Tag Archives: United States

Wednesday &some News


Today,President Obama and The First Lady host a Congressional Picnic at the White House at 7pm ET.

My rant today … Two and a half years ago the democratic party controlled both chambers in Congress and both leaders of the House and Senate were on their way to establishing a new path toward the 21st Century with several bills that included among others a jobs bill, dream act, dadt, start treaty, UI and health-care reform. The legislation our representatives brought to the floor of Congress were supposed to address American issues. However, great legislation has been difficult to pass due to Republican filibusters and more recent the lies that won them control of the House of Representatives. While we now know what the true Republican mission is, the Democratic Party has stated they will not give up trying to help the middle class.

Then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressing the status of the middle class stated that in the near future people would be paying 1dollar out of every 5dollars for health-care. Nancy Pelosi also stated that the problem of health-care costs will not go away and we can solve the issue by repealing the anti-trust exemptions, increase, and lower cost and improves choices for all Americans. Though the new health care law allows children under 26 to be covered under their parents insurance, has eliminated discrimination that includes pre-existing conditions, more coverage for our elders and maintaining the health care rights for women. The Republican Tea Party continues to berate the achievement call it Obamacare in order to demean it. Thankfully, the new Affordable Health Care Law passed though the new Congress has made cutting, slashing, and burning it their main mission along with so many other social programs without giving Americans any idea how they will replace hcr or social security, Medicare/Medicaid. The new effort to attack a woman’s right to choose has become more important than creating jobs and as Republicans offer up bills, amendments and comments, it is obvious it should embarrass Americans at how narrow this new party has become since the last guy was in office. The party of no has become the party of let us cut spending, decrease the deficit but they are and or will do so in on the backs of the middle class, poor and we all know minorities by giving them less. The obvious culture wars have become an issue and while candidates running for Congress not only engaged in race baiting, exclusion and outright discrimination. Most if not all were defeated at the polls thankfully but some did get through and are sitting either in the Senate or House. Honestly, I want Republican constituents to ask themselves if these people are true public servant and how upset were you when your own party voted against helping firefighters, teachers, and police while stripping away worker rights. The idea to help maintain these jobs, helping those who lost jobs by voting yes to unemployment and or create them until the lame duck session happened because the RTP wanted something, not that they wanted to help their fellow American. The Republican Tea Party, as we all know managed to hold the middle class hostage and traded the bush bonus dollars for helping Americans even though the house of bush set a date for the bush bonus dollars to expire. Is it just me or does it seem less than American to hold or use money as a tool to insure those Bush bonus tax cuts …That top 2% of our population got those tax cuts but have failed to significantly improve the job numbers even though speaker Boehner stated they were the job creators.

Two and a half years ago, in a series of votes that dramatized the conflicting pressures Democrats face to spur job growth and control the deficit. The House voted 217-212 to raise the government is borrowing authority to a record level, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans opposing the measure. The then Speaker Pelosi reminded people that among other things that the Democratic Party, focused on jobs, concerned and working toward equal rights for the people, proud that the lily Ledbetter law  passed as well. Well, that was two years ago. After gaining control of the House of Representatives, the Republican Tea Party decided that taking apart any legislation that has President Obama’s stamp of approval is the only thing the people elected them for last November. This is not just offensive it is one of several issues that has divided Americans and will continue to until the Republican Tea Party stops playing games with the lives of all Americans and gets to work for the citizens of the United States instead of what seems like only for Corporate America.

Two and a half years ago, in an effort to make it hard to fill the Obama Administrations cabinet, like appointee Martha Johnson. Now, with half of President Obama’s term over, the Republican Tea Party has managed to hold up over 20% of his appointments and some have withdrawn completely, the result is a less than complete cabinet for the governing party.

This behavior by the Republican Tea Party is just not acceptable and be considered un-American. In a moment of emotion, Senator Dorgan voiced my feelings at the time,” that for over 8months Republicans have blocked her nomination and now almost unanimously vote to put her in, which raises doubts in the integrity of Republicans.”

Yes, some good things came out of the hard work that the House and Senate Democrats performed but it is obvious they need to do more while the Republican Tea Party has put the future of America at risk and will continue to do so unless Americans begin to push back.

Other News …

Life expectancy of US women slips in some regions

Washington Day Ahead: Fed Officials Discuss Inflation Target

 Why Michele Bachmann is no Sarah Palin

Latest union proposal exempts Wis. transit workers

Pakistan’s arrest of CIA informants exposes Bin Laden raid frustrations

Police Fire Tear Gas, Stun Grenades Amid Fresh Athens Clashes

Despite Crackdown, Syria Calls for Refugees to Return Home

‘US says it won’t support UN Palestinian statehood bid’

CSPAN …

House Panel Continues Look into “Fast and Furious”

Defense Secretary & Joint Chiefs Chairman Testify on Pentagon Spending

Lawmakers Review Islamic Radicalization in Prisons

AP sources: Pakistan arrests 5 CIA informants from bin Laden raid in latest US-Pakistan rift – The Washington Post

F.D.A. Unveils New Rules About Sunscreen Claims – NYTimes.com

Congress debates&votes: the Republican led House defunds -the Senate deals with S.782


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET June 15, 2011 
 
  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 6:30pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the next 30 minutes.
  • We continue to work through amendments to S.782, the Economic Development Act. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.
  • There are currently 18 amendments pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
    • DeMint amendment #394 (to repeal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act)
    • Paul amendment #414 (to increase debt limit by $2.406 trillion)
    • Cardin amendment #407 (prohibition on interest charges for on-time principal payments)
    • Merkley amendment #428 (mortgage servicing)
    • Kohl amendment #389 (NOPEC)
    • Hutchison amendment #423 (delay implementation of health care reform until pending lawsuits are resolved)
    • Portman amendment ##417 (inclusion of application to independent regulatory agencies)
    • Portman amendment #418 (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act)
    • McCain amendment #411 (prohibit Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps/storage facilities)
    • McCain amendment #412(repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements)
    • Merkley amendment #440 (Energy Efficient Loan Program)
    • Brown (MA) amendment #405 (repeal imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities)
    • Inhofe amendment #430 (reduce the amounts appropriated for EDA)
    • Inhofe amendment #438 (regulatory assessment)
    • Merkley amendment #427 (technical correction to the HUBZone designation process)
    • McCain 2nd degree amendment #441 (to prohibit federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities) to Coburn amendment #436, as modified (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)
    • Feinstein amendment #476 (to repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit)

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 15, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2112:
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

8:28 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment no. 1 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to support any Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative by the Department of Agriculture.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pingree amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Pingree demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:17 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pingree amendment under the five-minute ruleAmendment offered by Ms. Pingree (ME).

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds to provide electronic notifications to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives on travel relating to “know your farmer, know your food”.

On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:09 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Young (AK) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Young (AK).

An amendment to prohibit the use of funds made available by this Act to the Food and Drug Administration to approve any application for approval of genetically engineered salmon.

8:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kingston amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:07 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kingston amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Kingston.

An amendment to reduce each amount made available by titles I though VI by 0.78.

8:06 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole resumed debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:05 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.

5:25 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:24 P.M. – The House received a communication from the Honorable Charles J. Fleischmann. Mr. Fleischmann submitted his resignation from the Committee on Small Business. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H.R. 2112:
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2112as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

5:23 P.M. – Mr. Kingston moved that the Committee rise.

5:22 P.M. – Mr. Lucas raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 744 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:20 P.M. – Mr. Lucas raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 743 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:13 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole resumed debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

5:12 P.M. – Mr. Lucas raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 741 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:10 P.M. – Mr. Lance raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Section 740 violates Clause 2 of rule XXI and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:03 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

5:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Stearns amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 436).

4:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 435).

4:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 434).

4:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gosar amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 433).

4:46 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 432).

4:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 431).

4:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 430).

4:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Gosar amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 429).

4:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 428).

4:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 427).

4:27 P.M. – On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 426).

4:23 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 425).

4:21 P.M. – On agreeing to the Chaffetz amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 424).

4:17 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 423).

4:12 P.M. – On agreeing to the Farr amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 422).

4:08 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sessions amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 421).

4:03 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011.

4:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the DeLauro amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 420).

3:34 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

3:33 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the Lummis amendment was withdrawn.

3:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lummis amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mrs. Lummis.

An amendment to make sundry changes to Section 739.

3:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:02 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to limit the number of motor vehicles purchased to 231, all which must be for replacement only.

2:56 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Stearns amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Stearns demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:48 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Stearns amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Stearns.

An amendment to reduce the amount appropriated to the Center for Tobacco Products by $392 million dollars and apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

2:47 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:32 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants and apply the savings of $180 million to the Spending Reduction Account.

2:31 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:16 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment to reduce the Food for Peace Title II Grants account by $940,198,000 and apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

2:15 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:59 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Gosar.

An amendment to reduce the Food for Peace Title II Grants account by $100 million and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun(GA) amendment No. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:56 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 12 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 12 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Foreign Agricultural Service account by $175 million and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:55 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Foxx amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:46 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment under the five-minute rule.

1:45 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment to reduce the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by $82,500,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

By unanimous consent, the Foxx amendment was withdrawn.

1:40 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment No. 2 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by $82,500,000 million.

1:39 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun(GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun(GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun(GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment to reduce the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children by $604 million and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

1:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun amendment No. 11 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 11 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce Rural Housing Assistance Grants by $20,480,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:21 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

1:13 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.

1:12 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Gosar.

An amendment to increase funding in the Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account and the Rural Business Program account by $100,000,000 and reducing the the Food for Peace Title II Grants account by $100,000,000.

1:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

1:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun amendment No. 10 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 10 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Watershed Rehabilition Program by $15,000,000 and applying the savings to the spending reduction account.

1:03 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 300, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2112.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.

12:34 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. today.

12:03 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.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pitts 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.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Phil Hoskins, Higher Ground Baptist Church, Kingsport, TennesseeThe House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 15.

11:23 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 A.M. – MORNING HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Richard B. Nugent to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Coming soon: NY marriage equality vote!


What has HRC done for me lately?

NY – HRC delivers unprecedented 25,000 marriage equality postcards to New York lawmakers.

NY – HRC and 100+ volunteers pound pavement for marriage equality in New York over Memorial Day weekend.

US – HRC joins Dept. of Ed. at first ever LGBT youth summit.

US – HRC brings together religious leaders in support of LGBT equality.

US – HRC launches “Father of the Year” campaign. Deadline today!

NC – HRC joins Equality NC to battle anti-gay constitutional amendment.

More Info at www.hrc.org

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ACT

Stop anti-LGBT groups from hijacking a day of prayer!

Texas Governor Rick Perry has invited the governors of all 50 states to join him for “The Response: A Call to Prayer for a Nation in Crisis” in Houston. The problem? The event is being sponsored by rabidly hateful anti-LGBT organizations, including the American Family Association (AFA), the International House of Prayer, and TheCall. Tell your governor to reject this hateful event!         http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=fO1Uq22NpdeoyAYGih29_w..

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SUPPORT       

 Help us cross the finish line in New York!   http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=2K8UWT29anMnPjSNzwGhCg..

Things are coming down to the wire in New York – and we’re pulling out all the stops to pass a marriage equality bill. Our campaign is running on all cylinders – but we need your help to get the message out with one last major advertising push that will help persuade undecided lawmakers and their constituents around New York.

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=C17sX9Wrbf4tkFYH7a_tJA..

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NEWS

* House lawyers step up defense of DOMA
*Sen. Armed Services Cmte. considers Defense bill; DADT repeal-delaying amendments may be offered
*Civil unions take effect in Illinois
*CDC finds LGBT students at greater risk for unhealthy behaviors
*White House launches LGBT web page
*Openly-gay judicial nominee receives Senate hearing
*Nevada passes new transgender housing protections

 Sponsor Spotlight …

AA.com/rainbow

As you are making summer travel plans, consider flying with  American Airlines, the longtime official airline of HRC and a Platinum National Corporate Partner. When you book, make sure to enter the HRC Business ExtrAA number in addition to your personal AAdvantage number and we will both get valuable credit for the flight. The Business ExtrAA number is 527567.

Full list of National Corporate Partners »http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/R?i=0kSZxUul4k1KxOokXUaq8Q..

Birth Control: We’ve Got You Covered … Judy Waxman, National Women’s Law Center


Couples who want to delay having another child because of uncertain economic times need to be covered. College students who decide to go to graduate school before starting families need to be covered. Millions of women in the United States trying to prevent an unintended pregnancy need to be covered.

It’s time to move women’s health forward, and for us to say — we’ve got you covered. Join the effort to make prescription birth control available in new health plans without a co-pay.

http://www.nwlc.org/action/petition-birth-control-weve-got-you-covered     <<< Petition

For many years, the National Women’s Law Center has been working to get contraception covered in all health insurance plans. Thanks to your support of our efforts on the health care law, we are finally within reach of achieving this critical goal for women. In the next several months, the Department of Health and Human Services will decide which preventive services should be covered by new health insurance plans without a co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs, and we need you to join this effort to make prescription birth control available in all new health plans without a co-pay.

Women need access to birth control to prevent unintended pregnancies, plan the size of their families, and protect their health. Be part of the effort! Sign our petition and be part of the effort to make prescription birth control more affordable and accessible to all women.  http://www.nwlc.org/action/petition-birth-control-weve-got-you-covered    <<< Petition

Thank you for all you do for women and their families.
Sincerely,

Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center

A new GOP push to delay repealing DADT is on –


If you thought the fight to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was finally over, think again.

 We all thought it was a done deal when President Obama signed the repeal into law. But House Republicans pulled a stunt that could delay or even stop the repeal from taking effect by passing an outrageous series of amendments to the bill that funds our military.

 We can’t stay silent in the face of this new GOP push to turn back the clock on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t tell.

 Help the DCCC surpass their goal of getting 100,000 signatures to their petition supporting the repeal. We need to hold the House Republicans accountable for putting their radical social agenda ahead of keeping our military strong and our families safe.

Voice your outrage at House Republicans trying to turn back the clock on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Sign our petition and then forward it to your friends and family.http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63ca50/1b9dd8ab/486ed6cc/4e0cee73/619517217/VEsH/

 When I served in Congress, it was an honor to sponsor and fight for legislation to finally end this discriminatory policy. As an Army officer, I saw firsthand how the policy forces patriots to lie about who they are just so they can defend the freedoms that make America great.

 We could not have passed legislation to repeal this policy without your grassroots support. Now, we must keep the pressure on, by exposing the despicable tactics that the Republicans are using to stop the repeal from taking effect.

Sign our petition opposing the efforts being made by House Republicans to turn back the clock on repeal.    http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63ca50/1b9dd8ab/486ed6cc/4e0cee73/619517217/VEsH/

 We’ve come too far. We must see this fight through to the end.

 It’s time to put Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in the history books for good.

 Patrick Murphy