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KUSTER WINS!!!!


Progressive Change Campaign Committee
VICTORY!

Kuster wins!

We did it!! No, wait…WE DID IT!!!

Just minutes ago, bold progressive Ann McLane Kuster defeated Joe Lieberman‘s presidential campaign co-chair Katrina Swett in tonight’s New Hampshire congressional primary.

Annie ran a superb campaign — and PCCC members made thousands of phone calls and chipped in nearly $100,000 toward her people-powered victory.

We formed the PCCC to achieve big progressive victories just like tonight’s. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Can you chip in $3 so the PCCC can continue helping progressive candidates win in 2010? We need your help to win more elections in November.

Here’s what Annie wrote to PCCC members yesterday:

The PCCC has been a great partner and has helped progressive candidates like me run effective, people-powered campaigns.

Phone calls from PCCC members to voters were a tremendous help. Many PCCC members donated $3, $4, or $10 as well, allowing us to continually expand our grassroots effort.

Thank you for being part of the “people power” that is changing this country. Your efforts are noticed and greatly appreciated.

Together, we’re making a big difference. But we need your help to continue winning progressive victories in 2010 — chip in $3 here.

We’ll help Ann Kuster defeat Tea Party Republican Charlie Bass in November, and help other progressive champs like Bill Hedrick (CA-44), Elaine Marshall (NC-Sen), and others.

It’ll be a big job — but we can do it with your help. Please chip in $3 to help progressives keep making history in 2010. Click here.

Thanks for being a bold progressive,

Stephanie Taylor, Adam Green, Jason Rosenbaum, Michael Snook, Forrest Brown, Keauna Gregory, Julia Rosen, and the entire PCCC team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The water has stolen everything


CARE - When you give to CARE, you help open a world of possibilities -- Donate now

You can help fight poverty around the world. -- Donate now

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“All my books are lost,” says 12-year-old Adil. “I am missing my school and home.”

Many survivors of the floods that devastated Pakistan recently didn’t have much to begin with and now, like Adil, they have nothing.

But you can give help and hope to children like Adil and so many others who face dire circumstances every single day in the 72 countries CARE serves.

The situation in Pakistan remains bleak. Most survivors of the floods live under open skies — with no sanitation and no clean water. This leaves them vulnerable to potentially fatal diseases, such as cholera and acute diarrhea.

In addition, many children and pregnant women aren’t getting enough to eat. Malnutrition is spreading.

CARE has been on the ground in Pakistan helping men, women and children with emergency relief, but we need your support to continue carrying out our disaster and long-term poverty-fighting programs around the world. Every single day, CARE works to address the root causes of poverty, including low-quality education, poor health care and hunger.

When you give to CARE, you open a world of possibilities for impoverished people everywhere. Let me share an example: With the generous support of friends like you, CARE was among the first responders to the earthquake in Haiti. Eight months after the quake, CARE continues to work with the people of Haiti to help rebuild their country — we’re reopening schools, setting up cash-for-work activities for women and providing counseling for children traumatized by the earthquake.

As you can see, the work we are doing in Pakistan, Haiti and the other countries CARE serves is vital to alleviating suffering and fighting poverty. And it’s only possible because of the generosity of supporters like you.

You can help by making a gift to CARE. You will be a proud partner in changing lives and helping children like Adil regain hope and overcome poverty.

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE
Black History

The Senate & The House in Session :Congress


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET September 15, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5297, the Small Business Jobs bill, post-cloture. Time during any adjournment, recess, or period of morning business will count post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 2:45pm until 3:30pm to accommodate members attending the September 11th Congressional Remembrance Ceremony on the East Front Center steps of the Capitol.

The Majority Leader will continue to work with the Republicans on an agreement that would allow us to complete action on the Small Business Jobs bill. Senators will be notified when any agreement is reached and votes are scheduled.

Unanimous Consent:
S.Res.624, a resolution honoring the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of Oklahoma for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 11, 2001.

S.Res.625, a resolution designating September 2010 as “National Preparedness Month”.

*****************************************************************************

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET September 15, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:09 P.M. –

Mr. Burton of IN requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 22: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

5:04 P.M. –

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

5:03 P.M. –

Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1620.

H. Res. 1614:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that law enforcement service dogs and their handlers perform a vital role in providing for our Nation’s security and should be recognized for their service

5:02 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.

4:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1614.

4:48 P.M. –

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 4862:

to permit Members of Congress to administer the oath of allegiance to applicants for naturalization, and for other purposes

4:46 P.M. –

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 voice vote.

4:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4862.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1375:

recognizing the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment

4:34 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:15 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1375.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1473:

supporting backcountry airstrips and recreational aviation

4:10 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1473.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

4:04 P.M. –

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

4:03 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 15.

2:59 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1610:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 525).

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

2:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

2:50 P.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a Moment of Silence in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

H.R. 5366:

to require the proposal for debarment from contracting with the Federal Government of persons violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977

2:49 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): 409 – 0 (Roll no. 524).

2:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1522:

expressing support for designation of the last week of September as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and the last Wednesday of September as National Previvor Day

2:41 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): 408 – 0 (Roll no. 523).

2:35 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5873:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 218 North Milwaukee Street in Waterford, Wisconsin, as the “Captain Rhett W. Schiller Post Office”

2:34 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): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 522).

2:24 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2039:

to clarify the applicability of the Buy American Act to products purchased for the use of the legislative branch, to prohibit the application of any of the exceptions to the requirements of such Act to products bearing a Congressional seal, and for other purposes

2:23 P.M. –

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): 371 – 36 (Roll no. 521).

1:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:54 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.

H. Res. 1583:

observing the fifth anniversary of the date on which Hurricane Rita devastated the coasts of Louisiana and Texas, remembering those lost in the storm and in the process of evacuation, recovery, and rebuilding; saluting the dedication of the volunteers who offered assistance in support of those affected by the storm, recognizing the progress of efforts to rebuild the affected Gulf Coast region, commending the persistence of the people of the States of Louisiana and Texas following the second major hurricane to hit Louisiana that season, and reaffirming Congress’ commitment to restore and renew the Gulf Coast region

1:53 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 agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1583.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 5773:

to designate the Federal building located at 6401 Security Boulevard in Baltimore, Maryland, as the “Robert M. Ball Federal Building”

1:39 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 voice vote.

1:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5773.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 3562:

to designate the Federal building under construction at 1220 Echelon Parkway in Jackson, Mississippi, as the “Chaney, Goodman, Schwerner Federal Building”

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.

1:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3562.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved that the House suspend the rules an agree to the Senate amendments.

H.R. 5706:

to designate the facility of the Government Printing Office located at 31451 East United Avenue in Pueblo, Colorado, as the “Frank Evans Government Printing Office Building”

1:20 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 voice vote.

1:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5706.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5651:

to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 515 9th Street in Rapid City, South Dakota, as the “Andrew W. Bogue Federal Building and United States Courthouse”

1:13 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.

1:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5651.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5282:

to provide funds to the Army Corps of Engineers to hire veterans and members of the Armed Forces to assist the Corps with curation and historic preservation activities, and for other purposes

1:07 P.M. –

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 voice vote.

12:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5282.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1613:

expressing condolences to and solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the aftermath of the devastating floods that began on July 22, 2010

12:56 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.

12:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1613.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Barrow moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 3519:

to amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to establish a grant program to promote efforts to develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services, and for other purposes

12:37 P.M. –

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 voice vote.

12:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3519.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boswell moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

S. 3656:

to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to improve the reporting on sales of livestock and dairy products, and for other purposes

12:26 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.

12:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3656.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1612:

expressing the support for and honoring September 17, 2010 as “Constitution Day”

12:19 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Clay 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.

12:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1612.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5366:

to require the proposal for debarment from contracting with the Federal Government of persons violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977

12:03 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.

11:57 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5366.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1522:

expressing support for designation of the last week of September as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and the last Wednesday of September as National Previvor Day

11:56 A.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.

11:36 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1522.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 2868:

to provide increased access to the General Services Administration’s Schedules Program by the American Red Cross and State and local governments

11:35 A.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 voice vote.

11:28 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2868.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Clay moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5873:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 218 North Milwaukee Street in Waterford, Wisconsin, as the “Captain Rhett W. Schiller Post Office”

11:27 A.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.

11:13 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5873.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1595:

recognizing the 50th anniversary of the passage of legislation that created real estate investment trusts (REITs) and gave millions of Americans new investment opportunities that helped them build a solid foundation for retirement security and has contributed to the overall strength of our economy

11:12 A.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.

11:02 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1595.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3978:

to amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept and use gifts for otherwise authorized activities of the Center for Domestic Preparedness that are related to preparedness for and response to terrorism, and for other purposes

11:01 A.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.

10:54 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3978.

Ms. Richardson moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

H.R. 3116:

to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from procuring certain items directly related to the national security unless the items are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States, and for other purposes

10:53 A.M. –

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 voice vote.

10:39 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3116.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Richardson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2039:

to clarify the applicability of the Buy American Act to products purchased for the use of the legislative branch, to prohibit the application of any of the exceptions to the requirements of such Act to products bearing a Congressional seal, and for other purposes

10:37 A.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.

10:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2039.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Brady (PA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

10:22 A.M. –

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

10:03 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

10:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Tonko 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.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Roderick Pearson, St. Mark Remnant Ministries, Central Islip, New York.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable John A. Yarmuth to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ Recent Post

Social Security …would it really be safe with Republicans?


You may have heard about Alan Simpson, the right-wing millionaire and former Republican senator who President Obama (absurdly) appointed to lead the commission making recommendations to Congress about the future of Social Security.

Simpson compares Social Security to welfare, saying recently, “We’ve reached a point now where [Social Security] is like a milk cow with 310 million tits.”

It’s been widely reported that Simpson’s “deficit reduction” commission will make Social Security their prime target — choosing to cut a program that’s in surplus and helps the middle class instead of taking on tax cuts for the rich or wasteful military spending.

Twenty bold members of Congress just signed a letter to President Obama saying they’ll vote against any proposal from Simpson’s commission that cuts Social Security. They deserve our support.

Will you help us get 25,000 “citizen signers” of this letter opposing cuts to Social Security by signing it and inviting your friends? Click here.

These bold members of Congress, led by Progressive Caucus Chair Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), are asking their colleagues to join their letter. Proof that the public is paying attention to this issue will help them immensely.

We’ll also inform the media of our growing number of “citizen signers” so Simpson’s commission knows that these twenty members of Congress are not alone. Sign the letter here.

Simpson’s commission is packed with out-of-touch millionaires and corporate types. Any recommendation they make will lack credibility. But we need to make especially clear to Simpson’s commission, President Obama, and all of Congress that any proposal to cut Social Security is a non-starter.

Can you join together with progressives in Congress to send this message? Click here to add your name — then tell your friends.

Thanks for being a bold progressive,

Julia Rosen, Stephanie Taylor, Adam Green, Forrest Brown, and the rest of the PCCC team

~ Recent Post

The stakes couldn’t be higher

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We face a radicalized Republican Party who wants to take back control of our country and turn it into a Palinesque nightmare. DFA members have chosen John Boehner and Mitch McConnell as the top ‘Villains’ of progressives in 2010. Washington pundits think Democrats could lose the House, the Senate or both in November and then these two Villains will come to power.

We’re not going to let that happen.

With only 51 days left until Election Day, the stakes couldn’t be higher. On Saturday, October 2nd — exactly one month from Election Day — we’re organizing a National Day of Action to volunteer for progressive candidates in your state. We’ll get together for a live nationwide conference call with Jim Dean and other special guests to get fired up and focused on a progressive message for victory. Afterward, we’ll knock on doors, make phone calls, attend a campaign rally… whatever volunteer activity you want to do for the candidate of your choice.

We’re not going to sit around and hope for change, we’re going to keep working to make it happen — but the key to all of it is you. We’ve set a goal of at least 10 Day of Action events in Washington. Can we count on you to host an event?

Sign up to help organize an event in Seattle right now.

All the DC pundits are bleating about our imminent defeat in November. But there’s one thing they don’t see in the polls or hear about in their media bubble – it’s you. It’s because of you that we stopped George W. Bush from privatizing Social Security in 2005, won control of Congress in 2006, and elected Barack Obama in 2008. The pundits got all of these wrong then and they’ll be wrong again this year.

But we’ve just got 51 days to make it happen. Winning means dealing a crushing defeat to the tea party crowd and emboldening those Democrats too afraid to stand on progressive principles. Losing means saying goodbye to progressive Heroes like Barbara Boxer, Russ Feingold and Alan Grayson… and all we’ll have left will be Villains like John Boehner and Mitch McConnell.

The stakes couldn’t be higher and we’re counting on you to step up and make a difference once again.

Sign up to help organize an event today and one of our National Field Organizers will contact you next week to work with you on your event.

Working together, we’ll win in November.

-Matt

Matt Blizek, Field Director
Democracy for America

Democracy for America relies on you and the people-power of more than one million members to fund the grassroots organizing and training that delivers progressive change on the issues that matter. Please Contribute Today and support our mission.