Tag Archives: United State

Tweet at your Republicans in Congress as well… #PASSTHEBILL #theAmericansJOBSACT


Democrats in the Senate tried to pass a simple piece of President Obama’s jobs plan that shouldn’t be controversial: provide money to prevent further layoffs of teachers, cops, and firefighters at the local level, and pay for it by taxing the income of millionaires an extra 0.5%.

This morning a lot of media outlets reported that the Senate “rejected” or “voted down” this proposal.

But that’s not what happened. The measure didn’t come to an actual vote.

That’s because every single Republican senator filibustered the bill — meaning they wouldn’t even let an up-or-down vote happen. Republicans have unilaterally decided not to allow even that simple majority vote on anything that might help the economy before the next election.

To be clear: This bill would have created jobs, and both parties have supported similar measures in the past.

But, sadly, some in the Congress do not feel any responsibility to act. As someone who has spent a lot of time working in and with the Senate, I can tell you that it’s a particularly low moment for the legislative branch of our government.

It doesn’t need to be this way. That’s why the President and our campaign are focused on fixing what’s broken in Washington. Right now, that means we’re going to keep the pressure on Congress to act, until every single piece of the President’s jobs plan — the parts to help veterans find jobs and get small businesses hiring more people — gets a vote.

So please, reach out and keep reaching out to Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, and ask him to give each piece of the American  Jobs Act a fair vote.

You can reach his office at (202) 224-2541.

Call now — then let us know how it went.

If you’re on Twitter, be sure to tweet at your Republicans in Congress as well.

We’ll have more on this soon.

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Shocking moment at GOP debate — fight back!


When audience members booed an openly gay soldier at last month’s GOP presidential debate, my heart dropped to my feet.

It was offensive enough that the audience would jeer one of our service members. But that none of the presidential hopefuls on stage stood up for this brave young man? Unconscionable.

And they say they want to be Commander-in-Chief.

These candidates lend a megaphone to a shared platform of hateful attacks on equality. We see them every day from leaders of the religious right all the way down to a New Jersey schoolteacher’s ugly Facebook tirade earlier this month. But there’s no slur too small for us to call out – and no lie too large for us to tear down.

And that’s where you come in, Carmen. You and I and all straight allies can stand up to these right-wing attacks and create a safer world for the LGBT community. Help us fight back by becoming a first-time HRC member before MIDNIGHT TOMORROW.

With less than 48 hours left to our deadline, we’re still 142 new members short of our goal – and we need your support now. Don’t wait any longer – please join today.

There’s a groundswell of support for equality lighting up our country, but dangerous, hateful talking points are still far too commonplace. GOP contenders are pledging to reinstate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and fight for a constitutional ban on marriage equality.

Every statement from the National Organization for Marriage and every speech by the head of the American Family Association drips in anti-LGBT anger – from calling equality supporters “anti-marriage goons”  to labeling homosexuality a “threat to public health.”

Hurtful, bigoted words like these get beamed into living rooms across the country and plastered across Facebook.

School administrators, teachers, and students take them as license to discriminate and to bully. Athletes take them as a sign that it’s okay to use anti-gay slurs. And Republican leaders in the House of Representatives use them as reasoning behind their multi-million dollar, taxpayer-funded court case in support of the Defense of Marriage Act. We can put an end to the hate, but not without your help. Will you fight back with us now?

We want you with us. Become an HRC member today to help defend our victories and build a world free of right-wing discrimination.

Time and time again, HRC has relied on a simple belief: equality is a right that should be afforded to all. It’s why you and I are part of this cause – and it’s what propels us through victories and setbacks. Thank you for everything you do to support this simple yet profound purpose.

For our future,

Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President

mild Monday &Some News


just another rant … not just mine

A comment came in to respond to an article i posted written by Cecil re: McConnell & his Party. I admit i am very cynical about the majority of us being fixated on or off of FOX news  enough to assimilate info and or fact check enough to have opinions or make informed decisions – the mid-terms were a great example of how FOX  helped create , push and elect a group of extreme conservatives whose agenda is to take their country back    https://justanother2cents.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/what-im-reading-guy-cecil-13/

HER:Tired of snarky McConnell comments.  The majority of us are not fixed to FOX news, can assimilate information and fact check before forming opinions.  Fact: Congress has used the filibuster to stall progress now more than at any other time in history.  If Obama could make strides here/without Congress/as he has in war policy….people would be back to work!  Nov. 2010 GOP newbies, worst mistake ever…………vote!

ME: Actually, I am in total agreement with your facts about Congress, the filibuster and the new low Teapublicans have shown Americans because they have decided to use the filibuster more than any other time in history to stall progress and defeat a President. I am not so sure that was the primary reason for the act of a filibuster. It is not protecting the American People at all and those Senators who are abusing the spirit of the filibuster should be held accountable.  I am an Obama supporter.  I get divided government but what we see going on in Congress led by Teapublicans is beyond anything We the People should accept and or allow. I have not lost the audacity of hope and or change. In my opinion, we need a Congress that functions For the People& By the People and works with the President of the United States not a Congress that filibusters at the expense of ALL the People. We also need our center left people to open their eyes. I want them to take a hard look at how Teapublicans have chosen to control the House of Representatives. I need them to compare and contrast just what President Obama has done given he became the captain of ship already sinking, has tried to be bipartisan as any President should but given the cold shoulder by an extremely conservative group of people who say they want smaller Government but ask them about social issues and they freak out. I believe this group I call Teapublicans if given the opportunity with or without McConnell want to make President Obama a one-term President.  I believe the Midterm elections were no fluke and indeed FOX had a lot to with it. I feel their scare tactics have always been directed to targeted people like the poor working class, older people, those on the edge of equaility and those against immigration under any circumstance. The info coming from FOX was scary enough that our Older people voted right of center, some gays voted right of center in protest and even more decided to stay home which was pushed by both sides of the political meme. Yes, i too am tired of the silly, offensive and questionable McConnell comments but they are getting airtime on both conservative and liberal media. It is my hope that with proper vetting the truth backed with a whole lot of facts will be brought forth over the next few months with an overwhelming number of people voting for President Obama2012 and sanity prevails.

Other News …

Week Ahead on Capitol Hill

Deficit “Super Committee” Meets, House Works on Tax Changes

Campaign 2012

Romney Holds NH Rally, Obama in the West

GOP candidates in Iowa over the weekend

Monitors Discuss Global Financial Regulation

Congress: -the Republican led House – – the Senate -in pro forma Sessions back on 10/31


The Senate will convene on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 3:45pm and on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11am for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted.

Following the pro forma session on Thursday, October 27th, the Senate will adjourn until 3:00pm on Monday, October 31, 2011.  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 proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #249, Stephen A. Higginson, of LA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit with one hour equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

The next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.

The next roll call vote is expected to occur on Monday, October 31st in relation to a nomination.  The details of the amended consent agreement with respect to H.R.2112 is below.

Cloture having been invoked on the Inouye substitute amendment #738, the substitute amendment is agreed to and it is now considered original text for the purposes of further amendment.  The remaining amendments which were scheduled for votes today remain in order notwithstanding cloture having been invoked; when the Senate resumes consideration of H.R.2112 on Tuesday, November 1st, the Senate will proceed to votes on the remaining amendments; and all other provisions of the previous order remain in effect.

The following amendments were agreed to by voice vote, en bloc:

– Portman #859;

McCain #892;

– Cantwell #893, as modified, with the changes that are at the desk;

– Cochran #805, as modified, with the changes that are at the desk;

– Burr #890;

– Inouye #918; and

– Kyl #912, as modified.

The following amendments remain in order under the previous order and are expected to be voted on on Tuesday, November 1st:

– Coburn #800;

– Paul #821 (60-vote threshold);

DeMint #763;

– Crapo #814 (60-vote threshold);

– Lee Motion to Recommit.

Following the disposition of the amendments above, the Senate will proceed to votes in relation to any remaining germane pending amendments in the order they were offered; further, upon disposition of any pending germane amendments, the bill, as amended, will be read a third time, and the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill with no intervening action or debate; when the Senate receives a message from the House with respect to H.R.2112, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request, or agree to, a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair will be authorized to appoint the following conferees – Kohl, Harkin, Feinstein, Johnson (SD), Nelson (NE), Pryor, Brown (OH), Inouye, Murray, Mikulski, Blunt, Cochran, McConnell, Collins, Moran, Hoeven, Hutchison and Shelby.

———————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 24, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

  -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 25, 2011.7:30:42 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.7:30:28 P.M. -Mrs. Christensen moved that the House do now adjourn.7:15:26 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:01:55 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:00:19 P.M. -H.R. 1160Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:00:18 P.M. -H.R. 1160On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 – 0 (Roll no. 802).6:54:14 P.M. -H.R. 1160Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1160 — “To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery to the State of North Carolina, and for other purposes.”6:54:06 P.M. -H.R. 320Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:05 P.M. -H.R. 320On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 – 1 (Roll no. 801).6:31:37 P.M. -H.R. 320Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 320 — “To designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.”6:31:30 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:31:03 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 444.6:30:57 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 24.5:30:26 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.5:30:17 P.M. -H.R. 2594Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:30:15 P.M. -H.R. 2594On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:52:25 P.M. -H.R. 2594DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2594.4:52:24 P.M. -H.R. 2594Considered under suspension of the rules.4:52:07 P.M. -H.R. 2594Mr. Petri moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2594 — “To prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the United States from participating in the European Union’s emissions trading scheme, and for other purposes.”4:51:26 P.M. -H.R. 320At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:45:43 P.M. -H.R. 320DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 320.4:45:42 P.M. -H.R. 320Considered under suspension of the rules.4:45:08 P.M. -H.R. 320Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 320 — “To designate a Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California.”4:44:52 P.M. -H.R. 818Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:44:50 P.M. -H.R. 818On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:39:17 P.M. -H.R. 818DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 818.4:39:15 P.M. -H.R. 818Considered under suspension of the rules.4:39:02 P.M. -H.R. 818Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 818 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepayment of repayment contracts between the United States and the Uintah Water Conservancy District.”4:38:48 P.M. -H.R. 461Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:38:45 P.M. -H.R. 461On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:32:12 P.M. -H.R. 461DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 461.4:32:09 P.M. -H.R. 461Considered under suspension of the rules.4:32:00 P.M. -H.R. 461Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 461 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal features of the electric distribution system to the South Utah Valley Electric Service District, and for other purposes.”4:31:40 P.M. -H.R. 1160At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:25:55 P.M. -H.R. 1160DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1160.4:25:54 P.M. -H.R. 1160Considered under suspension of the rules.4:25:37 P.M. -H.R. 1160Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1160 — “To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey the McKinney Lake National Fish Hatchery to the State of North Carolina, and for other purposes.”4:25:34 P.M. -H.R. 295Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:25:29 P.M. -H.R. 295On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:21:38 P.M. -H.R. 295DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 295.4:21:36 P.M. -H.R. 295Considered under suspension of the rules.4:21:20 P.M. -H.R. 295Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 295 — “To amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to authorize funds to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services specific to the Arctic for safe navigation, delineating the United States extended continental shelf, and the monitoring and description of coastal changes.”4:21:18 P.M. -H.R. 441The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.4:21:17 P.M. -H.R. 441Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:21:13 P.M. -H.R. 441On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:16:52 P.M. -H.R. 441DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 441.4:16:50 P.M. -H.R. 441Considered under suspension of the rules.4:16:15 P.M. -H.R. 441Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 441 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for a microhydro project in nonwilderness areas within the boundaries of Denali National Park and Preserve, to acquire land for Denali National Park and Preserve from Doyon Tourism, Inc., and for other purposes.”4:15:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.4:15:47 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 24.2:08:58 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.2:08:23 P.M. -The House received a communication from John Abney Culberson, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Culberson notified the House that he had been served with a deposition subpoena for documents and testimony by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to appear as a witness in a pending civil lawsuit and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.2:07:50 P.M. -The House received a communication from Brittany Seabury, District Director for U.S. Representative John Abney Culberson. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Seabury notified the House that she had been served with a deposition subpoena for documents and testimony by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to appear as a witness in a pending civil lawsuit and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.2:02:40 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:21 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McKinley to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:11 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:55 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Avelino Gonzalez, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Washington, DC.2:00:37 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Adrian Smith to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

No child should be afraid to go to school …Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign


It’s more evident than ever: discrimination and hate aren’t reserved for far right politicians and pastors.

Last month at The Master’s School outside Hartford, CT, a model student told school administrators she was a lesbian – and was immediately told to withdraw.

And just last week in New Jersey, a special education teacher publicly tore into gays and lesbians in a hideous tirade on Facebook, calling homosexuality “a perverted spirit.”

It’s all happened in the last few weeks around National Coming Out Day, a time to encourage openness – not intimidation, discrimination, or hatred.

If incidents like these make you want to stand up and say “No more!” you’re not alone. Since we launched our new Call it Out campaign, HRC supporters have written hundreds of thousands of letters holding people accountable for discrimination. To ramp up our efforts – from the airwaves to red state communities to the halls of Congress – we need 500 new members to donate in the next 5 days.

Join HRC now and fight back against the hatred polluting our classrooms and our communities. Help us reach the ambitious goal of 500 new members in just 5 days.

WWW.HRC.ORG

, we’ve made remarkable progress together in the last few years. From repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” to boosting awareness of bullying, to winning marriage equality in New York – our movement has only grown in its victories.

But opposition to LGBT rights continues, and it isn’t relegated to the far-right fringe. You and I are up against mainstream, powerful organizations like the Catholic Church, whose top U.S. bishop just sent a letter to President Obama threatening a “national conflict between church and state of enormous proportions” if he continues to stand up against the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act.

I won’t stand for these damaging attacks, and I know you won’t either – certainly not when lives and livelihoods are at stake. I’m counting on you to help us:

WWW.HRC.ORG
* Demand school policies that protect students, just as we did this week when HRC supporters like you sent 49,619 letters to The Master’s School asking that they adopt a non-discrimination policy;
* Continue to push New Jersey school officials to investigate teacher Viki Knox for her anti-LGBT Facebook rant;
* Mobilize red-state communities to fight for equality and help stop bullying through our “On the Road to Equality” national bus tour; and,
* Grow our Welcoming Schools program, which helps school communities embrace family diversity and reject harmful bullying and name-calling.

We need 500 new members to help us create a better world where fear and hate are no longer the dominant discourse – and we need you in the next 5 days. Join us now.

 WWW.HRC.ORG

Your gift today sends a powerful message. This is very much a battle worth fighting, and I’m so grateful to count you among our supporters.

Thank you for being part of this movement,

Joe Solmonese
President