“Here in Congress, every day is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of our service members and their families and to ensure we serve them as well as they served us,” Leader Pelosi said. “We have a solemn responsibility to care for our men and women in uniform, on the battlefield and at home. We must act on the proposals of our Democratic colleagues to strengthen the VA, speed up the claims process, and extend economic opportunity to our veterans. It’s the least we can do for those who sacrifice so much on behalf of our security and our freedom.”
“Today, we take the opportunity to honor our 43rd President, George W. Bush, for his service to our country. No matter whether you agreed with his policies, there was never any doubt that he was a leader of conviction, dedication to duty, and faith in American ideals.”
“The regular order is something that the Republicans have requested over and over again, except when it is time for the regular order, they walk away from it. Perhaps it is lack of confidence in the power of their ideas. Perhaps they can’t take the scrutiny of the American people seeing the difference in our budget priorities, a budget much like what President Obama has put forth, and the Senate Democratic budget bill, which is about investing in jobs and reducing the deficit in a fiscally sound way, a very, very positive budget, which is a statement of our national values, which a budget is supposed to be.”
“On this solemn anniversary of the Armenian genocide, we pause to remember the victims and honor the survivors of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century. Too often, the truth of these horrific events has been denied, yet the historical record is clear: from 1915 to 1923, the leaders of the Ottoman Empire conceived and carried out a genocide against the Armenian people.”
“The names Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley remain seared in the hearts and minds of us today as painful reminders of a dark moment in our history. For their families, for their friends, for their loved ones, their loss in a bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church would change their world forever. Yet, even at the time of great change across the country, little did we know that their deaths would change our world forever.”
“Congressman Edgar is an extraordinary example of how the strength of one voice can empower millions to call for change. His memory and legacy will inspire his colleagues and everyone who seeks a more open, just, and perfect union. We only hope it is a comfort to his wife Merle, his sons, Andrew, David, and Rob, and their families that so many mourn their loss at this sad time.”
“On Earth Day, Democrats and Republicans must no longer treat our environment as a point of partisan political debate. We must work side-by-side with the American people to create a future of sustainability for our children and grandchildren, prosperity and opportunity for our families and communities, security and energy independence for generations to come.”
“Today, our country owes our deepest sense of gratitude to the courageous and dedicated law enforcement teams who brought a swift end to this terrible act of terror. Thanks to their tireless efforts the victims, their families, and the people of Boston can begin to recover from this tragedy.”
“As our hearts are still in Boston, our concerns across the country for those who are in pain, our work continues here in Washington, D.C. Right now we are focused on adopting a budget that reflects our country’s values, creates jobs, and strengthens the middle class. Republicans have repeatedly called for regular order. They have called it in sessions of – the leader – of the House and Senate with the President and the Vice President that said ‘we want regular order.’ They call for regular order all of the time. They’ve repeatedly chastised the Senate for not passing a budget bill. “
“The courage of our men and women in uniform is what makes our democracy possible, and the Distinguished Public Service Award is truly a tribute to the work of Congress to honor the service and sacrifice of our Navy and all of our service members,” Leader Pelosi said. “This award will hold a place of pride and prominence in my heart, and it will inspire me to always stand with Secretary Mabus, our officers, our sailors and Marines to ensure the security of our country and the strength of our military.”
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra, and House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Joe Crowley today sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner calling on the Speaker to appoint House conferees without further delay and follow regular order to reach an agreement on a budget focused on jobs, economic growth, balanced deficit reduction, and a strong, thriving middle class.
“A minority of Senators failed to summon the courage to do what’s right on behalf of the safety and security of our children and families. Their shameful votes prevented commonsense steps to expand background checks and keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands. Their indefensible actions broke our promise to every community struck by gun violence.”
“Dr. Yunus understands that women are the caretakers and breadwinners in many families; that women are innovators and entrepreneurs; that women can be the ones to lead their families and communities out of poverty. He recognizes that women have spent too long a time living in the shadows – and that shining a light on their abilities could provide a pathway to prosperity for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
“This week, a bipartisan coalition in the Senate moved our country one step closer to achieving common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform. Under the leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, House Democrats have spent years working to bring about legislation that preserves our values, strengthens our democracy, and reflects who we are as a nation.”
“By dedicating this room, we do more than simply remember; we honor the highest ideals of service. Because that’s what Gabe Zimmerman’s life was about: his values and his service. A real tribute to his family as a son and grandson they raised. As his mother, Emily, has said, ‘it’s not his death, but his work and his ideals that should be recognized here.’ Gabe had gone to work that day for the same reason he went to work every day: to help the people of Tucson, to reach out to Congresswoman Giffords’ constituents, to serve the public and strengthen the community…”
“Congresswoman Kelly has brought progressive values and a firm commitment to the middle class to the halls of Congress, and she will place those same principles and priorities front and center in her work to support science, invest in innovation, and conduct strong oversight on behalf of the American people,” Leader Pelosi said. “These committee assignments reflect the faith of the Democratic Caucus in Congresswoman Kelly’s abilities and leadership, and we look forward to working together to create jobs, grow our economy, and build a brighter future.”
“Words are inadequate to console the loved ones of those lost at the Boston Marathon. But we will do what we can to care for them. We will ensure that justice will be done.”
“Through it all, the United States has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish state – bound by our common ideals, strengthened by our common interests, devoted to a common future of peace and security. Our friendship is unbreakable, our bonds unshakable. Our partnership will endure as it has from the start: with a firm, unyielding commitment to the safety and security of the Israeli people.”
“Charlie never hesitated to do what was right for his district or our country. He stood firm for the economic security of retired auto workers when a faltering auto industry threatened to leave them without the pensions they had earned through a lifetime of work. He had the courage to take tough votes even when that courage came at a great political cost – whether voting to stem a recession with the Recovery Act or to provide quality health insurance to all with the Affordable Care Act.”
“On the 100th day of the Republican Congress, it seems only fitting that House Republicans would cast votes to weaken our economy, undermine our recovery, and jeopardize the economic security of the middle class. Attempting to shut down the National Labor Relations Board is bad for business, bad for workers, and bad for our economic growth.”
“She was a relentless force and a steady hand in our fight to win the Cold War, helping to bring down the Berlin Wall brick by brick. She led her country with poise, grace, and an unmistakable iron will that will forever stand as a true testament to her unwavering commitment to public service. We only hope it is a comfort to her daughter Carol, her son Mark, and the entire Thatcher family that so many share in their grief at this sad time.”
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, this day is a reminder of all who had the courage to fight back; who refused to allow the inhumanity of the Nazis to deprive them of their own humanity. It is a reminder of the defiant spirit of the survivors, whose strength and perseverance still inspire us today. It is a reminder of the righteous among the nations who risked their own lives to protect the lives of their neighbors.”
“Today’s jobs report makes it clear: there is no time to waste to grow our economy and put people to work. Yet in this session House Republicans have refused to hold a vote on a single jobs bill that could actually become law. Instead, Republicans prefer sequesters that undermine our economic growth and Ryan budgets that would cost jobs and threaten the economic security of seniors and working families.”
Dear Charlotte in 2012 Supporter,Throughout my life I have had the opportunity to attend many Democratic Conventions. Both as a fresh out of college volunteer and throughout my tenure in Congress, I have seen a lot of behind the scenes moments, floor votes, and celebrations that make each convention special. I want to share a few of my own memorable moments with you.
Like my post as a “security guard,” Conventions always rely on people to help make them run. The 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina is no different. Because this Convention is the first in modern history NOT to be funded by corporations and lobbyists, we are relying on a grassroots network of support that includes you. Every dollar that you put towards this Convention makes our grassroots network of individuals that much stronger and engages more Americans in this process.
I hope you’ll consider investing or reinvesting in this Convention. Whether it is $5, $10 or $25, you are the reason the first week of September will be a success. We cannot do it without you.
The rain combined with the wind has put the hammer down on the 206 – The thunder was rolling the lightening close and noisy so anyone out there having difficulty today and it is still Fall …you are not alone.
I am feeling less and less confident that legislation we need done before the New Congress gets into place after hearing comments from various Democratic members of the House on various cables and or radios. The House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says that they will do their best to get a vote and pass the Tax Deal but if I heard him correctly, he stated with some Amendments added this thing would pass. I have to say if any changes made to the tax agreement that would be great but the deal was a take it or leave it situation. Therefore, any comment by Hoyer just proves folks do not listen to each other or refuse to see that time is of the essence and there just is not a lot of it left. I feel given the fact that bills that pass in the Senate need to be sent to the House to be passed and vice versa so adding amendments will not only increase the time it will take for it to pass. I am worried that the process by which the House is willing to put the TAX Cut deal through sounds and makes it almost impossible to pass before January.
In other News that is upsetting and so, obviously unfair and unbalanced is that not only did A.G. Cuccinelli file a suit against HCR, who has said some awful things about President Obama on numerous occasions should make anyone uncomfortable and see how the outcome any decision might side with the Republican Tea Party. The fact that Judge Henry E Hudson who is a Bushy was the one who received this suit first of all and was not able to see the conflict on interest so obviously right in his face. Anyway, below you will find part of an AP story by Larry O’Dell, for the full story go to the AP site -“Judge Strikes down federal health care law”. It is obvious this guy should recuse himself from the case but hey, that is just me…
Hudson sided with Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli, who argued the mandate overstepped the bounds of the Constitution.
“The ruling is extremely positive for anyone who believes in the system of Federalism created by our founding fathers,” Cuccinelli said. “It underscores that the Constitution’s limitations on federal power really do mean something.”
Cuccinelli, a Republican, filed the lawsuit to defend a new state law passed in reaction to the federal overhaul that prohibits the government from forcing state residents to buy health insurance.
He argued that while the government can regulate economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce, the decision not to buy insurance amounts to economic inactivity that is beyond the government’s reach.
“This lawsuit is not about health insurance, not about health care, it’s about liberty,” he said.
Hudson, a Republican appointed by President George W. Bush, sounded sympathetic to the state’s case when he heard oral arguments in October, and the White House expected to lose this round.
Administration officials told reporters last week that a negative ruling would have virtually no impact on the law’s implementation, noting that its two major provisions — the coverage mandate and the creation of new insurance markets — don’t take effect until 2014.
Dear Cuccinelli and Judge Hudson:
definition of CONFLICT of INTEREST … The Free Dictionary -by farlex
A term used to describe the situation in which a public official or fiduciary who, contrary to the obligation and absolute duty to act for the benefit of the public or a designated individual, exploits the relationship for personal benefit, typically pecuniary.
In certain relationships, individuals or the general public place their trust and confidence in someone to act in their best interests. When an individual has the responsibility to represent another person—whether as administrator, attorney, executor, government official, or trustee—a clash between professional obligations and personal interests arises if the individual tries to perform that duty while at the same time trying to achieve personal gain. The appearance of a conflict of interest is present if there is a potential for the personal interests of an individual to clash with fiduciary duties, such as when a client has his or her attorney commence an action against a company in which the attorney is the majority stockholder.
Incompatibility of professional duties and personal interests has led Congress and many state legislatures to enact statutes defining conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest and specifying the sanctions for violations. A member of a profession who has been involved in a conflict of interest might be subject to disciplinary proceedings before the body that granted permission to practice that profession.
and if that wasn’t enough…
conflict of interest n. a situation in which a person has a duty to more than one person or organization, but cannot do justice to the actual or potentially adverse interests of both parties. This includes when an individual’s personal interests or concerns are inconsistent with the best for a customer, or when a public official’s personal interests are contrary to his/her loyalty to public business. An attorney, an accountant, a business adviser or realtor cannot represent two parties in a dispute and must avoid even the appearance of conflict. He/she may not join with a client in business without making full disclosure of his/her potential conflicts, he/she must avoid commingling funds with the client, and never, never take a position adverse to the customer.
Sunday Buzzzzz … A good day to reach for the sky while breathing deeply through your nose then slowly exhale through your mouth while slowly lowering your arms, head, shoulders, chest and waist bend knees -repeat when needed …
Tired of “the media” BS yet? and can i just say the only grown-ups on the floor of Congress on Saturday were from the Democratic party but hey that is just my opinion. In his latest commentary, Bloomberg states the President needs better advisors even though President Obama has kept more than half of his campaign promises made to the 53% that voted for him in 2008. I wonder if that information has been readily available in your State.I would like to thank our President for doing such a great job despite the 24/7 News cycle bashing him and the obstructionist called the Republican Tea Party. I would ask our President to keep his campaign promises and heed this alert: the Low Information Voters are not tuning in or paying attention so get out there because according to reports they made up 10% of those that decided to lean right. I say folks have to remember that President Obama does not make, create or pass legislation into laws, our Congress does so all complaints about bills not getting on the floor of Congress should be directed at Republican Tea Partiers who have held most if not all of them up or blocked, stalled and just said no to.
FYI President Obama signs major trade pact agreement with S.Korea -which is a big deal though “The Media” has chosen to ignore it as well as signing the bill to avert a government shut-down.
Today I got up early to see the Bush tax giveaways also called procedural votes on the Senate floor and was quite sad but of course, the media predicted the defeat before hand and unfortunately, they were correct. The point was to get it on the record while showing Americans just what and who they voted for in the Mid-term elections. It is a sad day to realize that a Political Party would put their ideology above the needs of their fellow Americans but the Republican Tea Party did without flinching, thinking of their constituents I guess and all for the love of money. The Bush Tax Cuts of 2001&2003 were given, scheduled to expire 12/31/10 and unpaid for a long with the two wars waged which cost Americans trillions of our money. The fact is the tax cuts, 2Wars, Wall Street bets, AIG insurance selling banking products as well as too much deregulation sent our economy over the cliff -sigh
In great news, The President secured a trade agreement with S.Korea that all Americans should be proud of though if you listen to the News that trade agreement is not as important at least not to “the media” as the defeat or votes against the Obama Administration coming from the cables. Is it just me or does anyone else feel like it is un-American to see so many in the news waiting to report a defeat or any other negative item regarding President Obama. In a time when things are so tough and a large number of voters leaned left we all see the Republican Tea Party gain strength tell the public lies and now the joke is on all of us. They say their focus is on Jobs, economy and doing the work of the People yet RTP continue to vote against UI stating people on UI do not look for jobs. I have to say every time one of them makes a statement that is obviously negative I wonder where the outrage is. I wonder what will be enough BS in order for people to March on DC the reports are that there are five people applying for one job and while members of RTP Congress have jobs it is clear they are all out of touch, engage in elitist behavior and decided a long time ago that not only would they refuse to cooperate with the First Black President they will do whatever is necessary to bring him down even if it means taking us all down and today provided an insight to the horrible people that obviously fooled Americans into voting for them on Nov.2 and that is quite sad.
So, it’s Friday and very cold but we def are not snowbound like the east coast …a lot has happened and it’s only 10am here in the 206. I am hoping the President’s trip goes well and is def a safe one. The debating and or voting going on in Congress today will continue into the weekend and it has my blood boiling. Hopefully, our Democratic Party will hold firm and show Americans the truth of how the Republican Tea Party just is not who the claim to be as shown to us all with the letter stating they will not cooperate unless they get their Bush tax giveaways. If nothing else this should be the evidence Americans need to show they had no intention of focusing on jobs our economy or doing the peoples business. The last two years the focus has been on obstruction, ruining the governing party and President Obama. The jobs numbers tell me that Corporate America has a long and complicit relationship with the Republican Tea Party that is long, deep, probably cannot be broken and or completely be reformed unless and until ALL Americans see the trouble the Republican Tea Party will be and put the Democratic Party back in control…in both Chambers of Congress.
This week the lame duck session restarted on a positive note with a vote of 73-25 passing the Food Safety Bill that will when put into implementation keep most Americans Safe. Unfortunately, due to a Senate error this Bill was put on hold and is probably going to be held hostage along with other legislation that would not only protect Americans it could have been a bill that passed with bipartisanship but that was clearly too much to ask for. While that was taking place, we all waited for the DADT report and most if not all reports were that the response had been better than anticipated. Reports were that 70% were okay with repealing DADT but folks in the Marines were not as responsive. The comments made by Gen.Gates about dadt were definitely positive. It would seem like an easy task to just take the vote and pass dadt but the Republican Tea Party who supported the repeal of DADT now have flip flopped by deciding the reports from Generals were not good enough. Again, my question is where is the outrage from people who support the repeal and or gays who know the impact the repeal would have on so many because contrary to folks out there it is Congress who has the responsibility to make it a law not the President who is getting the blame.
I am quite sure the START treaty is not only a National Security issue but is and has always been a bipartisan issue but is being used by the Republican Tea Party along with other legislation as pawns to again-get those Bush giveaways or else. This kind of behavior is childish and
In other News, our President had his first of many meetings to come with Republicans and the first documented outcome of that meeting by President Obama is below:
Though our President held a positive press conference concerning the meeting with Republicans, it is unfortunate that the Republican Tea Party thumbed their noses at our President and continue to be the Party of No by blocking unemployment today to several million. The Republican Tea Party continues want those Bush tax give always before they will cooperate on the floor of Congress, which Americans or most Americans feel we cannot afford to give them right now. At what point during the course of the lame duck Session in Congress will Republican constituents finally see the carpetbaggers for what they are?
The President has asked the Middle lower class to sacrifice again by freezing federal salaries for two years now he must make the rich sacrifice as well because they have not.
Other News
**If you order online on or before Dec.17th most will offer free shipping -called free shipping day
**A grocery workers have ratified their contract in king, kitsap, snohomish counties and covers indpdt grocery workers as well 95% voted yes
**SKnight was arrested on parole violation
**Did you know the RNC is in debt -15million w/about 2million banked the DNC is in debt -15million but has about 10million banked
**President Obama secures major trade pact with S.Korea
**The President signs bill that will avert government shut down
**President Obama is met with newly elected Gov. -told them to call w/any and all probs they don’t want to hear it on tv first -sigh-
**
**Health Care Premiums have gone up 41%
**Alan Simpson debt comm vote to bring there legislation to the floor of Congress needs 14 votes they have 7 at this time. The final vote was 11-7 and failed to get to the flr of Congress
**Temp Fed spending FY 2011 239-178 -with 8Democrats voting No and 2Republicans voting yes
**Rangel censure vote will happen on Thursday with a full Censure
**Food Safety bill may be held up by the House GOP due to Senate errors
**Mid-Class tax cut vote may take place today-Steny Hoyer might allow them
**The START treaty is being debated in the Senate but who knows when the vote will be
**Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has put together a group to battle against the big money used in the Mid-terms