Tag Archives: Republican

the New 112th Congress goes to work …the House is in Session -the Senate is on break until Jan.25th -hmmm


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 6, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:47 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House continued with further Special Order speeches.

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elects Pete Sessions, Thirty Second District, State of Texas and Mike Fitzpatrick, Eighth District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, presented themselves in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.

1:51 P.M. –

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

1:50 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 12: Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 11: Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on January 7: himself for 5 min, Mr. McClintock for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

1:44 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 22:

reducing the amount authorized for salaries and expenses of Member, committee, and leadership offices in 2011 and 2012

1:38 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 13 (Roll no. 8).

12:57 P.M. –

The House resumed debate on H.Res. 22.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 2.

H. Res. 22:

reducing the amount authorized for salaries and expenses of Member, committee, and leadership offices in 2011 and 2012

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with two hours of debate on H. Res. 22.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

12:30 P.M. –

PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE – Pursuant to clause 11 of rule X and clause 11 of rule I, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE: Mr. Rogers of MI.

10:57 A.M. –

READING OF THE CONSTITUTION – Pursuant to section 5(a) of H. Res. 5, the Chair recognized the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Goodlatte, for the reading of the Constitution.

10:54 A.M. –

Call of the House Quorum responded: 405 present (Roll no. 7).

10:49 A.M. –

ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under Clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the Oath of Office to the Gentleman from Oregon, the whole number of the House is 435.

10:48 A.M. –

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Peter DeFazio, Fourth District, State of Oregon, presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.

10:03 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 10 per side of the aisle.

10:02 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

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

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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The Senate Convenes: 12:00 noon January 5, 2011

Following the presentation of the certificates of election and the swearing in of elected members, there will be a required live quorum. All senators are asked to report to the floor at that time. The Senate will then be in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.1, a resolution notifying the President that a quorum of each House has assembled.

Adopted S.Res.2, a resolution notifying the House that a quorum of the Senate has assembled.

Adopted S.Res.3, a resolution fixing the daily meeting of the Senate.

Adopted S.Res.4, a resolution commemorating Senator Mikulski as the longest serving female senator.

Adopted S.Res.5, a resolution electing Gary B. Myrick as Secretary for the Majority.

Adopted S.Res.6, a resolution appointing Morgan J. Frankel as Senate Legal Cousel pursuant to Chair appointment.

Adopted S.Res.7, a resolution appointing Patricia Mack Bryan as Deputy Senate Legal Counsel pursuant to Chair appointment.

Adopted S.Con.Res.1, a resolution providing for the adjournment or recess of the House and Senate.

Adopted S.Con.Res.2, authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

The Senate Convenes: 10:00am January 25, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. Roll call votes are possible during Tuesday’s session. Senators will be notified when any votes scheduled.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 5, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

5:50 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 6, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Foxx moved that the House do now adjourn.

S. Con. Res. 1:

providing for a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives

5:49 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

5:47 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

5:46 P.M. –

That during the first session of the 112th Congress: (1) on legislative days of Monday or Tuesday when the House convenes pursuant to House Resolution 10, the House shall convene two hours earlier than the time otherwise established by the resolution for the purpose of conducting morning-hour debate; (2) on legislative days of Wednesday or Thursday beginning on February 1, 2011, when the House convenes pursuant to House Resolution 10, the House shall convene two hours earlier than the time otherwise established by the resolution for the purpose of conducting morning-hour debate; (3) when the House convenes pursuant to an order other than House Resolution 10, the House shall convene for the purpose of conducting morning-hour debate only as prescribed by such order; (4) the time for morning-hour debate shall be allocated equally between the parties and may not con tinue beyond 10 minutes before the hour appointed for the resumption of the session of the House; and (5) the form of proceeding for morning-hour debate shall be as follows: (a) the prayer by the Chaplain, the approval of the Journal and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag shall be postponed until resumption of the session

5:45 P.M. –

The House received a communication from The Honorable John A. Boehner, Speaker. Pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution 1, and also for purposes of such concurrent resolutions of the current Congress as may contemplate my designation of Members to act in similar circumstances, the Speaker notified the Clerk of his designation of Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia to act jointly with the Majority Leader of the Senate or his designee, in the event of his death or inability, to notify the Members of the House and the Senate, respectively, or any reassembly under any such concurrent resolution. In the event of the death or inability of that designee, alternate Members of the House are listed in the letter bearing this date for the same purpo

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the statement showing the apportionment population for each State as of April 1, 2010, and the number or Representatives to which each State would be entitled – referred to the Committees on Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-5).

5:44 P.M. –

COMMITTEE TO REPORT – Mr. Cantor notified the House that the Committee appointed on the part of the House to join a like Committee on the part of the Senate to notify the President of the United States that a quorum of each House had been assembled and is ready to receive any communications.

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that during the One Hundred Twelfth Congress, all Members be permitted to extend their remarks and to include extraneous material within the permitted limit in that section of the record entitled “Extension of Remarks”. Agreed to without objection.

5:43 P.M. –

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that during the One Hundred Twelfth Congress, the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader be authorized to accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or by the House. Agreed to without objection.

HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 2001, and the order of the House of today, the Chair announced the Speaker’s appointment of the following members of the House to the House Office Building Commission: Mr. Cantor and Ms. Pelosi .

5:42 P.M. –

ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that the whole number of the House is 434.

H. Con. Res. 1:

regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government

5:38 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

5:37 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 1.

H. Res. 10:

fixing the daily hour of meeting of the First Session of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

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

5:36 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 8:

providing for the designation of certain minority employees

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

5:35 P.M. –

Mr. Capuano asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H. Res. 7:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 6:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

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

5:34 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 5:

adopting rules for the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 191 (Roll no. 6).

5:17 P.M. –

On motion to commit the resolution to a select committee Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 191 – 240 (Roll no. 5).

5:01 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to commit the resolution to a select committee was ordered without objection.

4:59 P.M. –

Mr. Crowley moved to commit the resolution to a select committee.

4:57 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 188 (Roll no. 4).

3:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 5.

3:11 P.M. –

Motion to refer tabled.

On motion to table the motion to refer Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 225 – 188 (Roll no. 3).

2:37 P.M. –

Mr. Cantor moved to table the motion to refer

2:36 P.M. –

Ms. Norton moved to refer the resolution to a select committee of five members, to be appointed by the Speaker, not more than three of whom shall be from the same political party, with instructions to report back the same until it has conducted a full and complete study of, and made a determination on, the constitutionality of the provision that would be eliminated from the Rules that granted voting rights in the Committee of the Whole to the Delegates.

2:33 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 4:

authorizing the Clerk to inform the President of the election of the Speaker and the Clerk

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 3:

authorizing the Speaker to appoint a committee to notify the President of the assembly of the Congress

2:32 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:31 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 2:

to inform the Senate that a quorum of the House has assembled and of the election of the Speaker and the Clerk

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1:

electing officers of the House of Representatives

2:30 P.M. –

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

2:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On agreeing to the remainder of the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

On agreeing to the Larson (CT) amendment Failed by voice vote.

Amendment offered by Mr. Larson (CT).

2:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to the first portion of the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

2:27 P.M. –

ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect John Sullivan, First District, Oklahoma, presented himself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.

2:22 P.M. –

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEADERSHIP POSTS – Mr. Larson of Connecticut notified the House that, at the direction of the Democratic Caucus, Ms. Pelosi of California had been elected as Minority Leader, Mr. Hoyer of Maryland had been elected as Minority Whip, and Mr. Clyburn had been elected as Assistant Democratic Leader.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEADERSHIP POSTS – Mr. Hensarling notified the House that, at the direction of the Republican Conference, Mr. Cantor of Virginia had been elected as Majority Leader and Mr. McCarthy of California had been elected as Majority Whip.

2:16 P.M. –

ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE – The Speaker administered the Oath of Office to the Members-elect of the 112th Congress.

2:15 P.M. –

ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE – The Dean of the House administered the Oath of Office to the Speaker-elect.

2:00 P.M. –

ADDRESS BY THE SPEAKER-ELECT – The Speaker-elect addressed the House prior to taking the Oath of Office which will be administered by the Dean of the House, Representative-elect John Dingell of Michigan.

1:50 P.M. –

The Speaker-elect was escorted into the Chamber by the Escort Committee and introduced by Representative-elect Pelosi, Democratic Leader, before assuming the Chair.

1:39 P.M. –

COMMITTEE TO ESCORT THE SPEAKER-ELECT – The Clerk appointed a Committee of Members-elect to escort the Speaker-elect into the Chamber and to the Chair.

1:38 P.M. –

Roll call 2 – Election of the Speaker Boehner: 241 Pelosi: 173 Shuler: 11 Lewis (GA): 2 Costa: 1 Cardoza: 1 Cooper: 1 Kaptur: 1 Hoyer: 1 Present: 1 (Roll no. 2). Boehner elected Speaker.

12:40 P.M. –

APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS – The Clerk announced the appointment of the following Members-elect to act as Tellers during the Roll Call for Election of Speaker: Mr. Lungren; Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania; Ms. Kaptur; and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.

12:39 P.M. –

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF SPEAKER – Pursuant to law and precedent, the Clerk announced that the next order of business was the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 112th Congress and that nominations would now be in order. Accordingly, the Honorable Jeb Hensarling of Texas placed the name of the Honorable John Boehner into nomination for the Office of Speaker and the Honorable John Larson of Connecticut placed the name of the Honorable Nancy Pelosi into nomination for the Office of Speaker. No other nominations were put forward.

12:35 P.M. –

ELECTION CREDENTIALS FOR DELEGATES – The Clerk notified the House that election credentials for all Delegates and Resident Commissioners had been received.

12:34 P.M. –

Call of the States Quorum responded: 434 present (Roll no. 1).

12:05 P.M. –

CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION – The Clerk announced that Certificates of Election covering 435 seats in the One Hundred Twelfth Congress had been received and the names of those persons whose credentials show that they were regularly elected as Representatives in accordance with the laws of their respective States of the United States would be called. Without objection, the Representatives-elect were directed to record their presence by electronic device in order to determine whether a quorum was present.

12:04 P.M. –

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

12:01 P.M. –

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

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day, pursuant to the 20th amendment to the Constitution and fixed by Public Law 111-289, for the meeting of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress of the United States.

First Test …


One week from today, the new Republican House Majority will attempt to take a giant step backwards for our nation by holding a vote to repeal the health reform law that protects Americans from insurance company abuses.

This is our first test of how grassroots Democrats will respond to the Republicans’ disgraceful attempt to roll back our progress for America’s middle class families. We must hold House Republicans’ feet to the fire for taking government funded health care for themselves while voting to deny it to American families.

That is why we urgently need your support to raise $100,000 in grassroots contributions to hold Republicans accountable before their shameful vote on Wednesday.

Contribute $5, $10 or more today to help us respond to the Republicans’ shameful vote to take away quality, affordable health care from the American people and put insurance companies back in charge.

In the weeks since last November’s election, grassroots Democrats have not missed a beat in our effort to regain the Majority in 2012. Thanks to you, we surpassed our December grassroots goal by raising over $250,000. I cannot thank you enough.

Now we need your continued support to hold Republicans accountable for their misplaced priorities by voting to repeal health care reform rather than focus on creating jobs for America’s middle class. Every dollar you contribute will be used to keep the pressure on Republicans through hard-hitting ads, fact-checks, petition drives, Rapid Response efforts, and so much more.

Contribute $5, $10 or more today to help us respond to the Republicans’ shameful vote to take away quality, affordable health care from the American people and put insurance companies back in charge.

The world is closely watching our commitment to protecting all of our historic progress for America’s middle class families. Let us begin right now by holding the new Republican majority immediately accountable for trying to repeal health care reform.
Nancy
Nancy Pelosi
Democratic Leader

P.S. We cannot remain silent as Republicans shamefully vote to take away quality affordable health care from the American people. Please urgently contribute before our Wednesday deadline to hold them accountable and send a powerful message of strength to the media.

wicked Wednesday &some News …


The New Republican members Congress, dang not even the old Republicans have talked about jobs, jobs, jobs seriously since the midterm elections placed them in the Majority in the House of Republicans.

So, is anyone else wondering when we all will be outraged enough to march on the Republican Tea Party because I sure am. The idea that there will be investigations of every nook and cranny especially if Obama had a hand in it sounds very expensive and though no cost estimates have been given spending money on trying to prove something or someone is guilty instead using that money to create jobs is outrageous.  There will be new rules coming from the Republican Tea Party to be listed and rumors that they will vote against raising the Debt Ceiling and we may default on and could cause all kinds of issues

I am outraged that these people want to repeal and or privatize health care let alone what Republicans call Obamacare, which stands to save elder people, those with children under the age of 26 can stay on their parents health care while in College and if you have a pre-existing condition and you are a woman  …we are considered a pre-existing condition.  Though we all know the Senate will not repeal the new health care law the fact is repealing it would leave a lot of women with diseases at risk.  I hope everyone is listening to what the Republican Tea Party is saying but unlikely to carry out … Lindsey Graham stated that if President Obama comes our way we will compromise? why would people vote for these people.  John Boehner said, “That he is going to do whatever it takes to see that as he calls it Obamacare never gets implemented. I want everyone to watch listen and be aware that Mitt Romney created and implemented Universal Health Care in his own state of Massachusetts while telling Americans that we do not deserve it with a vote of no on the floor of Congress and while he has not said much watch to see if he has the courage to say repeal Obamacare when it is actually based on what his constituents have.  While Republican Tea Party members of Congress try to repeal our new health care law Paul Ryan wants to Privatize Social Security, Medicare and Darryl Issa along with Michele Bachmann will start investigating everything in sight especially if it is related to Obama because like the old Congress …the Republicans of 111th had a goal – to ruin his Presidency and the new 112th Republican Congress will try but as Margaret Mead said …

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

It is time for the Democratic Party to Unite if not to protect everything that was accomplished over the last two years …to protect Americans from the hands of a Political Party, Republican Tea members that have a family values platform that will force their ideologies on the rest of us telling us what we can do or not.   I want to know if anyone else thinks that is big Government at play.

Other News …

**President Obama signs the 9/11 healthcare bill

**Chris Christie still defending his vacation plans

**Flooding in Austrlia

**Cuomo plans to freeze state worker pay for a yr

**Debt limit fight is a sure thing

**Republican Tea Party promise to cut and investigate

**Seahawks win playoff bid

**Zsa zsa has to have a leg amputation

**Issa reveals his hit list -wikileaks, Afghanistan, fannie mae/freddie mac, FDA, President Obama, Financial crisis inquiry commission, the New Black Panther group?,

**Packers stay in the game and gain playoff berth

**Kent company recalls sprouts

**Tribal police,FBI and investigate shooting on Swinomish Reservation

CSPAN …

CONGRESS: House GOP Ushers In Corporate Takeover


Today, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)   will accept the House Speaker’s gavel from Democratic Party leader Nancy Pelosi (CA), marking the start of the 112th Congress and at least two years of Republican rule in the lower chamber. But while the GOP campaigned on a promise to govern on behalf of the American people, the reality is that not only did a top lobbyist  help write the Party’s campaign pledge, but its agenda will also be heavily influenced by big corporate interests — and it starts at the top. Long before Republicans won control of the House last November, Boehner invited “senior Republican lobbyists and top officials from several large trade groups” to his office to discuss “their suggestions for a new GOP agenda.” As the New York Times reported last September, “that sort of alliance” with top corporate lobbyists “is business as usual” for Boehner, who “maintains especially tight ties with a circle of lobbyists and former aides representing some of the nation’s biggest businesses, including Goldman Sachs, Google, Citigroup, R. J. Reynolds, MillerCoors and UPS.” And the big business lobbyist tentacles stretch beyond Boehner throughout the power centers of his Party, representing a new corporate takeover of the House.

THE CORPORATE CHAIRMEN:  Just after the GOP won control of the House in last November’s midterms, the Center for Public integrity  released a report examining the likely incoming chairmen of various House committees and found that they “have deep ties to the business community or the industries they will soon oversee.” For example, incoming committee and subcommittee chairs Reps. Bill Young (FL), Howard McKeon (CA), John Mica (FL), Doc Hastings (WA), and Spencer Bachus (AL) all have either received substantial contributions from the industries that their committees oversee, or have former staff members lobbying for those same businesses. Bachus, the new Financial Services Committee chairman, even said last month that the government’s role isn’t to protect consumers but to “serve the banks.”   Now, House Republicans are  turning to their business allies for advice on regulations. Incoming Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) wrote to 150 trade associations, companies and think tanks asking them to identify which government regulations interfere with business the most. “In fiscal year 2010, federal agencies promulgated 43 major new regulations,” the California congressman wrote. “As a trade organization comprised of members that must comply with the regulatory state, I ask for your assistance in identifying existing and proposed regulations that have negatively impacted job growth in your members’ industry.”

INCOMING CORPORATE STAFFERS:  The Washington Post  reported last month that many of the incoming GOP members of Congress, several of whom had “won with strong support from the anti-establishment tea party movement,” have “hired registered lobbyists as senior aides.” At least 13 incoming GOP freshmen, including  eight new House members, have hired industry lobbyists from the country’s biggest lobbying firms, as well as insiders who previously advocated on behalf of U.S. corporate giants such American Electric Power, Duke Energy, and 3M, the nation’s largest banks, and Koch Industries, the conglomerate owned by right-wing philanthropists Charles and David Koch. Moreover, Republicans aren’t even trying to hide it. “I don’t share the disdain for lobbyists that seems to be often in the public venue,” said Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) last month  defending the new hires. “You want someone with experience,” he said.

BUSINESS AS USUAL:  Incoming freshmen aren’t the only ones turning to K Street for help running the new GOP-led House. Boehner   announced last month that “he hired the medical device industry’s chief lobbyist as his policy director,” a move Sunlight Foundation spokesperson Bill Allison called “business as usual,” adding that the new staffer, Brett Loper, is “in a much better position to help his old employer” — the Advanced Medical Technology Association. New Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK)  announced last month that he hired a U.S. Chamber of Commerce lobbyist who helped water down new Wall Street regulations last year as a senior staffer to oversee the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The Chamber led the fight last year to defeat Wall Street reform efforts and this particular lobbyist, Ryan McKee, made clear at the time what her intentions were. “We’re fundamentally  trying to kill this,” she said. It appears the nation’s largest banking trade association — the American Bankers Association (ABA) — is excited about its prospects in the 112th Congress. “We had been disappointed with a number of legislative outcomes with the past Congress, and so  we look forward to better outcomes with this Congress,” an ABA spokesperson said after the GOP midterm victories.

Hold Republicans accountable for their health care repeal vote.


 

CREDO Action | more than a network. a movement.
Make Republicans own their opposition to popular health care reforms.

Tell Dems: Use the repeal vote to send a strong message.
Take action!
Clicking the text below will add your name to this petition to your Democratic Representative.

The health care repeal vote is an important opportunity to frame Republican extremism and opposition to popular health care reforms.

Please fight this repeal effort and force Republicans to go on the record against reforms that help millions of Americans.

Click to sign.

Click here to add your name

In a tip of the hat to radical Tea Party extremists who helped elect them, Republicans in the House will vote next Wednesday to repeal President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

This symbolic vote has virtually zero chance of success, as it is unlikely to pass in the Senate. And even if it does, there’s no way Republicans could overcome Obama’s veto.

House Democrats should use this opportunity to send a strong message.

Click here to automatically sign the petition asking your representative to fight the health care repeal effort and force Republicans to publicly oppose popular reform provisions.

If Dems fight back fiercely against this inane repeal vote, they can force Republicans to publicly oppose the bill’s broadly popular reforms. Republicans who support repeal should be forced to vote in favor of denying insurance to children with pre-existing conditions or expanding health care coverage for young adults.

Republicans are already trying to shut down debate, and prevent Democrats from offering amendments to protect popular provisions of the bill. Republicans used such amendments successfully when they were in the minority, and now Democrats should follow suit and do everything they can to force Republicans to take painful votes.

At CREDO, we worked hard for a stronger health care bill and fought to the end for the public option. Our position has always been in favor of single payer health care and our members were deeply disappointed when Democrats caved on the public option, essentially compromising on a position which was already a compromise.

But repealing the bill won’t do anything to make it stronger — in fact it will reverse provisions that help tens of millions of Americans get affordable health insurance. And it will actually increase the size of the deficit.

If Dems fight back, they can seize the opportunity they failed to embrace before — clearly and powerfully framing this issue, as, in the words of Rep. Anthony Weiner:

“Republicans are against a lot of things, but they are for kicking young Americans off their parents’ insurance plans, for reinstating copayments for preventive measures like cancer screenings, and for denying children coverage based on preexisting conditions.”1

If Republicans want shine a spotlight on their rejection of these popular health care reforms in order to pledge allegiance to Tea Party extremism (to say nothing of Big Pharma and the health insurance giants who would profit from repeal), that’s their problem — or it will be, if we make sure our Democratic representatives stand up and fight back against the health care repeal vote next Wednesday.

Click here to automatically sign the petition asking your representative to fight the health care repeal effort and force Republicans to publicly oppose popular reform provisions.

Thank you for fighting for affordable health care.

Elijah Zarlin, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action from Working Assets

1 The Washington Post, January, 3, 2011