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Week of action for women’s health … Kate Chapek, BarackObama.com


Here’s my prediction: Women are going to make the difference in this election.

There’s a simple reason — we have the most on the line, especially when it comes to health care and our ability to make our own health decisions. From increased access to coverage, to free preventive services, to lower prescription drug costs, and, soon, ending discrimination against women when it comes to health care premiums — the Affordable Care Act protects and benefits American women.

As women, it’s up to us to protect and build on the kind of progress that prevents insurers from discriminating against our daughters, mothers, and friends. We can’t afford to see that legislation repealed.

It’s our health on the table — and it’s our vote to cast. That’s why it’s absolutely critical that we start building right now. The second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act is this Friday, March 23rd, so we’re holding a Women’s Week of Action from March 23rd to March 30th to get the conversation going among our friends. We’ll be meeting up, organizing, and making phone calls to get the word out about how the Affordable Care Act helps women.

First Lady Michelle Obama wants you to be a part of it — so she recorded a special message. Watch this video, then say you’ll take part in a Women’s Week of Action, starting on Friday:

 
Here’s how women benefit from the Affordable Care Act:

    — By 2014, health reform will completely prohibit an insurance practice called “gender rating” that charges women more than men for the same coverage.
    — Already, young women who would otherwise be uninsured have access to coverage through their parents’ plans. In the future, even more young adults will gain coverage due to the Affordable Care Act’s reforms.
    — In 2011, the President’s law saved women on Medicare more than $1.2 billion on the cost of prescription drugs in the “donut hole” gap — by 2020, the gap will be completely closed.
    — Women with pre-existing conditions will soon gain access to coverage that — without reform — would have been out of reach. Children with pre-existing conditions are now protected.
    — Women have better access to critical preventive care like mammograms and cervical cancer screenings — and in the future, well-woman visits and domestic violence screenings will be included.

All of this will be on the line in November — that’s why we need your help, starting now.

Sign up to be a part of a nationwide Women’s Week of Action. By next Friday, let’s make sure we’ve done all we can to educate our friends, our moms, and our daughters about exactly what we’re voting to protect this fall.

It’s our health and our vote. Let’s make sure we’re the ones making the difference:

http://my.barackobama.com/Join-the-Womens-Week-of-Action

Thanks,

Kate

Kate Chapek
Women’s Vote Director
Obama for America

P.S. — We put together an app that figures out exactly how health reform benefits you. Check it out and find out how the Affordable Care Act is working for you right now — then pass it on.

Black History

Congress:the Republican led House continues their assault on Americans – the Senate resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill


featured photo by flossboss

the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 21, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The time from 2:30pm until 3:00pm will be as if in morning business to acknowledge the milestone reached by Senator Mikulski as the longest serving woman in Congress.

Following morning business (approx. 10:40am), the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the IPO bill, and immediately proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the bill.

Under the previous order, if cloture is invoked time would run as if cloture were invoked at 12:00 noon yesterday.

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the IPO bill; Invoked: 76-22

The following amendments are pending to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

The following amendments have been considered to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

The Reed (RI)-Landrieu-Levin amendment #1833 (substitute) and Cantwell amendment #1836 (Export Import Bank Reauthorization fell on a point of order that the amendments were not germane post-cloture.

Senator Reid then offered Merkley-Bennet et al amendment #1884 (crowdfunded securities) and Reed (RI) amendment #1931 (relating to the definition of the term “held of record”).

Under the previous order, the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time began counting as if cloture had been invoked at 12:00noon yesterday. If all time is used, cloture would expire at 6pm today, however, time may be yielded back and we could have 3 votes as early as 4pm.

Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #319, S.1945, to permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. Senator Sessions then objected to the request.

Senator Sessions then asked unanimous consent to pass Executive Calendar #247, S.671, Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act, with a committee-reported amendment.

Senator Durbin then asked Senator Sessions to modify his request to pass S.671 and to include the following bills:

– Executive Calendar #246, S.1792, the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act

– Executive Calendar #233, S.1793, the Investigative Assistant for Violent Crimes Act and

– Discharge Judiciary and Pass S.1669, the Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvements Act, with a substitute amendment

Senator Sessions objected to Senator Durbin’s modification; subsequently Senator Durbin objected to Senator Sessions’ original request.

At approximately 12:30pm on Thursday, March 21st, there will be a series of up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:

  • Reed amendment #1931 (regarding the definition of “held of record” to the Merkley amendment #1884 to H.R.3606
  • Merkley amendment #1884, (CROWDFUND Act) as amended, if amended
  • Passage of H.R.3606, as amended, if amended
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act (if cloture is invoked, the motion to concur will be agreed to by unanimous consent)
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #441, the nomination of David Nuffer, of UT, to be US District Judge for the District of Utah
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #462, the nomination of Ronnie Abrams, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York
  • Confirmation of Executive Calendar #463, the nomination of Rudolph Contreras, of VA, to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to the votes on the Reed amendment, the Merkley amendment, passage of H.R.3606 and confirmation of the Nuffer nomination; there will be 4 minutes of debate prior to the cloture vote on the motion to concur with respect to the STOCK Act. We expect to order all votes after the first vote be 10 minutes in duration on Thursday.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act is 10:30am Thursday. If your Senator has a germane second degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill; Invoked: 75-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.403, to authorize testimony, document production, and legal representation in United States v. Richard F. “Dickie” Scruggs.

Discharged the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources from further consideration of H.R.306, Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, and referred it to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

WRAP UP

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF March 21, 2012

  112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION 

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 2012.9:42:16 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:42:02 P.M. -Mr. Gingrey (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.8:45:29 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.8:44:59 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.8:44:07 P.M. -H.R. 5Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.8:43:57 P.M. -H.R. 5On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.8:43:44 P.M. -H.R. 5Mr. Smith (TX) moved that the Committee rise.3:06:46 P.M. -H.R. 5GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with six hours of general debate on H.R. 5.3:06:20 P.M. -H.R. 5The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:06:20 P.M. -H.R. 5House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 591 and Rule XVIII.3:05:26 P.M. -H.R. 5Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5 with 6 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-18 shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as original text for the purpose of amendment. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended.3:05:21 P.M. -H.R. 5Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 591. H.R. 5 — “To improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”3:03:50 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 308 – 101, 3 Present (Roll no. 121).2:57:22 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the vote on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed from earlier in the day.2:57:21 P.M. -H.R. 886Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:57:20 P.M. -H.R. 886On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 2, 2 Present (Roll no. 120).2:49:59 P.M. -H. Res. 591Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:49:58 P.M. -H. Res. 591On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 182, 1 Present (Roll no. 119).2:41:03 P.M. -H. Res. 591On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 179, 1 Present (Roll no. 118).2:16:33 P.M. -H. Res. 591Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 591 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”2:16:20 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 591 and on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:15:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 21.1:48:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.1:48:02 P.M. -H. Res. 591POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 591, the Chair put the question on ordering the previoius question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.12:49:06 P.M. -H. Res. 591DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 591.12:49:00 P.M. -H. Res. 591Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 591 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to improve patient access to health care services and provide improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the liability system places on the health care delivery system.”12:48:16 P.M. -H.R. 886At 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.12:41:35 P.M. -H.R. 886DEBATE – The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 886.12:41:00 P.M. -H.R. 886Mr. Stivers moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.12:40:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.12:39:52 P.M. -Mr. Nugent asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on March 22. Agreed to without objection.12:39:24 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.12:39:22 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.12:38:51 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 108 — “Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.”12:38:41 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 108Mr. Nugent asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.12:02:44 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.12:02:32 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Slaughter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:12 P.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that she had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.12:00:16 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Carl Hickerson, Springfield Baptist Church, Washington, DC.12:00:09 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 21.11:21:54 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:43 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.10:00:14 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:03 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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President Barack Obama Speaks at National Women’s Law Center 2011 Annual Dinner


On November 9, 2011, President Barack Obama delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the National Women’s Law Center’s Annual Awards Dinner. In his speech, he praised the Freedom Riders and efforts to promote women’s equality.

Learn more about the National Women’s Law Center at http://www.nwlc.org.

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Watch Our New Video and Join the Campaign – I Will NOT Be Denied

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I Will Not Be Denied: Protect Women's Health Care

 

In the past year, thanks to the health care law:Over 20 million women with private insurance have received at least one preventive health care service without a co-pay or deductible.
Over 39 million women no longer face lifetime limits on coverage, so they can get the health care they need.
About 2.5 million young adults gained health coverage because they could stay on their parents’ plans.
And this is just the beginning. The health care law is working for women by helping them get the care they need. So why are some opponents of the law fighting to take away these benefits and common-sense protections?

Sign the Petition

The new health care law is working for women

Join our campaign and sign our petition to tell your leaders: I Will Not Be Denied!™

First Name:   Last Name:  
Email: (Required)   Zip:  
Please send me email updates from the National Women’s Law Center
 

Petition Text

The health care law is working for women, helping them get the care they need. The law provides important benefits and protections that promote better health and lower costs. Now, millions more women can get preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies without a co-pay. The law also stops insurance companies from dropping anyone’s coverage simply because they’re sick.

But this is just the beginning. Later this year, millions more women will have access to well-woman exams and birth control without a co-pay and all health plans will have to include maternity care. Other important benefits and protections will continue to roll out until the law is fully implemented, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to charge women higher premiums than men. But opponents of the law are fighting to take away all these important benefits and common-sense protections.

Take a stand and help us protect women’s health care. Join the National Women’s Law Center’s campaign and tell opponents of affordable care “I Will NOT Be Denied.”™

       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
Black History

Congress:the Republican led House-Ryan budget plan revised? And a fake JobsAct! — the Senate considers HR3606,the Capital Formation/IPO bill


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 19, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment #1833 and H.R.3630 is 4:00pm on Monday.
  • As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday.  Senators should expect the next roll call vote on Tuesday, March 20th prior to the weekly caucus meetings.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment and #1833, the IPO bill, is at 4:00pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve her or his right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the Cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may filed it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Notwithstanding the passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill, the Senate agreed to the Boxer amendment #1903, which is a technical amendment, striking title V of division C with the heading entitled “Research and Innovative Technology Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012”, which was moved to division E.

Discharged the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs from further consideration of S.2076, a bill to improve security at State and local courthouses and referred it to the Judiciary committee.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act. (Menendez)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 19, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:23:34 P.M. -H.R. 3992At 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.5:13:45 P.M. -H.R. 3992DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3992.5:13:41 P.M. -H.R. 3992Considered under suspension of the rules.5:13:26 P.M. -H.R. 3992Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3992 — “To allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel.”5:13:12 P.M. -H.R. 4086Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:13:10 P.M. -H.R. 4086On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:04:35 P.M. -H.R. 4086DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4086.5:04:32 P.M. -H.R. 4086Considered under suspension of the rules.5:04:16 P.M. -H.R. 4086Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4086 — “To amend chapter 97 of title 28, United States Code, to clarify the exception to foreign sovereign immunity set forth in section 1605(a)(3) of such title.”5:04:04 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.5:03:54 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 19.4:11:33 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.4:04:14 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.4:03:51 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Faleomavaega to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.4:03:41 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.4:01:00 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.4:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.