Tag Archives: United States

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

UCS

09/11/2013 Nativegrl77

It’s no secret—the American diet of unhealthy, processed foods is killing us. More than 725,000 Americans die from heart disease and stroke each year. We can shrink this number through healthy eating, but we need our government working for—not against—us. Our new report, The $11 Trillion Reward, shows just how damaging current U.S. food policy is—favoring cheap, processed foods over fresh fruits and veggies—and what we can do to improve it. Check out the report, share it on Facebook and Twitter, and read on for more important updates! —Karla

This Just In

WATCH: The real cost of junk food If Americans ate just one more serving of fruits or vegetables a day, we could prevent 30,000 deaths each year. The benefits of healthy eating are clear, yet our government spends billions subsidizing processed foods like chips and soda that undermine our health, while fruits and vegetables get very little support. Watch our new video to see just how damaging current U.S. policy is—and what you can do to change it. MORE

Ask a Scientist

Jeffrey O’Hara Agricultural Economist

“What is UCS doing to encourage American farmers to grow more vegetables and fruit that would be healthier for our diets given that so many of them are dependent on government subsidies to grow commodity crops like corn and soybeans?”—Lanni Isenberg, Newton, MA It is not an accident that the U.S. agricultural landscape looks the way it does. Farm policy plays a critical role in influencing which crops are grown. Today, excessive subsidies are directed to “commodity” crops such as corn and soybeans that are used as animal feed and ingredients in processed junk foods. At the same time, as I describe below, federal farm policy restricts fruit and vegetable production. To make matters worse, significant obstacles exist in some communities for those wishing to use nutrition assistance benefits to buy healthy food at local markets. MORE

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Do you have a question for UCS scientists? Submit your question today.

Science in Action

DEADLINE: Act now for a healthier Farm Bill There are just days left to win support for healthy food and sustainable agriculture in the Farm Bill, which sets U.S. food policy for the next five years. Despite the importance of this legislation, Congress is locked in ideological battles that threaten to derail chances to pass this legislation before the current law expires at the end of the month. If this happens, programs that support healthy food and sustainable agriculture will suffer the most. If you’ve already contacted your elected officials, now is the time to contact them again. Tell Congress: The time is NOW to pass a Farm Bill that puts healthy food and farms first!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS ~~ the House

09/11/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. Following the prayer and the pledge, there will be a moment of silence to pay tribute to the thousands of Americans whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001.

Following any Leader remarks, the time until 2:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be a bipartisan, bicameral remembrance ceremony of the 12^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks at 11:00am tomorrow on the East Front of the Capitol.

Members will gather in the rotunda at 10:45am.

The Senate is in a period of morning business for debate only until 2:30pm, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees and Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be a bipartisan, bicameral remembrance ceremony of the 12^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks at 11:00am on the East Front of the Capitol. Members will gather in the rotunda at 10:45am.

As a reminder, there is an order to adopt the motion to proceed to S.1392, Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, with the concurrence of the Republican Leader. Discussions continue on the appropriate time to turn to its consideration.

The Senate has adopted the motion to proceed to S.1392, Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013. By consent, no amendments or motions relative to Syria or the use of military force are in order during the consideration of the bill. The time until 6:00pm is equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees. There will be a period for debate only to allow for opening statements on the bill (Wyden 20 minutes, Murkowski 20 minutes, Shaheen 15 minutes and Portman 15 minutes). Senators will be notified if and when any votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to S.1392, Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 :

Wyden for Merkley amendment #1858 (standby power usage study)

The Merkley amendment #1858 (standby power usage study) is pending

Senator Inhofe asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to consider Inhofe-Carper amendment #1851 (to modify the federal purchase of renewable energy requirement). Senator Vitter objected. Senator Vitter wants an agreement to vote on his healthcare amendment before any other amendments are considered.

Senator Udall (CO) spoke about an amendment on energy retrofitting of schools that he would like to call up but will refrain from offering until there is no objection to setting aside the pending amendment.

Senator Bennet asked consent to call up amendment #1847 (commercial real estate landlords and tenants). Senator Vitter objected.

Senator Klobuchar asked consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up Klobuchar amendment #1856 (retrofitting nonprofit buildings). Senator Portman objected on behalf of Senator Vitter.

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 7pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. We expect to resume consideration of the energy efficiency bill tomorrow morning.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.222, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week, including raising public awareness of the various tax-preferred retirement vehicles and increasing personal financial literacy.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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

Last Floor Action:
10:02:01 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.

10:00:17 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:51 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom Reed to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:36 A.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE.
10:02:01 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.

10:30:56 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:30 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 11.
12:00:38 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:02:10 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Perry demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Perry objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:42 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:04 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.
12:31:05 P.M.	H. Res. 339	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 339 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2775) to condition the provision of premium and cost-sharing subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act upon a certification that a program to verify household income and other qualifications for such subsidies is operational, and for other purposes.”
12:32:25 P.M.	H. Res. 339	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 339.

1:20:25 P.M.	H. Res. 339	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 339, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 339 and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Burgess demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question on H. Res. 339 until a time to be announced.
1:20:30 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
2:10:54 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 11.
2:10:58 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 339, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:11:29 P.M.	H. Res. 339	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 339 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2775) to condition the provision of premium and cost-sharing subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act upon a certification that a program to verify household income and other qualifications for such subsidies is operational, and for other purposes.”
2:38:40 P.M.	H. Res. 339	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 196 (Roll no. 456).
2:47:56 P.M.	H. Res. 339	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 195 (Roll no. 457).
2:47:57 P.M.	H. Res. 339	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:48:01 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and put the question on agreeing to the Journal de novo.
2:48:23 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
2:49:49 P.M.		Mr. Bucshon asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on September 12. Agreed to without objection.
2:53:23 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
3:04:01 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
4:36:48 P.M.		Mr. Pocan moved that the House do now adjourn.
4:36:50 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
4:36:59 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on September 12, 2013.

——————————————————————————————————

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS ~~ the House

09/10/2013 Nativegrl77

FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, September 9, 2013.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:

– Executive Calendar #184 Valerie E. Caproni – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York and

– Executive Calendar #185 Vernon S. Broderick – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

There will be up to 30 minutes of debate on the nomination equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations. Only roll call vote is expected Monday evening; one of the nominations is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

5:34pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #184, Valerie E. Caproni, of New York, to be a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

Confirmed: 73-24

The Broderick nomination was confirmed by voice vote. The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #184, the nomination of Valerie E. Caproni, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 73-24

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.220, to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Wade vs. Miller, et al.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #185, Vernon S. Broderick, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York by voice vote.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

House Floor Activities Legislative Day of September 09, 2013

2:00:23 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:32 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:00:54 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:00 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. Holding 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. Holding objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postpone d further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
2:03:13 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Holding to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:40 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:14:06 P.M.		>The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.
4:00:34 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 9.
4:00:41 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:01:35 P.M.	H.R. 2052	Mr. Terry moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2052 — “To direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment.”
4:01:43 P.M.	H.R. 2052	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:01:45 P.M.	H.R. 2052	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2052.
4:13:54 P.M.	H.R. 2052	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.
4:14:11 P.M.	H.R. 2844	Mr. Scalise moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2844 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to consolidate the reporting obligations of the Federal Communications Commission in order to improve congressional oversight and reduce reporting burdens.”
4:14:46 P.M.	H.R. 2844	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:14:48 P.M.	H.R. 2844	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2844.
4:24:35 P.M.	H.R. 2844	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.
4:24:55 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:45:13 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 9.
6:46:18 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.
6:47:02 P.M.	H.R. 2052	_Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2052 — “To direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment.”
7:13:08 P.M.	H.R. 2052	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 – 32, 1 Present (Roll no. 448).
7:13:29 P.M.	H.R. 2844	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2844 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to consolidate the reporting obligations of the Federal Communications Commission in order to improve congressional oversight and reduce reporting burdens.”
7:26:21 P.M.	H.R. 2844	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 0 (Roll no. 449).
7:26:37 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and put the question on agreeing to the Journal de novo.
7:27:21 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
7:27:34 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:38:30 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:38:06 P.M.		Mr. Bentivolio moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:38:09 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:38:18 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on September 10, 2013.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Digging into our Roots!

09/10/2013 Nativegrl77

NMAAHC -- National Museum of African American History and Culture

africa diaspora title bannerFINAL-01.jpg

Searching for Your Roots

This event is full. However, please join us via webcast at nmaahc.si.edu/Events/SearchingforYourRoots.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. Photo by Jeffrey Dunn

Thursday, September 12, 2013 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

We share a basic drive to discover our own personal stories that explain who we are — and where we come from. In the 2012 PBS series, Finding Your Roots, Henry Louis Gates Jr. explored “the DNA of American culture.” Gates enlisted his own corps of discovery — leading genealogists, geneticists, and ancestry genetic testing companies — to uncover the ancestry of celebrities in each episode. This very team has been busy tracing the genetic histories of tonight’s guests, the Smithsonian’s own Lonnie Bunch, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Washington Week’s Gwen Ifill. Gates will reveal their ancestral backgrounds, discovered through historical records and genomic data, live on stage. Ifill and Bunch will explore the results and comment on what they’ve learned.

Lonnie Bunch

Gwen Ifill

After the ancestral reveal, the program continues with a discussion on the promise and limitations of genomic research and ancestral inference genetic testing. Panelists include:

Aravinda Chakravarti, professor, McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University;

Charmaine Royal, faculty, Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, and associate research professor, Department of African and African American Studies, Duke University;

Joanna Mountain, senior director of research, 23andMe.

The panel moderator is Vence Bonham, associate investigator, National Human Genome Research Institute. A question-and-answer session with the audience follows.

Gates is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University, and director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research.
For more information, email NMAAHCPROGRAMS@si.edu.

Presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of Natural History, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.