Tag Archives: Republican

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A massive game of chicken


Click here to sign the letterI am angry and frustrated that national Republicans, yet again, played political games and held the middle class hostage to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who need them the least. It is irresponsible, selfish, and wrong.

At the end of the day, I voted for this tax package to protect middle-class families from a tax hike while extending unemployment benefits for 13 months, continuing the sales tax deduction, cutting payroll taxes, and doing everything we can to create jobs.

But it came at tremendous cost.

So I want you to join me in telling Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and their right-wing colleagues that we won’t forget how they put their wealthy special interest backers ahead of the national interest and ahead of hard-working families all across America -– and we’re going to hold them accountable.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now -– and join me in committing to repealing these wasteful tax cuts for the wealthy as soon as we can!

While Democrats offered plans to extend middle-class tax cuts for more than 98% of all Americans, Representative Boehner, Senator McConnell, and their right-wing colleagues refused.

Quite simply, they were willing to play a massive game of chicken with the American people and let all the tax cuts expire unless they got billions of dollars to funnel back to their wealthy corporate backers.

There’s no doubt about it: This package will help millions of hard-working Americans who are doing everything they can to get by in these tough times and keep more of their hard-earned money. And it will stop Republicans from cold-heartedly cutting off unemployment benefits to people who are fighting to find jobs, keep their homes, and feed their families during the holidays.

But, to overcome Republican obstruction and selfishness, helping these middle-class families required an unnecessary and irresponsible tax giveaway for the very wealthiest Americans who aren’t facing the same challenges.

It’s outrageous.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now — and tell them we’ll hold them accountable for their irresponsibility!

I’m so thankful that by extending middle-class tax cuts, continuing the sales tax deduction, and extending unemployment insurance that we’ll be helping middle-class families and getting our economy back on track.

But I won’t forget the price that national Republicans made us pay to do the right thing.

And, with your help, we’ll roll back these irresponsible Bush tax cuts for the wealthy at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thanks for standing with me and speaking out.

Sincerely,

Patty Murray
U.S. Senator

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

GOP Congress to be Batsh*t Insane | Bush-Appointed Judge Fights Health Care Reform | “Easier” to Prosecute Assange Than NY Times


By Sarah Seltzer | AlterNet
By Sarah Seltzer | AlterNet
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

lame ducks Session -Congress :depicted by Clifford K. Berryman


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET December 14, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message to accompany H.R.4853, the vehicle for the tax agreement, post-cloture.

– Senator Bond will be recognized at 11:30am to give his farewell speech.
– Senator Gregg will be recognized at 2:15pm to give his farewell speech.
– Senator Harkin will be recognized at 3:15 to speak for up to 45 minutes.
– Senator Kirk will be recognized at 5:00pm to deliver his Maiden speech.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. All time during any period of morning business, recess or adjournment will count post-cloture. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.
Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.4005, Preserving Foreign Criminal Assets for Forfeiture Act of 2010

———————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 14, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:00 P.M. –

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

6:58 P.M. –

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 17: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, and himself for 5 min.

6:57 P.M. –

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 16: Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Flake for 5 min, and Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min.

Mr. Jones requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 15: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Flake for 5 min, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min, Mr. McClintock for 5 min, and Mr. Gingrey of GA for 5 min.

6:50 P.M. –

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

H.R. 6510:

to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes

6:48 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): 363 – 0 (Roll no. 630).

6:40 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3167:

to amend title 13 of the United States Code to provide for a 5-year term of office for the Director of the Census and to provide for the authority and duties of the Director and Deputy Director of the Census, and for other purposes

6:39 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 201 – 167 (Roll no. 629).

6:32 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 1405:

to redesignate the Longfellow National Historic Site, Massachusetts, as the “Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site”

6:31 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): 364 – 0 (Roll no. 628).

6:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:01 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.

6:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 14.

5:02 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 6516:

to make technical corrections to provisions of law enacted by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010

5:01 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 voice vote.

4:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6516.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6510:

to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes

4:57 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.

4:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.R. 6510.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2941 amended.

H.R. 6510:

to direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes

4:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1759:

expressing support for designation of January 23rd as “Ed Roberts Day”

4:35 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.

4:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1759.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Grijalva moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 1275:

to establish a National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

4:28 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 voice vote.

4:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1275.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3984:

to amend and extend the Museum and Library Services Act, and for other purposes

4:13 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 voice vote.

4:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3984.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

4:06 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission 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 December 14, 2010 at 1:12 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 2902, H.R. 6278, and S. 3447; passed H.R. 628 with an amendment.

S. 3167:

to amend title 13 of the United States Code to provide for a 5-year term of office for the Director of the Census and to provide for the authority and duties of the Director and Deputy Director of the Census, and for other purposes

4:05 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.

3:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3167.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Maloney moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5446:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, as the “Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office”

3:28 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.

3:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5446.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1743:

congratulating Gerda Weissmann Klein on being selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom

3:20 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu 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.

3:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1743.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 3794:

to amend chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, to include organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans as recipient organizations for the donation of Federal surplus personal property through State agencies

3:10 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 voice vote.

3:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on S. 3794.

3:08 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 77 and passed S. 372. The Senate also agreed to the House amendment to S. 3817.

S. 3794:

to amend chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, to include organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans as recipient organizations for the donation of Federal surplus personal property through State agencies

3:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3794.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6205:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the “Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office”

3:04 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu 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.

2:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6205.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. Con. Res. 72:

recognizing the 45th anniversary of the White House Fellows Program

2:58 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu 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.

2:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 72.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 1405:

to redesignate the Longfellow National Historic Site, Massachusetts, as the “Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site”

2:46 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.

2:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1405.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 1609:

to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes

2:39 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 voice vote.

2:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1609.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1061:

to transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes

2:32 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

2:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1061.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Rahall moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

S. 2906:

to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to modify a provision relating to leases involving certain Indian tribes

2:21 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 voice vote.

2:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2906.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 1448:

to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land

2:18 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 voice vote.

2:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1448.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

2:15 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

2:04 P.M. –

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

2:03 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Scott Schloegel, Chief of Staff, Congressman Bart Stupak. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Schloegel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for testimony, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

The House received a communication from Bart Stupak, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Stupak notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for testimony, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Chaffetz 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.

2:01 P.M. –

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

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 14.

12:42 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:31 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

12:30 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Gary C. Peters to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Senate set to debate tax plan compromise (via Anderson Cooper 360)


A senior White House adviser says it is time to move forward with the compromise. CNN Wire Staff Washington (CNN) — Senators are expected to open debate on the tax compromise reached by President Barack Obama and Republicans Monday, but House Democrats will likely try to change the deal, one of their leaders said … Read More

via Anderson Cooper 360

~ my 2cents ...

mashup Monday & some News …


Today, President Obama signed the childhood nutrition bill -very good news.
I have received a lot of petitions to oppose the deal President Obama was able to get done within hours unlike you all in Congress who seemed more worried about the Midterms. He is fighting for the Middle Class because we do not have time for all your principled conversations and or ugly debates. What we need is action now but  Congress does not seem any closer than they were before the Midterms. On the other hand our President and his admin was able to get a deal helping those in need. I want Rep.Weiner to know we all know that the House passed most if not all the bills on the calendar but those same bills died in the Senate and will continue to do if people cannot accept the word compromise and fight to keep the Democratic Party in power by getting more on the floor of Congress.

I do not agree with the choices I am being asked to make; it seems to be  one side or the other and in my mind the people of America need help -that is who Americans are about, so if i have to make a choice it is to help Americans.  If changes can be made to the deal made that might be a good thing but the quickness by which so many in the Democratic Party turned on President Obama did not sit well with me and many other people i know and we won’t stand for it. I think past President’s not only had the support of their own Party. I now wonder is that still true because i don’t see it. I see a group of progressives and yes i call some of them the “Professional Left” seem to be waiting for this President to fail, make a mistake and or say he was for something when in fact he was not. The votes were not there 20 months ago they still are not there and now look where we are just a couple of weeks before the hammer comes down. I want folks like adam greene the net roots, jane hamsher, ed shultz, bill press and others who have money to stop the BS and look for the compromise that will help get Americans back on track. The BS I and many others are talking about are of this President being weak, not strong, not fighting or does not stand up enough is total BS. I watched the HCR debate and or negotiations and it was not pretty. I blame Congress for being distracted by the midterms. I will say that not all Americans agree with what you are doing Rep.Weiner you don’t speak for me and  i don’t appreciate you hoping from station to station bad mouthing this President or that it is bad decision because it might be the only choice that is, if you are just as worried about the alternative like our President- People first. I am having a hard time feeling this group like you seem to be the enemy not the support we need. The Democratic Party or mostly progressives and liberals need to stop having tantrums and place the blame where it really belongs which is the Republicans and our own Democratic Party that did not get the job done before the Midterm elections and if anyone thinks Anthony Wiener has my support after getting on every cable station with his BS he is incredibly mistaken. It was time to unite in solidarity instead we saw our own Party put off votes, scale bills down ignore what the President asked for and worried about their campaigns. I was pissed then and i am still pissed that not only did the calendar seem hastily done but absolutely no strategy to get the House bills taken care of by the Senate -one chamber was gone the other in session and stacks and stacks of bills waiting to be addressed.

I blame what I call the Republican Tea Party for the lack of improvement of our economy but i will be damned to say the deal is bad when our own party couldn’t get it done and if you paid attention this deal is not just a compromise bro it is a stimulus package 2.0 with some items that clearly need to be changed and even President Obama said this, yet this too was ignored. It makes me wonder do they all even talk or is this a planned move because i know meetings between the President and our Democratic party have happened it begs the question of what is going on. I give Props to Senator Sanders for making the filibuster go National TV style because i truly believe “the Media” has quashed the President’s and the Democratic Parties Message but i am offended by his comments of my President and will continue to support President Obama. I am all for constructive criticism but what has been happening is much more than that and i intend to fight the move from the Professional left to Primary President Obama because of this latest move toward the 21st Century.

I expect more from our Congress. We had a 85million dollar JOBS bill that got scaled down to 15million; bills that died or bills that the RTP cleverly added lewd Amendments to that no one would vote for thus killing real change.
I suggest people on the left remember that stuff -not getting the job done stands out for me, ask someone how long did it take our President to negotiate and possibly keep some people in their homes, food, and or the ability to pay for some bills? The speeches only do some much when you need to pay for your meds like Seniors do.

The action by Senator Sanders on the floor of Congress was commendable but too late in my opinion and most if not all Americans would like to know why this did not happen before the Mid-term elections. I still am trying to figure out how we lost so much if you and the other mobilizers were getting the vote out – only 4.7% of Blacks voted -some call Low information voters, women and gays actually leaned right and look where that got us …whose fault is that?
This letter is written out of frustration because i just don’t believe the debate, speeches and negotiations will help. They are a waste of time when there are so many other things that need to get passed before the new Congress convenes -I am a voter and i want a compromise with folks working behind the scenes on what can be done about the parts that are awful but worth the compromise because it will help millions –

Other News ….

**The Obama Tax deal is being supported by AARP Clinton, Harold Ford,

**Tax cut test vote in the Senate should happen at 3pmET today

**There are at least 1 million homeless Haitians right now

**Amanda Knox gave an emotional appeal

**Petraeus pushes to end DADT

**UN forest deal stalls

**Cancun delegates reach climate change deal

**Gates sees problems if DADT fails to pass in the Senate

**Seattle –UW Huskies will be going to the Holiday Bowl

**Bank of America will resume foreclosures

**TJ Maxx will cut 4400 jobs

**James Moody died over the weekend -he was 81

CSPAN …