Tag Archives: reviews

From Wall Street to K Street




Call Your Senators Today
1-877-323-5246

Tell your senators to support Wall Street reform and increase oversight on the shadow banking system.

In the next few days the Senate will wrap up debate on a Wall Street reform bill that puts important new rules and restrictions on Wall Street banks. The bill is not finalized yet and we’re fighting hard right now to strengthen it, so call your senators today and tell them to support real Wall Street reform, including oversight of the shadow banking system.

Once you’ve called, join AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler next Monday at 11:45 a.m. and help us ratchet up the pressure on the Big Banks and their lobbyists at a Showdown on K Street, the famous Washington, D.C., avenue of high-priced, deep-pocketed lobbyists who are leading the Big Banks’ fight against real Wall Street reform.

Just like our Wall Street event, we’ll livestream the march and rally online so you can join us from anywhere. Add your name to the list of marchers here.

On K Street we’ll be targeting the lobbyists for Wall Street’s Big Six banks—Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo/Wachovia. Since last year and so far through 2010, Big Banks have spent about $1.4 million a day in lobbying and political expenses to fight reform. The Big Banks have four lobbyists for every member of Congress. It’s obscene.

So join us online or in person on Monday at 11:45 a.m. EDT.

And don’t forget, while you wait for the big event, call your senators now and tell them to support real Wall Street reform, including oversight of the shadow banking system.

Call Your Senators Now: 1-877-323-5246

In solidarity,

Marc Laitin
AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Coordinator

TGIF … and some News – BP&econ collapse


Among other things happening and being reported, the news of today could be that the Senate got a lot done yesterday and seems to be buying into having some courage; maybe we can get some real Financial Reform that Wall Street, Big Banks and AIG types will respect, feel and be punished for not adhering to if they create another system that bets against the people.  Republicans are against Reform …

Is it just me or does anyone else find it awfully strange that people on the right and or Republicans appear to be mad about too much gov’t spending and or big government, but Politicians from the right are holding meetings with big Oil Corporations, big Banks and AIG type agencies and then there’s Sarah Palin campaigning for anti-abortion? they want the government and entitlements out of all our lives until it comes to issues like abortion which they want to completely control…  unreal.  Republicans, maybe some conserva-dems too are clearly on the wrong side of Financial Reform … asking for money and support?

What i feel is lost in the Media coverage and obviously the Public is missing …  is what side Republicans are actually on and it’s not on the side of We the People… sure folks are voting in more conservatives …but it doesn’t seem like they are watching closely… Republicans are on the side of the very people who led us into the financial ditch; Wall Street, Big Banks and AIG types.   Republicans are against Financial Regulations, Republicans want to Repeal Health Care so that the many who might have a chance will continue suffer and be discriminated against.

In the case of BP; Congress needs to find the courage, face the reality and vote to at least a moratorium on oil drilling… though jobs will be lost and that aspect of the oil dump will be a major concern of our President…  it’s obvious that drilling needs to be completely re-evaluated…  we are finding out that these 3 Big Corporations BP, Halliburton, TransOcean; BP being the focus and maybe many others like them have bet on risk…  the average amount of accidents against being ready for one was not only a disaster, betting on averages obviously proved to be the wrong move. Now, we find out that not only did their equipment fail the emergency protocol or plan b,c,d also failed. The idea that they bet or took a risk on not having a big accident and even so the cost of the fine and clean up  …probably a lot less than the profits from drilling and or an insurance claim itself.

In other news …SB1070 or the new Arizona law making racial profiling legal,  has prompted Los Angeles into boycotting the State, a school superintendent deciding the winning girls BB team will not play the championship in Arizona, the RNC cancelling their convention in Arizona and at least 22 other conventions have been canceled,  yet Baseball Commissioner Bob Selig seems to be ignoring calls to move the Phoenix All-Star game out of Arizona.  I am not sure what it will take for Gov Brewer and others to get the gist … SB1070  is a horrible law, the new birther law is horrible and now shutting down any and all Ethnic Study classes in a State and or Federally funded run schools should be considered a problem and addressed asap.

Other News …

**Washington and Oregon State politicians/lawmakers are looking to ban offshore drilling;any drilling spill/disaster would affect over half a million people on the west coast

**Thousands mourn Lena Horne in the NYC

C-SPAN

Financial Overhaul Bill enters final weeks in Senate

Lawmakers devoted a full week to work on the financial reform bill with Senators voting on a range of amendments from revamping underwriting standards to proposing limits on credit card fees. On C SPAN’s Newsmakers, Budget Committee Ranking Member Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) clarified that Republicans were not interested in stopping the passage of financial reform but wanted to offer amendments to “improve” the bill. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) says he expects to complete work on the bill next week.

watch Senate Floor: NOW on C-SPAN2

Chamber CEO Focuses on Job Creation

In a speech at the National Press Club, the CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Thomas J. Donohue will unveil an economic impact study entitled “Opening Markets, Creating Jobs.” His speech will highlight the number of American jobs created by free trade agreements and assess challenges from overseas and at home.

Sarah Palin delivers address on Pro Life Agenda

Former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) is the keynote speaker at the Susan B. Anthony List’s Celebration of Life Breakfast. The President of the pro-life organization, Marjorie Dannenfelser, praised her, saying, “Susan B. Anthony would be proud of Governor Palin’s consistent, passionate witness for women and the unborn, and especially her commitment to the families of children with special needs.”

watch Palin Address: LIVE on C-SPAN3

Follow Congress … Friday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET

The Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

There will be no roll call votes on Friday, May 14


The following amendments are pending to S.3217:
– Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739 (Substitute)
– Brownback #3789, as modified (auto dealer exemption)
– Snowe #3883 (small business regulation transparency)
– Specter #3776, as modified (Aiders & Abettors)
– Leahy #3823 (health insurance antitrust enforcement)
– Durbin #3989, as modified (interchange fee)
– Wyden #4019 (secret holds)
– Thune #3987 (sunset of Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection)
DeMint #3852 (Border Fence)
Rockefeller #3758 (FTC)
#4016 (access to credit score)

There will be no roll call votes on Friday, May 14.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR2711, Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act.

Adopted S.Res.410, a resolution supporting and recognizing the goals and ideals of “RV Centennial Celebration Month” to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States.

Adopted S.Res.521, a resolution commemorating and celebrating the lives of fallen officers in Washington State.

Adopted S.Res.526, a resolution designating May 16-22, 2010, as “National Search and Rescue Week”.

Adopted S.Res.527, a resolution supporting the designation of an appropriate date as “National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day”

Adopted S.Res.528, a resolution designating May 15, 2010, as “National MPS Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.529, a resolution celebrating the life and achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne.

Adopted S.Res.530, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “National Women’s Health Week”.

The Senate will Convenes on May 17, 2010:

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. There will be a period of morning business until 3:00 p.m. with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:00 p.m., the Senate will resume consideration of S. 3217, Wall Street Reform. Several roll call votes are expected to begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

Secret holds are kept in place by DeMint, though he doesn’t really agree with them  he voted no to getting rid of them… WHAT?   there are 52 holds on Obama appointments … and he is in year 2 of his Administration… is this the way all Republican Senators act?

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

11:37 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on May 18, 2010.

11:33 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

11:31 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin. The Speaker designated the Honorable Lois Capps to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

11:30 A.M. –
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress debates and votes … Thursday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30am Resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

The following amendments are pending to S.3217:
– Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739 (Substitute)
– Brownback #3789, as modified (auto dealer exemption)
– Snowe #3883 (small business regulation transparency)
– Specter #3776, as modified (Aiders & Abettors)
– Leahy #3823 (health insurance antitrust enforcement)
– Durbin #3989, as modified (interchange fee)
– Wyden #4019 (secret holds)
– Thune #3987 (sunset of Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection)
DeMint #3852 (Border Fence)
Rockefeller #3758 (FTC)

The Senate will recess from 1pm-2pm.
The Senate has reached the following unanimous consent agreement.

Votes:
146: Franken amendment #3991: (credit ratings);
Agreed To: 64-35

147: LeMieux amendment #3774: , as modified, and as a side –by-side to the Franken #3991 (credit ratings);
Agreed To: 61-38

148: Sessions amendment #3832: (bankruptcy);
Not Agreed To: 42-58.

149: Durbin #3989, as modified (interchange fee);
Agreed To: 64-33

150: Thune #3987 (sunset of Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection);
Not Agreed To: 40-55

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S. Res.524, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Stuttering Awareness Week of 2010.

– Collins amendment #3879 (leverage and risk-based capital) was agreed to by unanimous consent.

Passed Cal. #296, H.R.714-Virgin Islands National park lease

Passed S.1132 is the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act.

Passed S.2768, National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2009(with Dorgan-Rockefeller substitute amendment)

Adopted S.Res525, is a resolution expressing sympathy to the families of those killed in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 13, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:25 P.M. –
On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on May 14, 2010.

Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:25 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

2:24 P.M. –
APPOINTMENTS – Pursuant to Section 301 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995( 2 U.S.C. 1381), as amended by Public Law 111-114, the Chair announces on behalf of the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate their joint reappointment of the following individuals on May 13, 2010, each to a 5-year term on the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance: Joint Appointment: Roberta L. Holzwarth, Illinois and Barbara L. Camens, Washington, D.C., Chair.

2:01 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:00 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 20: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones 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 May 19: Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 18: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

1:51 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

1:45 P.M. –
Ms. Sutton asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, May 14, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

1:44 P.M. –
Ms. Sutton asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11:30 a.m. on May 14. Agreed to without objection.

1:13 P.M. –
Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That it may be in order at any time on Thursday, May 20, 2010, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States. Agreed to without objection. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

HIT Policy Committee – Pursuant to section 13101 of the Hitch Act (P.L. 111-5), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Chair reappointed Mr. Paul Egerman, Weston, Massachusetts for a term of three years .

H. Res. 1337:

expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to those people affected by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in May, 2010

1:11 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): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 272).

H. Res. 1338:

recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service

1:04 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 1337:

expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to those people affected by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in May, 2010

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1338:

recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 – 128 (Roll no. 271).

12:57 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

12:56 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoptions of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 5116:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 5116 are postponed. On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by recorded vote: 292 – 126 (Roll no. 270).

12:24 P.M. –
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

12:11 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hall (TX) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments to strike various provisions in the bill and insert additional sections.

12:04 P.M. –
Mr. Hall (TX) moved to recommit with instructions to Science and Technology.

12:03 P.M. –
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

12:02 P.M. –
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5116.

12:01 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 419 – 0 (Roll no. 269).

11:53 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Halvorson amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 419 – 0 (Roll no. 268).

11:44 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Boccieri amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 248 – 171 (Roll no. 267).

11:16 A.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

11:15 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Gordon (TN) amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

10:49 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the Gordon (TN) amendments en bloc. Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Gordon (TN).

An amendment offered en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 2, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 40, 41, 53, 54, and 45 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479.

10:48 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Schock amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:43 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on Schock amendment number 52. Amendment offered by Mr. Schock.

An amendment numbered 52 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to instruct the Secretary of Commerce to give priority to innovation clusters that partner with local Workforce Investment Area Boards.

10:42 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Salazar amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:37 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on Salazar amendment number 51. Amendment offered by Mr. Salazar.

An amendment numbered 51 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to provide Department of Energy with the authority to conduct training for energy auditors, field technicians, and building contractors so they can understand and promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology.

10:36 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment number 50, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

10:32 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment number 50. Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 50 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to express the sense of Congress that retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.

10:31 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Kratovil amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:26 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kratovil amendment number 44. Amendment offered by Mr. Kratovil.

An amendment numbered 44 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to encourage employees of Federal agencies to volunteer in STEM education activities.

10:25 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Halvorson amendment number 38, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Halvorson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

10:19 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Halvorson amendment number 38. Amendment offered by Mrs. Halvorson.

An amendment numbered 38 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to give consideration to the goal of promoting the participation of veterans in the postdoctoral research fellowship program established by section 246 (Postdoctoral research fellowships).

On agreeing to the Chu amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:15 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Chu amendment number 36. Amendment offered by Ms. Chu.

An amendment numbered 36 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to clarify that one purpose of the Innovation through Institutional Integration grant program is to help under-represented students in STEM fields transition from 2-year institutions to 4-year institutions of higher education.

10:13 A.M. –
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration. Considered as unfinished business.

10:02 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Heinrich 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 the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

10:00 A.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Oklahoma Is At It Again: State Legislature Passes Bill Stripping Abortion Coverage From Health Insurance


by Amanda Terkel

As ThinkProgress has reported, many far-right members of the Oklahoma legislature have made denying women rights a full-time mission. What the legislature has done in recent weeks:

– Both the House and the Senate passed a law mandating the collection of personal details about every single abortion performed in the state, which will then be posted on a public website.

– The legislature overrode the governor’s veto of an ultrasound mandate, which requires that doctor’s show women seeking an abortion ultrasounds of their babies and “describe the size of the fetus and any viewable organs and limbs. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.” The law also “limits who can do the ultrasound and which technology can be used — issues lawmakers are ill-equipped to decide.”

– The legislature also overrode the governor’s veto of a measure to prevent women from filing “wrongful life” lawsuits against “doctors who withhold information about a fetus or pregnancy that could cause a woman to seek an abortion.”

Yesterday, the Oklahoma House was at it again, this time passing a bill (HB 3290) by a 70-21 vote to bar private insurance companies from covering abortion. From the legislation:

No health plan, including health insurance contracts, plans or policies, offered outside of the state Exchange, but within the state, shall provide coverage for elective abortions except by optional separate supplemental coverage for abortion for which there must be paid a separate premium in accordance with subsection D of this act.

The bill does provide “exceptions in cases of rape and incest or to prevent the death of the mother.” Rep. Skye McNiel (R), the author of the legislation, said that it was simply meant to “ban state insurance exchanges created under the recently signed federal health care legislation from covering abortion procedures.” However, several legislators — including a Republican Rep. Doug Cox, who is also a doctor — spoke out against what the House was doing:

“This bill is nothing but pure politics so people can go home and stand up and beat their chests and say, ‘I voted against abortion of any type,’” Cox said. “You’re going to be trampling on some people who are good Christian people who are against abortion, but when it comes to one of these sad, terribly sad, freaks of nature that happen, you’re going to be punishing those good Christian people who are against abortion except in these cases.”

As CAP’s Jessica Arons has pointed out, making women purchase a separate abortion “rider” — as this legislation does — is discriminatory and requires women “to plan for a completely unexpected event.” Similarly, Rep. Jeannie McDaniel (D), who also voted against the bill, read a letter from a doctor who said that it’s unfair to require women to purchase special abortion coverage in advance because “a medically necessary termination of pregnancy is something that no family plans for or anticipates.” According to Cox, paying for abortion without insurance could cost a woman $10,000.

Oklahoma joins other states such as Arizona, Mississippi, and Tennessee in prohibiting insurers from offering abortion coverage in state exchanges, even if it’s paid for with private dollars.

State Sen. Steve Russell (R) recently tried to justify the abortion-reporting bill by saying, “This is not about women. It is about children in the womb deserving a life that got created.” The fact that lawmakers like Russell are leaving women’s interests out of the equation underscores the problem of what’s going on in Oklahoma.