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Immoral …

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Dear MoveOn member,

It’s time to sound the alarm.

This week, Congress could cut a deal on the budget. And if Republicans get their way, billions will be cut from vital programs that millions of Americans count on—while tax cuts for the richest are protected.

But most people don’t have any idea what’s at stake—and how devastating these cuts would be to their communities—even though the cuts could take effect within weeks. So we’re launching an emergency campaign to spread the word. Republicans want to gut programs with enormous public support, and hope no one notices. So it’s up to all of us to spark a public outcry before it’s too late.

The devastating impact these cuts will have on our country—and on your community—is unprecedented. Check out the list below. If we can get it out to a million people, we can start to sound the alarm and stop the GOP. Click here to post on Facebook and Twitter, or simply forward this email.

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Peter, Carrie, Kat, and the rest of the team

Top 10 Worst Things about the Republicans’ Immoral Budget

The Republican budget would:

1. Destroy 700,000 jobs, according to an independent economic analysis.

2. Zero out federal funding for National Public Radio and public television.

3. Cut $1.3 billion from community health centers—which will deprive more than 3 million low-income people of health care over the next few months.

4. Cut nearly a billion dollars in food and health care assistance to pregnant women, new moms, and children.

5. Kick more than 200,000 children out of pre-school by cutting funds for Head Start.

6. Force states to fire 65,000 teachers and aides, dramatically increasing class sizes, thanks to education cuts.

7. Cut some or all financial aid for 9.4 million low- and middle-income college students.

8. Slash $1.6 billion from the National Institutes of Health, a cut that experts say would “send shockwaves” through cancer research, likely result in cuts to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research, and cause job losses.

9. End the only federal family planning program, including cutting all federal funding that goes to Planned Parenthood to support cancer screenings and other women’s health care.

10. Send 10,000 low-income veterans into homelessness by cutting in half the number of veterans who get housing vouchers this year.

We’ve got to get the word out about this awful budget—right away. Please, share this with your friends on Facebook and Twitter, or by forwarding this email, today.

Sources:

1. “GOP spending plan would cost 700,000 jobs, new report says,” The Washington Post, February 28, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206357&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=6

2. “GOP budget would cut funding for public broadcasting,” The Washington Independent, February 14, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206513&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=7

3. “NACHC Statement in Response to the Budget from the House Appropriations Committee,” National Association of Community Health Centers website, accessed March 4, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206514&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=8

4.”Bye Bye, Big Bird. Hello, E. Coli.,” The New Republic, February 12, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206104&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=9

House Republican Spending Cuts Target Programs For Children And Pregnant Women

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206566&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=10

5. “Obama and the GOP’s Spending Cuts: Where’s the Outrage?” Mother Jones, February 18, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206569&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=11

6. Ibid.

7. “Deficit Reduction on the Backs of the Most Vulnerable,” Center for American Progress, March 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206518&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=12   (PDF) 

8. “The GOP Budget and Cancer—Why New Research Is at Risk,” Politics Daily, February 27, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206515&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=13

“Republican Budget Cuts at Heart of Medical Research: Albert Hunt,” Bloomberg, February 20, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206516&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=14

“Durbin: Cuts to NIH put research jobs at risk,” Business Week, February 28, 2011

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LLSCB00.htm

9. “GOP Spending Plan: X-ing Out Title X Family Planning Funds,” Wall Street Journal, February 9, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206105&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=15

10. “House GOP Spending Cuts Would Prevent 10,000 Low-Income Veterans From Receiving Housing Assistance,” Think Progress, March 1, 2011

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=206517&id=26412-17809870-IywQf0x&t=16

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Congress:debates & votes today -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at  9:30amET March 8, 2011

Morning business for 2 hours with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first hour and the Majority controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act, post-cloture.

By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, morning business and recess will count post-cloture on S.23.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm for the weekly caucus luncheons.

The Majority Leader hopes to reach an agreement regarding H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative. Senators should expect roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

The Senate has reached an agreement to complete action on S.23, America Invents Act, tonight and to set up votes on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye tomorrow at 3pm.

Under the agreement, the Reid amendment #152 was withdrawn and the Reid amendment #143 (EPSCOR), was modified and agreed to. There will now there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act. Senators should expect the vote on passage to begin around 6:15pm, if all time is used. However, time may be yielded back.

Furthermore, at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9, there will be up to 3 hours for debate on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye. Upon the use or yielding back of time, there will be 2 roll call votes on the following items:

– Passage of H.R.1, Department of Defense Appropriation and Long Term Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011; and

– Inouye substitute amendment #149 (Democratic Alternative).

Each proposal will be subject to 60-vote thresholds. If H.R.1 achieves 60 votes, it will be read a third time and passed and, if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes, Senator Reid will be recognized to offer the Inouye substitute amendment #149. If the Substitute achieves 60 votes, the bill, as amended, would be read a third time and passed, and if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes it will be returned to the calendar. No motions or amendments are in order to the substitute or the bill prior to the votes.

Cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.1 was vitiated.

Votes:

35: Passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act;

Passed: 95-5

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:09 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:07 P.M. –

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

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (UT) filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 150 and H. Res. 151.

H. Res. 149:

electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives

7:03 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Larson (CT) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

7:01 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 – 138 (Roll no. 164).

6:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

6:52 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 12 (Roll no. 163).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:30 P.M. –

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

4:31 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

4:30 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 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-13).

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

4:29 P.M. –

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.

4:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 525.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

4:22 P.M. –

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.

4:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 570.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

4:12 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

The House received a communication from Robin Reeder, Archivist, Office of the Clerk. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Reeder notified the House that she had been served with a civil subpoena, issued before the Evidentiary Panel for the State Bar of Texas, for documents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.

4:01 P.M. –

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

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

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

4:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

2:23 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.

2:00 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 4:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Wisconsin GOP out of control!

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Republicans in the Wisconsin State Senate voted yesterday to issue arrest warrants for the Senate Democrats who have left the state heroically to halt Gov. Walker’s unwarranted attack on workers. Eight of those Republican Senators are eligible for recall for their overreach. They are:

– Robert Cowles

– Alberta Darling

– Sheila Harsdorf

– Luther Olsen

– Randy Hopper

– Glenn Grothman

– Mary Lazich

– Dan Kapanke

In a move that many are contending is in direct violation of the state constitution and a departure from normal Senate rules, Republicans in the Wisconsin State Senate yesterday approved an order for the state’s police to detain the Senate Democrats, who have left the state to block Gov. Scott Walker‘s attack on the middle class and workers’ rights, and bring them to the Senate chambers. Gov. Walker also threatened that he would start sending layoff notices today to state workers.

Now they’re running roughshod over state law and the rules of their own chamber … and Gov. Walker has gone from simply acting like a dictator to acting like a hostage taker, with state jobs as his hostages. Unwilling to even consider compromise on his proposal to gut workers’ fundamental rights, he is now threatening to start eliminating those state jobs if he doesn’t get his way.

Perhaps the most outrageous part is that the layoffs are completely unnecessary to address the state’s budget problems … the same way his plan to destroy collective bargaining for public employees and make the middle class bear the entire economic sacrifice in fixing the state’s budget is completely unnecessary.

If you’re like me, you are wishing more than anything right now that Gov. Walker was eligible for recall this year — especially since polling shows he would lose in an election between him and his 2010 gubernatorial opponent. Unfortunately, he can’t be recalled until 2012, but eight of the Republican Senators backing his extreme power grab are eligible to be recalled now, including:

Randy Hopper, who won his last election by just 184 votes …

Alberta Darling, who won her race by just over 1,000 …

And Glenn Grothman, who on MSNBC‘s The Last Word, called protesters at the Wisconsin state capitol “slobs,” and insisted that they were just a bunch of “college students having a fun party.”

Here’s what you can do today:

1. If you have not already done so, sign our petition indicating your support for the recall effort now underway in Wisconsin. If you have signed, make sure to spread the word! Share on Facebook and ask others to visit http://www.pfaw.org/Recall.

2. If you live in or near Wisconsin, you can start volunteering to help gather recall petition signatures. We have 60 days to get enough signatures to hold recall elections and our friends at the SEIU will be sending out a sizable wave of canvassers this weekend to get us off to a good start. Sign up here: http://action.seiu.org/page/s/wisconsinrecall

3. If you know ANYONE in Wisconsin, please call or email them as soon as you can and urge them to support the recall effort.

4. Make a contribution to PFAW‘s work on the recall campaign.

Thanks for your activism and your support!

— Ben Betz, Online Communications Manager

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Congress at work -Republican led House back on 3/8 -The Senate will deal with S.23 today


The Senate Convenes at  2:00pmET March 7, 2011

Morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

-Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA

-Calendar #32, Sue Myerscough, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

-Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

There will be one hour for debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, Calendar #32, Sue Myerscough, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL will be confirmed.

The Senate will then proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes on the following:

–confirmation of Executive Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL

-confirmation of Executive Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA

-motion to invoke cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act

5:00pm Filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.23, the America Invents Act.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act, was invoked by a vote of 87-3.

Following the vote, the pending Leahy and Bennet amendments were withdrawn. The Baucus amendment #141, as modified, was agreed to. Senator Reid then called up amendment #143 (to include public higher education in EPSCOR jurisdictions in definition of micro entity) and Reid #152 (effective date).

The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Votes:

32: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #33, James Shadid, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Central District of IL;

Confirmed: 89-0

33: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #4, Anthony Battaglia, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of CA;

Confirmed: 89-0

34: Motion to invoke cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act;

Invoked: 87-3

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.55, a resolution expressing support for designation of a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

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

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate.

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Congess in Session –


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 4, 2011

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session

Morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

1:00pm Filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.23, the America Invents Act

This afternoon Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that upon disposition of S.23, the America Invents Act, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.1, Defense Appropriations and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011; the Majority Leader be recognized to offer a substitute amendment (Inouye amendment #149); there be 4 hours for debate prior to a vote in relation to the substitute amendment; upon disposition of the substitute amendment, the Senate proceed to vote on passage of HR1, as amended, if amended; with no motions or amendments in order to the substitute amendment or to the bill prior to the votes; and the substitute amendment and the bill be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Senator McConnell objected for the time being and said that his caucus needs more time to review the substitute amendment.

Senator Reid then asked unanimous consent that upon disposition of S.23, the America Invents Act, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.1, the Defense Appropriations and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011; .

Senator McConnell also objected to this request.

Senator Reid then moved to proceed to HR1 and filed cloture on the motion.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 4, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 4, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:03 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, Washington DC.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.