Tag Archives: stimulus

thirsty Thursday &some News …


This week the 206 has had good bad and somewhat pleasant weather. The left coast is definitely experiencing fall with a little bit of heat now and then. The dog days of summer are waning.

President Obama will be in Connecticut for 2 fund raisers,  has put Liz Warren in charge of setting up the Consumer Agency we all know was needed and is now going to help protect if not advocate and enforce financial reform. There are reports that President Obama has ordered all oil and gas platforms that are unused closed. All I can say is finally. The facts are that the latest explosions have created chaos and are unsafe for the workers as well as exposing the truth of limited and or no inspections or improvements done in years, which just seems unreal. We all have to ask why these things were left unattended to for so long and is this yet another gaffe on the part of last President as well as the local state government officials. The latest explosions in the mining and or energy industries have created deaths that could have been avoided but because we have a President willing to act swiftly for the safety of All Americans future deaths on such high risk jobs should be reduced or stopped. It also is just one of many examples of this being the moment for America to move forward into the 21st Century people.

We are all inclined to being competitive by nature … yet on some level everyone wants all people to be civil, prosper, and seek opportunity, which sounds great until the ideology of us against them comes up. Republicans have become the group that has now outed themselves as the Political Party against the Middle-Class. If people would just take the time to read listen and understand what the Boehner’s, Bachmann, mcconnells,mccain, cantor and more are doing and saying: the difference is ideology it is one group who feels the middle class needs to be put back on track thus getting and or starting the economy back up. The 2Wars, AIG, housing bubble and the 2 huge Tax Cuts for the wealthy got us into trouble and as far as i can tell most Republicans plan to go back to the way Bush ruled and that has to be a sign, a warning to people out there on the fence. Any vote for the Democratic Party is a vote for moving into the 21st Century and as we all know Americans are suffering, have been for decades. This is a moment to make changes to help everyone not just a select few contrary to what Republicans offer. Is it hard to understand that had Bush and his admin done what was right our economy; meaning the Banks, Auto industry and anything related would not have needed a huge amount of cash thrown at it to save it. It is true and unfortunate that Republicans have been able to reduce legislation that the impact on our economy is slow. The stimulus bill; had it been larger would have stimulated the economy faster, the rich, middle and lower class would be in much better shape but Republicans have a different plan and it includes throwing All Americans under the bus in order to gain back control. Think about what it will mean to you and your family if Republicans gain back control. Ask yourself, can we afford another or absolute crash to our economy. Can we endure the threat to shut down our economy and will the middle class, the poor, disabled, elders, and people of colour be apart of the plan or victims of the Republicans because repealing, shutting down or anything else they plan to do if in control will have consequences and impact all of us.

The 9/11 and Katrina catastrophes were not just examples of bad governing they made me realize that the cold truth to how Republicans would handle a true disaster on our home land. It was embarrassing to know that warnings of possible levee failures and repairs needed were not taken seriously. I still cannot understand why the Army Corp did not make them as prescribed. How many people lost their lives that day because of incompetence by local and state government officials who failed to have a comprehensive emergency plan. It is now 10 years later and people are either still struggling or were forced to make the difficult choice of relocating and is it just me or has the NYC local and state government decided to save money, clear out the poor and wait for the value to increase and rebuild in order to make money. There are reports that the 9/11 site created health issues for the first responders and still might be an issue but what they should have done was to confirm the health risks and then deal with it.

The facts behind why our economy crashed has been forgotten by many but the house of Bush made decisions that hurt the middle class and these same errors will be repeated by current Republicans if they gain control of Congress. The last guy sent huge sums of money to Iraq instead of spending that money on Americans. It should upset and outrage everyone. I have my theories about the truth behind our crash but here we are; we have a financial mess that is local and global because we are all connected yet a large group refuses to accept that. We have a new President that come in to clean up the big mess left by the last guy. It is obvious big things had to be done to fix the mess of the last eight years. Think about it, after years of tax cuts given to the people making the most obviously wealthy and though they claim to be the ones creating not just jobs but are providing opportunities? The fact is that the money did not trickle down then,  it still is not and will not trickle down to the middle class .The fact is people that the WEALTHY stopped spending and started saving, yes; too many people were given loans for housing …it was a big mistake…  loans were given to people who could not pay because the money seemed unending, greed and someone felt let the next guy fix the problem and instead of taking hold of the problem and solving the last guy passed the worthless buck and gave it to our new President. President Obama has a huge mess to fix and those of us who have been watching know Republicans have tried to back him into a corner forcing him to be seen not only as a failure but loose votes from the very people who voted him into office.  The problem is can people who vote see the BS that is truly the Republican Party of NO? We have come a long way with great legislation put into place to help all Americans but because Republicans have stalled, blocked, and scaled down a lot of legislation so we continue to dig ourselves out of a recession …people need to wake up see the light find the Jesus moment and realize the only way for us to get back on track is to get more democrats in Congress.

I ask – what would your neighborhood look like had Republicans been successful in blocking  HR1586, called a bailout by Bachmann, Boehner said when will the bailouts end…Come on HR1586 keeps our children’s Teachers employed, keeps our Police employed and the streets safer, our homes and elderly able to get help if and or they need it. These things would be unavailable people . This is no joke folks , it is not propaganda; all anyone has to do is remember search and or read your history.

For 22 months Republicans have made it impossible to get out of the Recession ditch completely with no votes on legislation that would impact the middle and lower class. Now, two years later people who use to be considered middle-class are now experiencing what is like being out of a job, being homeless, being on food stamps is a non-partisan issue, yet, Republicans do not agree.  Again, they have voted no, blocked and made Harry Reid scale down legislation that could not only have gotten us out of this recession, reduced unemployment, create more jobs and the nasty hate rhetoric now being used overtly probably would be but a memory. Republicans have yet to move past being left out of the plans for the stimulus, health care and financial reform bills but were willing to get on the floor of Congress and filibuster all our chances as Americans to get back on track because they want President Obama to fail. The things that no American should forget because as Public Servants we expect them to behave at a higher standard than the average American but the comments made that any legislation would be President Obama’s waterloo, the outburst that Joe Wilson had during our President’s speech will not be forgotten. When you listen to those on the right like fox news spewing hate and engaging in fear mongering on any given day; it makes you wonder what really is the motive and could people who once seemed reasonable truly believe the nonsense that these people are willing to say just to get attention or stop any progress related to all the issues on the minds and table of Americans.

It is offensive as an American to hear the comments thrown out there at my President by those on the right or Public Servants let alone to the office of President

President Obama genuinely tried to be bipartisan and while those left of center were becoming more and more upset our President who I believe understands politics a lot better than the pundits remained cool accepted the comments being made behind his back and now we all know the plan was to embarrass him. The old school politics would continue to be a battle. Mr. Boehner is just one example of putting ones Party first before America. We have millions of people still hurting, even Republican mayors and governors came forward to say vote yes, yet Boehner and his associates agreed to meet with the President in private; made comments on national tv that they would like to see the proposal before making any decisions then told his fellow Republicans to vote no to anything offered up. This  showed just what kind of person he and some of the Republicans are and M. Steele stating that,” being bipartisan is overrated ” shows that Republicans see politics as a game — Republicans see We the people as pawns willing to withhold help real Americans need.

id laugh but it hurts

Other News …

**Starting today the Black Farmers will ride Tractors to DC to press Congress to act on the settlement promised but still unpaid for involving minority farmers.

**

**Thousands of dead birds found in the Gulf

**Senate to end debate and vote on small biz bill

**Under President Obama the deficit has dropped by 8% …what the Media won’t tell you

**Karl might become a hurricane by Friday


CSPAN …

-President Obama boosting American exports

Senate Impeachment Proceedings for Judge Thomas Porteous - Day 3 Senate Impeachment Proceedings for Judge Thomas Porteous – Day 3

House Judiciary Subcmte. Hearing on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking House Judiciary Subcmte. Hearing on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

Pres. Obama Remarks on Small Business and Bush-Era Tax Cuts Pres. Obama Remarks on Small Business and Bush-Era Tax Cuts

State Department Press Briefing State Department Press Briefing

House Financial Services Subcmte. Hearing on Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac House Financial Services Subcmte. Hearing on Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac

Defense Department Press Briefing Defense Department Press Briefing

White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

House Republicans Press Conference House Republicans Press Conference

KUSTER WINS!!!!


Progressive Change Campaign Committee

VICTORY!

Kuster wins!

We did it!! No, wait…WE DID IT!!!

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

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

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

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

Here’s what Annie wrote to PCCC members yesterday:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for being a bold progressive,

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

The Senate & The House in Session :Congress


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:09 P.M. –

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

5:04 P.M. –

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

5:03 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1614:

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

5:02 P.M. –

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

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

4:49 P.M. –

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

4:48 P.M. –

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 4862:

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

4:46 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:35 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1375:

recognizing the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment

4:34 P.M. –

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

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

4:15 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1473:

supporting backcountry airstrips and recreational aviation

4:10 P.M. –

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

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

4:05 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

4:04 P.M. –

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

4:03 P.M. –

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

2:59 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1610:

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

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

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

2:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

2:50 P.M. –

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

H.R. 5366:

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

2:49 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 0 (Roll no. 524).

2:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1522:

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

2:41 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 0 (Roll no. 523).

2:35 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5873:

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

2:34 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 522).

2:24 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2039:

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

2:23 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 – 36 (Roll no. 521).

1:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:54 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1583:

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

1:53 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

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

1:40 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5773:

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

1:39 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:31 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3562:

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

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

1:21 P.M. –

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

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

H.R. 5706:

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

1:20 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:14 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5651:

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

1:13 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:09 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5282:

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

1:07 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

12:59 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1613:

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

12:56 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

12:39 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3519:

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

12:37 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

12:27 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3656:

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

12:26 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:21 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1612:

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

12:19 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Clay objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

12:04 P.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5366:

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

12:03 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

11:57 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1522:

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

11:56 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

11:36 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 2868:

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

11:35 A.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

11:28 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5873:

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

11:27 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

11:13 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1595:

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

11:12 A.M. –

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

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

11:02 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3978:

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

11:01 A.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

10:54 A.M. –

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

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

H.R. 3116:

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

10:53 A.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

10:39 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2039:

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

10:37 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

10:27 A.M. –

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

10:22 A.M. –

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

10:03 A.M. –

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

10:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Tonko to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

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

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Social Security …would it really be safe with Republicans?



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for being a bold progressive,

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

The stakes couldn’t be higher


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

We’re not going to let that happen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Working together, we’ll win in November.

-Matt

Matt Blizek, Field Director
Democracy for America

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