Tag Archives: United States

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Congress -debates & votes 11/18

11/18/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 9:30am ET

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, post-cloture.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:00pm to allow for a Democratic caucus meeting.

Time during any recess, adjournment or period of morning business will count post-cloture.

The Leaders will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the Food Safety bill.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote is expected to occur on Monday, November 29.

This evening, Senate Reid filed cloture on S.510, the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act, and the substitute amendment. The cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29.

Under the agreement reached this evening, if cloture is invoked, all post-cloture debate time will be yielded back except for the time specified in this agreement. The only amendments or motions in order are the ones specified below:

– Johanns motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4702 (1099 forms)
– Baucus motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4713 (1099 forms)

There will be a total of 60 minutes for debate with respect to these 2 motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Baucus and Johanns.

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4696 (substitute)
– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4697 (earmarks)

There will be a total of 4 hours for debate with respect to the Coburn motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Coburn and Inouye or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time specified in this agreement, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the motions to suspend in the order listed:
– Johanns (1099 forms)
– Baucus (1099 forms)
– Coburn (earmarks)
– Coburn (substitute)

If any motion is successful, then the Senate would proceed to vote immediately on the amendment. No further motions or amendments are in order. The substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, would be agreed to and the Senate would proceed to vote on passage of S.510, as amended. The cloture on the underlying bill will be withdrawn.

As a result of this agreement, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29.

If cloture is invoked, the motions to suspend would be in order. Upon the use or yielding back of debate time allotted by this agreement, the Senate would proceed to vote on the motions to suspend, any amendments if the motions are successful, and then on passage of S.510, as amended.

Votes:
251: Motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act;
Agreed to: 57-27

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5712, with subst amdt (SGR extension)Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget

Unanimous Consent:
The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:

• An act to provide for certain clarifications and extensions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (H.R.5712, as amended by Baucus amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4711) and Baucus amendment to amend the title (#4712), which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)

• A bill to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes. (S.1609)

• A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Rotunda for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. (S.Con.Res.75)

• A concurrent resolution to recognize and honor the commitment and sacrifices of military families of the United States. (S.Con.Res.76)

• A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. (S.Res.647)

• A resolution recognizing the recent accomplishments of the people and government of Moldova and expressing support for free and transparent parliamentary elections on November 28, 2010. (S.Res.683)

• A resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. (S.Res.684)

• A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of sickle cell disease by Dr. James B. Herrick. (S.Res.685)

• A concurrent resolution providing for an additional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate. (H.Con.Res.332)

Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:25 P.M. –

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

2:23 P.M. –

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

United States – China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Mr. Michael Wessel, Falls Church, Virginia .

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010

2:19 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 1677 to the end that the resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H. Con. Res. 329:

recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

2:18 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

2:17 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Con.Res. 329 to the end that the concurrent resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

S. 3774:

to extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008

2:16 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 366 – 40 (Roll no. 580).

2:08 P.M. –

ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 435.

2:03 P.M. –

Representative Peter King addressed the House and introduced Representative Tom Reed, Twenty Ninth District, New York.

2:02 P.M. –

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Tom Reed the Twenty Ninth Congressional District, State of New York, presented himself in the well of the House to take the Oath of Office administered by the Speaker of the House.

2:01 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Todd D. Valentine and Mr. Robert A. Brehm, Co-Executive Directors of the New York State Board of Elections, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 2, 2010, the Honorable Tom Reed was elected Representative to Congress for the Twenty-Ninth Congressional District, State of New York.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

2:00 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 Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 258 – 154 (Roll no. 579).

1:52 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

1:24 P.M. –

On motion to agree to the Senate amendment Roll Call 578 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:23 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722, and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, 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.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

12:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6419.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

12:45 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

H.R. 1722:

12:44 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to H.Res. 1721, further proceedings on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722 has been postponed.

11:56 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Lynch motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722.

11:55 A.M. –

Mr. Lynch moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment

11:54 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, Mr. Lynch took from the Speaker’s table H.R. 1722 with the Senate amendment thereto, and was recognized for a motion.

H. Res. 1721:

providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:52 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 235 – 171 (Roll no. 577).

H. Res. 1721:

11:43 A.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 577 – Recorded vote pending.

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 576).

10:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1721

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

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

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1421.

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress is in Sesson … read what happened -updates when needed

11/17/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes Today at 9:30amET

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 11:00am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Of the majorities time, Senator Harkin will control 15 minutes, Senator Dodd will control 15 minutes, and Senator Mikulski will control 5 minutes.

As a reminder, on Wednesday, September 29, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the following bills:
– S.3815, the Promoting National Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010;
– S.3772, The Paycheck Fairness Act; and
– S.510, The FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act.

The first vote of the week will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3815, the Promoting National Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010.

At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3772, Paycheck Fairness Act.

If cloture is not invoked, the Senate would proceed immediately to a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.510, the Food Safety bill.

If cloture is invoked on either of the motions to proceed, there would be up to 30 hours for debate on the motion.

Senators should expect up to 2 roll call votes to begin at 11:00am.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.

Votes:
249: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3772, Paycheck Fairness Act;
Not Invoked: 58-41

250: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.510, FDA Food Satefy;
Invoked: 74-25

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1421, Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act

Adopted S.Res.681, a resolution designating the week of November 15 through 19, 2010, as “Global Entrepreneurship Week/USA

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:20 P.M. –: SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:19 P.M. –: Mr. Burton of IN requested that Mr. Thompson of PA be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on November 18.

S. 3774:

to extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008
7:18 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.
7:04 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3774. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1648:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children in foster care awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, recognizing current programs and efforts designed to promote adoption, and encouraging people in the United States to seek improved safety, permanency, and well-being for all children
7:03 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
6:43 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1648. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McDermott moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 327:

to recognize and support the efforts of the USA Bid Committee to bring the 2018 or 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to the United States
6:42 P.M. –: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:36 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 327. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Con. Res. 259:

recognizing the 500th anniversary of the birth of Italian architect Andrea Palladio
6:35 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
6:25 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 259. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1672:

commemorating the Persian Gulf War and reaffirming the commitment of the United States towards Persian Gulf War veterans
6:24 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:23 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House concluded debate on H. Res. 1672. Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1721.

H. Res. 1672:

commemorating the Persian Gulf War and reaffirming the commitment of the United States towards Persian Gulf War veterans
6:02 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1672. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010
6:00 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.

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010

5:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1677.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

5:47 P.M. –

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

. H. Res. 1715:

congratulating Joe Paterno on his 400th win as Penn State Nittany Lions football head coach

5:45 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 575).

5:37 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5758:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2 Government Center in Fall River, Massachusetts, as the “Sergeant Robert Barrett Post Office Building”

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 574).

5:30 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 3808:

to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce

5:24 P.M. –

On motion to refer the bill and the accompanying veto message to the Committee on the Judiciary. Agreed to without objection.

On passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding Failed by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 573).

Motion to refer the bill and accompanying veto message to the Committee on Judiciary.

5:14 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of passage of H.R. 3808 on reconsideration, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding, and on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 332:

The title of this measure is not available

4:45 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 572 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

4:42 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 3808:

4:41 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of the allotted debate time, the Chair announced that under the Constitution, the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of passage upon reconsideration, the objection of the President to the contrary notwithstanding. The Chair further announced that further proceedings on that question would be postponed until a time to be announced.

4:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous order of the House, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the veto message from the President on H.R. 3808.

4:32 P.M. –

The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the veto message from the President on H.R. 3808.

4:31 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 17

10:28 A.M. –

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

H. Res. 1720:

Providing for the printing of a revised edition of the Rules and Manual of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

10:27 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.

Considered by unanimous consent.

S.J. Res. 40:

appointing the day for the convening of the first session of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

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

On passage Passed without objection.

10:26 A.M. –

Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.

Considered by unanimous consent.

DEBATE TIME LIMITATION – Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent that debate on passing H.R. 3808, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding, be limited to 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. Agreed to without objection.

10:03 A.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. Quigley to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02 A.M. –

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Angry?

11/16/2010 Nativegrl77

Are you angry over the recent election? Good. You should be.

In 2011 we’re fighting back. We are not going to allow tea party radicals to dictate policy in Congress or the Statehouse. We are going to rebuild in all 50 states and focus on electing Democrats who will bring the bold change that our country needs.

But there are no silver bullets. No simple change of messaging or different White House strategy will be enough. We have to do the hard work of building up an army of skilled and trained organizers across the country with the goal of electing a real progressive majority.

Still angry? Good. Here’s what you can do right now.

Our National Field Organizers are working with grassroots activists like you right now to organize dozens of weekend campaign trainings in 2011. And you have the power to bring one of these great trainings to your city.

Apply to host a DFA Campaign Academy in 2011.

Since 2004, DFA has been building the progressive movement by training thousands of progressive activists and candidates every year. We’ve brought our training program to over 100 cities across the country and trained over 12,000 progressive activists.

A DFA Campaign Academy is more than just a series of interesting lectures. They are gatherings of like-minded and passionate progressives where we assess what’s worked before, learn cutting edge campaign skills and make plans for the future. We bring the best political talent in the country to your city to fire up the local progressive movement.

Want one of these trainings in your community in 2011? Then it’s time to get started now.

Apply to host a DFA Campaign Academy in 2011.

As we begin our 8th year of providing this great resource to progressive communities the demand is very high. We’re determining where in the country these trainings can have the biggest impact and we have to hear from you.

These elections were a disappointment to be sure. But I’m still here and still fighting. So is DFA and so are you. And we’re not going to be stopped because of one election.

-Matt

Matt Blizek, Field Director
Democracy for America

P.S. We’re scheduling our 2011 Campaign Academies right now and if you want one in your community you need to act fast.

Forward this email on to 5 of your local progressive friends and see if they want to help bring one of these great trainings to your community.

~ Culture & History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

NMAAHC -Need to remind you of three things …a message from Adrienne C. Brooks

11/16/2010 Nativegrl77

National Museum of African American History and Culture

I can’t begin to thank you enough for your past support of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Getting involved so early with something of this magnitude requires faith and vision, and everyone at the Museum truly appreciates your support and engagement with this historic endeavor.

As with any major undertaking, the first steps are always the most important. Building on the National Mall in Washington DC requires fine attention to detail. Our goal is to create a place worthy of the Museum’s mission and its prominent location on the National Mall – adjacent to the Washington Monument and near the White House.

As you read these words, our award-winning architectural team is working to design this signature new museum; our curators are creating state-of-the-art exhibitions that reflect the rich history and culture of the African American community; and our educators are developing innovative educational curricula and public programs.

Of course, you do not have to wait until the Museum opens in 2015 to experience what we will offer. You can see it now! We have programs and exhibitions currently underway — and as a Museum supporter you are already receiving special, early notices and invitations via email. That is just one of the benefits of your helping us raise the funds we need to build this much-anticipated Museum. Your special “insiders” look is one way we have of showing you just how much we appreciate your support.

As the end of the year approaches, I wanted to remind you of three things:

The overarching mission of the Museum is to use African American history and culture as a lens into what it means to be an American and that the African American experience is interwoven with, not separate from, the American experience. Together they create one, powerful American story.
The Museum will cost $500 million, half of which, $250 million, we must raise from Americans, like you, from around the nation.
The end of the year is the perfect time to make a tax-deductible gift to the Museum.

There are many good reasons to support the Museum: the powerful history and culture that will be on exhibit; the opportunity to add your name to something that will inspire and educate future generations; and the presentation of this important story in the grand tradition of a Smithsonian museum.

Whatever your reasons, we are honored by your commitment to the Museum. Our campaign to build the Museum continues to gain momentum, thanks to supporters like you. The bottom line is that we need your steadfast support and are very grateful to receive it.

So, please, take a moment right now to make a contribution to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Again, thank you very much.

All the best,

Adrienne C. Brooks
Director of Development

P.S. I just want to underscore the great tax benefit your contribution to the Museum represents. Whatever amount you are able to generously contribute today is tax- deductible to the full extent of the law.

~ my 2cents ...

trippi Tuesday …& some News

11/16/2010 Nativegrl77

The President will be giving out the Medal of Honor today, which is such a proud moment to be an American in a time when we use to have two wars now only one as well as the first person of colour as our President giving you chills. It is a very special day to be alive and see all the wonder things President Obama has been able to accomplish with or without the help of, I guess Americans who call themselves Republicans. The weather here sucked last night and early this morning though it has calmed down finally it is just the beginning of autumn, which will move into winter sometime soon.

I posted a letter to Americans from Leader Harry Reid and apparently, it upset someone so much that they responded. While I am glad to get responses to the various articles posted, this one seems a bit dramatic. It is obvious the person is very right of center and it confirms how personal feelings create gridlock. Unfortunately, this same attitude will continue to happen on the floor of Congress as personal feelings get in the way of doing the peoples business. As Republican members of Congress show lack of compromise so do their constituents and while that may be normal up to a point in our own private lives, this behavior cannot continue on for too long as we all know the quicker folks work together the sooner Americans will be able to move into the 21st Century. Anyway, below is the response to the open letter to Americans from Harry Reid.

A desperate lie by a desperate piece of filth. It’s laughable in the extreme. The truth is that Americans did not vote the Liberal filth out of office for the sake of working with their remnants.

They and their supporters, the domestic enemies of America, can sit down and shut up or things will go harshly for them sooner than it might otherwise.

Other News …

Rep. Rangel is convicted by House panel on ethics violations on 11 of 13 counts -non-legal action

Cholera outbreak sparks riots in Haiti

Republican leaders suddenly decide to vote against earmarks -pushed by tea party members

Tina Fey is censored by PBS -on Palin comments

Walmart drug plan for seniors may not be best dealConsumer alert: A new Medicare drug plan with the lowest upfront cost in the country may not be for everyone, experts say.