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| As the President said last week, “some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating; some are humbling.”
Last Tuesday took place in a very difficult electoral environment. But I’m incredibly proud of the work we did this year. The plan we built and implemented together was unprecedented in an election like this — it helped make the difference for dozens of good candidates, and it laid the groundwork for the fights ahead. We put together a page to illustrate the impact we had.  In six months, Democrats, on front porches and on the phones, reached out to more than 80 million voters across the country. Volunteers organized 36,994 events in their neighborhoods, building on an infrastructure that was already the most ambitious grassroots operation in politics. For get-out-the-vote weekend, you filled more than 200,000 volunteer shifts at 2,839 GOTV staging locations. As Linda in Henderson, Nevada, said, “The most gratifying experience was talking to people one-on-one and telling them what the President and Senator Reid are doing. [We] really engaged people — all different generations wanted to know how we were going to make our country better.” On Election Day, some folks on the West Coast got up at 4:00 a.m. to make calls to voters on the East Coast, and some East Coasters stayed on the phones until midnight, when the last polls closed in Hawaii and Alaska. On a tough night, there were a few key races where this work put us over the top — despite being outspent by corporate interests. Take a look at the recap we put together — and share it with friends: http://my.barackobama.com/WhatWeDidTogether The work we did together was not just about winning a single election, but about building this movement. It’s about organizing our communities, talking to voters, and getting our message out. It wouldn’t have been possible without you. As we move forward, I’m optimistic about the fights ahead because of the energy and effort you gave this one. And, as we lay out the path forward, we’ll be relying heavily on your thoughts and your feedback. I’m proud to fight alongside you. — Mitch Mitch Stewart |
Tag Archives: Republican
Out in the cold
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For millions of Americans and their families, a storm is brewing. Unless Congress acts by November 30th, two million unemployed Americans who are struggling to find work will be cut off from vital unemployment payments just before the holiday season.1
It would be a disaster — not only for people who are out of a job and whose only lifeline is these small unemployment payments, but for the entire economy.2
It’s going to be a tough fight to make sure Congress extends these benefits — Republicans and conservative Democrats have stood in the way of extending unemployment insurance in the past, and they’re likely to do it again. They say we can’t afford to pay for it, but many of the same politicians are willing to add trillions to the deficit to extend President Bush’s massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
Please join us in demanding that Congress extend unemployment benefits, and ask your friends and family to do the same:
http://www.colorofchange.org/preserve/?id=2275-1238940
The economic downturn has hurt everyone, but it’s hit Black communities particularly hard — unemployment among Black folks is at 16%, twice the national average. For young Black men, it’s above 40%.3
Economists say that unemployment benefits are one of the most effective ways to boost the economy, and the U.S. Census Bureau data reports that 3.3 million more people would have fallen below the poverty line in 2009 without unemployment benefits.4,5
There are some signs that the economy is starting to recover — the number of new people applying for unemployment benefits has recently fallen. But if Congress fails to extend unemployment for 2 million people who are currently out of work, it would deal a serious blow to that progress. Those two million jobless Americans won’t have money to spend on their basic needs, and all kinds of businesses will suffer as a result — and be even less likely to start hiring.
Congress reconvenes on November 15 — and will only have a short time to continue the federal unemployment benefits program before the November 30 deadline. This past May, because of what conservative Democrats and Republicans to block extending unemployment benefits, Congress missed the deadline and allowed the program to lapse for seven weeks — stopping benefits to more than 2.5 million long-term unemployed job-seekers and their families. The unemployed cannot afford another lapse in benefits, and neither can our economy.
It’s hard to believe, but some politicians are saying we can’t afford to pay for these benefits, while at the same time trying to extend President Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy. It’s a position that prioritizes luxury for the wealthy over survival for the most vulnerable people in our country — and it makes no sense for our economy.
Congress hears from wealthy people with access and power every day. So it’s essential for all members of Congress to hear from ordinary Americans who are struggling to make ends meet or know someone who is.
Please join us in demanding that Congress extend unemployment benefits by clicking the link below. We’re working with the National Employment Law Project to deliver your message to Congress this week. And we’ll keep our eye on politicians who are standing in the way of doing what’s right for our economy, and we’ll give you ways to hold them accountable.
http://www.colorofchange.org/preserve/?id=2275-1238940
Thanks and Peace,
— James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Natasha, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
November 15th, 2010
Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:
https://secure.colorofchange.org/contribute/
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Congress back in Session – 11/15/10 -updates when needed
The Senate will stand adjourned under the provisions of H.Con.Res.321 until 2:00pm on Monday, November 15.
When the Senate convenes there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate.
The Senate will be in session the entire week of November 15-19, 2010.
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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for Monday November 15, 2010 2:00pmET
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 15, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
- 9:17 P.M. –
- The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on November 16, 2010. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
- 7:00 P.M. –
- SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
- 6:56 P.M. –
- Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on November 19: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on November 18: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Paul for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.
- 6:55 P.M. –
- Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on November 17: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Paul for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, and Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on November 16: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Paul for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, and Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min.
- 6:54 P.M. –
- ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
- 6:52 P.M. –
- The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S.J. Res. 40. SPEAKER’S APPOINTMENT – Pursuant to section 1002 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (P.L. 107-306) as amended by section 701(a)(3) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (P.L. 111-259), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Chair announces the Speaker’s appointment of the following member on the part of the House to the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community: Mr. Maurice Sonnenberg, New York, NY.
- H. Con. Res. 328:
- expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the successful and substantial contributions of the amendments to the patent and trademark laws that were initially enacted in 1980 by Public Law 96-517 (commonly referred to as the “Bayh-Dole Act”) on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its enactment
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 – 1 (Roll no. 568). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- H. Con. Res. 328:
- 6:44 P.M. –
- Considered as unfinished business.
- H. Res. 1713:
- recognizing the 50th anniversary of Ruby Bridges desegregating a previously all-White public elementary school
- H. Res. 1713:
- 6:43 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): 376 – 0 (Roll no. 567).
- 6:34 P.M. –
- Considered as unfinished business.
- S. 3689:
- to clarify, improve, and correct the laws relating to copyrights
- S. 3689:
- 6:33 P.M. –
- The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 566).
- 6:02 P.M. –
- Considered as unfinished business.
- 6:01 P.M. –
- Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX, the Speaker postponed until a time to be announced, the roll call vote on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 716, which was ordered on Monday, November 15, 2010. 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 November 15.
3:50 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. today.
recognizing the 50th anniversary of Ruby Bridges desegregating a previously all-White public elementary school
3:49 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.
3:32 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1713.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to clarify, improve, and correct the laws relating to copyrights
3:31 P.M. –
to clarify, improve, and correct the laws relating to copyrights
3:26 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3689.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
The title of this measure is not available
3:25 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.
3:15 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 328.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
The title of this measure is not available
3:14 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.
2:58 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6397.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
to restore immunization and sibling age exemptions for children adopted by United States citizens under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption to allow their admission to the United States
2:54 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.
2:47 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1376.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
recognizing Gail Abarbanel and the Rape Treatment Center, and for other purposes
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.
2:42 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 716.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit interstate commerce in animal crush videos, and for other purposes
2:41 P.M. –
House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment pursuant to H. Res. 1712.
Providing for the consideration of the bill H.R. 5566 and the Senate amendment thereto
2:39 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 voice vote.
2:23 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1712.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:00 p.m. today.
2:15 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce
2:14 P.M. –
VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – The Chair laid before the House the veto message from the President on H.R. 3808. The objections of the President were spread at large upon the Journal, and the veto message was ordered to be printed as a House Document No. 111-152. Pursuant to the order of the House of earlier today, further consideration of the veto message and the bill are postponed until the legislative day of Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, and that on that legislative day, the House shall proceed to the constitutional question of reconsideration and dispose of such question without intervening motion.
2:13 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 transmitted H.R. 3808, the “Interstate Recognition of Notarization Act of 2010,” and a Memorandum of Disapproval thereon received from the White House on October 8, 2010, at 12:55 p.m.
Mr. Scott (VA) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Monday, November 15, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
Mr. Scott (VA) asked unanimous consent That, when a veto message on H.R. 3808 is laid before the House on the legislative day of today, then after the message is read and the objections of the President are spread at large upon the Journal, further consideration of the veto message and the bill shall be postponed until the legislative day of Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010; and that on that legislative day, the House shall proceed to the constitutional question of reconsideration and dispose of such question without intervening motion. Agreed to without objection.
2:04 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 30, 2010, at 11:13 a.m.: That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 6200, H.R. 4543, H.R. 5341, H.R. 5390, H.R. 5450 and H. Con. Res. 319.
2:03 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 notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 30, 2010 at 11:14 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 1061 with amendments; passed H.R. 1722 with an amendment; passed S. 685, S. 3794, and S. 2847; agreed to S. Con. Res. 52, S. Con. Res. 72, and S. Con. Res. 74.
2:02 P.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Christensen 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.
2:00 P.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Jesse L. Jackson Jr. to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
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Open Letter to the American People
To the American People:
The midterm elections that just passed were not about political parties and partisan scorekeeping. They were about you: your families, your jobs, your economic security and your future.
The message that you sent to Washington is that you want Democrats, Republicans and Independents to work together to find the common ground needed for real solutions and real progress. Democrats agree. We understand the frustration felt by all Americans – especially our middle class. We heard you, loud and clear. We’re frustrated too and will continue to fight for what you demand and deserve.
Democrats will keep fighting to make sure that big banks, big oil, those who want to privatize Social Security and other powerful special interests are prevented from taking advantage of you. We also welcome every opportunity to work with our Republican colleagues as we know the challenges that lie ahead of us know no political affiliation.
And with Republicans securing more seats in both houses of Congress, it is imperative they take their responsibility to offer bipartisan solutions more seriously. Simply saying ‘no’ will do nothing to create more jobs and strengthen our economy.
You will hear many of the media pundits say this was a tough election for those on the ballot this year, but we know that is nothing compared to the fight that middle-class families are facing to stay in their homes, find good jobs and make ends meet.
The time for politics is now over. Democrats will spare no effort to get back to work immediately in order to restore the American Dream for you and your families.
Sincerely,
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Recount Alert Updates: Good News
You never stopped fighting.
Your generosity and commitment helped us surpass our Voter Protection Efforts goal in time to get critical resources out to campaigns locked in too close-to-call races.
I’m pleased to report that two more seats were called for Democrats this week. Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia and Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington are returning to Congress because you stood with us to make sure every vote was counted fairly and accurately.
But, there are still eight Democrats in the fight of their lives in too close-to-call races. In the early morning hours of the day after the Election, we dispatched legal teams and staff and have been rushing resources to their aides. But, the truth is that this may be a continuing timely and costly process, and we can’t leave these Democrats when they need us the most. We must raise an additional $100,000 by this Monday to keep up the fight.
With eight races still too close to call, every dollar you contribute to our Voter Protection efforts is helping ensure we keep up the fight. We need to send more Democrats to Congress to stand with Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats in our 2012 fight, and to stand in the way of Republican plans to dismantle health care reform and Social Security.
Thank you for standing with us,
Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director
Be a Seed for Change 
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