Tag Archives: United States

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Feeding America and the Farm Bill

11/20/2013 Nativegrl77

76% of SNAP recipient households include a child, elderly person, or disabled person.

76% of SNAP recipient households include a child, elderly person, or disabled person. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, helps over 47 million low-income Americans put food on the table by providing benefits that are timely, targeted, and temporary.
Learn how SNAP works and who qualifies for assistance»

Help Prevent Cuts to Anti-Hunger Programs

On
November 1, 2013, all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
formerly know as food stamps) recipients will see a reduction in their
benefit levels because of legislation passed by the United States
Congress in 2010.

Cuts that will equal 1.9 billion meals no longer available to the
children, seniors, and disabled that rely on their SNAP benefits to help
put food on the table. That is more than half of what the entire
Feeding America network will distribute in the entire year!

You should also know that Congress is considering adding even larger
cuts to SNAP benefit levels and eligibility. Decisions that impact
Americans struggling with hunger in your community and across the
country are being made right now. Use your voice to help prevent these
cuts by telling your members of Congress to protect anti-hunger
programs.

Tell Congress to protect anti-hunger programs

Meet Jim, Real Stories of SNAP

For more than 40 years, Jim worked as a mechanic. When the economy crashed, business stopped. For rural clients like Jim the challenges of lower levels of education and concentration of low-wage industries can be hard to overcome. Jim knew he needed to apply for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) when after waiting for a customer payment all day – it simply never arrived. Without a cracker in the house he applied for food assistance and is glad he did. He would have had no other way to eat.

The Farm Bill

The Farm Bill, which is reauthorized every five years, is the single largest source of federal funding for federal hunger-relief programs. In addition to setting policy for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) that put food on the table for Americans struggling with hunger, it covers a range of agriculture-related areas such as commodities, conservation, rural development, livestock, and energy.

In 2012, Congress was unable to pass a Farm Bill. Help us urge Congress to pass a strong Farm Bill that protects and strengthens programs that help Americans struggling with hunger put food on the table. Take Action Today!

Tax Policy and Deficit Reduction

Feeding America is actively engaged in protecting federal anti-hunger programs as Congress addresses how to reduce the deficit and balance our nation’s budget, as well as advocating for federal tax provisions that protect food and fund donations to the Feeding America food bank network.

Appropriations

Feeding America is engaged in advocating for a strong federal anti-hunger safety net through the Appropriations process and ensuring programs like TEFAP, CSFP, and WIC have adequate funding to meet the need.

Once Appropriations season heats up, we may need your help to ensure these programs are adequately funded, so stay tuned!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 11/20 the House

11/20/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour for debate only with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the second half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act. There will be up to 6 hours for debate only on the issue of sexual assault with the time divided as follows:

Senator Gillibrand, or her designee controlling three hours;
Senators McCaskill and Ayotte, or their designees, each controlling 75 minutes;
Ranking Member Inhofe, or his designee, controlling 20 minutes; and
Chairman Levin, or his designee, controlling 10 minutes.

We hope to reach an agreement to vote on the sexual assault-related amendments during Wednesday’s session.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to vote on the Gillibrand (SA #2099) and McCaskill-Ayotte (SA #2170) sexual assault amendments at 5:30pm tonight.

Senator Inhofe asked to modify the request that following disposition of the McCaskill/Ayotte amendment #2170, all pending amendments be withdrawn and the Republican manager or his designee be recognized to offer the next amendment in order to be followed by an amendment offered by the Majority side and the two sides continue to offer amendments in alternating fashion until all amendments are disposed of.

Senator Reid did not agree to the modification.

Senator Coburn then objected to the original Reid request.

The Senate is in a period of morning business for debate only until 7:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Roll call votes are unlikely tonight. Senator Reid will be recognized at 7:30pm.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.304, Recognizing the 30^th Anniversary of the date of the restoration by the Federal Government of Federal recognition to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, November 22, 1983.

Adopted S.Res.305, Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

Adopted S.Res.306, designating Thursday, November 21, 2013, as “Feed America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.307, a resolution permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.

Adopted S.Res.308, Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1752, the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013. (Gillibrand)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1737, the Minimum Wage Fairness Act. (Harkin)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Senator Reid filed cloture on S.1197, National Defense Authorization Act. The filing deadline for germane first degree amendments is 1:00pm, Thursday, November 21.

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Last Floor Action:
7:08:25 P.M. – The House adjourned. The
next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 20, 2013.

10:00:34 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:42 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas Massie to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:07 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.
11:08:26 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:49 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 20.
12:00:55 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Paul Taylor, St. Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
12:02:53 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:57 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Tsongas to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:13 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.
12:38:08 P.M.	H. Res. 420	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 420 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1900) to provide for the timely consideration of all licenses, permits, and approvals required under Federal law with respect to the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of any natural gas pipeline projects, and for other purposes.”
12:41:28 P.M.	H. Res. 420	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 420.
1:46:20 P.M.	H. Res. 420	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 592).
1:53:41 P.M.	H. Res. 420	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 593).
1:53:42 P.M.	H. Res. 420	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:54:11 P.M.	H.R. 1965	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1965 — “To streamline and ensure onshore energy permitting, provide for onshore leasing certainty, and give certainty to oil shale development for American energy security, economic development, and job creation, and for other purposes.”
1:54:52 P.M.	H.R. 1965	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
2:00:23 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 594).
2:04:17 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On agreeing to the Lowenthal amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 595).
2:08:09 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 596).
2:12:45 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 597).
2:17:23 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 598).
2:17:29 P.M.	H.R. 1965	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1965.
2:18:13 P.M.	H.R. 1965	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2:18:23 P.M.	H.R. 1965	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
2:18:38 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On agreeing to the Rules amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:19:31 P.M.	H.R. 1965	Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.
2:20:47 P.M.	H.R. 1965	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kirkpatrick motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to insert language clarifying tax provisions applicable to defined major integrated oil companies. The amendment would also add a new section to the bill prohibiting the legislation from requiring the Secretary of the Interior to allow energy development that would negatively impact land that is identified by the Secretary, in consultation with affected Indian tribes, as a Native American sacred site or cultural site.
2:25:34 P.M.	H.R. 1965	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
2:34:08 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 599).
2:43:15 P.M.	H.R. 1965	On passage Passed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 600).
2:43:16 P.M.	H.R. 1965	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:43:33 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 20, 2013 at 11:51 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 3304 with amendments and passed S. 381.
2:43:59 P.M.	H.R. 2728	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 419. H.R. 2728 — “To recognize States’ authority to regulate oil and gas operations and promote American energy security, development, and job creation.”
2:44:04 P.M.	H.R. 2728	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1965 and H.R. 2728. The resolution provides for one hour of debate and makes in order only those further amendments printed in the Rules report 113-271. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
2:44:13 P.M.	H.R. 2728	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 419 and Rule XVIII.
2:44:14 P.M.	H.R. 2728	The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:44:41 P.M.	H.R. 2728	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2728.

3:54:28 P.M.	H.R. 2728	An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 113-271 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas drilling operations on public lands.
3:54:30 P.M.	H.R. 2728	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 419, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt Part B amendment No. 1.
4:03:23 P.M.	H.R. 2728	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt Part B amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:03:51 P.M.	H.R. 2728	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores, numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 113-271 to require states to submit a copy of their hydraulic fracturing regulations and chemical disclosure requirements to the BLM for public disclosure and provide other technical/clarifying changes.
4:03:55 P.M.	H.R. 2728	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 419, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flores Part B amendment No. 2.
4:10:58 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:11:28 P.M.	H.R. 2728	An amendment, offered by Mr. Reed, numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 113-271 to direct the GAO to conduct a study on the economic benefits of domestic oil and gas production as result of hydraulic fracturing including job creation, energy prices and State and Federal revenues.
4:11:30 P.M.	H.R. 2728	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 419, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Reed Part B amendment No. 3.
4:12:00 P.M.	H.R. 2728	Reed amendment; modified by unanimous consent.
4:17:25 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On agreeing to the Reed amendment; as modified Agreed to by voice vote.
4:17:52 P.M.	H.R. 2728	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeFazio, numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 113-271 to prohibit the export of natural gas produced from public lands.
4:17:54 P.M.	H.R. 2728	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 419, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio Part B amendment No. 4.
4:29:15 P.M.	H.R. 2728	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio Part B amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:29:50 P.M.	H.R. 2728	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 113-271 to instruct the Secretary to conduct an annual review of any and all state hydraulic fracturing activity and submit a report to Congress.
4:29:52 P.M.	H.R. 2728	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 419, the Committee of Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) Part B amendment No. 5.
4:34:25 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:34:41 P.M.	H.R. 2728	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
4:35:50 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On agreeing to the Holt amendment (A002) Roll Call 601 – Recorded vote pending.

5:04:03 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 190 – 230 (Roll no. 601).
5:05:40 P.M.	H.R. 2728	MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women who have given their lives in the service of our country, and of all who serve in our armed forces and their familes.
5:12:29 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 142 – 276 (Roll no. 602).
5:13:02 P.M.	H.R. 2728	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2728.
5:13:17 P.M.	H.R. 2728	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:13:36 P.M.	H.R. 2728	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
5:14:18 P.M.	H.R. 2728	Mr. Lowenthal moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.
5:15:35 P.M.	H.R. 2728	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lowenthal motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to ensure that the underlying bill does not limit the authority of the Department of Interior or any state to require the public disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.
5:30:09 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 232 (Roll no. 603).
5:41:19 P.M.	H.R. 2728	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 235 – 187 (Roll no. 604).
5:41:21 P.M.	H.R. 2728	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:41:31 P.M.		Mr. LaMalfa asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on November 21. Agreed to without objection.
5:42:49 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:49:24 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Do you know what the Affordable Care Act means to your Small Business?

11/19/2013 Nativegrl77

Have you heard about the new Health Care Marketplace?

Join the Portland District Office and Cover Oregon on Monday, November 25 from 8:30-10 a.m., to learn more about the Affordable Care Act and how the new online marketplace will make shopping for health coverage easier.The SBA and Cover Oregon will cover:

What the Affordable Care Act means to small businesses
An overview of Cover Oregon including benefits for small employers
How Cover Oregon helps individuals and families
Questions and Answers

>More information and registration

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

latimes.com

11/17/2013 Nativegrl77

Albuquerque becomes latest abortion battlefield

By Cindy Carcamo

A ballot initiative — thought to be the nation’s first such municipal measure — would bar the procedure at 20 weeks. Such a ban would have statewide impact.

Philippine city overwhelmed by task of burying typhoon victims

In Tacloban, the Philippine city hit hardest by Typhoon Haiyan, hundreds of bodies are hastily buried in a long trench. More corpses lie in the streets or still covered by rubble.