay people to do it. It costs about $5 for each absentee ballot request that we collect.

But unlike the folks on the other side, we actually want people to vote, and we want every vote to count. So it’s worth it.

What’s it worth to you? If you contribute $10, we can sign up another two progressive voters to vote at home. If you contribute $50, we can sign up ten more.

Those absentee ballots get mailed out in three weeks. We need your help. Please contribute to our “Fight Voter Suppression Fund” today.

Courage,

Alan Grayson

“It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
– Chinese Proverb, paraphrased by UN Ambassador (and Democratic Presidential Nominee) Adlai Stevenson.

Black History

CONGRESS – the Republican led House : Scheduled to do only about 8days of work prior to Election2012 : the Senate led by Dems

09/13/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes:10:00amET September 13, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on the Murray substitute amendment #2789 to S.3457, the Veterans Jobs Corps Act and on S.3457. As a result, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to the substitute amendment and to S.3457 is 1:00pm on Thursday. Under the rule, the cloture vote(s) will be on Friday, September 14^th. However, we hope to reach an agreement to have the vote(s) on Thursday.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in no roll call votes tonight or this weekend. Under the agreement, at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 19, the Senate will proceed to vote on a motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Murray substitute amendment #2789, if a point of order is raised. If the motion to waive is agreed to, the cloture votes on the substitute amendment and underlying bill and passage will occur at a time to be determined by the two Leaders. Further, at 2:15pm on Wednesday, September 19 the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.117, the Continuing Resolution. Details of the agreement can be found below.

S.3457, Veterans Jobs bill

Leader: I ask unanimous consent that on Wednesday, September 19^th, following any Leader remarks, the Senate resume consideration of S.3457 and, notwithstanding rule 22, it be in order for Senator McConnell, or his designee, to raise a budget point of order against the substitute amendment #2789; that if a budget point of order is raised, the Majority Leader, or his designee, be recognized for a motion to waive the applicable budget points of order; that the time until 12 noon be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, on the motion to waive; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote on the motion to waive; that if the motion to waive the applicable budget points of order is not agreed to, the cloture motions with respect to the substitute and the underlying bill be withdrawn and the bill be returned to the calendar and the Majority Leader then be recognized;

That if the motion to waive is agreed to, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader and notwithstanding rule 22, the motion to commit be withdrawn; that all the pending amendments be withdrawn with the exception of the pending substitute amendment #2789; that the there be 30 minutes of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment #2789; if cloture is invoked, the remaining post-cloture time be yielded back and the Senate then proceed to vote in relation to the substitute amendment #2789; that following that vote, the Senate proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3457, as amended, if amended; and, if cloture is invoked, the post-cloture time be yielded back, the bill be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended; and following the vote on passage, the Majority Leader be recognized.

If cloture is not invoked on the substitute amendment #2789, the cloture motion on the underlying bill be withdrawn and the bill be returned to the Calendar.

Further, that no amendments, motions or points of order be in order to the substitute amendment or the bill other than those listed in this agreement.

Finally, that when the Senate receives H.J.Res.117, the Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2013, it be placed on the calendar; that on Wednesday, September 19^th, it be in order for the Majority Leader to move to proceed to H.J.Res.117 and file cloture on the motion to proceed; finally, that if a cloture motion is filed, notwithstanding rule 22, the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res.117 occur at 2:15pm on Wednesday, September 19^th.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.3552, to reauthorize the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

Passed S.J.Res.44, a joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the State and Province Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding.

Adopted S.Res.401, expressing appreciation for Foreign Service and Civil Service professionals who represent the United States around the globe.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.5949, the FISA Amendments Extension Act. (Republican request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Pro Forma Session only with no business conducted.

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http://www.houselive.gov/

The next meeting in the House is 10amET

10:00:56 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:02 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Austria to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:13 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.
10:48:38 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6336.
10:49:03 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House continued with further Morning-Hour Debate.
10:59:00 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:42 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 13.
12:00:46 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Kris Holzmeyer, Second Baptist Church, Clinton, Tennessee.
12:02:00 P.M.		>The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:05 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schilling to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:11 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.
12:24:48 P.M.	H. Res. 779	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 779 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6213) to limit further taxpayer exposure from the loan guarantee program established under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”
12:25:28 P.M.	H. Res. 779	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 779.
1:14:21 P.M.	H. Res. 779	The previous question was ordered without objection.
1:14:30 P.M.	H. Res. 779	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 779, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.
1:15:00 P.M.	H. Res. 778	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 778 — “Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 117) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6365) to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to replace the sequester established by the Budget Control Act of 2011.”
1:15:10 P.M.	H. Res. 778	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 778.
2:40:22 P.M.	H. Res. 778	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 178 (Roll no. 572).
2:47:29 P.M.	H. Res. 778	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 182 (Roll no. 573).
2:47:30 P.M.	H. Res. 778	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:47:37 P.M.		<action_description>UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 779, and a motion to suspend the rules, both of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:47:53 P.M.	H. Res. 779	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 779 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6213) to limit further taxpayer exposure from the loan guarantee program established under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”
2:55:46 P.M.	H. Res. 779	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 182 (Roll no. 574).
2:55:47 P.M.	H. Res. 779	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:55:50 P.M.	H.R. 1775	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1775 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish a criminal offense relating to fraudulent claims about military service.”
3:03:06 P.M.	H.R. 1775	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 3 (Roll no. 575).
3:03:07 P.M.	H.R. 1775	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:03:11 P.M.	H.R. 1775	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
3:03:51 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	<Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 778. H.J. Res. 117 — “Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes.”
3:03:56 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	The rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 117 and H.R. 6365, under a closed rule for both measures. Each are debatable for one hour. In both cases all points of order against provisions in the measure are waived, and in each case, one motion to recommit, with or without instructions is made in order.
3:04:46 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 117.
3:38:02 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:38:19 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) Rule 19, the Chair postponed further proceedings on H.J. Res. 117 until later in the legislative day.
3:43:49 P.M.	H.R. 6365	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 778. H.R. 6365 — “To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to replace the sequester established by the Budget Control Act of 2011.”
3:43:54 P.M.	H.R. 6365	The rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 117 and H.R. 6365, under a closed rule for both measures. Each are debatable for one hour. In both cases all points of order against provisions in the measure are waived, and in each case, one motion to recommit, with or without instructions is made in order.
3:44:35 P.M.	H.R. 6365	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 6365.
5:01:44 P.M.	H.R. 6365	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:01:57 P.M.	H.R. 6365	Mr. Van Hollen moved to recommit with instructions to The Budget.
5:02:35 P.M.	H.R. 6365	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Van Hollen motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to strike sections 3 and 4 in the bill and replace with a new section outlining conditional elimination of sequestration and requirements of deficet reduction legislation.
5:12:59 P.M.	H.R. 6365	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:37:01 P.M.	H.R. 6365	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 170 – 247 (Roll no. 576).
5:46:09 P.M.	H.R. 6365	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 223 – 196 (Roll no. 577).
5:46:10 P.M.	H.R. 6365	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:46:11 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 117 — “Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes.”
5:46:45 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	Mr. Barber moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
5:47:41 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Barber motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding language to the bill extending funding for various military accounts until September 30, 2013.
5:57:25 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:16:58 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 189 – 232 (Roll no. 578).
6:24:20 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 329 – 91 (Roll no. 579).
6:24:21 P.M.	H.J. Res. 117	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:24:37 P.M.	S. 3245	Considered as unfinished business. S. 3245 — “To permanently reauthorize the EB-5 Regional Center Program, the E-Verify Program, the Special Immigrant Nonminister Religious Worker Program, and the Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program.”
6:31:29 P.M.	S. 3245	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 3 (Roll no. 580).
6:31:30 P.M.	S. 3245	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:32:53 P.M.	H. Res. 775	Mr. Farenthold asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
6:32:53 P.M.	H. Res. 775	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 775 — “Condemning the shooting that killed six innocent people at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, on August 5, 2012.”
6:33:13 P.M.	H. Res. 775	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:33:18 P.M.	H. Res. 775	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:34:59 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:37:42 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:02:40 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:02:52 P.M.		>On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:02:53 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on September 14, 2012.

House hearings …

12:00 am	Hearing: Adding to Uncertainty: Small Businesses’ Perspectives on the Tax CliffCommittee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access
9:30 am	Markup: Markup of: “H.J. Res 118, providing for congressional disapproval of the Administration’s July 12, 2012 waiver of welfare work requirements.”Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: F-22 pilot physiological issuesCommittee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
10:00 am	Hearing: Joint Hearing with the Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform entitled “The JOBS Act: Importance of Prompt Implementation for Entrepreneurs, Capital Formation, and Job Creation”Committee on Financial Services: Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises
10:00 am	Hearing: Joint Hearing: The JOBS ACT: Importance of Prompt Implementation for Entrepreneurs, Capital Formation, and Job CreationCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: The American Energy Initiative: A Focus on the Outlook for Achieving North American Energy Independence Within the DecadeCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power
10:00 am	Hearing: Open: Investigation of the Security Threat Posed by Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei and ZTEHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: SIGAR Report: Document Destruction and Millions of Dollars Unaccounted for at the Department of DefenseCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: Evaluating the Effectiveness of DOT’s Truck and Bus Safety ProgramCommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
10:00 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “Committee Oversight of Department of the Interior: Questioning of Key Department of the Interior Officials”Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee
10:15 am	Hearing: Creating Opportunities through Improved Government Spectrum EfficiencyCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
11:30 am	Hearing: Federal Voting Assistance ProgramCommittee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Military Personnel
2:00 pm	Hearing: Joint Subcommittee Hearing: BioWatch Present and FutureCommittee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications
2:00 pm	Hearing: Y-12 Intrusion: Investigation, Response, and AccountabilityCommittee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
2:00 pm	Hearing: The State Department’s View of the Haqqani Network: Foreign Terrorist Organization or Not?Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
2:00 pm	Hearing: Hearing entitled “Examining the Uses of Consumer Credit Data”Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit
3:00 pm	Hearing: Conditions at Camp Liberty: U.S. and Iraqi FailuresCommittee on Foreign Affairs: Select…
3:00 pm	Hearing: Assessing U.S. Policy on Peacekeeping Operations in AfricaCommittee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights

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Weekly Address

09/11/2012 Nativegrl77

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Nancy Pelosi House Dems in the Newsroom

09/11/2012 Nativegrl77

It’s been more than 250 days since the GOP took control of the House, and Americans are still asking: Where are the jobs, House Republicans?
The middle class is hurting, and the Republicans’ only answer is a plan to end Medicare and give tax breaks to Big Oil and companies that ship jobs overseas.

Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor revealed the GOP’s summer agenda – and what’s missing? A single jobs bill on the floor or a clear jobs plan.
The only jobs bills to come to the floor this Congress have been Democratic proposals, and the GOP has voted “no” on every one.
Democrats will continue to promote and pursue our Make It In America agenda to create jobs and keep America number one.

Pelosi Statement on August Jobs Report

Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Charlie Rose

Pelosi, Nadler, 143 House Members File New Amicus Brief on Federal Case Against DOMA

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09/05/2012 Nativegrl77

Yes, We Are Better Off!

By ThinkProgress War Room

2008 v. 2012 in Six Charts

Four years ago, the economy was on the downslide and about to go into free fall. What became a painful recession and still-ongoing recovery could’ve been another Great Depression. And then President Obama and Democrats worked together to turn things around. Too many families are still struggling and more must be done, but it’s an undeniable fact that we’ve made a lot progress since 2008.

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan would implement the same conservative policies that crashed the economy in the first place — only on a much grander scale. Here’s six charts to remind us what happened when conservatives last ran the show compared to where we are today under President Obama.