Tag Archives: United States

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TGIF …&some News


Today, many on cable will either choose not to talk about what is considered good news for Americans or manipulate the information or hijack it and claim that Republicans are responsible for the job numbers announced today that unemployment dropped again to 8.9%. Yes, that number can be debated but we cannot debate the fact that 192thousand jobs were created in the private sector and contrary to what we will all be, hearing this positive news belongs to the efforts made by our President and the Democratic Party. In addition to this great news about job creation and or improvement we all should remember Rodney King. Rodney King, who was beaten to a pulp for a speeding ticket and ask ourselves have things changed that much 20 years later even with all that he has gone through since and if you would like to find out more about him tune into CNN with Don Lemon.

President Obama will be meeting with new Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel at the White House and later the President will be travelling to Miami with Arne Duncan and Jeb Bush to talk about Education.

Lastly, to the doubter’s haters and those who fear the unknown or who keep engaging in typical fear mongering via the interwebs

My response …

i respect your opinion, I may not agree but i will not call you names or think less of you … i don’t know you, however i did vote for Obama and will again because Republicans/Conservatives proved themselves to be useless… they have no one in charge, they have no solutions only complaints. The solutions they do have are only for the top 2% and that 2% has been getting breaks for too long it’s obvious in my opinion that Bush, Cheney and Paulson all f’d us and because of that i personally am subscribing to what works and that is the Government right now. If you need reminding to realize why we need the government right now just watch the House of Cards, a film created by CNBC definitely worth the time. This film will help you understand why Wall Street types capitalists like bernie madoff and others like him engaged in creative accounting, why AIG created a monster and the pay out by AIG to various Banks was big and how it worked its way overseas to become something too big to fail. Republicans want to continue on this same path of less regulation and people need to see it as it is. I wonder why after all that has happened since the mid-term elections would anyone with common sense feel this is the kind of Capitalism you want and if you are still expecting Republicans to solve our problems with every American in mind… I have to say you are foolish…

Capitalism does not mean firms should engage in cooking the books, secret transactions and or becoming bigger than their sum value or investing in schemes … that — is what happened …

We the People need capitalism with a small c and more regulation … with a huge R

 Other News …

**America sturggles & bargaining for thier rights

**Libya makes it harder to cross border

**Tunisia steps up evacuations of people fleeing Libya- also prepare for elections

**Libya’s tribes rise up against Gadhafi

**Chavez and Gadhafi want the UN to visit Libya

**Walker threatens democratic senators -if they don’t come back he will hand out pink slips

**Ohio priest propositions police officers while being picked up for dui

**China will boost their Military spending

**Crude Rises based on Libya Violence

CSPAN …

TARP Oversight Panel Holding its Final Hearing

http://c-span.com/Events/TARP-Oversight-Panel-Holding-its-Final-Hearing/10737419983/

Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.9%

economy adds 192,000 new jobs

http://c-span.com/Events/Unemployment-Rate-Drops-to-89/10737419949/

Earlier today the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lisa Jackson testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment on the proposed 2012 budget, where she urged Congress not to cut her agency’s budget.  http://c-span.com/Events/EPA-Head-and-Congress-Discuss-Environmental-Issues/10737419951/

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano went before a House panel to talk about President Obama’s 2012 budget request for her department. She discussed the needs of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and how the proposed budget will allow the department to continue essential programs to protect U.S. borders.

http://c-span.com/Events/Napolitano-and-Congress-debate-Border-Security/10737419952/

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was on Capitol Hill to defend the President’s $79.9 billion 2012 spending request for her department. This morning’s hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health focused on the implementation of the health care law.  http://c-span.com/Events/Sebelius-defends-Health-Care-Law/10737419948/

President Obama called on Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down from power. He also said the U.S. military should be prepared to act if a humanitarian crisis develops in Libya. Speaking at a joint news conference with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama said the two leaders have come to an agreement on Mexican trucks’ ability to enter the U.S. http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-amp-President-Calderon-of-Mexico-Joint-Press-Conference/10737419986/  

House Republicans held a news conference to discuss a bill that would change some of the health care law’s reporting rules for small businesses. http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republican-and-Democrat-Leadership-Press-Briefings/10737419990/

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Congess in Session –


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 4, 2011

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session

Morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

1:00pm Filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.23, the America Invents Act

This afternoon Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that upon disposition of S.23, the America Invents Act, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.1, Defense Appropriations and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011; the Majority Leader be recognized to offer a substitute amendment (Inouye amendment #149); there be 4 hours for debate prior to a vote in relation to the substitute amendment; upon disposition of the substitute amendment, the Senate proceed to vote on passage of HR1, as amended, if amended; with no motions or amendments in order to the substitute amendment or to the bill prior to the votes; and the substitute amendment and the bill be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Senator McConnell objected for the time being and said that his caucus needs more time to review the substitute amendment.

Senator Reid then asked unanimous consent that upon disposition of S.23, the America Invents Act, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.1, the Defense Appropriations and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011; .

Senator McConnell also objected to this request.

Senator Reid then moved to proceed to HR1 and filed cloture on the motion.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 4, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 4, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:03 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House 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 Reverend Dr. Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate, Washington DC.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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RECALL Wisconsin’​s GOP Senators!


It’s time to show right-wing lawmakers that they cannot use budget gaps, created by their own massive giveaways to their corporate sponsors, as an excuse to attack Americans‘ fundamental rights.

The budget plan proposed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and advanced by his Republican allies in the legislature which would rip away the collective bargaining rights of public workers is a shocking example of extreme overreach … it’s time to hold these people accountable!

In Wisconsin, voters can recall their state elected officials after they have been in office for a year. That means that Gov. Walker cannot be recalled until 2012, but eight of the GOP Senators who have pushed for passage of Walker’s plan are eligible for recall NOW — and the state Democrats have taken steps to begin the recall process.

First things first: Let us know you’re on board and sign our petition supporting the recall effort. http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=GbPmpmXeNOxyIYbTQmjhcQ..

This is not just about Wisconsin — it’s about right-wing power grabs and assaults Americans’ rights everywhere. If we can successfully recall these lawmakers in  Wisconsin, it will help set us up for similar recall efforts where they are possible in other states and, more importantly, it will make governors and legislators think twice about pushing such measures to begin with.

Show lawmakers in Wisconsin and all states that this type of overreach will not be taken sitting down.

Join this effort now.

— Ben Betz, Online Communications Manager http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=O4zSzS3uSvIPX3v3DdxGXg..

P.S. This is going to be BIG and PFAW hopes to be a real force in this effort. That means we’ll need as many of our members and activists, from around the country, engaged in it.

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Congress: -the Republican led House -the Senate …both meet @10amET


The Senate convenes at 10:00amET Thursday 3, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.

At 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act.

The following amendments are pending to S.23:

– Leahy amendment #114 (Title amendment)

– Bennet amendment #116 (small business fast track)

The Senate has reached an agreement to vote at 12:30pm in relation to the Feinstein amendment #133, as modified (strikes first to file provisions in the bill). The time until 12:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the proponents and opponents with no amendments in order to the Feinstein amendment prior to the vote.

There will be a period of morning business from 2-4pm. The Majority will control the first hour and the Republicans will control the next hour.

This evening, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.23, the America Invents Act. By consent, the cloture vote will occur after the 2 judge votes on Monday, March 7 (the 2 judge votes will begin at 5:30pm).

As a result of cloture being filed, the filing deadline for first degree amendments is 1pm tomorrow, Friday, March 4. If your senator has a germane amendment and would like to preserve the ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to refile.

Votes:

31: Grassley motion to table the Feinstein amendment #133: , as modified; Tabled: 87-13

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Unanimous Consent:

Agreed to the Stabenow amendment #126 (Detroit satellite office) by voice vote

Agreed to Bingaman amendment #142 (PTO length of time between reviews).

Passed HR662, Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011.

Adopted S.Res89, a resolution relating to the death of Frank W. Buckles, the longest surviving United States veteran of the First World War.

Adopted S.Res.90, a resolution supporting the goal of “International Women’s Day” and recognizing this year’s centennial anniversary of National Women’s Day.

S.Res.91, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Adopted S.Res.92, a resolution to authorize the payment of legal expenses of Senate employees out of the contingent fund of the Senate.

Confirmed the following nominations:

#35 Daniel L. Shields III, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam.

#36 Pamela L. Spratlen, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kyrgyz Republic.

#37 Sue Kathrine Brown, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Montenegro.

#38 David Lee Carden, of New York, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

#39 Eric G. Postel, of Wisconsin, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, vice Jacqueline Ellen Schafer, resigned.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 3, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:47 P.M. –

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

2:41 P.M. –

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

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, March 4, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, March 3, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 4:

to repeal the expansion of information reporting requirements for payments of $600 or more to corporations, and for other purposes

2:11 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 314 – 112 (Roll no. 162).

1:46 P.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Weiner on the voice vote of the measure. Mr Weiner stated that the bill purportedly included a Federal income tax increase making the clause 5b of Rule XXI requirement for a three-fifths majority for passage of the measure applicable. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

1:43 P.M. –

On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 181 (Roll no. 161).

1:19 P.M. –

Mr. Camp moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair

Mr. Levin appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.

1:18 P.M. –

Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.

1:06 P.M. –

Mr. Camp raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr Camp states that the motion violates clause 10 of Rule XXI by proposing an increase in mandatory spending over a relevant period of time. Sustained by the Chair.

1:00 P.M. –

The instructions contained in the McNernney motion seek to require the Committee on Ways and Means to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which inserts sections entitled “NONREFUNDABLE PERSONAL CREDIT FOR TAXPAYERS SUBJECT TO A TAX INCREASE UNDER THE SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK MANDATE ELIMINATION ACT OF 2011”, “INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO DOMESTIC PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES”, and “MAJOR INTEGRATED OIL COMPANIES INELIGIBLE FOR LAST-IN, FIRST-OUT MEHTOD OF INVENTORY”.

Mr. McNerney moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

11:30 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.R. 4.

11:29 A.M. –

WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used in debate. Subsequently, unanimous consent was granted to withdraw the words and the House resumed debate on H.R. 4.

10:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with two hours and thirty minutes of debate on H.R. 4.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4 with 2 hours and 30 minutes of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions is allowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in H.R. 705 shall be considered as adopted. The resolution waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The waiver of all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, is prophylactic in nature.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 129.

10:05 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 10 per side of the aisle.

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

10:04 A.M. –

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

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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President Obama endorsed a commonsense, bipartisan proposals


Yesterday, President Obama endorsed a commonsense, bipartisan proposal from Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Under the law you helped enact nearly one year ago, states get the chance to try innovative reforms, as long as those reforms don’t add to our deficit while meeting the goals we all share: affordable, accessible care for the American people.

The new bipartisan proposal — the Empowering States to Innovate Act — would allow states to implement health reforms that work for them starting in 2014 — three years sooner than the date originally laid out in the Affordable Care Act.

President Obama has made it clear that he is open to good ideas from both sides of the aisle about how to make care better and more affordable.

He’s living by those words — and this announcement is an important step in building on health reform.

Watch the President’s remarks on his endorsement of the plan and learn more about it, and then pass this along to folks you know who are interested in the future of health care in America.

As the President has said, now is not the time to re-fight the battles of the past two years, or roll back the progress we’ve made.

But solutions like this one will allow us to continue moving health insurance reform forward, building and shaping it so that it works for every state — and every American.

He knows that good ideas don’t necessarily come from one person, one party, or one state — that the best solutions are simply the ones that work.

And he knows it’s not the loudest voice in the room — but the most reasonable — that ultimately provides real leadership.

Take a look at a video of the President’s remarks about his endorsement of the new proposal here, and pass it on:

http://my.barackobama.com/EmpoweringStates

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart

Director

Organizing for America