Tag Archives: United States

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How the sequester impacts military families

03/08/2013 Nativegrl77

VoteVets.org

“What that means is the rest of the forces that are now back in the United States will not be able to train. They will be able to do small-level, squad-level training. They will not be able to do platoon-level, company-level, battalion-level training back at their installations. They will not be able to go out to combat training centers, which is what provides them the final readiness certification at the battalion and brigade level.” – Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General Ray Odierno

When Republicans rejected compromise solutions to avoid the “sequester,” they ushered in a series of cuts that promise to hurt military families at home and in the field.

At home, medical care, Department of Defense-run schools, social services like sexual assault prevention and treatment, tuition assistance, child care, and many other programs will get cut.

In the field, operations and maintenance funding (O&M) — which is essentially responsible for readiness and deployment — already faces a $6 billion shortfall, and sequestration could double it.

We have a powerful voice and unique opportunity to stop these cuts. Sign our petition to congressional leadership calling on an end to the sequester and its impact on military families.

http://action.votevets.org/sequester

Nine Republican Senators already defected from a GOP plan to end the sequester, in large part because of the cuts impacting members of the military and their families.

They also rejected a commonsense Democratic plan that would have millionaires and billionaires shoulder a small amount of the burden to avoid sequester.

The issue is at an impasse right now, and our voices are critical to ensure there’s a resolution to the crisis.

Sign our petition to congressional leadership and make your voice heard today.

http://action.votevets.org/sequester

We’ll deliver these petitions early next week and let you know about any responses we receive from legislative offices.

Best,

Jon Soltz
@jonsoltz
Iraq War Veteran
Chairman, VoteVets

Black History

CONGRESS: Republicans ::: back on 3/11 :::Democrats

03/07/2013 Nativegrl77

March 2013
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Last Floor Action below … 3/7/2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Session and consideration of Executive Calendar #43, John Owen Brennan, of Virginia, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:00pm for caucus meetings.
Prior to adjournment, in the early morning of Thursday, March 7^th, cloture was filed on the Brennan nomination. Under the rule, that vote would be one hour after the Senate convenes on Saturday.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in up to 2 roll call votes beginning at approximately 3:15pm today.

If all time is used at approximately 3:15pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #43, the nomination of John Owen Brennan, of Virginia, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.If cloture is invoked, the Senate would proceed immediately to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.

3:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #43, the nomination of John Owen Brennan, of Virginia, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Invoked: 81-16

3:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #43,

the nomination of John Owen Brennan, of Virginia, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Confirmed: 63-34

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Executive Calendar #43, John Owen Brennan, of Virginia, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Invoked: 81-16

2) Confirmation of the Brennan nomination; Confirmed: 63-34

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.71, designating the week of March 4 through March 8, 2013, as “Military and Veterans Caregiver Week”.

Adopted S.Res.72, to observe the contributions of the American Chiropractic Association and to recognize the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the organization.

Adopted S.Res.73, designating March 11, 2013, as “World Plumbing Day”.

Placed H.R.933, the Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 on the Legislative Calendar.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.505, to prohibit the use of drones to kill citizens of the United States within the United States. (Cruz)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

The Senate reached an agreement to place on the Calendar of Business H.R.933, a bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes. We expect to consider the bill next week.

At 5:00pm on Monday, March 11, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

– Executive Calendar #9 Richard Gary Taranto, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit; and

– Executive Calendar #17 Andrew Patrick Gordon, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

There will be up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees on the nominations. Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 5:30pm), there will be up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the Taranto and Gordon nominations. We expect the Gordon nomination to be confirmed by voice vote.

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Last Floor Action:
12:04:56 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 11, 2013.

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

12:00:57 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:01:14 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Blake Farenthold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:39 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Gene Hemrick, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
12:02:39 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:54 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:04 P.M.		Congress, the Clerk transmitted to the House a notification that Porter J. Goss, David Skaggs, Yvonne Burke, Jay Eagen, Karan English, Bill Frenzel, Allison Hayward, Mike Barnes, Omar Ashmawy, Kelly Brewington, William Cable, Mary K. Flanagan, Scott Gast, Kedric L. Payne, Paul Solis, and Nate Wright have each signed an agreement not to be a candidate for the office of Senator or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress for purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 until at least 3 years after he or she is no longer a member of the board or staff of the Office of Congressional Ethics.
12:04:56 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 11, 2013.

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS:

03/06/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume Executive Session to consider the nomination of Executive Calendar #13, Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia District with the time until 10:30am equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
At 10:30am, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Halligan nomination.

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit;

Not Invoked: 51-41

Cloture on Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, was not invoked 51-41. Senator Reid changed his vote to no and entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote.

The Leaders are working on an agreement to consider Executive Calendar #43, the nomination of John Brennan, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. If we are able to reach an agreement, we could have up to 2 roll call votes in relation to the nomination (cloture and confirmation) today. Another message will be sent if any agreement is reached.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to proceed to the consideration of Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of John Brennan, to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; that the cloture motion at the desk be reported; there be 90 minutes for debate on the nomination, with Senator Feinstein controlling 30 minutes, Senator Chambliss controlling 30 minutes, and Senator Paul controlling 30 minutes; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination. Finally, that if cloture is invoked, the Senate immediately proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Senator Paul objected.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight. Senators should plan to be here tomorrow.

Senator Paul asked unanimous consent that at a time to be determined tomorrow, Thursday, March 7, the Senate proceed to vote on adoption of a Senate resolution relating to the use of drones and that upon disposition of the resolution, the Senate turn to the Brennan nomination or are allowed to proceed to a vote.

Senator Durbin objected.

The Senate remains in Executive Session on the Halligan nomination.

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

10:00:43 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

10:00:52 A.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

10:02:10 A.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:02:19 A.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Olson to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02:37 A.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

10:17:34 A.M.

H. Res. 99

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 99 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 933) making appropriations for the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”

10:18:51 A.M.

H. Res. 99

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 99.

11:49:01 A.M.

H. Res. 99

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 188 (Roll no. 59).

11:57:21 A.M.

H. Res. 99

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 212 – 197 (Roll no. 60).

11:57:21 A.M.

H. Res. 99

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

11:59:22 A.M.

H. Con. Res. 14

Mr. Harper asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

11:59:59 A.M.

H. Con. Res. 14

Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 14 — “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.”

12:00:14 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 14

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

12:00:23 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 14

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

12:00:40 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 20

Mr. Harper asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

12:00:55 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 20

Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 20 — “Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Professor Muhamad Yunus.”

12:01:04 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 20

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

12:01:37 P.M.

H. Con. Res. 20

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

12:02:04 P.M.

H.R. 933

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 99. H.R. 933 — “Making appropriations for the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”

12:02:09 P.M.

H.R. 933

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 933 with 1 hour 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. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended.

12:03:14 P.M.

H.R. 933

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 933.

1:24:57 P.M.	H.R. 933	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
1:25:25 P.M.	H.R. 933	Mr. Peters (CA) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
1:25:44 P.M.	H.R. 933	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters(CA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to strike the section from the bill that affirms sequestration’s cuts will apply to all funding in the bill.
1:32:34 P.M.	H.R. 933	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
1:54:50 P.M.	H.R. 933	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 188 – 231 (Roll no. 61).
2:04:25 P.M.	H.R. 933	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 267 – 151 (Roll no. 62).
2:04:25 P.M.	H.R. 933	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:05:01 P.M.		Mr. Harper asked unanimous consent That the order of the House of January 3, 2013, regarding Morning-Hour Debate not apply to Thursday, March 7, 2013. Agreed to without objection.
2:05:07 P.M.		Mr. Harper asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns March 7, it adjourn to meet on March 11 at 10 a.m. Agreed to without objection.
2:06:02 P.M.		Investigative Subcommittees of the Committee on Ethics – Pursuant to clause 5(a)(4)(A) of rule 10, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to be available to serve on the Investigative Subcommittees of the Committee on Ethics: Mr. Latham, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Bishop of Utah, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Latta, Mr. Olson, Mr. Gardner, Mrs. Roby and Mr. Messer.
2:06:58 P.M.		UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Farenthold asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 313, a measure originally introduced by Representative Emerson of Missouri, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of Rule 12.
2:07:19 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:17:20 P.M.		Ms. Foxx moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:17:45 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:17:56 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on March 7, 2013.

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HR933 and FY2013 effect on automatic spending reductions

03/05/2013 Nativegrl77

H.R. 933, the Department of Defense, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013

As introduced on March 4

Information on appropriations for fiscal year 2013 and the effect on those appropriations of the automatic spending reductions

Letter to the Honorable Paul Ryan

The Budget Outlook

CBO Director Doug Elmendorf’s Presentation to the National Association for Business Economics

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Pick Your Poison

03/05/2013 Nativegrl77

By ThinkProgress War Room

Devastating Cuts Take Hold

Devastating, painful, and, above all, avoidable spending cuts went into effect Friday evening after sequestration became official. Instead of agreeing to a balanced replacement that includes targeted spending cuts and new revenues from closing tax loopholes used by the wealthiest Americans and special interests, Republicans are instead forcing these damaging cuts on the country.

Here’s a look at 32 of the dumbest and most devastating cuts.

Health care

$20 million cut from the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs
$10 million cut from the World Trade Center Health Program Fund
$168 million cut from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
$75 million cut from the Aging and Disability Services Programs

Housing

$199 million cut from public housing
$96 million cut from Homeless Assistance Grants
$17 million cut from Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
$19 million cut from Housing for the Elderly
$175 million cut from Low Income Home Energy Assistance

Disaster and Emergency

$928 million cut from FEMA’s disaster relief money
$6 million cut from Emergency Food and Shelter
$70 million cut from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Fund at USDA
$61 million cut from the Hazardous Substance Superfund at EPA
$125 million cut from the Wildland Fire Management
$53 million cut from Salaries and Expenses at the Food Safety and Inspection Service

Obamacare

$13 million cut from the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan Program (Co-ops)
$57 million cut from the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control
$51 million cut from the Prevention and Public Health Fund
$27 million cut from the State Grants and Demonstrations
$44 million cut from the Affordable Insurance Exchange Grants program

Education

$633 million cut from the Department of Education’s Special Education programs
$184 million cut from Rehabilitation Services and Disability Research
$71 million cut from administration at the Office of Federal Student Aid
$116 million cut from Higher Education
$86 million cut from Student Financial Assistance

Immigration

$512 million cut from Customs and Border Protection
$17 million cut from Automation Modernization, Customs and Border Protection
$20 million cut from Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology

Security

$79 million cut from Embassy Security, Construction, and Maintenance
$604 million cut from National Nuclear Security Administration
$232 million cut from the Federal Aviation Administration
$394 million cut from Defense Environmental Cleanup

BOTTOM LINE: The worst impacts of the cuts won’t happen overnight, but they will happen. Rather than compromise, Republicans instead appear ready to stand by and watch as our economy and millions of Americans are hurt by these irresponsible and devastating cuts. Their reckless behavior got us into this mess in 2011 and now it’s time for them to come back to the table and help get us out of it before the worst impacts of these indiscriminate cuts happen.