Tag Archives: United States Congress

~ my 2cents ...

whacky Wednesday &some News …


President and Mrs. Obama are hosting the president from China in a State visit and a dinner scheduled for tonight though some are not happy but if we want to move forward this might be the way to do it and maybe use this as a template for dealing with Cuba.

Word of the day is all about the act of Observation …maybe for the next few weeks, months and years

In November I asked —at what point will the various cable, radio and main stream stations do the right thing and stick to the truth instead of skewing it to keep their ratings high, to tell me you did not agree that partisan behavior on what is supposed to be “the place to get real news” seems to be siding with the extreme right. It was definitely offensive on so many levels and hard not to be outraged by but now these same stations, well except the obvious ones seemed to have moved to the center on most News topics but not enough to sedate this viewer and voter. I gotta say the more recent News source: “Politico” has been a new right of center challenge to me as a reader and or tv viewer, though i am sure there are more moving to the right as the 2012 elections gain more interest.  The overt bad behavior by current and or new Republican members of Congress who are supposed to represent all of the people in their respective States has gotten even worse, have either acted or stated for all to hear and see that special interest groups can kiss their butts. The only solution that seems rational going forward is putting democrats back in power in 2012.

Observe …stop and think about all the things that the Obama admin as well as our Democratic led Congress managed to achieve despite the Republican Tea Party. Observe and analyze who what when and why things have not improved as some out there on the left want and then remind them that a President that goes too far left of center is not representing all Americans. The truth is …most people use to be moderate and expect the President to be not just moderate but bipartisan; people have got to realize he tried leaning left and while folks on the right said one thing and did another we all know this is going to be standard behavior no matter what but a President who leans too far left gets a shellacking…right. If you were watching it makes you wonder if taking a hard left is the only way to solve the gridlock. Then reality comes back and we have to remember the Democratic Party has a huge tent with various degrees of democratic ideology and while the Republican Tea Party is united no matter what their colleagues say or do Dems on the other hand fight each other to get legislation on the floor of the Senate debated let alone get a vote and move toward the 21st Century. We all know our ability to move forward is being held hostage by the Republican Tea Party until they ruin our barely recovering economy. I wonder what will happen if in fact we fall into a deep recession due to an insufficient amount of dollars and or voted down raising the debt ceiling. Just a reminder; Republicans are to blame for any lack of progress made thus far.

I have to say my Observation of “the Media” which seemingly is not just giving Republicans more airtime but is defending them in some cases and while it is obvious those folks know who is buttering their paychecks …the fair and balanced slogan when describing the news process has become a bad joke. I wonder many others have been watching and listening to political shows with well-educated people making comments about how much of a disaster the mid-term elections were for President Obama’s future. The fact is that Congress goes through change and this year is really no different than any other but the combination of the failure of the last guy, the deficit he left and finding out that Wall Street, Oil and the Banks as well as AIG made bets not only with the people’s money but against us as well – you would think some would understand that after years of corruption it might take a minute to make all the corrections given the fact that some of the parts needed to make the fix are not cooperating. I am no expert but people need to observe, compare and contrast their own lives to what happened and times that by a trillion and realize the correction will take a long time especially since folks on the right were able to downsize/block and or stall most of the financial fixes in the Senate for the last two years. The 60 vote rule and the filibuster definitely are not positive tools in the Senate thus the need to make sure our voices as Democratic voters are heard more often.

I do feel this is a pivotal moment and if we really want change folks we need to participate in the change when 53% voted for Senator Obama to be President Obama. We all need to understand why the process of change cannot only be done by the President; that Congress in both Chambers need to do the work of the People too and now after the midterms the House of Representatives is representing the Republican Tea Party, the Senate faces obstacles so, the only solution is getting truer Dems in both Chambers of Congress in 2012. I know that was such a simpleton statement right, had folks listened and voted left of center for the midterms elections- what if …sigh

President Obama is doing the best he can with what the last admin gave him and again it took a long time for all the dominos to fall and while there are those on the right who choose to provoke fear; lately that has turned into action by those feeling certain TV or radio personalities were giving them subliminal instructions to act against those who support the President or the Democratic Party.

It would be great if “the Media” would stop giving folks on the right passes when they make outrageous, racist, and often incendiary comments…we hear it from Fox News but now the new move from other cable stations taking a hard right has this viewer wondering where the money is coming from supporting the more extreme view on air. What we saw before and or during the midterm elections by so-called reporters or talking heads was the dance of News manipulation which is a sad representation of what real journalists, reporters and commentators use to be.

Other News …

**Congresswoman Giffords continues to improve

**say what you want about Gervais the Globe viewer numbers …17 million

 **President from China is here on a State visit and dinner with President and Mrs. Obama

**Baby doc Duvalier escorted from hotel – i would like all young Haitians to look his name up…and his families history

**Arab Leaders watch Tunisia

**129million have health conditions

**President Obama orders regulation review

 

 

CSPAN …

White House Briefing

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama will confront Chinese President Hu Jintao on issues such as human rights and currency values. At this daily briefing, reporters questioned the decision to hold a formal State Dinner for the Chinese leader. We also hear about a new executive order calling for a government-wide review of federal regulations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Robert-Gibbs/10737418992/ 

Right of Center organization:  National Center for Policy Analysis

As the House prepares to consider a bill to make changes to the health care law known as the Affordable Care and Patients Protection Act, the National Center for Policy Analysis released its recommendations to Congress on 10 proposed changes to the law and discussed why it should be repealed. Speakers included health care analysts from the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Cato Institute, and the American Action Forum – all who support NCPA’s recommendations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/Nat39l-Center-for-Policy-Analysis-Discussion-on-Changes-to-Health-Care-Law/10737419010/

 House Democrats hearing on GOP legislation Repealing Patient Rights

House Democrats assembled a panel of Americans opposed to repealing the 2010 health care law. They include the mother of two girls with leukemia, a former student receiving insurance through his parents’ plan, and the owner of a small pediatric practice. This event began shortly before House Republicans brought their repeal legislation to the floor. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Democrats-Hearing-on-GOP-Legislation-Repealing-Patients39-Rights/10737419015/

State Department Press Briefing

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department. Topics discussed include Chinese Pesident Hu Jintao’s arrival and scheduled private dinner with President Obama,Tunisia’s transitional government and the Sudan referendum. Mr. Crowley then responded to reporters’ questions. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737418993/

R. Sargent Schriver 1915 – 2011

R. Sargent Shriver passed away at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland today. He was 95 years old.more >> http://c-span.com/Events/R-Sargent-Shriver-1915–2011/10737418971/  

U.S. Conference of Mayors 79th Annual Winter Meeting

More than 220 of the nation’s mayors, led by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Burnsville, MN Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, convene for the 79th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. >>   http://c-span.com/Events/US-Conference-of-Mayors-79th-Annual-Winter-Meeting/10737419027/

 

House Republicans Move to Cut Spending Levels

Updated 3 hr., 18 min. ago

U.S. House of Representatives (C-SPAN)The House Rules Committee will take up a resolution today aimed at reducing spending to 2008 levels for the remainder of fiscal 2011. The resolution directs House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to cut around 20 percent of non-security, discretionary spending. The House may act on the resolution as soon as next week.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed a Republican plan to cut Congress’ budget by 5 percent. The resolution, introduced by GOP Transition Team Chairman Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), will require House members to reduce their budget to 95 percent of their 2010 allowance. The plan also calls for greater transparency regarding bill creation and actions taken by House committees. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republicans-Move-to-Cut-Spending-Levels/10737418996/

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Call on President Obama to Protect and Strengthen Social Security


 

Women Can’t Afford Cuts to Social Security

Call on President Obama to protect and strengthen Social Security.

Next week, President Obama will make his annual State of the Union address. It’s important that he use the speech to send a clear message to those who want to put Social Security on the chopping block: Social Security should be strengthened — not cut!

President Obama has opposed cutting and privatizing Social Security before. But we need him to speak out now in support of protecting and strengthening it.

Tell President Obama: Women Are Counting on You to Fight for Social Security!

If Social Security benefits are cut, women will bear much of the burden. Women live longer, rely more on Social Security, and already have lower benefits. Average benefits for women are just $12,000 per year. But Social Security provides more than half the income of the majority of women 65 and older. For one in four older women, Social Security is virtually their only source of income.

Nearly all Americans depend on Social Security at some point in their lives. Most are retirees. But millions are disabled workers, widows and widowers, and children who have lost the support of a parent through death or disability. We need to keep the promise of Social Security alive for them — and future generations.

Social Security has not contributed a penny to the federal deficit, and it’s not in crisis. In fact, Social Security has a $2.6 trillion surplus — it can pay 100 percent of promised benefits for 25 years and over 75 percent of benefits after that. With modest adjustments, Social Security can be strengthened and improved. Yet some Members of Congress are supporting proposals that would cut Social Security benefits deeply and are trying to push them through Congress.

Tell President Obama: Women Can’t Afford Cuts to Social Security.

We need your help to protect the promise of Social Security. And please spread the word by forwarding this message to friends, family and colleagues.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher

Vice President, Family Economic Security

National Women’s Law Center

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Thoughts & Prayers in Arizona


Reform Immigration FOR America Share This Message:
A senseless tragedy
Our thoughts & prayers are with them.
Where were you when you heard the news on Saturday?
In an act of unspeakable violence, Jared Lee Loughner shot Representative Gabrielle Giffords at point-blank range, and turned his gun on the crowd gathered to meet the local lawmaker at a Tuscon supermarket.

The event left 6 people dead – including a Federal Judge and a nine year old girl – and 14 injured. It also left an entire country stunned.

While we work to move forward, take a minute to send the victims and their families our prayers, our encouragement and our words of support in this difficult time. We will be sure that they receive your messages directly.

Send prayers and condolences to the victims & families in Arizona

Violence has no place in our democracy. We pray for the return of civility to our nation’s public discourse.

Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress holds regular Session -The House of Representatives …updates when needed


The next meeting is scheduled for 10amET on January 12, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JANUARY 12, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:00 P.M. –

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved that the House do now adjourn.

5:59 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 1. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 18, 2011.

H. Res. 32:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011

5:58 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

1:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Chair announced that when proceedings were postponed earlier, 4 hours and 6 minutes of debate remained on the resolution. The House proceeded with further debate on H. Res. 32.

Considered as unfinished business.

The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, proceedings would resume on H. Res. 32.

1:55 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 12.

12:42 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 32:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that further proceedings on H.Res. 32 would be postponed.

10:09 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous special order the House proceeded with 6 hours of debate on H.Res. 32.

10:06 A.M. –

Considered pursuant to a special order.

10:05 A.M. –

Consideration initiated pursuant to a special order.

10:04 A.M. –

ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent that it shall be in order at any time on the legislative day of January 12, 2011, to consider in the House without intervention of any point of order a resolution relating to recent events in Tucson, Arizona, if offered by the Speaker or his designee; such resolution shall be debatable for 6 hours equally divided and controlled by the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader or their respective designees; and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on such resolution and any preamble thereto to final adoption without intervening motion. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 33:

electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

10:03 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kucinich 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.

10:00 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wicked Wednesday &some News


trying to pub since early morn…ugh

The President is in Arizona to talk about the awful tragedy that happened on Saturday and call for a moment of National Unity and Healing.

It is a day to remember the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. It is a time to ask how far they have come and acknowledge how much more work, and funding Haiti needs. The State of Arizona experienced an awful tragedy none of us will truly understand, a number of people gunned down six killed and Congresswoman Giffords shot in the head, she and several survivors are on the mend. The reports are that Gaby Giffords is doing well.

It has been five days since the awful incident in Arizona and while some on both sides of the political aisle are agreeing that, the language used may not be appropriate. There are those long considered leaders in politics, TV, pundits, hosts have chosen to either ignore the obvious opportunity to tamp down the ugly rhetoric or come on national TV to act as if they were the victims. This is unacceptable to me. I am not sure if people will finally come together to tell those on the right by so-called Public Servants throw out violent rhetoric and  language; like blood libel, 2nd amendment remedies, do not retreat reload and last… i want everyone in Minnesota armed and dangerous. It is with great sadness to mention one of several Sharon Angle interviews this one with the RGJ in May, Angle said, “We’re called as Americans to be vigilant to protect our liberty. At some point in each of our lives, we’re called to service to defend and protect our Constitution “What is a little bit disconcerting and concerning is the inability for sporting goods stores to keep ammunition in stock. That tells me the nation is arming. What are they arming for if it isn’t that they are so distrustful of their government? They’re afraid they’ll have to fight for their liberty in more Second Amendment kinds of ways? “That’s why I look at this as almost an imperative. If we don’t win at the ballot box, what will be the next step?”

The pledge to America in my opinion seems like a doctrine of what the right(the Republican Tea Party) thinks and says they are all about but in my opinion are definitely without: compassion, any sense of service; community or for helping your fellow American, which, is why Obama was voted in.

The fact is… 53% wanted a huge change in the way thing get done not only in Washington DC but also on a global level, conservatives and their comrades the Republican Tea Party are fighting it. It is a moment when those of us that voted for President Obama need to help make this change a reality in 2012 by getting more true democrats on the floor of Congress. It was with great sadness that this was not accomplished during the 2010 midterms but those easily hoodwinked, fooled or who just did not care voted right of center. In my opinion, any or all things that have been accomplished and will help create positive improvement are at risk because the RTP has a need to not only privatize but ruin the Presidency; which if we all pay attention is a calling to take back their country – I ask what does that mean to you? For me it means there is a group of people afraid of the unknown, willing to use race or those of us that are other because we are brown, black or under the protected classes. I have to say some call it socialism some like me just want the country to stop being self-destructive, be civil, maybe help people by giving them an opportunity to prosper and flourish. I maybe naïve, but doing better than the next generation use to be a dream your parents had for you and you would pass on but if we listen to the right talk at some point these folks were trained taught to think completely differently than the rest of us. Though scary even folks on the right say this is not your fathers Republican Party and the radical right use to be visible but not so many got into public service positions let alone get on the floor of Congress. This has been an outrage for me since before 2008 but in light of the latest incident we have to hold some radio and tv pundits, politicians, tv hosts and bloggers accountable for their lack of self-control.

Other News …

**Haiti and the World remember that 2010 terrible earthquake

**Snow storms in 49 States

**Brazil is hit with rain and mud kills 99

**Riots reach Tunisia’s capital, so they now have a curfew

**Tracking bands hurt Penguin -seabirds

**Our 2010 ended strongly

**Lebanon govt falls Hezbollah pulls out

**Quinn wont say if he will sign off on death penalty bill

**

CSPAN…

The National Alliance to End Homelessness released its State of Homelessness in America report that found the nation’s homeless population increased by approximately 3 percent from 2008 to 2009 and cited the recession as contributing factor to the increase.  The report also showed California, Florida, and Nevada have the highest rates of homelessness. Speakers included the group’s president Nan Roman and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who is a senior Democrat on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. The event took place at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

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Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner spoke at John Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Study in Washington, DC. His remarks focused on the U.S. and China’s economic future and what to expect from Chinese President Hu Jintao’s upocming state visit.

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On the third day of voting in the South Sudan independence referendum, one of the lead U.S. negotiators for Sudan and the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs spoke with reporters at the State Department to provide an update on the vote.

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The Brookings Institution hosted a discussion on the earthquake in Haiti.  Activists who recently traveled there gave an assessment of the current situation, and also their insights on the remaining problems that are hindering reconstruction efforts. Topics of discussion include humanitarian aid concerns, rubble removal efforts, disease response as well as sexual violence and sanitation concerns in Haitian camps.  Among the speakers was actor and humanitarian Sean Penn who currently heads a group devoted to providing relief to Haiti.

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