Tag Archives: United States

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Congress: is in Session …the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 30, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Cornyn amendment #186 (bipartisan committion)

– Paul amendment #199 (spending cuts)

– Sanders amendment #207 (Social Security)

– Hutchison amendment #197 (Delay health care reform)

– Coburn amendment #184 (GAO Study)

– Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan program)

– landrieu amendment #244 to amendment #244 (effective date)

Paul motion to commit S.493 to report back forthwith amendment #276 (military force)

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S. Res.112, congratulating the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (“THON”) on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Adopted S.Res.118, designating April 2011 as “National 9-1-1 Education Month”.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 30, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes

5:01 P.M. –

On passage Roll Call 204 – Recorded vote pending.

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 203).

4:43 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cummings 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 which strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts two sections. Section 1 is entitled “FUNDING FOR DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND DC PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS”. Section 2 is entitled “AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS”.

4:33 P.M. –

Mr. Cummings moved to recommit with instructions to Oversight and Government.

4:30 P.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Weiner on the content of the measure. Mr. Weiner stated that the provisions of bill violates clause 10(a) of Rule XXI. The Chair stated that the point of order was not timely.

4:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Norton amendment Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 202).

3:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 186, the House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the Norton substitute amendment.

3:19 P.M. –

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Norton.

An amendment printed in House Report 112-45 to redirect the religious and other private school voucher funding to District of Columbia public schools and District of Columbia public charter schools.

2:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 471.

2:07 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 471 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. A specified amendment is in order. The amendment recommended by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 186.

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 309 – 107, 1 Present (Roll no. 201).

H. Res. 186:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 471) to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes

1:59 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 178 (Roll no. 200).

1:52 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 186 and the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 186:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 471) to reauthorize the DC opportunity scholarship program, and for other purposes

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 237 – 182 (Roll no. 199).

12:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 186.

12:25 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

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

12:03 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mrs. Miller (MI) 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. Mrs. Miller (MI) demanded the Yeas and Nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:02 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 30.

10:59 A.M. –

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

10:01 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.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert Hurt to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: In Session -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 29, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill.

The Senate will stand in recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm for the weekly caucus meetings.

Roll call votes in relation to amendments to the small business jobs bill are possible during Tuesday’s session. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Cornyn amendment #186 (bipartisan committion)

– Paul amendment #199 (spending cuts)

– Sanders amendment #207 (Social Security)

– Hutchison amendment #197 (Delay health care reform)

– Coburn amendment #184 (GAO Study)

– Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan program)

– landrieu amendment #244 to amendment #244 (effective date)

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.114, a resolution honoring Geraldine Ferraro, former United States Representative from New York, and extending the condolences of the Senate on her death.

Passed H.R.1079, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011 (provides a short term extension through June 1, 2011).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 29, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:56 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:47 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 1148:

to prohibit commodities and securities trading based on nonpublic information relating to Congress, to require additional reporting by Members and employees of Congress of securities transactions, and for other purposes

7:46 P.M. –

RE-REFERRAL – Mr. Bachus asked unanimous consent that H.R. 1148 be re-referred primarily to the Committee on Financial Services and additionally to the Committees on Agriculture, House Administration, the Judiciary, Ethics and Rules. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 839:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to terminate the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide new assistance under the Home Affordable Modification Program, while preserving assistance to homeowners who were already extended an offer to participate in the Program, either on a trial or permanent basis

7:45 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 839 as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House in amending the bill, to include striking “paragraph (1)” on page 5, line 16, and inserting in lieu thereof “subparagraph (A)”.

7:44 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 252 – 170, 1 Present (Roll no. 198).

7:37 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 185 – 238, 1 Present (Roll no. 197).

7:21 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

7:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Larsen (WA) 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 which adds a new paragraph entitled “CONTINUATION OF PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND GOLD STAR RECIPIENTS”.

Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

7:10 P.M. –

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

7:09 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 839.

7:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 249 (Roll no. 196).

7:02 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 239 (Roll no. 195).

6:57 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Hanna amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 247 – 170 (Roll no. 194).

6:36 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:34 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 170 and Rule XVIII.

Considered as unfinished business.

6:33 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 186.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 29.

5:00 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 839:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to terminate the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide new assistance under the Home Affordable Modification Program, while preserving assistance to homeowners who were already extended an offer to participate in the Program, either on a trial or permanent basis

4:58 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 839 as unfinished business.

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

4:57 P.M. –

Mrs. Biggert moved that the committee rise.

On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Loretta Sanchez amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to add the Sense of Congress language to the end of the bill that banks are encouraged to work with homeowners to provide loan modifications for those qualifying and assist homeowners and prospective homeowners with foreclosure prevention programs and information on loan modifications

4:50 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Maloney amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Maloney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to include a list of the number of trial and permanent modifications started under the HAMP program in each state as well as the number of seriously delinquent mortgages across the country that will not be able to be eligible for HAMP modifications because Congress is terminating the program.

4:38 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Matsui amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Matsui amendment.

4:30 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Matsui.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to require mortgage lenders and services participating in the HAMP program to continue to publicly report basic loan modification information.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee(TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee(TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to require a study and report submitted to Congress determining the successful aspects of HAMP, and legislative recommendations for a replacement loan modification program.

On agreeing to the Waters amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Waters amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to send a letter to HAMP applicants that they will not be considered for a modification due to termination of the program and that they can contact their Member of Congress for assistance in negotiating with or acquiring a loan modification from their servicer

4:13 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Miller (NC) amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Miller (NC).

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to direct the Secretary, upon termination of the Home Affordable Modification Program, to undertake a study of the use of the program by covered homeowners, and also of the effectiveness of the program in assisting these homeowners. Following completion of that study, the Secretary would be required to implement a new program to assist the same group of homeowners based on the study’s findings.

4:07 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Canseco amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Canseco amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Canseco.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to ensure that all taxpayer funds saved from elimination of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) are used to reduce the deficit.

3:55 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to include Congressional findings on various facts about the HAMP program, including cost and number of permanent modifications.

3:42 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hanna amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Biggert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Hanna amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hanna.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 112-34 to include findings detailing the Home Affordable Modification Program’s (HAMP’s) flaws and state that terminating HAMP would save taxpayers approximately $1.4 billion.

2:24 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 839.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 170 and Rule XVIII.

2:22 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 839 and H.R. 861 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measures will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. With respect to each measure, the resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 170.

H.R. 1079:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1079.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Petri moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

2:09 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:06 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

2:05 P.M. –

Committee on Ethics – Pursuant to clause 5(a)(4)(A) of Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader appointed the following Members to be available to serve on investigative subcommittees of the Committee on Ethics: Ms. Lofgren, Zoe of CA, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Sarbanes, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Lujan, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Keating, Mr. Schiff, and Ms. CLarke of NY.

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 received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on March 17, 2011 at 6:52 p.m. stating that that body had agreed to H. Con. Res. 30.

2:03 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess 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.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Budget: London Calling


Almost a year ago, the Guardian wrote that Britain was taking “a leap into the political unknown” when the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats “formed the first full coalition government in Britain since 1945.” Many wondered if the new government would chart a unique course in history, pursuing policies that blended those of the old-line conservatives with those of modern progressives. Unfortunately, the resulting Cameron-Clegg government pursued a very old path — that of balancing budgets on the backs of working class people rather than asking the rich to pay their fair share. The coalition government pushed for “the sharpest cuts to public spending since World War II,” which would cost the country more than a half million jobs, dramatically cut back on social welfare spending, and raise the pension age to 66 by 2020, “four years earlier than planned.” These cuts come on top of massive education cuts that doubled or tripled tuition for many students, and which broke one of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s own campaign promises. Yet the citizens of the United Kingdom decided that it was unfair for them to have to pay for a budget crisis that resulted from a global recession they didn’t cause. A massive and renewed progressive movement has erupted across the pond focusing on the government’s failure to make tax dodging corporations and individuals pay what they owe while attacking the poor and middle class. This Saturday, this movement mobilized the largest protests since the Iraq war, with hundreds of thousands of people in London marching against the slash-and-burn coalition agenda. That movement is shaking the foundations of British society and forcing conservative retreats, and, slowly, Americans are learning from their Anglo neighbors and fighting back against the right-wing attack on the middle class on our shores as well.

THE COALITION’S DICKENSIAN VISION: Since taking power, the UK’s coalition government has aggressively rammed through, and continues to push for, massive cuts to social spending and necessities, championing a vision of Britain that has its roots in a Charles Dickens novel — one where the well-to-do have all the opportunities in life while most ordinary people struggle to get by. One of the major campaign promises of the Liberal Democrats’ leader Nick Clegg was that his party would not support increasing tuition at British universities, arguing that doing so would be fundamentally unfair to students. Yet this past winter, coalition lawmakers ignored massive youth protests and pushed through a plan that would effectively triple tuition fees for most students. The coalition also proceeded to make deep cuts to social services and aid to municipalities, continuing to force ordinary British citizens to pay for a recession they did not cause. All over the country, firefighters are being laid off, libraries are being shut down, and hospitals are facing staffing shortages. And these cuts are bad for the economy, removing needed stimulus and threatening to bring the country back into recession. By last fall, these planned cuts amounted to the sharpest cutbacks in public spending since World War II, with shadow chancellor Alan Johnson remarking that the gutting of services would be worse than former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s right-wing policies in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, the coalition has also increased the value-added tax by 20 percent, which primarily hurts middle class and lower-income people.

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE: When Thatcher pushed through her policies three decades ago, she famously remarked, “There is no alternative.” Yet last Fall, a tiny group of British activists set off a massive movement that proved that there is, indeed, an alternative to brutal cuts to services for ordinary Britons. On October 27, 2010, a small number of protesters — outraged that ordinary citizens were being asked to sacrifice their services while tax-dodging cellphone firm Vodafone owed 6 billion pounds in back taxes it had refused to pay — began a sit-in in one of the company’s largest branches. News of the protest spread like wildfire on the Internet, with activists using Twitter and Facebook to spread the story of Vodafone’s tax dodging. Within three days, almost thirty Vodafone stores were forced to close down as more and more people took part in sit-ins against the company. Soon, this nascent movement, calling itself UK Uncut, exploded throughout the country, with protests against tax-dodging big corporations and wealthy individuals completely reshaping the narrative that the only way to deal with the country’s budget deficit was to ram through budget cuts that disproportionately hurt working people. The only part of the British media “that attacked UK Uncut outright was, predictably, Rupert Murdoch’s empire,” which also owns Fox News in the United States. This isn’t surprising, given that Murdoch’s companies are among the most egregious tax dodgers; his News Corporation has gone entire years without paying a penny in U.S. federal corporate income taxes, despite making billions of dollars in profits. UK Uncut worked in tandem with the country’s trade unions to mobilize as many as half a million people to march on London this weekend, “in the largest protest since the city’s 2003 march against the Iraq war.”

LESSONS FOR MAIN STREET AMERICA: When Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), fresh off of passing a $117 million corporate tax cut package, decided to gut public employee collective bargaining rights in the state, he never expected to face a mass movement of thousands of Wisconsinites fighting back. Yet the progressive upsurge in Wisconsin, which may end up unseating Walker and many of his legislative allies, has spread throughout the country, comprising a Main Street Movement of ordinary Americans demanding fair sacrifice. Across the country, Americans are battling unfair budget cuts and demanding just taxation of the super wealthy. Inspired by the British example, activists have launched US Uncut, which is targeting companies like Bank of America — which, despite being the country’s largest bank, paid nothing in federal corporate income taxes in 2009 and 2010. US Uncut had 40 demonstrations across the country over the weekend, with protesters shutting down a major Washington, D.C. branch of the bank. Meanwhile, protests continue across the country as more than a dozen conservative state governments across the country plan to slash corporate tax rates while increasing taxes and/or cutting services for low and middle-income Americans. “We have a deficit problem. It has to be addressed,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in a press release addressing tax fairness. “But it cannot be addressed on the backs of the sick, the elderly, the poor, young people, the most vulnerable in this country. The wealthiest people and the largest corporations in this country have got to contribute. We’ve got to talk about shared sacrifice.”

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Stop Fracking Now


I bet you’re wondering what the heck “fracking” is. That’s a good question.

Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a controversial drilling technique used by the oil and gas industry that has injected millions of tons of highly toxic chemical fluids into the ground to break apart shale and release natural gas.

Scientists believe these chemicals are poisoning America’s drinking water.

That didn’t stop Vice President Dick Cheney from exempting fracking from the Safe Water Drinking Act in the 2005 Energy Bill or the natural gas industry from unleashing a massive 34-state drilling campaign.

Now, six years later, with the facts stacking up showing the damage being caused and the American lives being placed at risk, a few members of Congress are standing up to close the loophole and hold the oil and gas production industry to the same standards as any other industry to ensure the safe protection of America’s drinking water.

But they’ll need our help to win. Join us in calling on Congress to pass the FRAC Act now.

Representatives Diana DeGette, Jared Polis, and Maurice Hinchey have introduced the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act in the U.S. House while Senators Bob Casey and Chuck Schumer have introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

In the past, the oil and gas industry has spent millions of dollars fighting against these common-sense regulations and have succeeded in defeating similar bills. This time, we’re not going to let Congress fight the industry alone.

That’s why Democracy for America is building a coalition of grassroots activists and environmental organizations to work together with leaders in Congress to pass the FRAC Act this year.

We’ll educate the public, expose scientific studies that reveal the real risks, hold rallies, meetings, public forums, and organize grassroots action until we win.

Please add your name and join the campaign to protect America’s drinking water right now.

It’s been reported that since 1999 more than 90 percent of the natural gas wells have used the fracking process. Because of the Safe Water Drinking Act exemption, industry is not required to reveal the exact chemicals used in fracking, but researchers in independent scientific studies suspect 65 percent of the compounds used in fracking are hazardous to human health.

It only takes low concentrations of benzene and diesel fuel, two compounds found in fracking studies, to lead to severe health and environmental consequences and illnesses traced to fracking have been documented in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Alabama.

As if that wasn’t enough to demand proper regulation and environmental oversight, a recent New York Times article revealed that the inability to properly process wastewater from fracking, may even be allowing radioactive materials into local rivers, streams, and drinking water.

The oil and gas industry is too big and too powerful for us to let members of Congress take them on alone. It’s up to us to stand with them, fight back, and make sure they have the support they’ll need to win.

Join the campaign at www.StopFrackingNow.com  today.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Jim

Jim Dean, Chair


Democracy for America

~ my 2cents ...

Monday mashup &some News


Today, President Obama held a White House Forum Commemorating Women’s History Month and will be addressing the Nation tonight about Libya 4:30 Pacific Time 7:30pmET –

In the summer of 2009, Americans and the World saw Neda, a student die for protesting for the right to speak out freely and some say she became the symbol to carry on. Unfortunately, we all know that the regime or government cracked down on the protesters in such a way that made us all gasp. The events in Iran shocked, offended and made most of us cry given the protests started out as peaceful demands for a new way of life, freedom to speak, better wages etc. That uprising became backburner news given the US had our own problems but quietly something was smoldering something the World can no longer turn away from. I have no idea how the US, UN or the NATO can actually help create change, help change practices so ancient that we all agree the devil is in the detail and that was in 2009. I will admit that my first experience in watching a human being shot, killed and die was during the Iran uprising because whoever was behind the video camera would not, could not, and did not stop filming. I was shocked, very sad, felt like a voyeur, and cried watching brave Iranians die. While I did not feel good about it being captured on camera for all to see before their family members were notified but it was a fight for freedom and life in the making of what I have chosen to call freedom fighters. In addition to Neda, a young man shot while protesting in Iran filmed as it happened, there were people surrounding him crying, yelling to make him breathe, and asking why he will not breathe. As the tragic events unfolded we viewers watched as someone else puts pressure on his chest but he died…that was the first time i had ever seen such a thing. I was angry, sad and hoped everyone in the streets of Iran knew that Americans and the International community were watching, demanding, and praying the abuse, atrocities, and assaults would stop. As in everything else life gets in the way and your own life takes a front seat and that Middle Easterner, Arab and or African becomes back burner news because well what can we as individuals do to help what with two wars waged by the last guy who btw didn’t end them either.

Now, or at least since February 2011 that we all know of, the World watches again while more senseless acts of terror and genocide coming from the Continent of Africa. Once inside it’s called the Arab World with an outdated autocratic system still brandishing ancient practices as Dictators and or Kings along with their forces against their own people in horror. The problem is someone got a taste of what could be, an opportunity to say what they want. The idea someone even risked speaking up and out about the possibilities of better wages, housing, that the trickledown theory just doesn’t work and low and behold there were others who feel the same way, maybe hundreds, thousands, actually millions of people mostly young educated and progressive thinking human beings wanting freedom of the ways of oppression and slavery.

The facts are that about 9000 people were reported murdered by Gadhafi forces in matter of a few weeks in Libya because they want freedom from oppression, please. I don’t know about you but that has got to upset anyone with compassion. If that wasn’t enough information came out that the Women being mistreated, left out of a reshaping a new Egypt even after getting rid of Mubarak the army or men -are also subjecting women to virginity checks in Egypt. In Libya, a woman burst in to a hotel yelling and screaming that pro-Gadhafi men had raped her and while the security fought the foreign press, smashing cameras this woman managed to give her story. I want to say thank you to the savvy person who managed to capture most if not all of the horrible incident on film, though she was dragged and taken away to who knows where at the time it was happening. I believe she is yet another symbol of the oppression women are subjected to and while the security stated she was going to jail, is said to have been released to her family, but I think this is a situation that warrants a call to the International Human Rights Organization.

I think about my generation who did not personally experience slavery of the 1800’s nor have i ever March for an issue with the idea that this could be the day that i die for wanting to be treated equality. Yes, slavery and discrimination still exists on so many levels here in the 21st Century and in my opinion the definition twisted by those with money, public servants or hold high offices who either engage or accept both as a way of life . Today, Americans watch and debate the good, bad or the ugly reasons to help the protesters, rebels and or freedom fighters in Africa and the Middle East. The hesitation to help is somewhat understandable but the way some seem to analyze it out loud is a real lesson in humanitarian behavior, how code words are used which when you break it all down, if not for the oil would Libyans get help from the French, the UK, and Italy, all who have more at stake.

The Social Network Media, which helped start the journey of change in Africa and the Middle East can no longer be ignored and has let the proverbial possibilities out of the bottle and while these tools of ancient practices refuse to accept change there are many who feel persuing freedom and happiness is well worth the risk of virtual death.

Other News …

**Contaminated water found in Japan’s underground tunnels

**Libyan rebels close to key Gadhafi locations

**Syrian troops fire at their own people

**Japan suffers another big quake 6.5 on Sunday

**A sample of rainwater in Boston finds a very small amt of radiation might be linked to Japan’s crisis

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**President to Address Nation on Libya

To discuss U.S. role in conflict

http://www.c-span.com/Events/President-to-Address-Nation-on-Libya/10737420538/

**Lawmakers Return to Funding Debate and Situation in LIbya

Gov’t. funding runs out April 8

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Lawmakers-Return-to-Funding-Debate-and-Situation-in-LIbya/10737420511/

Pentagon Contracting System in Question

Wartime panel calls hearing

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Pentagon-Contracting-System-in-Question/10737420454/

Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University, examines how the legacy of slavery has shaped the history of America’s academic institutions. Her keynote address was part of an Emory University conference on the role of slave labor in the building of numerous American universities.

http://www.c-span.com/Events/Slavery-and-the-University–Emory-University/10737420473/