Tag Archives: Smithsonian Institution

the Senate CONGRESS 10/04 the House

10/04/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:30am on Friday, October 4, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 2:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Senator Cruz came to the floor today and asked unanimous consent to take up and pass the same 4 joint resolutions and bill that Republicans asked to pass yesterday. For each request, a Democratic senator asked consent to pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the entire government. Senator Cruz objected to modify his requests and there was an objection to the original requests.

Senator Cruz asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.72, making continuing appropriations for veterans benefits for fiscal year 2014. Senator Murray asked that the request be modified to include a clean CR, Senator Cruz objected, and Senator Murray objected to the original request.

Senator Cruz asked unanimous consent that when the Senate receives H.R.3230, the Senate take up and pass and H.R.3230, making continuing appropriations during a Government shutdown to provide pay and allowances to members of the reserve component of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training during such period. Senator Durbin asked that the request be modified to include a clean CR, Senator Cruz objected, and Senator Durbin objected to the original request.

Senator Cruz asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.70, making continuing appropriations for National Park operations, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for fiscal year 2014. Senator Schumer asked that the request be modified to include a clean CR, Senator Cruz objected, and Senator Schumer objected to the original request.

Senator Cruz asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.73, making continuing appropriations for the National Institute of Health for fiscal year 2014. Senator Reid asked that the request be modified to include a clean CR, Senator Cruz objected, and Senator Reid objected to the original request.

Democratic Counteroffer

I ask consent that the request be modified as follows:

That an amendment, which is at the desk, be agreed to; that the joint resolution, as amended, then be read a third time and passed; and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. This amendment is the text that passed the Senate and is a clean continuing resolution for the entire government and is something that is already over in the House and reportedly has the support of a majority of the Members of the House of Representatives.

The period of morning business has been extended until 4:00pm. Senators are permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes today. The Senate will be in session this weekend and depending on House action, roll call votes are possible. We will give senators as much advance warning for when votes will occur but senators are encouraged to remain near Washington

The period of morning business has been extended until 4:00pm. Senators are permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes today.

The Senate will be in session this weekend and depending on House action, roll call votes are possible.

We will give senators as much advance warning for when votes will occur but senators are encouraged to remain near Washington.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Commerce Committee and passed H.R.1848, Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013 with a committee-reported substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.3095, To ensure that any new or revised requirement providing for the screening, testing, or treatment of individuals operating commercial motor vehicles for sleep disorders is adopted pursuant to a rulemaking proceeding, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.227, A resolution to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the heroic rescue of Danish Jews during the Second World War by the Danish people.

Adopted S.Res.213, a resolution expressing support for the free and peaceful exercise of representative democracy in Venezuela and condemning violence and intimidation against the country’s political opposition with a committee-reported substitute amendment.

Adopted S.Res.265, Expressing support for the individuals impacted by the senseless attack at the Washington Navy Yard, and commending and thanking members of the military, law enforcement officers, first responders, and civil servants for their courage and professionalism.

Adopted S.Res.266, Designating the week of October 7 through 13, 2013, as “National Chess Week” to enhance awareness and encourage students and adults to engage in a game known to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.3230, making continuing appropriations during a government shutdown to provide pay and allowances to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training during such period.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.J.Res.72, making continuing appropriations for veterans benefits for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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Last Floor Action:
3:59:47 P.M. -H.J. Res. 85
On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Roll Call 521 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

10:00:14 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:30 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:49 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
11:49:00 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:34 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 4.
12:00:39 P.M.		Today‘s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, Washington, DC
12:02:43 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Hultgren demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hultgren objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:03:08 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Williams to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:49 P.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.
12:40:47 P.M.	H. Res. 371	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 371 — “Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) making continuing appropriations for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes.”
12:45:27 P.M.	H. Res. 371	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 371.
1:47:32 P.M.	H. Res. 371	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 371, the question was put on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the yeas had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
1:47:59 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
2:30:30 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 4.
2:30:41 P.M.	H. Res. 371	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 371 — “Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) making continuing appropriations for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes.”
2:55:19 P.M.	H. Res. 371	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 – 184 (Roll no. 519).
3:02:20 P.M.	H. Res. 371	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 222 – 183 (Roll no. 520).
3:02:35 P.M.	H. Res. 371	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:02:52 P.M.	H. Res. 371	DEBATE – Mr. Cole asked unanimous consent to modify the text of H. Res. 371 with the amendment at the desk. Agreed to without objection.
3:03:52 P.M.	H. Res. 371	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cole, to make a technical correction.
3:04:52 P.M.	H. Res. 371	On agreeing to the Cole amendment; Agreed to without objection.
3:04:59 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
3:06:21 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 371. H.J. Res. 85 — “Making continuing appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
3:06:35 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 85.
3:50:45 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:51:16 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
3:51:43 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment to replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:51:50 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	Mr. Carter raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Carter stated that the provisions of the proposed amendment are not germane. Sustained by the Chair.
3:59:30 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	Mr. Bishop (NY) appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
3:59:42 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	Mr. Carter moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
4:27:52 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 521).
4:27:56 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	On passage Roll Call 522 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

4:34:52 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 – 164 (Roll no. 522).
4:34:53 P.M.	H.J. Res. 85	actMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:35:00 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 371. H.J. Res. 75 — “Making continuing appropriations for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
4:35:31 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 75.
5:29:13 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:29:47 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
5:30:11 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	DEBATE – The House proceedings with 10 minutes of debate on the Kirkpatrick motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, pending reservation of a point of order. The amendment would replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014.
5:32:55 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	Mr. Aderholt raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Aderholt stated that the amendment was not germane to the underlying bill. Sustained by the Chair.
5:38:17 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to appeal the ruling of the chair.
5:38:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	Mr. Aderholt moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
5:39:08 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	On motion to table the appeal the ruling of the chair Roll Call 523 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

« Previous Day

6:03:10 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 – 185 (Roll no. 523).
6:10:08 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 244 – 164 (Roll no. 524).
6:10:09 P.M.	H.J. Res. 75	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:11:10 P.M.	H.R. 1804	SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT FILING AUTHORITY – Mr. Miller of Florida asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs be permitted to file a supplemental report on H.R. 1804. Agreed to without objection.
6:12:02 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:31:07 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:46:22 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:46:36 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:46:37 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 5, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

BioMarin said No to her friend with Cancer

10/04/2013 Nativegrl77

The first thing I have to say is thank you. More than 140,00 people — including you — have signed my petition to help save the life of my friend Andrea Sloan.

Andrea is in desperate need of a new cancer drug made by pharmaceutical company BioMarin, but they say she’s “not eligible” for any of their current trials. Andrea needs access to the drug under a “compassionate use” program, and because of our petition, it’s looking like that could really happen.

Just last week, a leaked internal email from BioMarin proved that they are taking this petition seriously and really considering helping Andrea.

Now is the time to turn up the pressure on BioMarin. Can you share my petition on Facebook to help it gain more signatures and momentum?

We are so close to getting Andrea the medicine she needs. She has dedicated her life to helping others — I know we can do what it takes to help her.

Thank you,

Carol Carter
Lake Dallas, TX

P.S. Have you seen this video that Andrea made explaining compassionate use? Click here to watch, and feel free to share that as well!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 10/3 the House

10/03/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:30am on Thursday, October 3, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 2:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the second 30 minutes.

Floor Updates

This morning Republican senators asked unanimous consent to take up and pass several individual funding resolutions and one continuing appropriations bill. In each case, there was a Democratic counter offer to modify the request to amend the applicable continuing resolution or bill to include an amendment that would fund the rest of the federal government. Republicans objected to each request to modify and there was an objection to the original request.

Republican unanimous consent requests

Senator Cornyn asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.70, making continuing appropriations for National Park operations, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for fiscal year 2014. (Reid counteroffer and objection)

Senator McConnell asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.72, making continuing appropriations for veterans benefits for fiscal year 2014. (Reid counter offer and objection)

Senator Blunt asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.73, making continuing appropriations for the National Institute of Health for fiscal year 2014. (Durbin counter offer and objection)

Senator Thune asked unanimous consent that when the Senate receives H.R.3230, the Senate take up and pass and H.R.3230, making continuing appropriations during a Government shutdown to provide pay and allowances to members of the reserve component of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training during such period. (Durbin counteroffer objection)

Democratic Counteroffer

I ask consent that the request be modified as follows:

Senator Lee asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.J.Res.72, making continuing appropriations for veterans benefits for fiscal year 2014. Senator Murphy asked that the request be modified to include a clean continuing resolution amendment. Senator Lee objected to the proposed modification and Senator Murphy objected to the original request.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.228, a resolution authorizing the reporting of committee funding resolutions for the period October 1, 2013 through February 28, 2015.

Adopted S.Res.253, a resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014; and October 14, 2014 through February 28, 2015.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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

Last Floor Action:
9:33:32 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 3, 2013.

10:00:39 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:47 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:57 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour Debate, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
11:45:58 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3233.
11:46:11 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with further Morning-Hour Debate.
11:50:24 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
12:00:18 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 3.
12:00:21 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:45 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:01 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Doyle to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:19 P.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.
12:42:09 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Government shutdown to provide pay and allowances to members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who perform inactive-duty training during such period.”
12:42:14 P.M.	H.R. 3230	The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 70, H.J. Res. 71, H.J. Res. 72, H.J. Res. 73, and H.R. 3230. The resolution provides for 30 minutes of debate on each measure and provides for one motion to recommit each measure. The resolution also provides that it shall be in order at any time through the calendar day of October 6, 2013, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules.
12:42:53 P.M.	H.R. 3230	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on H.R. 3230.
1:14:13 P.M.	H.R. 3230	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
1:14:35 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Mr. Enyart moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
1:15:01 P.M.	H.R. 3230	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Enyart motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, pending reservation of a point of order. The amendment would replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59 Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014, ending the Republican Government Shutdown, funding the federal government at $986 billion until November 15, 2013, and providing lawmakers the opportunity to reach an agreement on a long-term budget.
1:20:10 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Mr. Young (FL) raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Young stated that the amendment was not germane to the underlying bill. Sustained by the Chair.
1:20:55 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Mr. Enyart moved to appeal of the ruling of the chair.
1:21:37 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Mr. Young (FL) moved to table the motion to appeal of the ruling of the chair
1:50:07 P.M.	H.R. 3230	On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 194 (Roll no. 515).
1:59:11 P.M.	H.R. 3230	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 265 – 160 (Roll no. 516).
1:59:12 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:59:59 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370. H.J. Res. 72 — “Making continuing appropriations for veterans benefits for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
2:00:04 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 70, H.J. Res. 71, H.J. Res. 72, H.J. Res. 73, and H.R. 3230. The resolution provides for 30 minutes of debate on each measure and provides for one motion to recommit each measure. The resolution also provides that it shall be in order at any time through the calendar day of October 6, 2013, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules.
2:02:56 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 72.
2:22:28 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

« Previous Day

3:30:29 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 3.
3:30:30 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in honor of those injured today during the incident near the Capitol.
3:32:18 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	DEBATE – The House resumed with debate on H.J. Res. 72.

3:57:46 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:58:15 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	Ms. Duckworth moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
3:59:28 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Duckworth motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment, pending reservation of a point of order. The amendment would replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59.
3:59:30 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	Mr. Culberson raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Culberson stated that the provisions of the proposed amendment are not germane Sustained by the Chair.
4:05:15 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	Ms. Duckworth appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
4:05:24 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	Mr. Culberson moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
4:36:12 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 225 – 193 (Roll no. 517).
4:49:21 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 259 – 157 (Roll no. 518).
4:49:22 P.M.	H.J. Res. 72	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:49:42 P.M.		Mr. LaMalfa asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Thursday, October 3, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 4, 2013 for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
4:50:36 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

6:58:40 P.M.

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

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TransCanada’s US location and Keystone XL tar sands pipeline (Texas)

09/25/2013 Nativegrl77

Yesterday, a group of courageous people just like you were arrested in the belly of the beast: TransCanada’s U.S. headquarters in Houston, Texas. These were mothers, fathers, grandfathers, great grandmothers, scientists, and teachers who staged a peaceful sit-in with a clear message: No Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.

At RAN we have a policy never to ask you to take an action, online or offline, that we don’t believe will make a strategic difference and have an impact that is worth your time. What I’m about to ask you to do might be one of the most important political acts you take this year.

Right now President Obama and his State Department are weighing their decision on whether this disastrous dirty energy pipeline is in our national interest. Our job must be to show enough opposition to the pipeline to ensure the president stands on the right side of this historical moment. That’s why we need you to join those standing up against Keystone XL in protest.

Will you join more than 75,000 people saying No to Keystone XL? Sign up for an action near you TODAY!

More than 75,000 people, including many of you, have signed RAN, Other 98% and CREDO’s Pledge of Resistance to the Keystone XL pipeline—pledging to participate in peaceful civil disobedience, to risk arrest if necessary, to stop this dangerous tar sands pipeline.

This is our next big step in the Pledge of Resistance together. This summer, after months of hard work and organizing, more than 400 volunteers have stepped up to lead acts of dignified protest in towns and cities across the country.

Will you join them by signing up today to participate in a local protest in your hometown?

To be clear, this is a serious request of your time, your passion and, potentially, your liberty. We’re asking now because it’s critical.

These actions are coming together because of months of work by literally hundreds of people. A group of seasoned direct action organizers built a training curriculum and traveled to cities around the country to teach people like you how to plan and lead a safe, strategic sit-in. Hundreds of activists stepped up to attend these rigorous two-day weekend trainings, and then went home to put that training into action. Now we’re asking: Will you join them?

The dates for these local actions have not been set, but the dates of action trainings have. We’re asking everyone to get in touch with local action leaders so we can prepare for action now and are ready to respond if President Obama signals his intention to approve the pipeline. That is our most strategic window to have the biggest impact.

Find your nearest Pledge of Resistance action and sign up to be a part of it!

Soon after you sign up for an action, you’ll be contacted by your local action leader, who will send out a time for your group to meet in person, get trained up, and move forward to put together everything you will need for a local sit-in action. There will be roles for everyone: those risking arrest and those not risking arrest.

The location for these actions will be relevant to your town. Likely locations will be: Administration buildings like State Department, EPA and Federal offices, oil industry contractor offices, and branches of TD Bank, a major investor in tar sands development.

All that’s missing is you.

		In Solidarity,
		Scott Parkin Senior Energy and Finance Campaigner Twitter:@dirtyenergy

P.S. Got questions? Check out http://nokxl.org/why-pledge-resistance/.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Lonnie G. Bunch at The NMAAHC

09/20/2013 Nativegrl77

Thank you for signing the pledge on Care2 to support the preservation of African American history and culture through the National Museum of African American History and Culture. As the founding director, I want to be the first to welcome you to our online community.

When the Museum opens its doors in 2015, it will be far more than a collection of objects. It will be a place to remind us of where we’ve been, the challenges we still face and point us toward what we can become — a museum for all Americans!

In 2005, we began the journey to create the 19th museum of the Smithsonian family. And in February 2012, we broke ground, which was a major milestone in our development.

Take a moment to watch this short video about the kind of place the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be thanks to the support of friends like you.

As we approach our grand opening in 2015, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on our progress and provide ways for you to get involved in bringing the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the nation and the world.

Thank you for joining us in this truly historic endeavor!

All the best,