Tag Archives: United States

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Wisconsin


For the last three days, tens of thousands of nurses, teachers, workers, students, and citizens have protested in front of the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison.

Governor Scott Walker is trying to cut benefits for state workers and take away their collective bargaining rights – and he threatened to call out the National Guard if they protest, a threat that’s still on the table.

Just hours ago, Democratic State Senators boldly refused to show up for a vote — delaying the vote!

We must stand in solidarity with these Wisconsin citizens who are fighting back against the Governor. Can you sign our open letter? (Already, dozens of local and national leaders have joined us.)

Click tell the Wisconsin State Legislature to oppose Walker’s budget and say no to his threat to use the National Guard against state workers!

Thousands have camped out in the capitol building overnight, a scene Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan had to admit was “like Cairo has moved to Madison.”

So far, dozens of local Wisconsin leaders like Patrick Landgraf, President AFL-CIO Local 18 have signed on, and they’re joined by the PCCC, VoteVets, CREDO Action, and Daily Kos, as well as thousands of people from Wisconsin and across the country.

We’ll alert the media to the progress of this letter, as more and more people stand in solidarity against Gov. Walker’s cuts and threats. So please pass this email to others.

Click here to sign the open letter in solidarity.

Thanks for being a bold progressive,

Stephanie Taylor, Jason Rosenbaum, Adam Green, and the PCCC team

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RE: Support for the Reporting of Multiple Sales of Long Guns


Thank you for your comment regarding the 60-day emergency notice of information collection relating to ATF Form 3310.12 (Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Certain Rifles), published in the Federal Register on December 17, 2010. The Federal Register and supplement form may be found at: http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/rulemakings/general-notices.html

The primary purpose of this program is to improve law enforcement’s ability to identify firearms traffickers, to disrupt the criminal activity and to stop deadly violence plaguing the southwest border States and Mexico. The multiple sales reports will apply only to rifles that are semi-automatic, greater than .22 caliber, and have the ability to accept a detachable magazine. Federal firearms licensees in the States of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas will complete the forms for those transactions when an individual purchases two or more of these rifles within five business days. We intend to evaluate the results at the end of a 1 year pilot period.

As mentioned in the notice, if granted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the emergency approval of the form is valid for 180 days. All comments received in response to the notice will be carefully considered and, if warranted, revisions to the form will be made.

www.usdoj.gov

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Unions = Jobs

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Right now, over 30,000 people are rallying at the state capital in Wisconsin for the second day in a row in solidarity with union workers and the good-paying middle class jobs they protect.

JOIN A VIRTUAL MARCH IN SOLIDARITY RIGHT NOW AND WE’LL SEND YOU A FREE “UNIONS = JOBS” BUMPER STICKER

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/491?akid=461.1480546.b0LjN0&t=1

They’re standing up because Wisconsin’s Republican Governor Scott Walker is on the attack. His proposed state budget attempts to strangle workers’ rights by eliminating the right for cops, firefighters, teachers, or any other government employee to let their union negotiate their pay and benefits through collective bargaining.

To make it clear he’s serious, Gov. Walker has even threatened to call out the National Guard on protesting marchers in an attempt to squash debate and demonize the hard-working Americans standing united in front of the state capital right now. This is only the beginning of the Republican attack on unions and middle class families. Similar attacks on unions are expected by Republican Governors in Ohio and New Jersey very soon with other states to follow.

It’s time for us to stand up — all of us — across America — in solidarity with union workers and the good-paying middle class jobs they protect. Today we start a virtual march nationwide and will deliver the signatures to Democratic leaders in the target states. And when you sign up right now, we’ll send you a “Unions = Jobs” bumper sticker to put on your car, computer, or wherever you can to spread the message that we all stand together.

JOIN THE MARCH NOW AND GET YOUR FREE “UNIONS = JOBS” BUMPER STICKER

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/491?akid=461.1480546.b0LjN0&t=1

Republicans are starting to get scared by the reaction. Even Republican Paul Ryan from WI compared Gov. Walker to deposed Egyptian President Mubarak, when in an interview with Joe Scarborough on “Morning Joe” this morning he said:

“It’s like Cairo moved to Madison.”

They never expected American workers would stand united to defeat them, now they’re seeing it happen. If we keep the pressure up and keep growing the number of Americans standing together, we can win this and protect vital middle class jobs.

STAND TOGETHER AND JOIN THE VIRTUAL MARCH NOW >> http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/491?akid=461.1480546.b0LjN0&t=2  

This isn’t just about unions. This is about good-paying middle class jobs and the America we want to live in.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director

Democracy for America

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Congress:the Senate & the Republican led House are both back in Session@2pm 2/28/2011


 The Senate re-Convenes at 2pmET 2/28/2011

Following the prayer and pledge, Senator Isakson will deliver Washington’s Farewell Address.

Following the address, there will be a period of morning business until 3:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:30pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.23, the Patent Reform Act of 2011.

The following amendments are pending to S.23:

– Leahy amendment #114 (Title amendment)

– Vitter amendment #112 (Debt Limit)

– Bennet amendment #116 (small business fast track)

– Bennet amendment #117 (regional PTO offices)

– Lee amendment #115 (to express the sense of the Senate in support of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution)

At 4:30pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session to consider the following nominations:

– Amy Totenberg, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia; and

– Steve C. Jones, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia.

The time until 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled in the usual form. At 5:30pm, senators should expect a voice vote on the Tottenberg nomination and a roll call vote on the Jones nomination.

The Senate is in a period of morning business.

This evening, Senator Reid moved to proceed to a house vehicle for a short term continuing resolution (HR359) and filed cloture on the motion. If necessary, this cloture vote would occur on Wednesday morning.

Votes:

26: Confirmation of Steve C. Jones, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia; Confirmed: 90-0

Unanimous Consent:

Confirmed Amy Totenberg, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, by

Adopted S.Res.78, relative to the death of former U.S. Senator James McClure.

Adopted S.Res.8, Women in the US Armed Forces

************************************ 

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 28, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION



8:11 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 1, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mrs. Christensen moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:23 P.M. –

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

7:11 P.M. –

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

7:10 P.M. –

Mr. Price (GA) asked unanimous consent That it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting The Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 368:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

7:09 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 4 (Roll no. 150).

7:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 347:

to correct and simplify the drafting of section 1752 (relating to restricted buildings or grounds) of title 18, United States Code

7:02 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 – 3 (Roll no. 149).

6:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 394:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal courts, 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, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 148).

6:33 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:32 P.M. –

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

6:31 P.M. –

Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 115.

ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announces to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Harman, the whole number of the House is 433.

The House received a communication from Representative Harman wherein she resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at 6:30 p.m. on February 28, 2011.

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 28.

2:45 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 347:

to correct and simplify the drafting of section 1752 (relating to restricted buildings or grounds) of title 18, United States Code

2:44 P.M. –

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.

2:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 347.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 368:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

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.

2:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 368.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 386:

to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide penalties for aiming laser pointers at airplanes, and for other purposes

2:27 P.M. –

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

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

2:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 386.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 394:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal courts, and for other purposes

2:18 P.M. –

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.

2:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 394.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

2:13 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Daniel J. Strodel, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Strodel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for documents issued by a grand jury in the County of New York and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

2:03 P.M. –

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

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. McCollum 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 Reverend Gene Hemrick, Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC.

2:00 P.M. –

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

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Radical Right:Radical States


When President Obama took office amidst the worst recession in three generations, he immediately focused his energy on enacting a comprehensive plan to revive the nation’s economy.

Newly elected Republicans, however, have interpreted their temporary rise to power in an entirely different way. Where Obama saw an immediate need to grow the nation’s economy, GOP leaders are seizing their moment to force longstanding GOP fantasies upon the people they govern. Several GOP-led states are pushing plans to strip state workers of their collective bargaining rights.

Twelve states are considering unconstitutional bills “nullifying” the Affordable Care Act.

-Arizona Repub licans are lining up behind a plan to unconstitutionally strip citizenship from millions of Americans.

– New Hampshire Republicans have returned to the GOP’s favorite pastime of denying gay Americans their constitutional rights. Given the opportunity to lead, far-right politicians have decided instead to ignore the nation’s needs and pursue their own narrow, unpopular ideological vendettas.

INTIMIDATION FORCE: While congressional Republicans block long-needed funds intended to help the states keep police, public schools, and Medicaid running even in the middle of a weak economy, right-wing state lawmakers have seized upon their states’ budget crisis as an opportunity to make life even harder for workers. Indiana, Idaho, and Tennessee all have legislation in the works to cut teachers’ ability to collectively bargain. Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) wants to strip all state workers of their collective bargaining rights . One Missouri lawmaker even proposed rolling back child labor laws. But none of these plans hold a candle to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker‘s (R) assault on his state’s workforce. Walker plans to eliminate many collective bargaining rights and force state workers to give up nearly 20 percent of their pay to cover their existing pension and health benefits. Worse, in a statement that seems more likely to emerge from Stalinist Russia than from a modern democratic society, Walker threatened to activate the Wisconsin National Guard to intimidate any workers who protest his plans. To their credit, Walker’s constituents have not been silenced by his threat of military force. About 13,000 protesters stormed the state capitol in opposition to Walker’s anti-worker plan. Hundreds more protectors met Walker at the governor’s office. Even the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers released a statement telling Walker that “[t]he right to negotiate wages and benefits is a fundamental underpinning of our middle class.” Nevertheless, Walker doubled down on Fox News Tuesday night, reiterating his threat to use the National Guard to put down dissenting voices.

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1829: Meanwhile, 12 other states are considering an unconstitutional tactic that President George Washington once described as “preposterous and anarchic.” Last year, a leading Confederate apologist named Tom Woods published a book touting an antebellum practice known as “nullification,” in which states pass laws claiming to “nullify” a federal law. There’s only one problem — the Constitution expressly forbids this practice, proclaiming that federal laws “shall be the supreme law of the land” and binding upon each state. Nevertheless, the GOP-controlled Idaho House just passed a bill claiming to nullify the Afford able Care Act , and many other GOP lawmakers are itching to follow suit. While nullification is unambiguously unconstitutional, these bills could have a tragic effect on low-income Americans and on state budgets. Idaho’s Attorney General recently warned that, because federal law permits states to opt out of Medicaid, a state law attempting to nullify health reform could inadvertently kick Idaho out of the Medicaid program. If this occurred, the state would lose over $1 billion in federal grants to administer its Medicaid program — an amount that equals approximately two- fifths of the state’s overall budget , and it would have to chose between eliminating health coverage for the 223,198 Idahoans who currently depend on Medicaid, or implementing similarly draconian cuts such as slashing its public schools budget by 85 percent.

REPEALING CITIZENSHIP: Not to be outdone, Arizona Republicans are pushing an equally unconstitutional plan to strip citizenship from the children of undocumented immigrants. In 1856, the Supreme Court handed down its most infamous decision in Dred Scott v. Sanford holding, among other things, that a former slave was not welcome into the community of U.S. citizens. Eleven years and a bloody Civil War later, the war-torn nation ratified the Fourteenth Amendment for the very purpose of overruling this repulsive holding. As the Supreme Court explained more than a century ago , the 14th Amendment ensures that all persons born in the United States are automatically U.S. citizens — with rare exceptions such as the children of diplomats. Nevertheless, far-right Arizona lawmakers are now pushing a fundamentally un-American bill to create an underclass of children born in this country but unable to call any nation their own. Apparently, the Constitution doesn’t apply when Republicans see an opportunity to score points