Tag Archives: Republican

At the first Richard Cordray confirmation hearing last week, the two Republican senators (out of ten on the committee) who showed up indicated that their party had every intention of obstructing Cordray’s confirmation to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Many Republicans are insisting on structural changes to CFPB, which would render the bureau ineffective and allow greed and corruption to prevail over consumer protection, before they say they’ll even consider confirming a nominee for director.

One way or another, the corporate Right is determined to stop the CFPB from doing the important job it was created to do. We need to break through this obstruction!

Please join the nearly 20,000 activists who have already signed our petition urging the the confirmation of Richard Cordray!

www.pfaw.org
— Ben

Original Message:

Tell the Senate: Give the CFPB the authority to protect consumers! Confirm Richard Cordray as CFPB director!

WWW.PFAW.ORG

Dear PFAW supporter,

Today, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs is holding a hearing on the nomination of Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). It’s the beginning of what will be a very big fight.

Wall Street and Republicans don’t want CFPB oversight and have made clear their intentions to sabotage this important agency in any way to prevent it from protecting consumers. Since the CFPB requires a permanent director in order to operate with full authority, Senate Republicans see defeating the nomination of Richard Cordray as priority #1 in crippling the Bureau.

Please sign our emergency petition to CONFIRM RICHARD CORDRAY now.

We need to keep significant pressure on Senate Democrats to stand unified and use every tool they can to confirm Cordray. And we need to keep grassroots pressure on Republicans to challenge the financial industry’s iron grip on their party and do the right thing for American consumers.

Cordray was picked by Professor Elizabeth Warren to be one of her top deputies in setting up the CFPB. As Ohio’s attorney general, Cordray earned a reputation of being tough on the financial industry. He was among the first attorneys general to take action in the nationwide foreclosure investigation into the mishandling of paperwork and successfully sued AIG, exposing banks’ use of hidden fees and other consumer exploitations.

Urge your senators to stand up for consumers and CONFIRM RICHARD CORDRAY.

After you sign the petition, please call your senators’ office to back up the message.

www.pfaw.org

This will be a sustained campaign that could call for various actions and constituent contacts, but the petition is the way we want to register support for Cordray first and foremost. If we can get enough Americans to sign, we’ll be able to make a splash on Capitol Hill when we deliver the signatures to the Senate.

Help us get the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau working! Help to confirm Richard Cordray as its director. www.pfaw.org

— Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Frustrated …Barack Obama

09/08/2011 Nativegrl77

Today I asked for a joint session of Congress where I will lay out a clear plan to get Americans back to work. Next week, I will deliver the details of the plan and call on lawmakers to pass it.

Whether they will do the job they were elected to do is ultimately up to them.

But both you and I can pressure them to do the right thing. We can send the message that the American people are playing by the rules and meeting their responsibilities — and it’s time for our leaders in Congress to meet theirs.

And we must hold them accountable if they don’t.

So I’m asking you to stand with me in calling on Congress to step up and take action on jobs:

www.barackobama.com
No matter how things go in the weeks and months ahead, this will be an important challenge for our organization.

It’s been a long time since Congress was focused on what the American people need them to be focused on.

I know that you’re frustrated by that. I am, too.

That’s why I’m putting forward a set of bipartisan proposals to help grow the economy and create jobs — that means strengthening our small businesses, giving needed breaks to middle-class families, while taking responsible steps to bring down our deficit.

I’m asking lawmakers to look past short-term politics and take action on that plan. But we’ve got to do this together.

I will deliver this message to Congress next week, but I’m asking you to stand alongside me today:

www.barackobama.com

More to come,

Barack

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Gov.Rick Perry … FED Up?

09/08/2011 Nativegrl77

Keepin them honest or exposing the tall tales, misinformation and just plain ole lies like last night on his first debate or whatever that was. It is offensive to most if not all on Social Security by calling it a Ponzi Scheme, edging toward telling Americans that they do not believe in Evolution and when an audience applauds the support of execution and in what appears to have been a possible innocent man should provide info that proves how unqualified a Presidential Candidate is but that’s just my opinion

Governor Rick Perry told Chris Wallace on FOX News Sunday that Medicaid is such a Ponzi scheme that it would even make Mr. Ponzi feel bad.

Yes, Cenk is still making sure we all know his views

Rick Perry compares civil rights movement to fighting for lower taxes, deregulation

Rick Perry says Obama is hell bent on making America socialist…

Rick Perry Flip-Flops on immigration reform

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House … the Senate works on HR1249, the America Invents Act

09/08/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Thursday, September 8, 2011.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with
Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the
Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final
half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1249,
the America Invents Act.

At approximately 4:00pm, there will be up to 4 roll call votes in relation to
the following:

Sessions #600(strike Section 37 regarding patent
term extensions);

Cantwell #595 (transitional program for covered
business method patents)

Coburn #599 (PTO public enterprise fund); and

Passage of H.R.1249, as amended, if amended.

Senators will gather at 6:30pm in the Senate Chamber to proceed as body to
the House of Representatives for the Joint Session at 7:00pm.

Following the Joint Session, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to
proceed to Calendar #153, S.J.Res.25, a joint resolution relating to the
disapproval of the President’s exercise of authority to increase the debt limit
(McConnell and others).

In addition, there will be a 5^th roll call vote following the Joint
Session with the President this evening on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.25,
a joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President’s exercise of
authority to increase the debt limit (McConnell and others). Senator Reid
announced this morning that if the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.25 is
successful, the Senate will debate and complete action on the joint resolution
during Friday’s session of the Senate.

VOTES

4:04pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Sessions amendment #600 (patent
term extensions) Not Agreed to: 47-51

4:37pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Cantwell amendment #595
(transitional program for covered business method patents) Not Agreed to:
13-85-1(Present)

4:59pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table the Coburn
amendment #599 (PTO public enterprise fund)

7:50pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.25,
a joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President’s exercise of
authority to increase the debt limit (McConnell and others); Not Agreed to:
45-52

Adopted H.Con.Res.67, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the
District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Adopted S.Con.Res.28, A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of
Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to award the
Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd
Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service, United States
Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

Adopted S.Res.259, Designating September 9, 2011 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders Awareness Day

Adopted S.Con.260, Commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the
dedication of the Shenandoah National Park.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:47 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on September 9, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Chaffetz moved that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. Chaffetz moved that the message of the President be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and be ordered printed as a House document (H.Doc. 112-51). The motion was agreed to.

7:46 P.M. – The House was called to order.JOINT SESSION DISSOLVED – The Speaker declared the Joint Session of the two Houses dissolved.

6:43 P.M. – JOINT SESSION – The House convened in Joint Session with the Senate for the purpose of receiving an address from the President of the United States.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 8.

3:47 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule 1 for the purpose of receiving in joint session the President of the United States. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. today.

H.R. 2218:: to amend the charter school program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

3:46 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leavingH.R. 2218as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

3:45 P.M. – Mr. Kline moved that the Committee now rise.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. King (IA) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:34 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the King (IA) Part A amendment No. 8.Amendment offered by Mr. King (IA).

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to strike subparagraph (d) of subsection (6) of Sec. (9) which is part of the definition of `high quality charter schools.’ Would strike the following language: `(D) has demonstrated success in increasing student academic achievement for the subgroups of students described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II).’

3:33 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kline demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt Part A amendment No. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to encourage the Secretary of Education to include a priority for green school building practices in the application for states to ensure that federal investment in charter school facilities would be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

3:23 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moore amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore (WI) Part A amendment No. 6.Amendment offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to strike `governor of a state’ from the definition of `state entity’ on page 20, thus removing Governors’ eligibility to apply for federal grant funding to oversee charter school operations in their states.

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:09 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis (CO) Part A amendment No. 5.Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to promote innovation and quality in charter schools by adding a priority to states that allow charter school authorizers besides local educational agencies.

3:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lujan amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lujan Part A amendment No. 4.Amendment offered by Mr. Lujan.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to add to the requirement that applicants include in their application a description of how a charter school program would share best and promising practices between charter schools and other public schools, by including in that description how they would share best practices in instruction and professional development in technology, engineering, and math education where appropriate.

3:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen Part A amendment No. 3.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to change the duration of Subgrants in the Grant Limitations Section from 5 years to 3 years to allow successful and eligible operating schools to replicate and expand faster. The school must demonstrate successful operation data for no less than 3 years.

On agreeing to the Davis (CA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Davis (CA) Part A amendment No. 2.Amendment offered by Mrs. Davis (CA).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to add to the purpose section ofH.R. 2218the importance of innovation in public education to prepare students to compete in the global economy.

2:54 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kline amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 392, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kline Part A amendment No. 1.Amendment offered by Mr. Kline.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 112-200 to make technical and clarifying corrections to the bill as reported out of Committee. Would make additional policy changes to improve the Charter School Program, including provisions regarding parent input, annual grants, education for at-risk students, diverse charter school models, transportation needs, high quality applicants, and school lunch participants.

2:06 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate onH.R. 2218.The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant toH. Res. 392and Rule XVIII.

2:05 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration ofH.R. 2218andH.R. 1892each with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measures will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.Considered under the provisions of ruleH. Res. 392.

H. Res. 392:: providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2218) to amend the charter school program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1892) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes

2:04 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 237 – 163(Roll no. 694).

1:57 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 176(Roll no. 693).

12:40 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate onH. Res. 392.

12:35 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 395:: electing a certain Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives

12:34 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

12:33 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:32 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the provisions granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the house that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 8, 2011 at 9:27 a.m. stating that that body had agreed to H.Con.Res. 74.

12:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Chu to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Clark Johnson, First Southern Baptist Church, Topeka, KansasThe House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 8.

10:55 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 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.The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.