Pelosi – House Dems and the Headlines : May 2013

Nancy Pelosi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pelosi Statement on the Devastating Tornado in Oklahoma

“As rescue workers continue the search for survivors, Members of Congress stand ready to do what we can to support the communities in Oklahoma, the first responders, and state and local government in their efforts to recover, respond, and rebuild.”

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Pelosi, Senior House Democrats Urge U.S. Retailers to Join Coalition Supporting Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and senior House Democrats have sent letters to nine separate U.S. retailers calling upon them to join a broadening global coalition supporting a May 12 Accord on Fire and Building Safety, developed by the Worker Rights Consortium and a number of key stakeholders.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Transcript of Pelosi Press Conference Today

“Here we are, 134 days into the 113th Congress, without one vote on a jobs bill.  Fifty-four days after the Senate passed its budget, we still haven’t moved forward to the budget process with this do nothing agenda that does not reflect the priorities of the American people.  It is an agenda that only the Republicans are interested in pursuing.  So, you see a series of subterfuges, job evasions.  Today’s job evasion is that the Republicans have decided to vote on the Patient’s Rights Repeal Act, their 37th attempt to repeal our country’s landmark reform bill.  That’s 37 votes, 43 days, $52 million – $52.4 million – on an obvious evasion of our responsibility to work on the priorities of the American people.”

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Crowley, Pelosi, Hoyer, Levin, House Members Press Bangladesh Government on Worker Safety and Rights in Wake of Deadly Building Collapse

“…[W]e believe there is simply no substitute for tough, comprehensive, uncompromising government support for legislation and fully-resourced law enforcement and administrative action… that both empowers workers and prevents more accidents from happening,” write the lawmakers in the letter.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pelosi Floor Speech in Opposition to House GOP Patients’ Rights Repeal Act

“First of all, it is our job to come here and act for the good of the American people.  And right now the American people see that good as the creation of jobs.  What is it, 134 days into this Congress?  And the Republican majority has yet to put forth one bill, vote one bill out to create jobs, to have evasion.  Here we are today with yet another one of their subterfuges: ‘let’s not talk about jobs.  Let’s use up time.’  And that adds to – what has been up until now – $54 million dollars, 43, some days spent on this – the 37th effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act.  What we should be doing is what the Republicans have asked for: regular order, to go to the budget table, to reconcile the differences between the House and the Senate, so that we can put forth a product, a budget that creates jobs, that reduces the deficit, that strengthens the middle class…”

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pelosi Opening Remarks at Press Conference on Protections in the  Affordable Care Act for Women and Families

“…it’s about how it affects women specifically, that we are talking about today, but those women are part of the nearly 13 million Americans benefitting from $1.1 billion in rebates from health insurance companies last summer…”

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pelosi Announces Departure of Chief of Staff Catlin O’Neill,  Names Robert Edmonson New Chief of Staff for Congressional Office

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced today that Catlin O’Neill, longtime aide and Chief of Staff in her Congressional office (CA-12), will be departing for the private sector.  Today, Leader Pelosi named Robert Edmonson, her current Legislative Director, as Ms. O’Neill’s successor.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Pentagon Furloughs of Civilian Employees

“Today, the Pentagon’s civilian employees join the growing list of Americans bearing the brunt of the devastating sequester cuts.  As long as House Republicans refuse to replace the sequester, hard-working Americans will see crippling cuts to services in education, health, and national security.”

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

 

Boehner, Pelosi, Bipartisan Group of Members – Call for State Department to Address Plight of Chen Guangcheng & Family

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and a bipartisan group of members sent the following letter to Secretary of State John Kerry expressing concern about the harassment and abuse inflicted upon Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng and his family by local officials in the Shandong Province of China.  The letter makes a series of recommendations for actions the State Department could take in its discussions with the Chinese government.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Reports of Inappropriate Activities at the IRS

“While we look forward to reviewing the Inspector General’s report this week, it is clear that the actions taken by some at the IRS must be condemned.  Those who engaged in this behavior were wrong and must be held accountable for their actions.  Regardless of political affiliation or bias, there is no place for this type of activity by the IRS or its employees.”

Monday, May 13, 2013

Transcript of Pelosi Press Conference Today

“This week we gave mothers not a very good gift.  More work, less pay.  Happy Mother’s Day?  I don’t think so.  The bill that gives less flexibility to working people, more discretion to their bosses.  Here’s what the bill really does: it ends the 40 hour work week, it ends, it cuts pay for women, undermines the economic security of the middle class, gives an interest free loan, paid for by workers’ wages and unused comp time to the company…”

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Pelosi Remarks at Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Ceremony for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

“We feel very, very hopeful that we will be able to move forward on this before the session of this Congress is out.  That we will indeed have passed comprehensive immigration reform.  It couldn’t happen without you.”

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Cinco de Mayo

“On Cinco de Mayo, we remember the extraordinary victory of a poorly-armed Mexican militia over larger, stronger, better-equipped French forces in the Battle of Puebla.  For 151 years, this date has been a source of pride to the people of Mexico – and here in the United States, it has been an opportunity to honor the contributions, heritage, and rich history of Mexican Americans and all Hispanic Americans.”

Friday, May 3, 2013

Pelosi Statement on April Jobs Numbers

“Today’s jobs report shows signs of progress for our workers and our middle class.  Yet it is also a reminder that Americans cannot afford more Republican political games that protect the sequester, slow our growth, inject uncertainty into our economy, and create instability for our working families.  Members of Congress must work together to put people to work, invest in American businesses and manufacturers, and build a lasting recovery.”

Friday, May 3, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Nominees for Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative

“Today, President Obama nominated two effective, passionate leaders to guide our efforts to grow our economy, strengthen the hands of American businesses and workers, and keep our nation number one on the global stage.”

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements, rich cultures, and extraordinary contributions of the AAPI community.  Americans from Asia and the Pacific Islands have risen above hardship, prejudice, and outright persecution to become an indelible part of the American story.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Pelosi Statement on Jewish American Heritage Month

“Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate a community rich in achievement, central to American progress, bound together by the values of fairness and justice for all.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Pelosi Statement on the Nomination of Congressman Mel Watt to  Lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency

“A proud son of North Carolina, Congressman Mel Watt has spent the last 20 years as a staunch and tireless advocate for the health, economic security, and prosperity of the people he represents.  As an economic development attorney and small business owner, he will bring the real-life expertise and unwavering dedication necessary to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency.”

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

the Senate led by Dems :::::::::::: S.954, the Farm bill CONGRESS :::::::::::: the Republican led House

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.954, the Farm bill.
• The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
• At 12:00 noon today the Senate will observe a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tornado in Oklahoma.

Following the moment of silence at noon, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to Cantwell amendment #919 (tribal participation in soil and water conservation programs).

Following the votes Senator Gillibrand will be recognized and intends to offer amendment #931 (restore SNAP cuts with offset).

The managers of the bill are also working on a Sessions amendment #945, but there may be an additional modification. If that modification is agreeable to both sides, it is their intention to adopt that amendment, as modified, prior to the caucus meetings.

• 12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Cantwell amendment #919 (tribal participation in soil and water conservation programs);

  Agreed To: 87-8

 

Cantwell amendment #919 was agreed to 87-8.

Senator Gillibrand offered amendment #931 (SNAP funding). The Sessions amendment #945 (eligibility criteria for agriculture irrigation assistance), as modified, was agreed to.

 

Following Senator Gillibrand’s statement, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm. After the lunch we will continue to process amendments to the Farm bill.

Senator Sanders asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up amendments #963 (CFTC investigation on energy futures and swaps markets) and #964 (CFTC regulation of energy markets). Senator Stabenow said there is an objection to setting aside the pending amendment.

Senator Roberts has called up amendment #948 (SNAP). We are working on an agreement to have a couple votes this afternoon in relation to the Gillibrand and Roberts amendments. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

 

The following amendments are pending to S.954, the Farm bill:

• Leahy amendment #998 (gigabit Internet pilot program)

The following amendments have been considered to S.954, the Farm bill:

• Cantwell amendment #919 (Indian tribes – land and soil conservation programs) Agreed to: 87-8
• Sessions amendment #945, as modified (eligibility criteria for agriculture irrigation assistance) Agreed to by unanimous consent
• Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP) Not Agreed to: 40-58
• Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP funding) Not Agreed to: 26-70

4:07pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP);

Not Agreed To: 40-58

4:35pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP);

Not Agreed To: 26-70

Senator Murray asked unanimous consent to proceed to H.Con.Res.25, that the amendment which is at the desk, the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to; the motion to reconsider be made and laid upon the table; that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees. This is the long way of saying she asked to go to conference on the Budget resolution.

Senator Paul asked that Murray modify her request to make it not in order to consider any conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator McCain objected to Paul’s request.

Senator McCain then asked that the original Murray request be modified so that 2 motions to instruct conferees be in order, one related to the debt limit and the other related to taxes. Senator Paul  objected to the modification. Senator Paul then objected to Murray’s original request.

Following the period of morning business, the Senate resumed consideration of the Farm bill and Senator Stabenow called up Leahy amendment #998 (rural broadband).

 The Senate is now in a period of morning business until 6:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Tomorrow the Senate will resume consideration of the Farm bill and continue to process amendments.

As a reminder, at 4pm on Wednesday, May 22, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #43, S.Res.65, resolution strongly supporting the full implementation of United States and international sanctions on Iran and urging the President to continue to strengthen enforcement of sanctions legislation.

There will be 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote in relation to the resolution. If the resolution is agreed to, the preamble will be agreed to. The motions to reconsider will be considered made and laid upon the table, all with no intervening action or debate.

• This evening Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #95, the nomination of Srikanth Srinivasan, of Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote would occur 1 hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday.
• WRAP UP
• ROLL CALL VOTES

  1)      Roberts amendment #948 (SNAP) to S.954, the Farm bill; Not Agreed to: 40-58

  2)      Gillibrand amendment #931 (SNAP funding); Not Agreed to: 26-70

   

  LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

  Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.45, the Repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

  Began the Rule 14 process of S.1003, the Comprehensive Student Loan Protection Act. (Coburn)

  Began the Rule 14 process of S.1004, the Anti-Trust Freedom Act. (Paul)

   

  No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

 

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May 2013

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19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

Last Floor Action: 5/20
10:42:42 A.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now recess.

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 P.M.
today.

10:00:12 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:20 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:42 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.
10:42:42 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:52 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 21.
12:01:12 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Pastor Mark Turner, South Valley Community Church, Gilroy, California.
12:02:59 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:03:02 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cartwright to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:23 P.M.		The Speaker recognized Ms. Zoe Lofgren for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.
12:04:30 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.
12:34:13 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 21, 2013 at 9:45 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 309.
12:35:28 P.M.	H.R. 1412	Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1412 — “To improve and increase the availability of on-job training and apprenticeship programs carried out by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
12:35:46 P.M.	H.R. 1412	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:35:48 P.M.	H.R. 1412	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1412.
12:48:22 P.M.	H.R. 1412	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.
12:49:03 P.M.	H.R. 570	Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 570 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments to be made automatically by law each year in the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans.”
12:49:06 P.M.	H.R. 570	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:49:09 P.M.	H.R. 570	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 570.
1:03:27 P.M.	H.R. 570	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:03:31 P.M.	H.R. 570	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:03:34 P.M.	H.R. 570	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
1:04:29 P.M.	H.R. 324	Mr. Cotton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 324 — “To grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.”
1:04:56 P.M.	H.R. 324	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:04:58 P.M.	H.R. 324	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 324.
1:17:35 P.M.	H.R. 324	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.
1:18:28 P.M.	H.R. 1344	Mrs. Brooks (IN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1344 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to provide expedited air passenger screening to severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and severely injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes.”
1:19:00 P.M.	H.R. 1344	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:19:03 P.M.	H.R. 1344	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1344.
1:48:53 P.M.	H.R. 1344	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.
1:50:01 P.M.	S. 982	Mr. Shuster moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 982 — “To prohibit the Corps of Engineers from taking certain actions to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam, and for other purposes.”
1:50:16 P.M.	S. 982	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:50:18 P.M.	S. 982	<DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 982.
2:10:51 P.M.	S. 982	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:10:54 P.M.	S. 982	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:12:25 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 16	Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. S. Con. Res. 16 — “Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling of a statue of Frederick Douglass.”
2:12:29 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 16	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:12:34 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 16	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 16.
2:22:19 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 16	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
2:22:21 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 16	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:23:47 P.M.		Mr. Grayson was recognized by the Chair to offer a resolution.
2:24:41 P.M.		The resolution was reported and the Chair recognized Mr. Grayson for the purpose of presenting argument to support the privileged status of the resolution.
2:24:42 P.M.		Upon examination of the resolution, the Chair determined that the resolution offered by Mr. Grayson does not qualify as a question of the privileges of the House.
2:33:30 P.M.	H.R. 1412	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1412 — “To improve and increase the availability of on-job training and apprenticeship programs carried out by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
2:59:37 P.M.	H.R. 1412	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 0 (Roll no. 164).
2:59:38 P.M.	H.R. 1412	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:59:51 P.M.	H.R. 324	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 324 — “To grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II.”
3:07:50 P.M.	H.R. 324	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 0 (Roll no. 165).
3:07:51 P.M.	H.R. 324	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:08:03 P.M.	H.R. 1344	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1344 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to provide expedited air passenger screening to severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and severely injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes.”
3:14:46 P.M.	H.R. 1344	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 166).
3:14:47 P.M.	H.R. 1344	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:16:25 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
3:24:04 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
3:55:56 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
5:03:56 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 21.
5:04:20 P.M.		Mr. Webster (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 228.
5:04:21 P.M.		The House received a communication from Jim Costa, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Congressman Costa notified the House that he had been served a subpoena for documents issued by the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, regarding a third-party workers’ compensation matter. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he has determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
5:05:55 P.M.		Mr. Webster (FL) moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:05:57 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:05:58 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 22, 2013.

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Bills & Hearings in the House : May 2013

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Hearing: The Call for Economic Liberty in the Arab World

9:30 AM | 2172 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Full Committee

Hearing: Joint Hearing – The Current and Future Applications of Biometric Technologies

10:00 AM | 2318 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology | Subcommittee on Research

Hearing: Maritime Transportation: The Role of U.S. Ships and Mariners

10:00 AM | 2167 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure |

Hearing: Legislative Hearing on Draft Legislation, ‘The Veterans Integrated Mental Health Care Act of 2013;’ Draft Legislation, ‘the Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013;’ H.R. 241; H.R. 288; H.R. 984; and H.R. 1284

10:00 AM | 334 Cannon HOB Washington DC Host: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs | Subcommittee on Health

Markup: H.R. 982, the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency FACT Act of 2013

10:00 AM | 2141 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on the Judiciary | Full Committee

Hearing: Chairman Brady Announces Hearing on the President’s and Other Bipartisan Proposals to Reform Medicare

10:00 AM Host: Committee on Ways and Means | Subcommittee on Health

Hearing: Cyber Threats and Security Solutions

10:00 AM | 2123 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Energy and Power

Hearing: Visa Security and Overstays: How Secure is America?

10:00 AM | 311 Cannon HOB Host: Committee on Homeland Security | Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security

Hearing: The Future of the CFTC: Market Perspectives

10:00 AM | 1300 Longworth HOB Host: Committee on Agriculture | Full Committee

Hearing: “Reviewing the President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Department of Education”

10:00 AM Host: Committee on Education and the Workforce | Full Committee

Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “Perspectives on the Management of Federal and State Land: Testimony by Governor Gary Herbert (R-UT), Chairman of the Western Governors’ Association”

10:30 AM | 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Host: Committee on Natural Resources | Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation

Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “Data collection issues in relation to the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act”

10:30 AM | 1334 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Host: Committee on Natural Resources | Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs

Markup: Full Committee Mark Up – FY 2014 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill and Report on the Suballocation of Budget Allocations for FY 2014

11:00 AM | 2359 Rayburn Host: Committee on Appropriations | Multiple Subcommittees

Hearing: Understanding the Cost Drivers of Passenger Rail

1:00 PM | 2167 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure | Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials

Hearing: Why Can’t DHS Better Communicate with the American People?

1:30 PM | 311 Cannon HOB Host: Committee on Homeland Security | Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency

Hearing: Next Steps in Human Exploration to Mars and Beyond

2:00 PM | 2318 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology | Subcommittee on Space

Hearing: JOINT HEARING: The Growing Crisis in Africa’s Sahel Region

2:00 PM | 2172 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations

Hearing: Cybersecurity: An Examination of the Communications Supply Chain

2:00 PM | 2123 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Communications and Technology

Hearing: H.R. 3-Northern Route Approval Act

3:00 PM | H-313 Capitol Host: Committee on Rules | Full Committee

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hearing: Exascale Computing Challenges and Opportunities

10:00 AM | 2318 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology | Select…

Markup: Full Committee Mark Up – FY 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

10:00 AM | 2359 Rayburn Host: Committee on Appropriations | Multiple Subcommittees

Hearing: Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Freezing the Federal Real Estate Footprint

10:00 AM | 2167 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure | Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management

Hearing: Expediting Claims or Exploiting Statistics?: An Examination of VA’s Special Initiative to Process Rating Claims Pending Over Two Years

10:00 AM | 334 Cannon House Office Building Washington DC
Host: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs | Full Committee

Hearing: The Economic Outlook

10:00 AM | G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building
Host: Joint Economic Committee |

Hearing: Legislative Hearing on H.R. 1964, H.R. 1965, H.R. 1394, and H.R. 555

10:00 AM | 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Host: Committee on Natural Resources | Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

Hearing: H.R. 1911-Smarter Solutions for Students Act

10:00 AM | H-313 Capitol Host: Committee on Rules | Full Committee

Hearing: U.S. Citizens’ Constitutional Rights During the War on Terror

10:00 AM | 2141 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on the Judiciary | Full Committee

Hearing: Examining SAMHSA’s Role in Delivering Services to the Severely Mentally Ill

10:00 AM | 2123 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Select…

Hearing: “Examining the Regulatory and Enforcement Actions of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission”

10:00 AM Host: Committee on Education and the Workforce | Subcommittee on Workforce Protections

Hearing: Assessing the Threat to the Homeland from al Qaeda Operations in Iran and Syria

10:00 AM | 311 Cannon HOB Host: Committee on Homeland Security | Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence

Markup: H.R. 850, Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013

10:00 AM | 2172 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Full Committee

Hearing: CLOSED: Ongoing Intelligence Activities

1:00 PM | HVC304 Capitol Host: House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence | Full Committee

Hearing: he Middle East and North Africa FY 2014 Budget: Priorities and Challenges

2:00 PM | 2172 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa

Hearing: S. 744 and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986: Lessons Learned or Mistakes Repeated?

2:00 PM | 2141 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on the Judiciary | Full Committee

Hearing: The President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget: Administration Priorities for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2:00 PM | 2167 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure | Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Hearing: CLOSED: Ongoing Intelligence Activities

8:30 AM | HVC304 Capitol Host: House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence |

Hearing: Restoring U.S. Leadership in Weather Forecasting

9:30 AM | 2318 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Science, Space, and Technology | Subcommittee on Environment

Hearing: Chairman Johnson Announces Hearing on the President’s and Other Bipartisan Entitlement Reform Proposals

9:30 AM Host: Committee on Ways and Means | Social Security

Hearing: Legislative Hearing on H.R. 255, H.R. 745, and H.R. 1963

10:00 AM | 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Host: Committee on Natural Resources | Subcommittee on Water and Power

Hearing: H.R. 1797, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

10:00 AM | 2141 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on the Judiciary | Full Committee

Hearing: Building America: Challenges for Small Construction Contractors

10:00 AM Host: Committee on Small Business | Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce

Hearing: Examining Drug Compounding

10:00 AM | 2322 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Energy and Commerce | Subcommittee on Health

Hearing: U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation: An Overview of the Merida Initiative 2008-Present

10:00 AM | 2172 Rayburn HOB Host: Committee on Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere

Field Hearing: Oversight of California High Speed Rail

7:00 AM | Auditorium Room AM120, Madera Community College Center, Madera, CA Host: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure | Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials

Harry Reid Senate Dems and the Headlines : May 2013

 

Republicans Were For Passing A Budget Before They Were Against It

Reid
Statement On April Employment Report

Bills & Hearings in the House ~ May 2013

US Congress (Photo credit: jessie owen)

5/7 9:30 am	Hearing: RESCHEDULED: Budget Hearing – Bureau of Land Management Committee on Appropriations: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
5/7 10:00 am	Hearing: Budget Hearing – Navy and Marine Corps Committee on Appropriations: Defense
5/7 10:00 am	Hearing: “Raising the Bar: Exploring State and Local Efforts to Improve Accoutability” Committee on Education and the Workforce: Full Committee
5/7 10:00 am	Hearing: Chairman Brady Announces Hearing on Developing a Viable Medicare Physician Payment Policy Committee on Ways and Means: Health
5/7 2:00 pm	Hearing: VA Construction Policy: Failed Plans Result In Plans That Fail Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
5/7 2:00 pm	Hearing: Budget Hearing – Securities Exchange Commission Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
5/7 2:00 pm	Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “Impediments to Public Recreation on Public Lands” Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation
5/8 9:00 am	Markup: Markup of Pending Legislation Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Full Committee
5/8 10:00 am	Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “DOI Hydraulic Fracturing Rule: A Recipe for Government Waste, Duplication and Delay” Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee
5/8 10:00 am	Hearing: Saving Taxpayer Dollars: Freezing the Federal Real Estate Footprint Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
5/8 1:00 pm	Hearing: RESCHEDULED: Budget Hearing – Environmental Protection Agency Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
5/8 1:00 pm	Hearing: Budget Hearing – United States Army Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense
5/8 1:00 pm	Hearing: Retrospective Review: Have Existing Burdens on Small Businesses Been Reduced? Committee on Small Business: Full Committee
5/8 2:00 pm	Hearing: Hearing entitled “Reauthorizing the Defense Production Act” Committee on Financial Services: Monetary Policy and Trade
5/8 2:00 pm	Hearing: Boustany Announces Hearing on the Internal Revenue Service’s Colleges and Universities Compliance Project Committee on Ways and Means: Oversight
5/9 9:30 am	Hearing: Budget Hearing – United States Air Force Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense
5/9 10:00 am	Hearing: The Health Insurance Fee: Impact on Small Businesses Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Health and Technology
5/9 10:00 am	Hearing: Legislative Hearing on H.R. ___, H.R. 586, H.R. 995 and H.R. 1411 Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation
5/21 10:00 am	Hearing: Maritime Transportation: The Role of U.S. Ships and Mariners Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure:
5/22 10:00 am	Hearing: The Economic Outlook Joint Economic Committee:

 

Trent Franks introduces NATIONWIDE abortion ban …

BREAKING NEWS: Trent Franks introduces nationwide abortion ban We knew they wouldn’t be satisfied banning abortion state by state for very long. Anti-choice zealot Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) has just announced that he’ll be introducing a bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks for women nationwide. This is outrageous. It’s unconstitutional. It would set women’s reproductive rights back by decades. It would put the lives of women who face serious complications later in pregnancy in danger, and it would force women with no other options to seek illegal providers straight out of the 1960s. We need to fight this and all attacks on choice with everything we’ve got. Please make an urgent gift to NARAL Pro-Choice America right away and stand with us on behalf of women across the country. We knew they’d keep trying. It’s up to us to keep fighting. Ilyse G. Hogue President, NARAL Pro-Choice America

Voting is a Right not a Privilege ::::::: Save Section 5

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana

 

On March 7, 1965, hundreds of brave unarmed nonviolent women and men dared to March for African Americans right to vote. The fact is that less than 1% of eligible Blacks voted or registered to vote. People organized a Peaceful Protest March from Selma to the state capitol in Montgomery. However, as those protesters crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge to Montgomery. The police, riding horses ready for violence engaged in excessive use of force, which included brutally beating protesters, sprayed gas at them while journalists and photographers witnessed.

The brutal reaction by the police was not only caught on tape it forced then President Johnson, who was once against civil rights programs as a Senator to call on Congress for equal voting rights for all on March 15. The Voting Act of 1965 was signed into law on August 6; is a landmark piece of national legislation in the United States that outlawed discriminatory voting practices that had been responsible for the widespread disenfranchisement of African Americans in the U.S.

That awful day that started out peacefully quickly descended into a March of death for the right to vote called Bloody Sunday.

Now, 48 years later, a new “Jim Crow” era has emerged with a major step backward in the fight for civil and voting rights. There are conservative states targeting not only African Americans but also Senior citizens, first time voters, early voting, Students, low income, and the undocumented though Republicans call them (illegals). In addition, people without birth certificates were limited or completely denied access to the voting booth because their old state ID failed to meet new voter ID regulations and treated like possible( illegals). It is the 21st Century; we should be on a progressive path toward equality for all not one that will re-engage folks in the act of racism or exclusion leading to suppressing participation in the election process. This year, new stricter voter ID legislation is pending in thirty-one states. This includes, voter ID proposals in thirteen states with proposals to strengthen existing voter ID laws in ten states, and eight states that will amend the new voter ID laws passed in 2011. We need to push back all attempts to suppress the right to Vote.

With so much at stake, it is time to stop sitting on the sidelines. If we are going to succeed, Conservative lawmakers NEED to hear our Voices.

We cannot let the naysayers turn back the clock on Voting Rights or the next generation.

Thank You for Taking Action

Top3 : Same-Sex Discrimination, Racial IQ and The Lottery

TEEN EXPELLED, CHARGED WITH FELONY FOR SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP

STUDENTS CONDEMN RACIAL IQ STUDY

WHY POWERBALL IS BAD FOR YOU, EVEN IF YOU WIN

Stop early dismissals in Seattle schools

There’s a new petition taking off on Change.org, and we think you might be interested in signing it:

Frequent early school dismissals are a terrible hardship on families.  Parents under financial stress, working parents, multi-child families, single parents, and many other caregivers have no good childcare and/or transportation options to manage early school dismissals.  We urge you to find a family-friendly way to provide teachers with the planning time they need.

Seattle Public Schools

Superintendent Jose Banda: Stop Early Dismissals at Seattle Public Schools

Sign the Petition

By F. J.                                                 Seattle, Washington

Secretary Sally Jewell: No New Fracking on Public Lands

No new fracking on public lands   BREAKING: Just when you thought it couldn’t, fracking in the U.S. is about to get worse — and with government approval. The Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management just released new rules for fracking on our public lands that would give gas companies the right to drill without much-needed protections for public health. The BLM’s new rules fail to require full public disclosure of toxic chemicals, baseline water testing or setback requirements of wells from homes and schools. Fracking our public lands will affect millions of people who live, work and go to school near (or even above) the areas where leases will take place. It is unconscionable for the government to pass new regulations that are fundamentally inadequate to protect our health and safety. Fracking is a dirty and dangerous process. The proposed BLM rules fail to take obvious steps to provide even minimal protections. Tell the Deptartment of Interior’s Secretary Sally Jewell that you support no new leasing on our public lands. President Obama pledged to do more to combat climate change for the sake of our children and our future in his 2013 State of the Union speech, but the new rules will allow gas companies to place wells dangerously close to children and use toxic chemicals without disclosing them to the public. The Department of Interior’s data on potential federal oil and gas leases in six western states shows that more than 1,400 public schools lie within one mile of potential drilling activity. Help us send 45,000 messages to Secretary Jewell to show her that Americans don’t want any new fracking on federal lands. These rules are a gift to the gas companies, who met repeatedly with high-ranking officials before this rule was released.¹ The provisions help the gas corporations profit, while falling short in employing the most basic recommendations of the president’s own shale gas advisory committee, which advocated for transparency, environmental safeguards and pollution monitoring for fracking. Without clear safeguards for public health, no new areas should be opened up to new drilling permits. We cannot give the treasure of our federal lands — which belong to all of us — to the gas companies and allow them to continue expanding fracking. Tell Secretary Jewell and the Department of the Interior to put a moratorium on all new gas leases on federal lands. Thanks for all you do for the environment. Sincerely, Deb Nardone Beyond Natural Gas Sierra Club P.S. If President Obama truly wants to tackle climate change, then he needs to keep dirty fossil fuels in the ground as much as possible, and invest more heavily in true clean energy solutions such as wind, solar and energy efficiency. Natural gas is a dirty dangerous fossil fuel, not a climate solution!  Tell the administration: no new leasing. We must not use our public lands to generate more toxic pollution when clean energy alternatives are ready here and now. P.P.S. After you take action, be sure to forward this alert to your friends and colleagues!   [1] E&E News. “White House huddled with industry before changes to BLM fracking rule,” April 12, 2013.

Congressional Budget Office : Cost Estimate : Border Security

 

 

 

H.R. 1417, Border Security Results Act of 2013

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on May 15, 2013

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H.R. 1911, Smarter Solutions for Students Act

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on May 16, 2013

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H.R. 570, American Heroes COLA Act

As posted on the website on the House Committee on Rules on May 16, 2013

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Testimony on CBO’s Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2014

Testimony before the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate

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How CBO Prepares Long-Term Projections of Federal Spending for Social Security and Major Health Care Programs

For Social Security and the major health care programs, CBO’s budget projections over the next 10 years are based on detailed program projections underlying CBO’s baseline; beyond 10 years, CBO relies on its long-term model.

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H.R. 1949, Improving Postsecondary Education Data for Students Act

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on May 16, 2013

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H.R. 1233, Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2013

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 20, 2013

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H.R. 678, Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act

As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on May 8, 2013

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H.R. 992, Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Financial Services on May 7, 2013

CARE2 : Antibiotics, Plastic bags Solar and more

 

a repost

How Pumping Antibiotics into Animals Could Cause Global Health Crisis China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of antibiotics, and like many other nations around the world, it does almost nothing to monitor… read more

Germ-Ridden Consequences of Plastic Bag Bans Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles have been trying to ban plastic grocery bags for some time now. The effort has even garnered the… read more

3 Conservative-Friendly Reasons to Support Solar Written by Laura Michelle Burns Climate change is our responsibility whether our ticket is red or blue. We are all responsible for children’s health,… read more

Because One Transvaginal Ultrasound Just Isn’t Enough: Indiana Doubles Down Are conservative lawmakers just trying to one-up each other now? It’s the only reasonable explanation for a piece of legislation coming out of… read more

5 States That Will Be Hammered by the Sequester Unless something dramatic happens between now and Friday, it appears that budget sequestration cuts, designed to be so painful that they would force… read more

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

English: Logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sandoz US Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of two lots of Methotrexate Sodium, USP, Injectable Vials, 25mg/mL, 40mL vials

05/20/2013 05:32 PM EDT

Sandoz is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall to the hospital/user level of two lots of its Methotrexate Sodium, USP, 25 mg/mL, 40 mL vial injectable product in the US, due to the discovery of particulate matter in vials during routine quality examination of retention samples at the manufacturer. The product is preservative free.

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Eco-Cuisine Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk

05/20/2013 07:02 PM EDT

Eco-Cuisine of Boulder, Colorado is recalling all lots of T3314 Basic Brownie Mix, T3333 Betty Brownie Mix with Vanilla, T3388 Ground Beef Style Quick Mix, T3394 Sausage Style Quick Mix, T3416 Chocolate Cookie Mix, T3417 Lemon Muffin Mix, and T3418 English Scone Mix, CM25COOK Basic Cookie Mix 25 lb. bag, CM25MUFF Basic Muffin Mix 25 lb. bag, CM25SCON Basic Scone Mix 25 lb. Bag, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

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Precautionary Recall Issued For Pre-Packaged Texas Gulf Shrimp

05/20/2013 02:29 PM EDT

Galveston Shrimp Company has issued a precautionary voluntary recall of its pre-packaged Texas Gulf Shrimp due to foreign material found in a bag. The pre-packaged bags are shipped to HEB Stores. Customers who recently purchased pre-packaged Gulf Shrimp are encouraged to check their refrigerators and/or freezers.

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Symbios Medical Products Issues Nationwide Recall of GOPump and GOBlock Kits

05/16/2013 03:49 PM EDT

May 10, 2013 – Symbios Medical Products initiated a voluntary recall of all GoPump Rapid Recovery System kits and GOBlock Kits manufactured with flow control components assembled prior to July 2012. These products have been found to potentially cause excessively high flow rates, which presents a risk of patient toxicity and serious injury (e.g., seizure, dysrhythmia, death) due to the rapid influx of medication particularly in patients with low body mass or advanced age.

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Pentec Health Announces Limited Voluntary Recall of Certain Compounded Prescription Therapies for Renal Patients

05/17/2013 01:19 PM EDT

Pentec Health, Inc. has decided to initiate a limited, voluntary recall of in-date nutritional prescriptions for renal patients due to lack of sterility assurance associated with one of its laminar flow hoods used in compounding. The recall covers renal therapies that were compounded in this hood on or before May 2, 2013.

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Tropical Valley Foods Issues

Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Walnuts in Next by Nature Dark Chocolate Bananas

05/17/2013 11:54 AM EDT

Tropical Valley Foods Inc. of Plattsburgh, NY, is recalling next by Nature DARK CHOCOLATE BANANAS, 3 oz. bags, due to undeclared milk and walnuts. People who have an allergy to milk and/or walnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Brian, Campaign for a Fair Settlement

Invest in standing up to Wall Street criminals!

 

 

Real change requires dramatic actions like those going on in Washington today.

  

Connect with the Campaign for a Fair Settlement

As you read this dozens of Home Defenders are risking arrest fighting for struggling homeowners across the country by demanding an end to “Too Big to Jail” on the steps of the Department of Justice. Hundreds more are rallying in support. We at CFS are incredibly proud of how supporters like you have stepped up to make the Week of Action a success.
No one knows what is going to happen today, but we do know that, without dramatic actions like this, the problems and concerns of average Americans will always be overshadowed by the influence bought by Wall Street bankers. Only through organized and committed actions like the Justice to Justice Week of Action can we combat that influence.
Please invest in ensuring we can continue to fight aggressively for you and millions of others. Invest $25 or whatever you can today.
We’ve accomplished so much already, but we know that we have more to do before we accomplish our goals. As long as people are still in danger of losing their homes and Wall Street continues to press for deregulation, CFS will continue to fight to push the Obama Administration for widespread mortgage reductions and increased scrutiny on Wall Street.
The fight is not over! Invest $25 now to make sure we can keep fighting with the millions of struggling homeowners who need justice. 
Your decision to stand up to Wall Street and say “enough is enough.” was a critical first step towards holding Wall Street criminals accountable and preventing future economic disasters from happening.  The next step is to take actions powerful enough to force Wall Street and the Administration to do the right thing. That’s why we’re at the DOJ today and that’s why we need to do more in the future.
Invest today and allow us to continue that fight. Please donate $25 or whatever you can.
The hundreds of foreclosure fighters and home defenders fighting for justice in DC wouldn’t be there without you. Let’s take it to the next level.
In solidarity,

Brian Kettenring, Campaign Director, Campaign for a Fair Settlement Executive Director, Action for the Common Good
http://www.campaignforfairsettlement.org/