Tag Archives: United States

TGIF …

12/07/2012 Nativegrl77

So, it’s Friday very cold but we definitely are not snowbound. ..

Yet, considering all the stuff going on … it’s a good day to reach for the sky while breathing deeply through your nose then slowly exhale through your mouth while slowly lowering your arms, head, shoulders, chest and waist bend knees -repeat when needed …

Just another rant …

I’m beyond tired of “main stream media malarkey”, is anyone else yet and can I just say the only grown-ups on the floor of Congress lately are from the Democratic Party but hey that is just my opinion. Though watching the Republican/tea party shakeup or the art of turning on each other is exciting! 6 Out … 38 to go?

I would like to thank our President for doing such a great job despite the 24/7 News cycle bashing him. I say, we must constantly remind low informationvoters that President Obama does not make, create or pass legislation into laws, our Congress does, so, all complaints about bills not getting on the floor of Congress should be directed at Republican Tea Partiers who have held most if not all of them up or blocked, stalled and just said no to. It is a sad day to realize that a Political Party would put their ideology above the needs of their fellow Americans but the Republican Tea Party did without flinching, thinking of their constituents I guess and all for the love of money. The Bush Tax Cuts of 2001&2003 were given, scheduled to expire 12/31/10 and unpaid for a long with the two wars waged which cost Americans trillions of our money.

The fact is the tax cuts, 2Wars, Wall Street bets, AIG insurance selling banking products as well as too much deregulation sent our economy over the cliff -sigh

In a time when things are tough and a large number of voters leaned left voted for PBO though Republicans kept telling the public lies and now the joke is on them. They say their focus is on Jobs, economy and doing the work of the People yet these RWNJs continue to vote against issues facing Americans; stating people on UI do not look for jobs are still lazy and don’t pay taxes among other ugly words from elitists. I have to say every time one of them makes a statement that is obviously outrageous; I wonder where the outrage is. Then I only have to see photos from Election2012 to know that Americans voted, early and stood in line while Republicans decided a long time ago that not only would they refuse to cooperate with the First Black President they will do whatever is necessary to bring him down even if it means taking American Voters down and today provided a peek at what these fools planned the night President Barack Obama was sworn into office. !

Well, the Democratic Party did not gain control back of both Chambers, but contrary to RWNJs current behavior, PBO won decidedly and should be given the right to govern though they continue to filibuster… still

Congress gets back from break on an odd note, passing the Vets bill but then a week later with a vote of 61- 38, on the Disability Treaty, a bill that was supposed to protect ALL people with disabilities gets killed by Republicans. Unfortunately, Leader Reid decided that he will hold the bill until the 113th Congress. It feels like Republicans have decided to hold onto their status quo hanging it out to dry… “Hostage” along with other legislation that would not only protect Americans it could have been a bill that passed with bipartisanship but that clearly was too much to ask for from Republicans. While that was taking place, we all wait for the Farm bill to pass among other legislation. Again, I wonder where the outrage toward Congress is as they are solely responsible for making and passing laws, not the President though he keeps getting the blame.

The fault and blame for any lack of real progress lies at the feet of the Republican/Tea party. Though it is unfortunate that the Republican Tea Party has apparently decided to continue to thumb their noses at our President demanding those Bush Tax Giveaways before they will cooperate, which most Americans feel we cannot afford or allow to happen again … ever.

The lame duck session, notoriously known as the session when things get done in Congress but we need that conciliatory behavior to start now …maybe before December 31st definitely before Jan.1^st.

Unfortunately, the Lame Duck is more lame than we have ever experienced and this #righttoworkbill … is becoming the right for Govs. to make American Workers work for less

We need some sanity in Congress !!

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Senator Sanders

12/07/2012 Nativegrl77

National Buz Banner UPDATE

Stop Media Consolidation

Photo: Dale Robbins, Moyers & Company

Bernie is leading a fight against a Federal Communications Commission proposal to allow fewer and fewer news media conglomerates to control more and more television stations, radio stations and newspapers. “We’re going to do everything we can to prevent it from happening,” Bernie told Bill Moyers in an interview that will air this weekend on Moyers & Company.

Media concentration limits the public’s access to unbiased information about important issues, drowns out independent voices, hurts local news and community affairs coverage, eliminates competition and discourages diversity in ownership. The FCC could issue an order on the rule change as early as January.

You can help stop the FCC by signing Bernie’s petition.

Watch a preview of Moyers & Company »
Check your local listings for Moyers & Company »
Watch Bernie’s news conference »
Sign Bernie’s petition »
Read the senators’ letter to the FCC (pdf) »
Take the poll »

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House : the Senate on break until Dec.10

12/07/2012 Nativegrl77

11:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
11:01:10 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
11:01:18 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
11:02:16 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
11:02:20 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
11:02:50 A.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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 6, 2012 at 9:42 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 1947 and S. 3254.
11:02:52 A.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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 6, 2012 at 5:22 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 6582, without amendment, and passed S. 3666.
11:03:30 A.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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 6, 2012 at 3:46 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 6634, without amendment.
11:04:35 A.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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 6, 2012 at 12:42 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 4310, with an amendment, and requests a conference with the House, and appoints conferees; that the Senate passed S. 3331, and passed H.R. 6156, without amendment.
11:05:11 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 11, 2012.

~ Recent Post

HCAN

12/06/2012 Nativegrl77

Dear Health Care Advocate,

Please call 888-531-3993 and tell your member of Congress to sign a petition that will bring the middle-class tax cut to an immediate vote.

The American people showed in the November election that they want middle-class tax cuts, but Republican members of the House of Representatives are holding that goal hostage while they work to deliver massive tax breaks to the richest Americans and cut away at Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Members who want to vote on middle-class tax cuts can sign a petition to force the House to act on them now with an up or down vote.

We urge you to call 888-531-3993 today to tell your representative to sign the petition to force an immediate vote on middle-class tax cuts.

Americans were crystal clear: Washington must extend the middle-class tax cuts now and then debate later whether to reduce taxes for the richest 2 percent.

If every Democrat and at least 26 Republicans sign the House petition, Speaker John Boehner will be required to give working families a fair shake and hold a vote on tax cuts for middle-class Americans. Join us in calling Congress now!

Will O’Neill
Health Care for America Now

~ Recent Post

CONGRESS :

12/05/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 5, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for up to 4 hours with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each (except where noted below) and the time divided as follows:

Majority for up to 30 minutes
Republicans for up to 30 minutes
Senator Grassley for up to 45 minutes
Majority for up to 45 minutes
Republicans for up to 45 minutes
And the Majority for up to 45 minutes.
Following morning business (at approximately 2pm), the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.6156, the Russia Trade bill. We expect to complete action on the Russia Trade bill during Wednesday’s session.

Senator Cornyn asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass H.R.6429, the STEM Jobs Act. Senator Schumer objected and then asked consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.3553, and the Senate take up and pass S.3553, the BRAINS Act. Senator Cornyn objected to the Schumer request.

H.R.6429, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote innovation, investment, and research in the United States, to eliminate the diversity immigrant program, and for other purposes.

S.3553, A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to enhance national security, combat illegal immigration, and promote job creation, innovation, investment, and research in the United States, and for other purposes.

At 5pm today the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Executive Calendar #676, the nomination ofMichael P. Shea, of Connecticut, to be US District Judge for the District of Connecticut. There will be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider the Russia-Moldova PNTR bill with no amendments in order. There will now be up to 5 hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 10 minutes for debate, equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill, H.R.6156: Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012.

5:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Executive Calendar #676 Michael Shae, of CT, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut;

Confirmed: 72-23

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #676, Michael P. Shea, of CT, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut; Confirmed: 72-23

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.3331, Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 with a Kerry amendment by voice vote.

Adopted S.Res.609, a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Alan Phillip Gross from detention in Cuba by voice vote.

Discharged and adopted S.Res.573, designating the third week of January 2013 as “Teen Cancer Awareness Week.”

Discharged and adopted S.Res.595, expressing support for the goals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging the people of the United States to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children.

Adopted S.Res.610, commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————–

9:00:20 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:27 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert J. Dold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:00:35 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:09 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:02:11 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleischmann to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:02:39 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
9:13:34 A.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
9:13:54 A.M.	H. Res. 825	Mr. LoBiondo moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 825 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 2838, with an amendment.”
9:16:08 A.M.	H. Res. 825	Considered under suspension of the rules.
9:16:10 A.M.	H. Res. 825	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 825.
9:45:14 A.M.	H. Res. 825	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
9:45:17 A.M.	H. Res. 825	<Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
9:45:51 A.M.	H.R. 2838	House agreed to Senate amendments with an amendment pursuant to H. Res. 825.
9:46:20 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	Mrs. Blackburn moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. S. Con. Res. 50 — “Expressing the sense of Congress regarding actions to preserve and advance the multistakeholder governance model under which the Internet has thrived.”
9:46:33 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	Considered under suspension of the rules.
9:46:36 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 50.
10:01:56 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	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.
10:02:54 A.M.	H.R. 6620	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6620 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to eliminate certain limitations on the length of Secret Service Protection for former Presidents and for the children of former Presidents.”
10:03:09 A.M.	H.R. 6620	Considered under suspension of the rules.
10:03:12 A.M.	H.R. 6620	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6620.
10:18:37 A.M.	H.R. 6620	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
10:18:39 A.M.	H.R. 6620	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:18:59 A.M.	H.R. 6602	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6602 — “To make revisions in title 36, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current and make technical corrections and improvements.”
10:19:10 A.M.	H.R. 6602	Considered under suspension of the rules.
10:19:12 A.M.	H.R. 6602	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6602.
10:23:42 A.M.	H.R. 6602	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.
10:24:10 A.M.	H.R. 6605	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6605 — “To eliminate an unnecessary reporting requirement for an unfunded DNA Identification grant program.”
10:24:19 A.M.	H.R. 6605	Considered under suspension of the rules.
10:24:22 A.M.	H.R. 6605	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6605.
10:28:49 A.M.	H.R. 6605	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
10:28:51 A.M.	H.R. 6605	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:29:15 A.M.	H.R. 6223	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6223 — “To amend section 1059(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to clarify that a period of employment abroad by the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces as a translator, interpreter, or in an executive level security position is to be counted as a period of residence and physical presence in the United States for purposes of qualifying for naturalization if at least a portion of such period was spent in Iraq or Afghanistan, and for other purposes.”
10:29:29 A.M.	H.R. 6223	>Considered under suspension of the rules.
10:29:31 A.M.	H.R. 6223	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6223.
10:37:22 A.M.	H.R. 6223	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
10:37:25 A.M.	H.R. 6223	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:37:28 A.M.	H.R. 6223	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
10:37:46 A.M.	S. 3486	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3486 — “To implement the provisions of the Hague Agreement and the Patent Law Treaty.”
10:37:59 A.M.	S. 3486	Considered under suspension of the rules.
10:38:01 A.M.	S. 3486	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3486.
10:44:01 A.M.	S. 3486	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
10:44:03 A.M.	S. 3486	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:44:28 A.M.	S. 2367	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 2367 — “To strike the word “lunatic” from Federal law, and for other purposes.”
10:44:42 A.M.	S. 2367	Considered under suspension of the rules.
10:44:43 A.M.	S. 2367	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2367.
10:47:39 A.M.	S. 2367	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.
10:48:08 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

11:17:50 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 5.
11:17:51 A.M.	H.R. 5817	ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mrs. Capito asked unanimous consent to withdraw her motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5817. Agreed to without objection.
11:18:24 A.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.
11:44:20 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	Considered as unfinished business.
11:44:23 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 0 (Roll no. 617).
11:44:24 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 50	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:51:25 A.M.	H.R. 6602	Considered as unfinished business.
11:51:27 A.M.	H.R. 6602	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 – 0 (Roll no. 618).
11:51:27 A.M.	H.R. 6602	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:51:31 A.M.	S. 2367	Considered as unfinished business. S. 2367 — “To strike the word “lunatic” from Federal law, and for other purposes.”
11:58:50 A.M.	S. 2367	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 – 1 (Roll no. 619).
11:58:51 A.M.	S. 2367	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:59:01 A.M.	H.R. 6634	Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
11:59:23 A.M.	H.R. 6634	Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 6634 — “To change the effective date for the Internet publication of certain financial disclosure forms.”
11:59:50 A.M.	H.R. 6634	On passage Passed without objection.
11:59:52 A.M.	H.R. 6634	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:00:00 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in honor of the late Jack Brooks, former Member of Congress from Texas.
12:31:00 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
12:31:02 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, December 7, 2012, it adjourn to meet at noon on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
12:32:42 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:40:51 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
2:20:05 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:20:18 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:20:19 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 7, 2012.