Tag Archives: Senate

DSCC.ORG – Our Top Senate Races in Play – Stay informed


Democratic Senatorial Campaign CommitteeIt’s nearly 2012, and Senate campaigns are really starting to heat up across the country. As the DSCC’s political director, it’s my job to keep a close eye on all of our Senate races, find political opportunities, and do all I can to support our outstanding Democratic candidates. Read below about some of the top races we are working to win – many of which are in battleground states that will help determine the presidential race.

As always, we’ll keep you informed whenever campaign news breaks. Thanks for all you do to help Democrats win.

Crystal King

P.S. Recent polls show great opportunities for Democrats, but seizing the momentum takes money. Can you give $5 or $10 to the DSCC today? Our 500,000 donors are playing a crucial role in preventing a total takeover by radical Republicans. We can’t do our work without your help!

Races Update

ARIZONA: Democrat Richard Carmona’s entry into the race has put this red state in play, according to a new poll. Republican Rep. Jeff Flake – “one of the GOP‘s most outspoken critics of extending the payroll tax cut” – leads Carmona by just 4 points, 40-36. Carmona is receiving especially strong support from Hispanic voters, who favor him 56-19. [Full Story]

FLORIDA: A new poll of Sunshine State voters shows that Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has a 46-35 lead over Republican Connie Mack, and an even larger lead over the rest of the GOP field. The Republican primary is shaping up to be brutal slog, and whoever emerges will most likely be damaged for the general election. [Full Story]

MASSACHUSETTS: This is a state where we have a really good shot at turning a red Senate seat blue. Elizabeth Warren is building a massive following, and in recent polls, she’s either tied with or leading Wall Street’s favorite senator, Republican Scott Brown. This is definitely a race to keep your eyes on. [Full Story]

MONTANA: A brand new Montana Chamber of Commerce poll has Democratic Sen. Jon Tester leading Republican Rep. Dennis Rehberg by 5 points – and that’s after the national Chamber of Commerce ran a slew of attack ads targeting Tester. Rehberg, if you remember, is the lawmaker who sued his hometown fire department and called Pell grants “the welfare of the 21st century.” [Full Story]

NEVADA: In Nevada, a recent poll showed Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley in a dead heat with appointed Sen. Dean Heller, 45-45. In a previous poll, Heller led by 3 points. Heller has the dubious distinction of being the only lawmaker to vote for Rep. Paul Ryan’s End Medicare Plan twice – once in the House and once after he was appointed to the Senate. [Full Story]

NORTH DAKOTA: The entry of former Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp into the North Dakota Senate race caused leading analysts to shift their prediction from Likely Republican to Tossup. And recent polling shows Heitkamp leading freshman GOP Rep. Rick Berg by 5 points, 47-42. In fact, only 28% of poll respondents gave Berg favorable marks, while 56% were thumbs down. [Full Story]

WISCONSIN: The most recent polling in Wisconsin shows a tossup, with Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin within the margin of error of three Republican candidates. The Republican primary in Wisconsin is hotly contested and has already become nasty, giving Baldwin the opportunity to concentrate on sharing her plan to create jobs, protect Medicare and Social Security and put middle class families first. [Full Story]

Goodbye, Abby Wombach …Shelby Knox, Change.org


Change.org

Tell the US Soccer Federation: Don’t shut down Women’s Professional Soccer

The Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league — home to World Cup stars like Hope Solo and Abby Wombach — could be completely disbanded. Change.org members and fans around the country have just 4 days to save it.

The US Soccer Federation, the governing body for the sport in America, is planning to withdraw it’s top accreditation from the league for having fewer than 6 teams (two recently shut down because of financial hardship during the recession, though expansion is expected next year).

If US Soccer strips the WPS of its “Division 1” status, the league loses key support and credibility, almost undoubtedly leading to full collapse.

Alex Sahlen, a defender for the Western New York Flash, is feverishly trying to save her sport, and her petition on Change.org has already attracted 10,000 signatures. But with US Soccer making a final decision on December 5th, there are just days remaining to amp up the pressure.

Please sign Alex’s petition to save women’s pro soccer in America.

US Soccer’s stated mission is to “make soccer a preeminent sport in the United States,” so they are very sensitive to public opinion. If 20,000 of us stand with Alex, we can make sure the governing body knows that a key part of that goal is making sure that women’s soccer thrives.

Abby, Hope, Alex, and the players, coaches, and owners of the WPS know that building a women’s sports league during a recession is an uphill climb. But the fan base is slowly building, and new TV contracts may be on the way. The league could still fail, but it’s up to you to help give them a fighting chance.

Click here to sign Alex’s petition to save the Women’s Professional Soccer league:

http://www.change.org/petitions/support-womens-professional-soccer-wps-remaining-a-sanctioned-league

Thanks,

– Shelby Knox and the Change.org team

P.S. Thousands of people are changing the world through petitions on Change.org every week. Here are some that need your support now:

  1. D.C. college student Katie Breslin is petitioning to get Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits and trained staff in every D.C. hospital so no sexual assault survivor is turned away without treatment.
  2. Grey2K is petitioning Skechers not to air a new commercial filmed at the the Tuscon Greyhound Park, which has a long record of dog abuse.
  3. Two men in Cameroon were just sentenced to five years in prison for the “crime” of being gay. Now petition starter Stephane Koche is asking Cameroon’s president to drop the charges and let the men go free.
  4. At one school in Massachusetts, students have to carry neon cards in the lunchroom to receive their free or reduced price lunch. Jennifer Kalvinek’s daughter is being bullied for carrying her card, so she started a campaign to get the school to implement a better system.
  5. Leslianne Bouchard is a disabled teacher in California who qualifies for a program to help save her home from foreclosure — but First Mortgage Corporation refuses to let that happen. Leslianne’s daughter is fighting the bank to let her mom keep her home.

Click here to start your own petition.

Is Congress about to put you out of work?


 

 

 

Click here to watch the video

Watch the Video | Send Our Video to Your Elected Officials

Now that the deficit committee failed, war profiteers are scrambling to undo automatic cuts to their profit margins. They’ve re-launched their propaganda campaign focusing on jobs, but our new video exposes the truth: military spending is a job killer. If Washington, D.C. stops automatic cuts to the military budget at the expense of other programs, it will be a disaster for the economy.Send our video to your elected officials and make sure they understand the consequences of failing to make real cuts to the military budget.Super-wealthy war profiteer CEOs rely on massive Pentagon budgets for their wealthy lifestyles. They and their allies in the Pentagon are using huge lobbying budgets in an unprecedented economic fear campaign to convince Congress that war spending is some kind of grotesque jobs program. Nothing could be further from the truth.As our video shows, military spending costs jobs compared to other ways of spending the money. Protecting war budgets at the expense of other job-creating programs will mean more jobless people than virtually any other possible budget plan.Help us put the truth in your elected officials’ hands. Our toolwill let you push your senators and congressmen to do the right thing, despite the war industry’s propaganda push.This is an uphill battle, and we need your help. Please send our latest video to your elected officials now so they understand that military spending costs jobs.

Sincerely,

Derrick Crowe, Robert Greenwald
and the Brave New Foundation team

P.S. We continue to fight the war profiteers’ propaganda, but doing so with hard-hitting videos like this is expensive. After you send the video to Congress, please consider making a donation to support War Costs.

a message from Senator AL Franken


Al Franken - U.S. Senator, Minnesota

Dear Carmen,

There’s nothing worse than a verbose fundraising email, so I’ll get right to the point: We’re $12,342 away from our November fundraising goal — can you click here to contribute $5 or $10 and help us reach it?

Please?

Thanks,

Al

P.S.: Okay, in case you felt shortchanged by that fairly brusque email, let me reassure you that, in fact, your support really does mean an awful lot to me. Every time I ask my staff how we’re doing and hear about all the $25 contributions people are sending in and all the nice notes that come along with the contributions, it lifts my spirits and makes me even more committed to doing the good work you worked so hard to send me to the Senate to do. It’s just that, when I asked the team how we were doing today, they told me about being $12,342 short of our monthly goal. And I know there are only 13 hours left, but I really, really want to get there. Not just for the satisfaction of reaching a goal, but because we need that money to fund our grassroots, people-powered campaign. And it really does make a difference when you send in a few dollars — in fact, if everyone who read this email sent in a few dollars, we’d blow through that goal. Actually, if only the people who read all the way through to this ridiculously long P.S. sent in a few dollars, we’d be all set for the month. Anyway.

P.P.S.: Please click here to contribute.

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate ..will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act & debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill.


the Senate Convened 10:00am November 29, 2011

  • 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 Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act. When the Senate resumes the DoD Authorization bill, Senator Udall (CO) will be recognized to speak.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm on Tuesday.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act is 2:30pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment to the bill, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The Senate is now debating the Udall amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization bill. The time until 12:15pm will be equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the amendment. Additional debate on the amendment is possible beyond 12:15pm

2:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Udall (CO) amendment #1107 (detainees); Not Agreed To: 37-61

Senator Levin announced on the floor that he is currently working on an agreement that would result in 2 votes both with 60-vote thresholds. Those votes would be in relation to the Paul amendment #1064 (Iraq) and the Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR). The managers are also working on clearing a package of approximately 40 amendments.

Further, prior to the caucus recess, the McCain amendment #1230 (TRICARE) was modified further. The McCain amendment #1281 (transfer arms to Georgia) was modified.

By unanimous consent, the Levin-McCain amendment #1092 (contracting) was agreed to. The Senate is now considering the Paul amendment #1064, with 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will resume consideration of the Landrieu amendment #1115 with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of that time, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to the two amendments in the following order:

– Paul #1064 (Iraq)

– Landrieu #1115 (SBIR)

There will be two minutes equally divided in between the votes with no amendments in order to either amendment prior to the votes. Both amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold.

As a result of this agreement, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes at approximately 6:20pm, if all time is used.

The Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR), as modified, was agreed to by voice vote. There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote will occur around 11am tomorrow. That vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, DoD Authorization bill.

At approximately 11:00am on Wednesday, November 30th, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.

 The filing deadline for all second degree amendments to S.1867 is 10:30am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Udall (CO) amendment #1107 to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act; Not Agreed to: 37-61

2) Paul amendment #1064; Not Agreed to: 30-67(60-vote threshold)

 LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.337, designating December 10, 2011, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.338, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Adopted S.Res.339, a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1917, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 29, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 30, 2011.8:21:33 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.8:21:22 P.M. -Mr. Tonko moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:21 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.7:32:30 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 477.7:20:22 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:14:03 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:11:03 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.7:10:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.7:10:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:10:24 P.M. -H.R. 1801On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 – 0 (Roll no. 862).7:03:25 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”7:02:35 P.M. -H.R. 2192Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:02:25 P.M. -H.R. 2192On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 407 – 1 (Roll no. 861).6:55:34 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”6:54:27 P.M. -H.R. 3012Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:26 P.M. -H.R. 3012On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 389 – 15 (Roll no. 860).6:31:02 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”6:30:47 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.5:03:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:03:39 P.M. -H.R. 2465Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:03:34 P.M. -H.R. 2465On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:47:16 P.M. -H.R. 2465DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2465.4:47:13 P.M. -H.R. 2465Considered under suspension of the rules.4:46:56 P.M. -H.R. 2465Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2465 — “To amend the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.”4:45:45 P.M. -H.R. 1801At 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.4:35:05 P.M. -H.R. 1801DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1801.4:35:02 P.M. -H.R. 1801Considered under suspension of the rules.4:34:18 P.M. -H.R. 1801Mr. Cravaack moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1801 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security screenings for members of the Armed Forces.”4:33:47 P.M. -H.R. 2192At 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.4:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2192DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2192.4:24:59 P.M. -H.R. 2192Considered under suspension of the rules.4:24:39 P.M. -H.R. 2192Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2192 — “To exempt for an additional 4-year period, from the application of the means-test presumption of abuse under chapter 7, qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard who, after September 11, 2001, are called to active duty or to perform a homeland defense activity for not less than 90 days.”4:23:18 P.M. -H.R. 3012At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cohen 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.4:07:19 P.M. -H.R. 3012DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3012.4:07:17 P.M. -H.R. 3012Considered under suspension of the rules.4:07:03 P.M. -H.R. 3012 Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3012 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.”4:06:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:05:30 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.2:13:43 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:03:09 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:41 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kucinich to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:01:11 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Kucinich demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.2:00:50 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:42 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:24 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.