Tag Archives: Republican

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Senator Maria Cantwell


Some Wall Street banks think they can get away with anything.

 Wrecking the economy with reckless gambling?  Abusing the foreclosure process to put more homeowners out on the street?  Raising fees on consumers whenever they want?  To them, it’s all part of the game.

That’s why we have to be ready for anything in this campaign. Maria has fought her entire career to hold Wall Street accountable, and powerful special interests are determined to defeat her.  They’ll say anything.  They’ll spend whatever it takes.  And it’s up to us to fight back.

Will you help strike a blow against these special interest groups by making a contribution of $5 or more to help Maria fight back today?

 For years Maria has been working to hold Wall Street accountable to the people – voting against the Wall Street bailout, cracking down on speculation in oil markets, toughening restrictions on derivatives trading, and fighting to make the financial reform bill stronger and more progressive.

 But some of the worst offenders on Wall Street are also some of the most powerful special interests in Washington. And they are determined to get rid of one of the Senate’s champions for accountability and sound regulation.

Maria can’t win this fight alone – we all need to stand together against the big banks and their attacks. Please click here to make a contribution today!

 Fueled by huge money from Wall Street special interests, shady right-wing attack groups will do everything they can to defeat Maria.  But these special interests can’t beat us if we stand together.

Please click here to contribute now.

 Thanks for helping Maria stand up to Wall Street.

– Chris

 Chris Gregorich
 Campaign Manager
 Friends of Maria

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Further to the right on immigratio​n


Democrats

It seems the longer the GOP race drags on, the more extreme the candidates get.

In fact, at a debate last week Mitt Romney placed himself further to the right on immigration than any presidential candidate in recent history.

He said he would deport all undocumented immigrants — including grandparents and families who have been in the United States for over 25 years, belong to local churches, pay their taxes, and in some cases have even defended our country in the military.

I’m sure it won’t be the first or last time the GOP candidates use immigration and Hispanic families as political props to score points with the far-right base.

That’s why we need to stand up and fight back every time they do. Don’t forget, we’re all in this together — and we prosper when we stand united.

Join us and say you’ll stand up for Hispanic families in this election and fight for sensible immigration reform.

The thing that makes Mitt’s statement even more troubling is that a mere five years ago — when the politics of immigration among GOP voters were quite different from today — he was singing a different tune, saying that the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country “are not going to be rounded up and box-carred out.”

In an interview yesterday he was reminded of his old talking points, but rather than attempting to moderate his stance, he actually doubled down on his current position.

So why the change of heart? It’s simple, according to Mitt’s 2008 Iowa State Director, Doug Gross. Gross said that while campaigning in Iowa before the caucuses, Mitt began to realize the so-called “political implications” of his stance and switched his position as a result.

“Political implications” shouldn’t be the determining factor in the lives of 11 million people.

But now Newt Gingrich — on the heels of being accused by the right of being compassionate — came out this week in support of a new South Carolina law, similar to the one passed in Arizona, that allows police to demand the immigration status of anyone they pull over.

And Rick Perry recently trotted out the endorsement of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, self-titled “America’s toughest sheriff,” who’s been known to organize armed, volunteer posses in his county to round up undocumented immigrants to deport.

As the primaries get closer, there’s no way of knowing where the GOP candidates will stop in trying to out-extreme each other when it comes to illegal immigration.

But I can tell you this: We’re going to fight back every time one of them sells out Hispanic families to try to improve their standing in the polls.

Join us today:

http://my.democrats.org/Stand-up-for-Hispanic-Families

Thanks,

Juan

Juan Sepulveda
Senior Advisor for Hispanic Affairs
Democratic National Committee

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Is Congress about to put you out of work?

1 Comment

 

 
 

Click here to watch the video

Watch the Video | Send Our Video to Your Elected Officials

Now that the deficit committee failed, war profiteers are scrambling to undo automatic cuts to their profit margins. They’ve re-launched their propaganda campaign focusing on jobs, but our new video exposes the truth: military spending is a job killer. If Washington, D.C. stops automatic cuts to the military budget at the expense of other programs, it will be a disaster for the economy.Send our video to your elected officials and make sure they understand the consequences of failing to make real cuts to the military budget.Super-wealthy war profiteer CEOs rely on massive Pentagon budgets for their wealthy lifestyles. They and their allies in the Pentagon are using huge lobbying budgets in an unprecedented economic fear campaign to convince Congress that war spending is some kind of grotesque jobs program. Nothing could be further from the truth.As our video shows, military spending costs jobs compared to other ways of spending the money. Protecting war budgets at the expense of other job-creating programs will mean more jobless people than virtually any other possible budget plan.Help us put the truth in your elected officials’ hands. Our toolwill let you push your senators and congressmen to do the right thing, despite the war industry’s propaganda push.This is an uphill battle, and we need your help. Please send our latest video to your elected officials now so they understand that military spending costs jobs.

Sincerely,

Derrick Crowe, Robert Greenwald
and the Brave New Foundation team

P.S. We continue to fight the war profiteers’ propaganda, but doing so with hard-hitting videos like this is expensive. After you send the video to Congress, please consider making a donation to support War Costs.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wagwan Wednesday &some News


The President will be in Scranton to talk jobs, the economy and more; this should also be a moment the public hears about the improvements made from where we were the President will talk about where we are heading and need to be.

just another rant …

 Again, despite Teapublicans, President Obama has been working for the Middle and Lower Classes though folks on the right prefer to think and talk otherwise. Things are better; we all know the recovery is not over though if you asked Teapublicans they would say they probably really have not seen a big difference in their lives. I have to wonder if the house of bush gave full disclosure as to when our economy spiraled into that ditch – started –  and who really is giving this President the time to correct it… realistically.

So, I received comment about President Obama ignoring the Constitution. I appreciate the fact that i even get any comments at my blog … i try to respond to most comments  like the one below …  

FLPatriot said 1 day ago:

“You’d think the oath that mattered most to our elected leaders would be this one:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…”

If the President ignores it, why should we expect any politician to follow it?

ME:In order to reply accurately to your comment regarding the President  ignoring the Constitution you must be more specific by listing specific examples of or where President Obama has, in your words “ignored it”. I know you are politically to the right so the comment is not a surprise …but I think that a pledge made to a private citizen such as Grover Norquist Versus the oath taken by members of Congress are definitely subject to questions –  have proven repeatedly which oath and or pledge is more important with their votes … and sadly they are known to say they think Obama has it out for and against the constitution. Most Rs&T ‘members of Congress talk about the state of our constitution and try to use it against the Obama Admin. If you listen the next thing you hear is their slogan about having to “take their country back” because the constitution is being misused, the 14th Amendment is not good enough for Americans. Now, in this year of 2011 and more  progressive bills being passed Teapublicans feel the Constitution,specifically the 14th Amendment needs to be adjusted, changed, or taken out completely. It seems to me that what these people are afraid of is what our world of Americans looks like and what it will look like in the future and it will be more progressive, more black and  brown, more gays, more interracial, more lefties than these people want to accept.

Other News …

President Obama Presses for Payroll Tax Cut Extension

FCC Nominees in Confirmation Hearing

Lawmakers Consider Internet Sales Tax

Senate Votes on Defense Programs; Payroll Tax Vote Friday

Senators Hear About Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes

Proposed Trucking Hours Examined in House Hearing

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate ..will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act & debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill.


the Senate Convened 10:00am November 29, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act. When the Senate resumes the DoD Authorization bill, Senator Udall (CO) will be recognized to speak.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm on Tuesday.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment to the bill, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The Senate is now debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill. The time until 12:15pm will be equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the amendment. Additional debate on the amendment is possible beyond 12:15pm

2:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Udall (CO) amendment #1107 (detainees); Not Agreed To: 37-61

Senator Levin announced on the floor that he is currently working on an agreement that would result in 2 votes both with 60-vote thresholds. Those votes would be in relation to the Paul amendment #1064 (Iraq) and the Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR). The managers are also working on clearing a package of approximately 40 amendments.

Further, prior to the caucus recess, the McCain amendment #1230 (TRICARE) was modified further. The McCain amendment #1281 (transfer arms to Georgia) was modified.

By unanimous consent, the Levin-McCain amendment #1092 (contracting) was agreed to. The Senate is now considering the Paul amendment #1064, with 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will resume consideration of the Landrieu amendment #1115 with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the two amendments in the following order:

– Paul #1064 (Iraq)

– Landrieu #1115 (SBIR)

There will be two minutes equally divided in between the votes with no amendments in order to either amendment prior to the votes. Both amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

As a result of this agreement, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes at approximately 6:20pm, if all time is used.

The Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR), as modified, was agreed to by voice vote. There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote will occur around 11am tomorrow. That vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, DoD Authorization bill.

At approximately 11:00am on Wednesday, November 30th, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

 The filing deadline for all second degree amendments to S.1867 is 10:30am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Udall (CO) amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act; Not Agreed to: 37-61

2) Paul amendment #1064; Not Agreed to: 30-67(60-vote threshold)

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.337, designating December 10, 2011, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.338, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Adopted S.Res.339, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1917, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 29, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 30, 2011.8:21:33 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.8:21:22 P.M. -Mr. Tonko moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:21 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.7:32:30 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 477.7:20:22 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:14:03 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:11:03 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.7:10:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.7:10:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:10:24 P.M. -H.R. 1801On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 – 0 (Roll no. 862).7:03:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”7:02:35 P.M. -H.R. 2192Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:02:25 P.M. -H.R. 2192On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 407 – 1 (Roll no. 861).6:55:34 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”6:54:27 P.M. -H.R. 3012Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:26 P.M. -H.R. 3012On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 389 – 15 (Roll no. 860).6:31:02 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”6:30:47 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.5:03:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:03:39 P.M. -H.R. 2465Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:03:34 P.M. -H.R. 2465On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:47:16 P.M. -H.R. 2465DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2465.4:47:13 P.M. -H.R. 2465Considered under suspension of the rules.4:46:56 P.M. -H.R. 2465Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2465 — “To amend the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.”4:45:45 P.M. -H.R. 1801At 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.4:35:05 P.M. -H.R. 1801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1801.4:35:02 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered under suspension of the rules.4:34:18 P.M. -H.R. 1801Mr. Cravaack moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”4:33:47 P.M. -H.R. 2192At 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.4:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2192DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2192.4:24:59 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered under suspension of the rules.4:24:39 P.M. -H.R. 2192Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”4:23:18 P.M. -H.R. 3012At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cohen objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:07:19 P.M. -H.R. 3012DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3012.4:07:17 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered under suspension of the rules.4:07:03 P.M. -H.R. 3012 Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”4:06:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:05:30 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.2:13:43 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:03:09 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:41 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kucinich to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:01:11 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Kucinich demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.2:00:50 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:42 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:24 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.