Archive for February 2nd, 2012

02
Feb
12

It’s Time. Mobilize the Earth…Earth Day Network


Environmental issues have taken a backseat for world  leaders, but the world can’t wait. Earth Day 2012is the catalyst to reignite  the movement and make them take notice.

Rally.  March. Vote. Petition… Join the mobilization on April 22nd.

And tell us about it so that we can  aggregate and amplify your voices.

Earth Day is celebrated every year by a billion people  and in virtually every country on the planet – the largest civic observance in  the world. This year, we’ll harness that power.

Momentum  is already building, with huge events planned everywhere from Rome to Rio,  London to New Orleans. Beirut and Muscat are in. Kolkata and Jakarta are in. Beijing,  Melbourne, Lima, Accra, St. Louis – all in. Are you?

Mobilize.


Earth Day on the National Mall 

The  centerpiece of Earth Day in the United States will be a rally on the National  Mall in Washington, D.C. Tens of thousands of environmentally-conscious people  from all walks of life and all parts of the country will be joined by civic  leaders and celebrities to Mobilize the Earth.

Get there.

More info coming soon. Stay tuned for the latest.
– The Earth Day Network Team

02
Feb
12

WA State Senate Votes to Approve Marriage Equality


Human Rights Campaign

On February 1, the Washington State Senate voted to approve SB 6239, the marriage equality legislation, by a vote of 28-21. Your senator, Ed Murray , voted with the majority to grant loving, committed same-sex families equal civil marriage in the Evergreen State. Please send Sen. Murray a thank you right now by clicking here.

The senate was considered by most observers as the more difficult chamber to pass the legislation through. Without Sen. Murray ‘s support, advocates would have failed to make Washington State the 7th in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.

With the State House expected to vote on the measure in the coming days, it’s time to take a moment to recognize the courage and conviction your senator took for standing up and doing the right thing. Thank Sen. Murray today!

Thank you,
Marty Rouse
Marty Rouse National Field Director

P.S. Save the Date! Join us in Olympia on February 16th for Washington United’s Marriage  Lobby Day. We will be delivering messages of thanks and disappointment  to legislators who voted for and against marriage equality. Be on the  lookout for more information next week!

02
Feb
12

Congress: the Republican led House repeals replaces& eliminates parts of Affordable HC – the Senate considers S.2038,STOCK Act


https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/hub.1326407570.html

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the Senate Convened at 9:30am.ET Febuary 2,2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 11:00am, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first half and the Republicans will control the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2038, STOCK Act.
  • The managers of the bill will continue to negotiate an agreement to complete action on the bill tomorrow. Senators will be notified when any agreement is reached.

The Senate has reached an agreement to complete action on S.2038, the STOCK Act. As a result, senators should expect a series of votes at 2pm in relation to the amendments listed below and on passage of S.2038, as amended. All after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration with 2 minutes equally divided between each vote.

- Lieberman #1482 (technical);

- Paul #1484 (non-trading certification);

- Paul #1487 (exec staff rule-making prohibit) (60-vote threshold);

- Lieberman #1511 (side-by-side to Shelby #1491);

- Shelby #1491, as modified (exec);

- Paul #1485, as modified (exec and judicial);

- Boxer-Isakson #1489, as modified (mortgage disclosure) (60-vote threshold);

- Portman #1505 (technical);

- Enzi #1510 (mutual funds);

- Blumenthal #1498 (felony conviction – no pension) (60-vote threshold);

- Toomey-McCaskill #1472 (earmark prohibition) (60-vote threshold);

- Inhofe #1500 (earmark prohibition) (60-vote threshold);

- McCain #1471 (GSEs – bonuses) (60-vote threshold);

- Leahy-Cornyn #1483 (anti-corruption) (60-vote threshold);

- Coburn #1473 (duplicative/overlapping programs) (2/3 vote threshold);

- DeMint #1488 (SoS – term limits) (60-vote threshold);

- Grassley #1493 (60-vote threshold); and

- Brown (OH) #1481, as modified (divestiture) (60-vote threshold).

Upon disposition of the amendments, the Substitute amendment #1470, as amended, if amended, will be agreed to. The Senate will then proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended.

We hope that some of these amendments will be considered by voice vote.

2:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Paul amendment #1484 (non-trading certification); Not Agreed to: 37-61

2:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Paul amendment #1484 ( prohibit exec staff rule-making)

2:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Paul amendment #1484 ( prohibit exec staff rule-making); Not Agreed to: 48-51

2:51pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Lieberman amendment #1511 (side by side to Shelby #1491- extend reporting requirements to executive branch and independent agencies); Agreed to: 81-18

3:09pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Shelby amendment #1491, as modified (extend reporting requirements to executive branch and independent agencies); Agreed to: 58-41

3:39pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Toomey-McCaskill amendment #1472 (earmark prohibition); Not Agreed to: 40-59

3:58pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Inhofe amendment #1500 (prohibit unauthorized earmarks); Not Agreed to: 26-73

4:22pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #1473 (duplicative/overlapping programs); Not Agreed to: 60-39 (2/3rds threshold)

4:41pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #1488 (term limits);Not Agreed To: 24-75

5:00pm     **The following amendments to S.2038, the STOCK Act have been considered: **

  • Brown (OH) #1478 (10 day filing); Withdrawn
  • Thune #1477 (SEC/solicitation); Withdrawn
  • Coburn #1474 (legislation posted online 72 hours prior to a vote); Withdrawn
  • Coburn #1476 (substitute – Member certification); Withdrawn
  • Paul #1490 (Member forfeiture Federal retirement benefits if he/she becomes a lobbyist); Withdrawn
  • Tester #1492 (capital formation); Withdrawn
  • Tester #1503 (FEC electronic filing); Withdrawn
  • Reid for Lieberman #1482 (technical); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Paul #1484 (Member certification); Not Agreed to: 37-61
  • Paul #1487 (Executive oversight); Not Agreed to: 48-51
  • Lieberman #1511 (side by side to Shelby #1491- extend reporting requirements to executive branch and independent agencies); Agreed to: 81-18
  • Shelby #1491 (extend reporting requirements to executive branch and independent agencies); Agreed to: 58-41
  • Paul #1485, as modified (apply reporting requirements to Federal employees and judicial officers); Withdrawn
  • Boxer #1489, as modified (mortgage disclosure); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Portman #1505 (techincal); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Enzi #1510 (mutual funds); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Blumenthal #1498 (Member of Congress denied retirement benefits if he/she is convicted of a felony); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Toomey-McCaskill  #1472 (prohibit earmarks); Not Agreed to: 40-59
  • Inhofe #1500 (prohibit unauthorized earmarks); Not Agreed to: 26-73
  • McCain #1471 (prohibit bonuses for senior executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Leahy #1483 (anti-corruption); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Coburn #1473 (duplicative and overlapping government programs); Not Agreed to: 60-39
  • DeMint #1488 (SoS Constitutional amendment limiting the number of terms Member of Congress may serve); Not Agreed to: 24-75
  • Grassley #1493 (political intelligence disclosure); Agreed to:60-39
  • Brown (OH) #1481, as modified (divestiture); Not Agreed to: 26-73
  • Reid #1470 (substitute); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent

5:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Grassley amendment #1493  (political intelligence disclosure); Agreed to: 60-39

5:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Brown (OH) amendment #1481, as modified (divestiture); Not Agreed to: 26-73

5:42pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.2038, as amended (STOCK Act); Passed: 96-3

*** WRAP UP ***

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Paul amendment #1484 (non-trading certification); Not Agreed To: 37-61

2)      Paul amendment #1487 (prohibits executive staff rule-making)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 48-51

3)      Lieberman amendment #1511 (extends STOCK Act to senior level executive branch employees); Agreed To: 81-18

4)      Shelby amendment #1491, as modified (extends STOCK Act to senior level executive branch employees); Agreed To: 58-41

5)      Toomey-McCaskill amendment #1472 (earmark prohibition)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 40-59

6)      Inhofe amendment #1500 (earmark prohibition)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-73

7)      Coburn amendment #1473 (duplicative/overlapping programs)(2/3rds threshold); Not Agreed To: 60-39

8)      DeMint amendment #1488 (SoS Constitutional amendment re: term limits)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 24-75

9)      Grassley amendment #1493 (political intelligence disclosure)(60 vote-threshold); Agreed To: 60-39

10)  Brown (OH) amendment #1481, as modified (divestiture)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-73

11)  Passage of S.2038, STOCK Act, as amended; Passed: 96-3

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.367, designating January 2012 as “National Mentoring Month”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2064, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate (DeMint).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY  2, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:39:52 P.M. -H.R. 3578POSTPONING FURTHER PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3578, the Chair announced that it understood that the Part A amendment made in order by the provisions of H. Res. 534 would not be offered and pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the previous question was ordered and pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further proceedings on the bill would be postponed.5:34:05 P.M. -H.R. 3578DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3578.5:33:47 P.M. -H.R. 3578Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The resolution provides for one hour of debate, each, on H.R. 3578 and H.R. 3582. All points of order against consideration of both H.R. 3578 and H.R. 3582 are waived. For H.R. 3578, the resolution makes in order the amendment printed in Part A of the report accompanying this resolution and for H.R. 3582, the resolution makes in order the amendments printed in part B of the report accompanying this resolution.5:33:42 P.M. -H.R. 3578Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 534. H.R. 3578 — “To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to reform the budget baseline.”5:33:08 P.M. -H.R. 3582Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:33:07 P.M. -H.R. 3582On passage Passed by recorded vote: 242 – 179 (Roll no. 30).5:26:45 P.M. -H.R. 3582On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 237 (Roll no. 29).5:09:54 P.M. -H.R. 3582The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.5:03:56 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boswell motion to recommit. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new subsection entitled “Impacts on Medicare Benefits, Beneficiaries, the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds”.5:01:55 P.M. -H.R. 3582Mr. Boswell moved to recommit with instructions to the Budget Committee.5:01:43 P.M. -H.R. 3582The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.5:01:22 P.M. -H.R. 3582The previous question was ordered without objection.5:00:35 P.M. -H.R. 3582The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3582.5:00:21 P.M. -H.R. 3582On agreeing to the Cicilline amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 245 (Roll no. 28).4:55:10 P.M. -H.R. 3582On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 243 (Roll no. 27).4:51:15 P.M. -H.R. 3582On agreeing to the Fudge amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 171 – 243 (Roll no. 26).4:47:48 P.M. -H.R. 3582On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 237 (Roll no. 25).4:44:05 P.M. -H.R. 3582On agreeing to the Peters amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 244 (Roll no. 24).4:15:37 P.M. -H.R. 3582UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.4:15:19 P.M. -H.R. 3582POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cicilline substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cicilline demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:04:39 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline Part B amendment No. 8.4:04:28 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Cicilline,   numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require that, in addition to preparing cost estimates for each bill or resolution reported by any committee of the House, the Congressional Budget Office also prepare an estimate of the number of jobs which would be created, sustained, or lost in carrying out the measure–including regional and State level estimates.4:04:10 P.M. -H.R. 3582By unanimous consent, the Flake amendment was withdrawn.4:00:09 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake Part B amendment No. 7.4:00:05 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake,  numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 lower the threshold for requiring a dynamic score from .25% of the current GDP to $5 billion.3:59:39 P.M. -H.R. 3582By unanimous consent, the Quigley amendment was withdrawn.3:55:16 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley Part B amendment No. 6.3:55:13 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Mr. Quigley,  numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to require the CBO to establish a website where taxpayers could enter their annual income and receive an estimate of the amount of their projected contribution to or receipt from any applicable major bill or resolution over the next 10 years, assuming the taxpayer has constant annual income.3:51:00 P.M. -H.R. 3582POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:43:35 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee Part B amendment No. 5.3:43:32 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX),  numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to require CBO to include as part of their macroeconomic analysis estimates of the potential impact, if any, on HUB ZONE areas as defined by the Small Business Act.3:42:42 P.M. -H.R. 3582POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Fudge amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Fudge demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:35:54 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fudge Part B amendment No. 4.3:35:52 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Ms. Fudge,  numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to add income equality among the variables used to determine the economic impact of the bill.3:35:42 P.M. -H.R. 3582On agreeing to the Walz (MN) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:32:45 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walz Part B amendment No. 3.3:32:42 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Mr. Walz (MN),  numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to include interest rates among the major economic variables to be estimated in the macroeconomic economic impact analysis.3:32:21 P.M. -H.R. 3582POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:25:40 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) Part B amendment No. 2.3:25:37 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly (VA),  numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to extend the requirement for the Congressional Budget Office to prepare macroeconomic analysis of major legislation to bills or resolutions reported by the Appropriations Committees of each Chamber.3:24:54 P.M. -H.R. 3582POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Peters amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Peters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:17:38 P.M. -H.R. 3582DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 534, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters Part B amendment No. 1.3:17:35 P.M. -H.R. 3582An amendment, offered by Mr. Peters,  numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-383 to add a findings section addressing the macroeconomic impact of the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003.2:06:57 P.M. -H.R. 3582GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3582.2:06:03 P.M. -H.R. 3582The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert J. Dold to act as Chairman of the Committee.2:06:02 P.M. -H.R. 3582House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 534 and Rule XVIII.2:05:55 P.M. -H.R. 3582Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The resolution provides for one hour of debate, each, on H.R. 3578 and H.R. 3582. All points of order against consideration of both H.R. 3578 and H.R. 3582 are waived. For H.R. 3578, the resolution makes in order the amendment printed in Part A of the report accompanying this resolution and for H.R. 3582, the resolution makes in order the amendments printed in part B of the report accompanying this resolution.2:05:50 P.M. -H.R. 3582Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 534. H.R. 3582 — “To amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for macroeconomic analysis of the impact of legislation.”2:04:42 P.M. -H.R. 3630Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:04:41 P.M. -H.R. 3630On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 236 (Roll no. 23).1:56:30 P.M. -H. Res. 534Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:56:29 P.M. -H. Res. 534On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 179 (Roll no. 22).1:48:20 P.M. -H. Res. 534On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 177 (Roll no. 21).12:30:37 P.M. -H. Res. 534DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 534.12:26:28 P.M. -H. Res. 534Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 534 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3578) to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to reform the budget baseline, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3582) to amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for macro-economic analysis of the impact of legislation.”12:25:58 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause2(h) of Rule II of the Rules 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 February 2, 2012 at 9:40 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1296 and H.R. 588 without amendment.12:02:24 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.12:02:00 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Ellison to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:57 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:32 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:25 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 2.11:07:25 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:02:17 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 the legislative day.10:01:35 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:55 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

5:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Grassley amendment #1493  (political intelligence disclosure); Agreed to: 60-39

5:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Brown (OH) amendment #1481, as modified (divestiture); Not Agreed to: 26-73

5:42pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.2038, as amended (STOCK Act);Passed: 96-3

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Paul amendment #1484 (non-trading certification); Not Agreed To: 37-61

2)      Paul amendment #1487 (prohibits executive staff rule-making)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 48-51

3)      Lieberman amendment #1511 (extends STOCK Act to senior level executive branch employees); Agreed To: 81-18

4)      Shelby amendment #1491, as modified (extends STOCK Act to senior level executive branch employees); Agreed To: 58-41

5)      Toomey-McCaskill amendment #1472 (earmark prohibition)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 40-59

6)      Inhofe amendment #1500 (earmark prohibition)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-73

7)      Coburn amendment #1473 (duplicative/overlapping programs)(2/3rds threshold); Not Agreed To: 60-39

8)      DeMint amendment #1488 (SoS Constitutional amendment re: term limits)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 24-75

9)      Grassley amendment #1493 (political intelligence disclosure)(60 vote-threshold); Agreed To: 60-39

10)  Brown (OH) amendment #1481, as modified (divestiture)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-73

11)  Passage of S.2038, STOCK Act, as amended; Passed: 96-3

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.367, designating January 2012 as “National Mentoring Month”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2064, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate certain energy tax subsidies and lower the corporate income tax rate (DeMint).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

02
Feb
12

Tell Walmart: Say no to GMO


Who wants genetically engineered (GE) sweet corn in our grocery stores?Surely Walmart doesn’t want it…right? Our friends at Food & Water Watch have waged a campaign to stop genetically engineered sweet corn from making it to the stores and your dinner table with tremendous success from a number of food suppliers, but Walmart has yet to reply.

Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and General Mills have all pledged to not use it, why hasn’t Walmart done the same?
Take action with our friends at Food & Water Watch and tell Walmart to reject GE sweet corn!
Thanks, your friends at Greenpeace _____________________________

Ask Walmart to Reject Genetically Engineered Sweet Corn
Sign the Petition to Tell Walmart You Won’t Buy GE Sweet Corn
                 Dear friend,
Genetically engineered Monsanto sweet corn is approved and could be on your plate this year. Monsanto’s sweet corn could be planted this spring, but Walmart can refuse to accept it, protecting consumers from this untested and unlabeled product. Can you sign our petition asking Walmart to reject genetically engineered sweet corn?              Why should you ask Walmart to reject Monsanto’s Genetically Engineered (GE) Sweet Corn?
1) Whether you shop at Walmart or not, they are the largest U.S. food retailer, and if they won’t sell genetically engineered sweet corn, it’s likely that farmers won’t plant it.
2) Genetically engineered sweet corn will not be labeled, so you won’t know what you’re buying.
3) Monsanto’s GE sweet corn hasn’t been tested for human safety, and it contains three different genetically engineered traits that haven’t been used in food eaten directly by people.
Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and General Mills have already agreed not to use GE sweet corn in any of their products, but we need other stores to follow their lead to end the market for this untested sweet corn.
As you already know, genetically engineered foods are not required to be   labeled, so we have no way of knowing if a food contains GE ingredients. We believe labeling should  be  required so that people can choose whether or not they want to eat GE   foods. Unfortunately GE sweet corn, will not be labeled, and doesn’t   look any different from regular sweet corn.
Help make sure GE Sweet Corn is not sold by signing our petition to Walmart.  We’ll be delivering this petition to Walmart next month in an attempt to stop GE Sweet Corn from reaching your  plate.
Thanks for taking action,
Wenonah Hauter
02
Feb
12

Media Matters for America – Climate change and Komen for the Cure


Right-Wing Media Cheer Decision That Could Hinder Access To Breast Cancer Services For Thousands Of Women Right-wing media have applauded Susan G. Komen for the Cure‘s decision to stop providing funds to Planned Parenthood. But Komen’s decision could affect access to breast cancer screenings and other cancer-related services for thousands of women, as the Komen funds have allowed Planned Parenthood to provide 170,000 breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals in the past five years. Read More

Conservative Media Repeat Tabloid’s Climate Misinformation After the British tabloid Daily Mail published a flawed article that distorted climate research to claim we could be “heading for a mini ice age,” conservative media followed suit. In fact, the study did not project a decline in global temperatures. Read More

 

02
Feb
12

Tell Tennessee: You Can’t Erase Slavery From The History Books!


care2 petitionsite actionAlert

Slavery in Americais a horrifying part of our nation’s history–there’s no arguing with that. Even the painful parts of our history are important, though, because we can learn how to prevent the same mistakes.But now the Tennessee Tea Party is trying to erase all mentions of slavery from the state’s history books. »According to the Tennessee Tea Party, the image of our founding fathers must not become tarnished. But pretending that the years of slavery and genocide in our nation’s history never happened isn’t protecting anyone. As far as I’m concerned, it’s basically racism.@Care2Omitting slavery from history is equivalent to erasing segregation, Jim Crow laws, and the entire Civil War! Slavery is a huge part of American historywhether the Tennessee Tea Party wants to admit it or not.

Thanks for taking action!Kathleen
ThePetitionSite

@Care2

Click to Tell Tennessee:
You Can’t Erase Slavery from the History Books!@Care2
Take action now.
Take Action!
02
Feb
12

the Progress Report – Women’s Health Care


New Attacks in the Right-Wing War on Women

By         ThinkProgress War Room

Right-Wing Bullies Attack Access to Basic Women’s Health Care

Right-wing attacks on abortion and access to basic women’s health care aren’t anything thing new, but in the year since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives and state legislatures across the country, we’ve seen these attacks turn into a full-fledged war on women.  In just the U.S. House alone, Republicans passed bills that would literally redefine rape and even let women die if a hospital refuses to perform an lifesaving emergency abortion.

Now we are seeing disturbing attacks on access to basic health care procedures like breast cancer screenings and, even more shockingly, birth control.

Here’s the rundown.

Blocking Affordable Access to Birth Control

As we reported a couple weeks ago, women (and men) won a huge victory when the Obama administration announced a rule requiring nearly-universal, no-cost health insurance coverage for contraceptives.  Included in the new rule was an exemption for houses of worship and organizations that primarily employ and serve members of their own faith. Entities, like large religious universities or hospitals, that don’t currently offer coverage of contraception would be granted a one-year waiver to figure out how to comply with the new rules.

The Catholic Bishops, right-wing groups, and leading Republican presidential contenders Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney immediately assailed this important health care decision, falsely accusing the Obama administration of waging a “war on religion.”

ThinkProgress Health Editor Igor Volsky explains why these right-wing critics and their histrionic attacks on the president are wrong:

1) Religious liberty is protected in the regulation: “The Departments seek to provide for a religious accommodation that respects the unique relationship between a house of worship and its employees in ministerial positions,” the interim regulations says. As a result, houses of worship and other religious nonprofits that primarily employ and serve people of the same faith will be exempt and religiously-affiliated employers who do not qualify for the exemption and are not currently offering contraceptive coverage may apply for transitional relief for a one-year period to give them time to determine how to comply with the rule.

2) The regulation expands conscience protections in 8 states: Twenty-eight states already require employers, including most religiously affiliated institutions, to cover contraception in their health plans. The only change is that now they must cover the full cost. In fact, the administration will be expanding conscience protections in eight states, where all religious institutions are required to offer birth control coverage.

3) The regulation does not cover abortions: No matter how much Republicans are hoping to conflate contraception with abortion, Plan B is not an abortifacient. It works in exactly the same way as regular birth control pills.

4) Greater access to contraception reduces unwanted pregnancies and abortions: An overwhelming majority of Americansvirtually all women(more than 99 percent and 98 percent of Catholics) — rely on contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancies and the regulation protects the religious liberty of women who use birth control for reasons of private conscience. One study has estimated that birth control provided at publicly funded clinic helped prevent almost two million unintended pregnancies and that number will only grow as a result of the new rules.

5) Courts have upheld contraception coverage rules: Courts have upheldchallenges to coverage laws, finding that a neutral, generally applicable law not targeted at religion does not burden the right to free exercise of religion. In fact, there is the possibility that a broader exemption would violate the law and allow religious institutions to pick and choose which regulations to follow. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has found that the exclusion of prescription contraception from an employer-sponsored health plan constitutes sex discrimination because it only burdens women.

Progressives Stand Up to Right-Wing Attacks on Basic Women’s Health Care

Yesterday brought the disturbing news that the nation’s largest cancer charity, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, was cutting off nearly $700,000 in funding that local Planned Parenthood affiliates use to provide breast cancer screenings.  The group, which recently hired an anti-choice Senior Vice President for Public Policy who ran for governor of Georgia in 2010 on a platform of defunding Planned Parenthood (including funds for cancer screenings), cited a new policy that bars funds for any group under investigation by local, state, and federal authorities. The “investigation” Komen cited is nothing more than a political witch hunt launched by House Republicans at the behest of extreme anti-abortion advocates.

Conservatives immediately cheered the decision.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards expressed her shock at the news, calling it “really hurtful.”

The good news is that people across the country rose up to defend Planned Parenthood against this kind of right-wing bullying.  One foundation made an emergency $250,000 donation to cover breast cancer screenings and then another 6,000 donors stepped up in the last 24 hours with an additional $150,000.  Richards emailed supporters today to thank them and say the group would fight on:

It doesn’t matter what the anti-choice, anti-women’s health forces out there do. As parents, we tell our kids not to give in to bullies — and we shouldn’t, either. I promise you that we won’t, no matter what.

Progressive groups, including MoveOn, UltraViolet, CredoAction, and the campaigning arm of  Daily Kos blasted their supporters to ask them to stand up and fight back against the attacks.  Members of Congress, including Reps. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Mike Honda (D-CA) and Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) also expressed their anger and dismay at Komen’s decision.  Noted author Judy Blume took to Twitter, commenting: “Susan Komen would not give in to bullies or to fear. Too bad the foundation bearing her name did.”

Meanwhile, according to one analysis of social media reaction, just 27 percent said Komen’s decision was right, while 30 percent said it was wrong and an additional 23 percent said they’d stop donating to Komen as a result.  Another 11 percent said it would hurt low-income women.

For its part, after receiving thousands of negative comments on Facebook, Komen issued a non-apology today that seemed to attack Planned Parenthood:

Making this issue political or leveraging it for fundraising purposes would be a disservice to women.

This afternoon, two local Susan G. Komen affiliates announced their opposition to the parent group’s decision.

IN ONE SENTENCE: While conservatives are manufacturing false charges of a war on religion,  progressives are standing strong against right-wing bullies and their very real war on women.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

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The House GOP’s transportation bill is another giveaway to Big Oil.

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Chris Christie apologized for some questionable comments on same-sex marriage, then doubled down on others.

Once predicted to never make money again, Chrysler has posted a profit for the first time since 1997.

A Syrian soldier who was ordered to commit atrocities talked about why he defected.

Mitt Romney says he’s “not concerned with the very poor.”

Why Vanity Fair’s all-white Women of Hollywood cover is more a symptom than the problem.

The lessons out of Oregon’s special election.

Alabama immigration law’s author claims the harsh rule has had no negative impact — studies disagree.

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the Daily Share … MoveOn.Org


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Families Need More Choice in Education … Care2


care2 petitionsite actionAlert

Your zip code doesn’t determine how smart, ambitious or hard-working you are. Yet, it is one of the most important factors in your educational opportunities.Make sure all students get better choices and a chance to succeed »Parents need the flexibility to make sure their kids get the best education in the best environment possible, no matter where they live. For kids who are zoned into under-performing schools, the ability to go to a public charter school can be life-changing.

Most families can’t pick up and move to get out of a failing school district, especially in this economy. But that shouldn’t limit kids’ and parents’ choices when it comes to education.

Pledge your support for empowering parents and increasing school choice for American children »

        Thanks for taking action!Emily V.
Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team
Families Need More Choice in Education
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