Tag Archives: United States

Yesterday I was so excited that House Democrats blocked the extension of the Patriot Act, but now Senate Democrats are working day and night to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on Social Security.

Just weeks after President Obama declared that cuts to Social Security were off the table, the Wall Street Journal reports that Democratic Senators Dick Durbin and Kent Conrad are working with Republicans to resurrect the right-wing Deficit Commission’s proposals to cut Social Security and give huge new tax breaks to big corporations and the super rich.

This is ridiculous. Social Security is the backbone of the American middle class. It provides millions of seniors and disabled Americans the money they need to eat and pay rent in their greatest time of need. We must keep Social Security safe, stable and secure for them right now and for generations to come.

But it seems like some leaders just don’t get it, so we’re taking our campaign to the next level — television ads, polling, in-district rallies and events — whatever it takes to share the stories of DFA members and other Americans across the country who depend on Social Security.

We’re going to make sure that every American knows who is attacking Social Security and how to stop them, but we can’t make that happen without your support. Please contribute $10 right now to help make it happen.

Please contribute $10 right now so that every American knows who’s leading the attack on the American middle class.

Right-wing Republicans in the House have made gutting Social Security and destroying the middle class their top priority — and some Senate Democrats are saying “We have your back.”

We’re not going to let that happen. That’s why we’re building a huge national campaign to beat back this right-wing attack on the promise of Social Security to future generations.

Democracy for America depends on small contributions from its members across the country to get the job done. Please contribute today to fuel our aggressive campaign to win and keep Social Security safe, stable and secure.

Please contribute $10 now.

America is a community and we look out for one another. I know I can count on you.

-Arshad

Arshad Hasan, Executive Director

Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Just In: USAID Administrator Dr. Raj Shah and Ambassador Melanne Verveer to speak at CARE’s conference!

02/11/2011 Nativegrl77

The list of can’t-miss speakers at the 2011 CARE Conference & International Women’s Day Celebration keeps growing and growing! Have you registered yet?

In addition to keynote speakers Melinda Gates and Mrs. Laura W. Bush, we’ve just learned that USAID Administrator Raj Shah and Ambassador Melanne Verveer will be joining the lineup. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from some of our country’s most critical thinkers!

This will be an action-packed conference for advocates to learn about a range of CARE’s work and issues, including panels on social entrepreneurship, aid effectiveness and gender norms. You’ll also have the chance to hear from CARE’s overseas staff from nearly 40 countries who will be participating in the conference and share their unique in-country perspective.

March 8: Join CARE in celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day

March 9: Hear from keynote speakers Melinda Gates and Mrs. Laura W. Bush, as well as esteemed panelists from around the world

March 10: Engage your members of Congress and take an active role in influencing U.S. policy to improve the lives of millions of marginalized women and girls

If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to sign up today at http://www.careconference.org.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH

President and CEO, CARE

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress:the Senate is in SESSION on 2/14 -the Republican led House 2/11

02/11/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Covenes at 2:00pmET February 14, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization bill.

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

– Calendar #1, James E. Graves, of Mississippi, to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit; and

– Calendar #5, Edward J. Davila, of California, to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California.

There will be 1 hour for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed.

At 5:30pm, there will be a voice vote on the Graves nomination and a roll call vote on the Davila nomination. Senators should expect additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the FAA bill Monday evening.

—————————————-

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 9:00amET on February 11, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 11, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:08 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 14, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Bishop (UT) moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:07 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 11.

2:10 P.M. –

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

2:04 P.M. –

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

2:03 P.M. –

Mr. Campbell asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, February 11, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 12 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2011, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

1:58 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 344 – 50, 1 Present (Roll no. 34).

H. Res. 72:

directing certain standing committees to inventory and review existing, pending, and proposed regulations and orders from agencies of the Federal Government, particularly with respect to their effect on jobs and economic growth

1:50 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 391 – 28 (Roll no. 33).

1:33 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 178 – 242 (Roll no. 32).

1:10 P.M. –

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

1:09 P.M. –

The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the resolution to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment adding a new section directing committees to place a high priority on preserving the standards that ensure the safety of the Nation’s food supply, safe drinking water, and the safety of children’s toys.

Mr. Carnahan moved to recommit with instructions to Rules.

1:08 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

9:13 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Chair announced that when consideration of H.Res. 72 was postponed on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 4 hours of debate remained on the resolution, with 3 hours equally divided and controlled by the chairs and ranking minority members of the Committees on the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Oversight and Government Reform, and 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Majority and Minority Leader or their designees.

Considered as unfinished business.

9:03 A.M. –

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

9:02 A.M. –

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

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe (TX) 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. Mr. Poe objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

9:01 A.M. –

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

9:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

OFA …

02/10/2011 Nativegrl77

This movement was founded on a simple but game-changing idea:

That grassroots, on-the-ground organizing is the most powerful force in politics.

Powerful enough to win a historic presidential election and bring the country together after eight years of division — powerful enough to achieve health reform 100 years in the making.

But we got here because millions of people committed to this idea in the years and months that came before these victories — and President Obama will be the first to tell you that our work is not done.

Right now, Organizing for America is reinvesting in key states and districts, rebuilding our grassroots infrastructure, and preparing for the fights ahead.

Over the next few days, we’ll be deciding where and exactly how much we can invest — and with your help, we can be in the strongest position possible.

Will you donate $25 or more today to support Organizing for America?

When the President was elected on November 4th, 2008, it felt like the world had changed almost overnight.

After eight years of out-of-touch policies that drove our economy into a ditch, we had elected a leader with a new vision for government, a mandate for reforming Washington, and a personal story possible only in America.

But the truth is that nothing happened overnight.

That victory — and every victory that followed — is a credit to the power of this grassroots movement.

From the very first days of the presidential campaign in 2007 through the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in December — the relationships you developed on the ground took root in unprecedented ways, and together, we made history.

We have to do it again.

President Obama has laid out an ambitious agenda for winning the future, calling on Congress to come together to make key investments in innovation, education, and infrastructure. To reform government, confront the deficit, and make sure the economy works for all Americans.

He can’t do it alone. The challenges we’ll face over the next months will call on each of us to remember why we are a part of this movement: because we believe in something bigger than politics. Because we now know what is possible when we invest not just in a campaign, but in one another.

Your support will help us make key decisions about where we can place staff and resources as we rebuild and plan the next phase of this movement.

Please donate $25 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Reinvesting

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart

Director

Organizing for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: Both Chambers are in Session today …

02/10/2011 Nativegrl77

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET on February 10, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 10, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

9:21 P.M. –

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

9:19 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 72:

3:28 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the Chair postponed further consideration of H.Res. 72.

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 9 hours and 30 minutes of debate on H. Res. 72.

3:26 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 72 with 9 hours and 30 minutes of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without installowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against the resolution are waived. The resolution provides that the amendment recommended by the Committee on Rules now printed in H. Res. 72 shall be considered as adopted.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 73.

H. Res. 73:

providing for consideration of the resolution (H.Res. 72) directing certain standing committees to inventory and review existing, pending, and proposed regulations and orders from agencies of the Federal Government, particularly with respect to their effect on jobs and economic growth

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 255 – 169 (Roll no. 31).

3:18 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 180 (Roll no. 30).

3:11 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:10 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of ordering the previous question on H.Res. 73 and adoption of the resolution if ordered, all of which had been debated earlier, and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 79:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 514) to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 248 – 176 (Roll no. 29).

2:47 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

1:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 79.

1:38 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 73:

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 73, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, the Chair announced the yeas had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

12:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 73.

12:24 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:06 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

The House received a communication from John V. Sullivan, House Parliamentarian. Mr. Sullivan submitted to the House a facsimile of a letter of resignation submitted by Rep. Christopher J. Lee to the pertinent Executive authority in the State of New York which was received in the Capitol on February 9, 2011. The facsimile previously laid before the House had been addressed to the Governor rather than to the Secretary of State. This document will round out the papers of the House on the matter of Rep. Christopher J. Lee’s resignation.

12:02 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. Murphy of PA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. –

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

12:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 10.

10:34 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 Debate. 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 Jason Chaffetz to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

—————————————-

The Senate Convenes at 4:00pmET February 10, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

We hope to clear the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) legislation on Thursday.

Senators should expect the next votes to begin around 5:30pm on Monday, February 14. Those votes could be on a judicial nomination and amendments to the FAA Authorization bill.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.48, a resolution congratulating the Green Bay Packers on winning Super Bowl XLV.