House republicans changed the descriptions of the amendments from minority amendments on the latest abortion /parental notification bill.
The amenders have been vilified by right wing groupsand in the press.
The democrats want a resolution to change the descriptions back to that provided by the minority.
The republicans are arguing the bill again to gain points with the christian right.
The democrats say it is against the law for someone to put false information in the congressional record.
Voting now on C-span 1.
Full Version: House Republican Undemocratic actions
Common Ground Common Sense > National & International News > Congress Watch > Congress Watch Archive
Last week, the House republicans did not allow democrats in the budget resolution conference meetings and allowed only 3 hours for discussion and vote. All amendments were defeated. The vote started at 8 PM on Thursday. The republicans were loosing when the 15 minute vote ended. They kept it open 15 more minutes until they passed the "No" votes.
The Senate also didn't allow democrats in the discussion but gave 1/2 day for discussion. Almost all amendments were defeated.
Bush praised the agreement on the budget resolution at his Thursday press conference.
The Senate also didn't allow democrats in the discussion but gave 1/2 day for discussion. Almost all amendments were defeated.
Bush praised the agreement on the budget resolution at his Thursday press conference.
Regarding issue 1 above, the vote is party-line. republicans don't see anything wrong with falsifying government records.
House democrats are bringing another resolution about the first issue above. They must want to hold up other legislation to make their point about abuse of power. The republicans are ignoring the issue and their error.
The republicans are putting off the vote for 2 days.
over 200 well-fed, well-compensated IDEOLOGICALO MIDGETS eating up your TAX DOLLARS by HAVING A PISSING CONTEST....
THIS is DEMOCRACY IN ACTION??????
THIS is DEMOCRACY IN ACTION??????
QUOTE(mommadona @ May 3 2005, 07:42 PM)
over 200 well-fed, well-compensated IDEOLOGICALO MIDGETS eating up your TAX DOLLARS by HAVING A PISSING CONTEST....
THIS is DEMOCRACY IN ACTION??????
THIS is DEMOCRACY IN ACTION??????
hahahahahhahaha
if we don't laugh we will cry?
it's also a bunch of old men trying to rule over teenage girls and with complete uncaring about the impact. But in a couple years they will probably vote to send them to war.
GOP Retracts Report Dems Call Slanderous
Updated 4:14 PM ET May 5, 2005
By JIM ABRAMS
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...89t7tio0&src=ap
WASHINGTON (AP) - After a week of Democratic protests, Republicans agreed on Thursday to change a report that had said the Democrats' amendments to an abortion bill could assist sexual predators.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., said in a floor speech that the changes made to the House Judiciary Committee report were "a tacit acknowledgment of the inaccuracy and untruthfulness of the original report."
He commended the committee chairman, Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., for the change and said he hoped that, "with this correction of the slanderous report language, this unfortunate chapter can be brought to a close."
The dispute involved a bill, passed by the House last week, that would criminalize the transporting of a minor across state lines to get an abortion.
The report accompanying the bill, normally a dry, unremarkable explanation, set off protests because of the way it described several Democratic amendments, all defeated by the committee.
It said Nadler, who wanted to exempt some relatives from the act, "offered an amendment that would have exempted sexual predators from prosecution under the bill if they were grandparents or adult siblings of a minor."
On Tuesday Democrats offered a resolution, defeated on a party-line vote, accusing the Republican majority of deliberately mischaracterizing the amendments.
Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi demanded that Sensenbrenner apologize for "the disgusting misrepresentations."
Sensenbrenner, refused to back down, saying that "we were accurate, and if you do not want this to happen again, draft your amendments properly."
But on Thursday Sensenbrenner filed, without speaking on the House floor, the amended report that removed the references to sexual predators.
It did provide comment, common in reports, from the majority side expressing concerns that the amendments would create loopholes that sexual predators could exploit, and dissenting views from the Democratic side denying that this was the intent or effect of the amendments.
___
The abortion bill is H.R. 748
Updated 4:14 PM ET May 5, 2005
By JIM ABRAMS
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...89t7tio0&src=ap
WASHINGTON (AP) - After a week of Democratic protests, Republicans agreed on Thursday to change a report that had said the Democrats' amendments to an abortion bill could assist sexual predators.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., said in a floor speech that the changes made to the House Judiciary Committee report were "a tacit acknowledgment of the inaccuracy and untruthfulness of the original report."
He commended the committee chairman, Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., for the change and said he hoped that, "with this correction of the slanderous report language, this unfortunate chapter can be brought to a close."
The dispute involved a bill, passed by the House last week, that would criminalize the transporting of a minor across state lines to get an abortion.
The report accompanying the bill, normally a dry, unremarkable explanation, set off protests because of the way it described several Democratic amendments, all defeated by the committee.
It said Nadler, who wanted to exempt some relatives from the act, "offered an amendment that would have exempted sexual predators from prosecution under the bill if they were grandparents or adult siblings of a minor."
On Tuesday Democrats offered a resolution, defeated on a party-line vote, accusing the Republican majority of deliberately mischaracterizing the amendments.
Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi demanded that Sensenbrenner apologize for "the disgusting misrepresentations."
Sensenbrenner, refused to back down, saying that "we were accurate, and if you do not want this to happen again, draft your amendments properly."
But on Thursday Sensenbrenner filed, without speaking on the House floor, the amended report that removed the references to sexual predators.
It did provide comment, common in reports, from the majority side expressing concerns that the amendments would create loopholes that sexual predators could exploit, and dissenting views from the Democratic side denying that this was the intent or effect of the amendments.
___
The abortion bill is H.R. 748
Today, the House discussed the Homeland Security budget bill.
Republicans and Democrats both offered amendments to add monies that would fund programs that the 9-11 commission and other terror commissions said were needed.
All amendments were defeated or withdrawn becasue the republican House rules did not allow amendments that would increase spending.
On one amendment, the leadership prefered to keep the administrative budget monies instead of moving part to a program that needed it.
Another amendment would have funded the Coast Guard (about $400 million) because the ships are 20-40 years old, the helicopters are falling apart and other equipment needs repairs. The Navy is scrapping ships that are 20 years old. This got defeated also.
All the amendment offerers said they hoped that their amendment could get in the House/Senate conference report. Good luck you dunces!
Someone should use the republican justifications for their amendments in democratic campaign ads next year. They really pointed out the problems with Homeland Security!
Republicans and Democrats both offered amendments to add monies that would fund programs that the 9-11 commission and other terror commissions said were needed.
All amendments were defeated or withdrawn becasue the republican House rules did not allow amendments that would increase spending.
On one amendment, the leadership prefered to keep the administrative budget monies instead of moving part to a program that needed it.
Another amendment would have funded the Coast Guard (about $400 million) because the ships are 20-40 years old, the helicopters are falling apart and other equipment needs repairs. The Navy is scrapping ships that are 20 years old. This got defeated also.
All the amendment offerers said they hoped that their amendment could get in the House/Senate conference report. Good luck you dunces!
Someone should use the republican justifications for their amendments in democratic campaign ads next year. They really pointed out the problems with Homeland Security!
Recent undemocratic actions by republicans:
Rep. Sensenbrenner shutting off witnesses and democratic House members in a judiciary hearing on The Patriot Act, human rights and Gitmo prisoners.
The House democrats asked for the hearing but the republicans held it on a Friday when most House members were gone for the weekend.
Yesterday, the House republicans (Sensenbrenner?) wouldn't allow the democrats to hold a hearing on The Downing Street memos in any of the normal Congressional meeting rooms. The democrats held their meeting in a small basement room.
The House republicans argued against allowing a US military father from visiting his children in Cuba and argued against allowing Cuban-Americans to send care packages to their relatives to Cuba. I don't know what the final vote count was.
Rep. Sensenbrenner shutting off witnesses and democratic House members in a judiciary hearing on The Patriot Act, human rights and Gitmo prisoners.
The House democrats asked for the hearing but the republicans held it on a Friday when most House members were gone for the weekend.
Yesterday, the House republicans (Sensenbrenner?) wouldn't allow the democrats to hold a hearing on The Downing Street memos in any of the normal Congressional meeting rooms. The democrats held their meeting in a small basement room.
The House republicans argued against allowing a US military father from visiting his children in Cuba and argued against allowing Cuban-Americans to send care packages to their relatives to Cuba. I don't know what the final vote count was.
House and senate republicans refuse tohold bipartisan hearings on the fraud and abuse by U.S. contrators in Iraq.
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA joined Senator Dorgan yesterday to hear about the $1.4 billion that KBR/Halliburtin bilked the government out of in Iraq. The democrats held their own hearing. The hearing is on C-span 2 now.
Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA joined Senator Dorgan yesterday to hear about the $1.4 billion that KBR/Halliburtin bilked the government out of in Iraq. The democrats held their own hearing. The hearing is on C-span 2 now.
House Rejects Bill on China Arms Sales
Updated 12:31 PM ET July 14, 2005
By JIM ABRAMS
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8bb96v00&src=ap
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Thursday rejected legislation giving the president the authority to bring sanctions against European companies that sell arms to China after U.S. business groups came out strongly against it.
In a dramatic turnaround, more than 100 House members changed their votes from yes to no following a last-minute lobbying effort by opponents.
The final vote was 215-203, well short of the two-thirds majority needed under a procedure for what normally are non-controversial bills.
Earlier during the roll call, more than 330 members had registered yes votes, but several lawmakers said people started changing votes after learning of opposition from the business community.
Rep. Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., distributed a notice that groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Aerospace Industries Association and the Electronic Industries Alliance opposed the measure because more export controls would result in the loss of U.S. jobs......
Updated 12:31 PM ET July 14, 2005
By JIM ABRAMS
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8bb96v00&src=ap
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Thursday rejected legislation giving the president the authority to bring sanctions against European companies that sell arms to China after U.S. business groups came out strongly against it.
In a dramatic turnaround, more than 100 House members changed their votes from yes to no following a last-minute lobbying effort by opponents.
The final vote was 215-203, well short of the two-thirds majority needed under a procedure for what normally are non-controversial bills.
Earlier during the roll call, more than 330 members had registered yes votes, but several lawmakers said people started changing votes after learning of opposition from the business community.
Rep. Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., distributed a notice that groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Aerospace Industries Association and the Electronic Industries Alliance opposed the measure because more export controls would result in the loss of U.S. jobs......
Rep. Dreier - R-CA , head of the infamous Rules committee and Gov. Arnold S. advisor, just spoke about CAFTA and referred to any opponents as being on the same side as Daniel Ortega, who also opposes CAFTA.
A democrat objected to Dreier's general comments and asked that "his words be taken Down" which means "strike his words from the record".
The republicans refused to honor that request and wouldn't allow any more comments by the democrat.
A democrat objected to Dreier's general comments and asked that "his words be taken Down" which means "strike his words from the record".
The republicans refused to honor that request and wouldn't allow any more comments by the democrat.
QUOTE(heritage @ Jul 21 2005, 08:10 PM)
The House is reauthorizing the Patriot Act with a few hours of debate. Congress didn't read it the first time and they didn't read it this time. Kick them all out in 2006!
C-span 1 is taking calls now
202-585-3886 oppose
202-585-3885 support
Rep Bernie Sanders, I-VT is on the Thom Hartmann radio show now.
He said that the republicans in the judiciary committee refused to allow the amendment passed a few weeks ago that changed the Patriot Act "library access". That amendment was not in the reauthorization of the Patriot Act.
Also, many changes are now authorized for 10 years or indefinitely. Most congresspeople will not be there in 10 years. We will have a law that continues like the one from the war in the late 1800's. No one will know what they did or why and it will never be repealed.
He said that the republicans in the judiciary committee refused to allow the amendment passed a few weeks ago that changed the Patriot Act "library access". That amendment was not in the reauthorization of the Patriot Act.
Also, many changes are now authorized for 10 years or indefinitely. Most congresspeople will not be there in 10 years. We will have a law that continues like the one from the war in the late 1800's. No one will know what they did or why and it will never be repealed.
CAFTA status - vote this week scheduled
House democrats said last night that the republicans will bring up CAFTA for a vote late at night so it is not seen by most of the public. The vote could be on Thursday night before they go out on a month-long recess. The vote will be held open until the republicans get the bill passed.
They said that the WH is arm-twisting republicans who are against CAFTA by bribing them with highway funds for their districts. The republican leadership is holding up a vote on the transportation bill so that the WH can bribe republicans.
House democrats said last night that the republicans will bring up CAFTA for a vote late at night so it is not seen by most of the public. The vote could be on Thursday night before they go out on a month-long recess. The vote will be held open until the republicans get the bill passed.
They said that the WH is arm-twisting republicans who are against CAFTA by bribing them with highway funds for their districts. The republican leadership is holding up a vote on the transportation bill so that the WH can bribe republicans.
Stem Cell debate
This is about senate republicans and it is also undemocratic:
The WH does not want the Specter/Harkin Stem cell bill to pass this week. Frist promised to have a vote before the August break. Bush said he will veto the bill.
Six alternative bills have been introduced by republicans to stall or cancel the Specter/Harkin bill which is the same as the bill passed by the House.
Frist wants unanimous consent to bring these six new bills to a vote this week. Senator Brownback said on C-span that they need 1-2 days to discuss these 7 bills. Senator Harkin said on C-span that this is a political move to stop government funding of stem cell research altogether. Harkin said that the democrats have not yet seen any of the five republican bills or discussed them in committee.
If the senate delays the vote until September, then other priorities will eat up the time - budget, SCOTUS nominee, etc.
This is about senate republicans and it is also undemocratic:
The WH does not want the Specter/Harkin Stem cell bill to pass this week. Frist promised to have a vote before the August break. Bush said he will veto the bill.
Six alternative bills have been introduced by republicans to stall or cancel the Specter/Harkin bill which is the same as the bill passed by the House.
Frist wants unanimous consent to bring these six new bills to a vote this week. Senator Brownback said on C-span that they need 1-2 days to discuss these 7 bills. Senator Harkin said on C-span that this is a political move to stop government funding of stem cell research altogether. Harkin said that the democrats have not yet seen any of the five republican bills or discussed them in committee.
If the senate delays the vote until September, then other priorities will eat up the time - budget, SCOTUS nominee, etc.
House is debating CAFTA today. More arm-twisting in this forum:
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ST&f=16&t=34305
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ST&f=16&t=34305
Vote tampering during the CAFTA debate. Along with holding open the vote for 55 minutes. See CAFTA discussion.
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ST&f=16&t=34476
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ST&f=16&t=34476
Today, the House republicans are discussing a $51.8 billion supplemntal bill for hurricane efforts.
The bill was written by republicans with lno input from democrats. The bill was not discussed in committee. The bill was not released for review prior to today. The rules committee won't allow amendments and limits time for debate.
The bill does not provide jobs for the evacuees but rather for republican crony contractors. There will be no way to track this money.
Yesterday, the republicans also announced a "bipartisan" senate/house committe to investigate the disaster. No democrats were included in the discussion and were not at the press conference.
Republicans call for unity but have gone back to the same old tactics as before the disaster.
-------------
Congress Weighs $51.8B Katrina Aid Bill
Updated 10:26 AM ET September 8, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8cg4k1o1&src=ap
By LARA JAKES JORDAN
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is considering an emergency aid package that would spend well over $1 billion a day during the next month on housing, clothing and other recovery needs for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The House as early as Thursday was expected to approve the $51.8 billion spending bill that the Bush administration, under attack from Democrats for its response to the devastating Gulf Coast storm, described as the latest installment in the costly relief effort.
"We will in fact need substantially more" money, said White House budget director Josh Bolten, estimating the funds would cover expenses for "a few weeks."
Prospects were more uncertain in the Senate, where Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu of hurricane-ravaged Louisiana threatened to hold out for more funding. Republicans said that any attempt to amend the bill could lead to delays in getting the measure to President Bush for his signature before current funds are used up....
The bill was written by republicans with lno input from democrats. The bill was not discussed in committee. The bill was not released for review prior to today. The rules committee won't allow amendments and limits time for debate.
The bill does not provide jobs for the evacuees but rather for republican crony contractors. There will be no way to track this money.
Yesterday, the republicans also announced a "bipartisan" senate/house committe to investigate the disaster. No democrats were included in the discussion and were not at the press conference.
Republicans call for unity but have gone back to the same old tactics as before the disaster.
-------------
Congress Weighs $51.8B Katrina Aid Bill
Updated 10:26 AM ET September 8, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8cg4k1o1&src=ap
By LARA JAKES JORDAN
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is considering an emergency aid package that would spend well over $1 billion a day during the next month on housing, clothing and other recovery needs for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The House as early as Thursday was expected to approve the $51.8 billion spending bill that the Bush administration, under attack from Democrats for its response to the devastating Gulf Coast storm, described as the latest installment in the costly relief effort.
"We will in fact need substantially more" money, said White House budget director Josh Bolten, estimating the funds would cover expenses for "a few weeks."
Prospects were more uncertain in the Senate, where Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu of hurricane-ravaged Louisiana threatened to hold out for more funding. Republicans said that any attempt to amend the bill could lead to delays in getting the measure to President Bush for his signature before current funds are used up....
....The spending bill was being debated against the backdrop of partisan sparring over an unusual joint House-Senate congressional committee to investigate the government's readiness and response to Katrina's devastation that covers what Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska described as twice the size as Europe.
The panel, which will be chaired by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and a Republican House lawmaker yet to be named, must issue a report by Feb. 15.
Democrats pushed for an independent panel to investigate the disaster, similar to the 9/11 Commission that examined government missteps leading to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.....
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8cg4k1o1&src=ap
The panel, which will be chaired by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and a Republican House lawmaker yet to be named, must issue a report by Feb. 15.
Democrats pushed for an independent panel to investigate the disaster, similar to the 9/11 Commission that examined government missteps leading to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.....
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8cg4k1o1&src=ap
The republicans said they invited the democrats to the table....democrats said just now that if the republicans told them where the meetings were to discuss this bill they would be happy to attend.
here is more on how the bill got to the floor
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ndpost&p=381855
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ndpost&p=381855
At a WH meeting with Bush today, , an NBC reporter asked Hastert where are the democrats if this is bipartisan?
He said they were there yesterday. The commission has what the democrats asked for supeuna (sp?) powers.
Hastert kept repeating - they don't want any "finger pointing", "blame game", "partisan"...
Nancy Pelosi is on C-span now rebutting the "bipartisan" committee. It is bicamural not bipartisan. She won't make appointments to the committee that is not bipartisan.
He said they were there yesterday. The commission has what the democrats asked for supeuna (sp?) powers.
Hastert kept repeating - they don't want any "finger pointing", "blame game", "partisan"...
Nancy Pelosi is on C-span now rebutting the "bipartisan" committee. It is bicamural not bipartisan. She won't make appointments to the committee that is not bipartisan.
The House will vote on this supplemental bill now. Pelosi is discussing how undemocartic the process was. The republicans let the people down by not bringing everyone together.
Delay is up next....I bet he brings up "the blame game".
Delay is up next....I bet he brings up "the blame game".
Here they go again!!
HR 3893 Oil Drilling, Refining and pricing bill brought up quickly by House republicans. 20 minutes of debate for each side. 5 minute vote. One amendemnt allowed for discussion from democrats but it was defeated.
The vote has been held open for almost 30 minutes and the republicans lost by 2-3 votes. it is 208 yea to 210 no so far.
HR 3893 Oil Drilling, Refining and pricing bill brought up quickly by House republicans. 20 minutes of debate for each side. 5 minute vote. One amendemnt allowed for discussion from democrats but it was defeated.
The vote has been held open for almost 30 minutes and the republicans lost by 2-3 votes. it is 208 yea to 210 no so far.
The vote was tied a minute ago but the No's went ahead 2 votes again.
12 votes are left but all present have voted. The republicans want to change votes now.
A democrat just asked the "speaker" : doesn't this make the House a Banana Republic?
The vote started at 1:57 PM; it is now 2:37 PM. This was a 5 minute vote.
4 republicans changed their No votes to yes; 212 yes, 210 no
The "speaker" tried to gavel the vote closed; Pelosi is trying to speak and keep the vote open.
Pelosi got gavelled down; democrats gave her applause. She said the republicans were corrupt.
212 yes; 210 no final vote at 2:43 PM
democrats are chanting
democrats are chanting
On the floor of the House right now -
BAKER ® and OBEY (D)
Nasty exchange - S1858
BAKER ® and OBEY (D)
Nasty exchange - S1858
More discussion about what went on today in the House - read previous posts also
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ST&f=16&t=39221
When are the people going to wake up to see how republicans are throwing away our democracy?
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...ST&f=16&t=39221
When are the people going to wake up to see how republicans are throwing away our democracy?
Did anyone see the cable or network news programs tonight mention this sham in the House today? I didn't watch much TV news tonight.
Can we shame the media by bombarding them with emails about why they didn't cover this? They can get the video from C-span.
Can we shame the media by bombarding them with emails about why they didn't cover this? They can get the video from C-span.
QUOTE(heritage @ Oct 7 2005, 10:20 PM)
Did anyone see Pelosi's press conference on main stream TV? It may show up late at night on C-span 2. C-span 1 has call-ins until 9PM Saturday so it won't run on C-span 1 until afer that, if then.
I can't believe this!
The republicans are already bragging on this energy bill passed today (the one where they held the vote open for 45 minutes). I just got this email from my republican repersenative: Tim Murphy - 18th district-PA They are using this for political propaganda!
October 7, 2005
Fri, 7 Oct 2005 19:07:37 -0400 [This was posted at 7PM!!! Only a few hours after congress finished today.]
Accountable Energy Plan Benefits Pennsylvania
Congress passed legislation this Friday to increase American energy capacity after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged much of the nation's refineries. The bill will help drive down home fuel costs, and protect drivers from price gouging at the pump. The Gasoline for America's Security Act builds upon the recently passed Energy bill to expand the U.S. energy supply and keep the economy running smoothly.
"Along with the Energy bill, today's legislation sets a clear road map to increase domestic exploration; diversify our energy supply; promote energy efficiency, conservation, and alternative energy sources," said Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. "Katrina and Rita showed how vulnerable we are after 30 years of not addressing American energy sources. We are finally starting to move in the right direction.
"The legislation encourages building new American refineries, so we no longer have to rely on other countries for our energy supply. It speeds up the construction of natural gas pipelines so affordable and abundant American natural gas can reach residents sooner. It focuses on conservation, encouraging carpooling programs. To further protect consumers, it outlaws the price gauging in gasoline and diesel fuel sales. With the rising cost of gas, drivers should not be extorted at the pumps.
"I also look forward to addressing the problem highlighted in the UJAE (Unions for Jobs and the Environment) letter to Chairman Barton on the New Source Review provision stripped out of the final bill. Under New Source Review, power plants seeking to make routine maintenance are discouraged to do so for fear of huge penalties from the EPA, long delays or both. Not only does this affect energy production and environmental upgrades, but it is a jobs and safety issue for millions of American workers. By clarifying New Source Review provisions, investments can be made that provide benefits across the board: efficient energy production, safe work sites, and millions of manufacturing jobs in heavy industry."
[Chairman Barton -R-TX had to pull out the NSR (pollution control) sections so that could go back to committee. More republicans would have revolted if Barton left in the NSR changes]
Click here to read more about the legislation.
(I'll add in the next post)
The republicans are already bragging on this energy bill passed today (the one where they held the vote open for 45 minutes). I just got this email from my republican repersenative: Tim Murphy - 18th district-PA They are using this for political propaganda!
October 7, 2005
Fri, 7 Oct 2005 19:07:37 -0400 [This was posted at 7PM!!! Only a few hours after congress finished today.]
Accountable Energy Plan Benefits PennsylvaniaCongress passed legislation this Friday to increase American energy capacity after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged much of the nation's refineries. The bill will help drive down home fuel costs, and protect drivers from price gouging at the pump. The Gasoline for America's Security Act builds upon the recently passed Energy bill to expand the U.S. energy supply and keep the economy running smoothly.
"Along with the Energy bill, today's legislation sets a clear road map to increase domestic exploration; diversify our energy supply; promote energy efficiency, conservation, and alternative energy sources," said Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. "Katrina and Rita showed how vulnerable we are after 30 years of not addressing American energy sources. We are finally starting to move in the right direction.
"The legislation encourages building new American refineries, so we no longer have to rely on other countries for our energy supply. It speeds up the construction of natural gas pipelines so affordable and abundant American natural gas can reach residents sooner. It focuses on conservation, encouraging carpooling programs. To further protect consumers, it outlaws the price gauging in gasoline and diesel fuel sales. With the rising cost of gas, drivers should not be extorted at the pumps.
"I also look forward to addressing the problem highlighted in the UJAE (Unions for Jobs and the Environment) letter to Chairman Barton on the New Source Review provision stripped out of the final bill. Under New Source Review, power plants seeking to make routine maintenance are discouraged to do so for fear of huge penalties from the EPA, long delays or both. Not only does this affect energy production and environmental upgrades, but it is a jobs and safety issue for millions of American workers. By clarifying New Source Review provisions, investments can be made that provide benefits across the board: efficient energy production, safe work sites, and millions of manufacturing jobs in heavy industry."
[Chairman Barton -R-TX had to pull out the NSR (pollution control) sections so that could go back to committee. More republicans would have revolted if Barton left in the NSR changes]
Click here to read more about the legislation.
(I'll add in the next post)
http://murphy.house.gov/News/DocumentSingl...ocumentID=35431
link to press release on energy bill
The republicans lost the vote for 45 minutes until they twisted arms to change republican votes.
No wonder they had to win at any cost --- they already had the press releases prepared!
link to press release on energy bill
The republicans lost the vote for 45 minutes until they twisted arms to change republican votes.
No wonder they had to win at any cost --- they already had the press releases prepared!
The republicans are bragging when the senate hasn't passed their version. This isn't even law yet!
The republicans are so low in the polls that is seems they are grabbing at anything to show they are doing something for us.
Unfortunately, when we read the fine print, the are doing more for big business than for the people.
The republicans are so low in the polls that is seems they are grabbing at anything to show they are doing something for us.
Unfortunately, when we read the fine print, the are doing more for big business than for the people.
QUOTE(heritage @ Oct 7 2005, 08:40 PM)
http://murphy.house.gov/News/DocumentSingl...ocumentID=35431
link to press release on energy bill
The republicans lost the vote for 45 minutes until they twisted arms to change republican votes.
No wonder they had to win at any cost --- they already had the press releases prepared!
link to press release on energy bill
The republicans lost the vote for 45 minutes until they twisted arms to change republican votes.
No wonder they had to win at any cost --- they already had the press releases prepared!
That can be legally described as COHERSION. I would say LEGAL ACTION IS IN ORDER AGAINST THE LEADERSHIP FOR NOT FOLLOWING THE LETTER OF THE LAW OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...SEE - YA GOTTA SAY IT LOUD AND CLEAR AND OFTEN!
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05281/584858.stm
House barely passes bill for new refineries
Saturday, October 08, 2005
By Ann McFeatters, Post-Gazette National Bureau
WASHINGTON -- By a razor-thin, tension-packed vote of 212 to 210, House Republicans yesterday pushed through an energy bill to push the building of new refineries, but environmentalists said it was exploiting Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to help the oil industry.
At the last minute, faced with possible defeat of the bill, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, removed a controversial proposal that would have weakened provisions of the Clean Air Act and toughened penalties for price-gouging to $11,000 per violation.
But Democrats were outraged that instead of voting for five minutes, Republicans changed the rules to permit 45 minutes of voting to get the two votes they needed to pass the measure.
Not one Democrat voted for the measure.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said, "What you saw on the House floor this afternoon was a shameless display of the Republican culture of corruption, as it exists in the House of Representatives. It demonstrated once again that the Republican majority will go to any length to satisfy the greed of the energy companies over meeting the needs of the American people."
Opponents argue that the oil industry shut down many refineries in the 1990s to increase profits.
But President Bush earlier in the week said that because no new refineries have been built since 1974, it was up to Congress to offer tax incentives and relief from regulations for new refineries.
But the outlook in the Senate is not clear. There is similar legislation pending but no bill that is exactly the same.
Anna Aurilio, legislative director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, said she thinks the Republican strategy is to have a conference committee secretly work out a bill combining elements of the House bill that could not pass the Senate.
Western Pennylvania legislators who voted for the House bill include Reps. Melissa Hart, R-Bradford Hills, John Peterson, R-Venango, Philip English, R-Erie, Bud Shuster, R-Blair, Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
Reps. Mike Doyle, D-Pittsburgh, and John Murtha, D-Johnstown, voted against it.
Mr. Doyle said the bill would eviscerate important existing environmental protection laws. He said the bill would do nothing to lower the price of gasoline for five years but would gut "hard-won" environmental laws. "What's worse, if a refinery is sited in your community and you fight that permit and lose, you get stuck with all the legal costs incurred by the oil company. This is a shameless pay-off for a politically connected industry that's already raking in record profits."
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(Ann McFeatters can be reached at 1-202-662-7071 or amcfeatters@nationalpress.com.)
House barely passes bill for new refineries
Saturday, October 08, 2005
By Ann McFeatters, Post-Gazette National Bureau
WASHINGTON -- By a razor-thin, tension-packed vote of 212 to 210, House Republicans yesterday pushed through an energy bill to push the building of new refineries, but environmentalists said it was exploiting Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to help the oil industry.
At the last minute, faced with possible defeat of the bill, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, removed a controversial proposal that would have weakened provisions of the Clean Air Act and toughened penalties for price-gouging to $11,000 per violation.
But Democrats were outraged that instead of voting for five minutes, Republicans changed the rules to permit 45 minutes of voting to get the two votes they needed to pass the measure.
Not one Democrat voted for the measure.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said, "What you saw on the House floor this afternoon was a shameless display of the Republican culture of corruption, as it exists in the House of Representatives. It demonstrated once again that the Republican majority will go to any length to satisfy the greed of the energy companies over meeting the needs of the American people."
Opponents argue that the oil industry shut down many refineries in the 1990s to increase profits.
But President Bush earlier in the week said that because no new refineries have been built since 1974, it was up to Congress to offer tax incentives and relief from regulations for new refineries.
But the outlook in the Senate is not clear. There is similar legislation pending but no bill that is exactly the same.
Anna Aurilio, legislative director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, said she thinks the Republican strategy is to have a conference committee secretly work out a bill combining elements of the House bill that could not pass the Senate.
Western Pennylvania legislators who voted for the House bill include Reps. Melissa Hart, R-Bradford Hills, John Peterson, R-Venango, Philip English, R-Erie, Bud Shuster, R-Blair, Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
Reps. Mike Doyle, D-Pittsburgh, and John Murtha, D-Johnstown, voted against it.
Mr. Doyle said the bill would eviscerate important existing environmental protection laws. He said the bill would do nothing to lower the price of gasoline for five years but would gut "hard-won" environmental laws. "What's worse, if a refinery is sited in your community and you fight that permit and lose, you get stuck with all the legal costs incurred by the oil company. This is a shameless pay-off for a politically connected industry that's already raking in record profits."
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(Ann McFeatters can be reached at 1-202-662-7071 or amcfeatters@nationalpress.com.)
I sent an email last night the Tim Murphy's office complaining about their undemocratic actions and that I didn't appreciate his news release.
Today, the House republicans are pushing through a gun liability protection bill and will not allow any amendments and only 1 hour for debate.
The senate passed a similar bill a few months ago since they had a majority. The democrats did not filibuster and many democrat senators voted with the republicans. The House bill has been around for about 5 years. The bill protects gun manufacturers and dealers. All lawsuits will be dropped once Bush signs the final bill.
The senate passed a similar bill a few months ago since they had a majority. The democrats did not filibuster and many democrat senators voted with the republicans. The House bill has been around for about 5 years. The bill protects gun manufacturers and dealers. All lawsuits will be dropped once Bush signs the final bill.
House republicans are pushing another closed rule that limits debate and amendments.
One republican amendment would also restrict independent non-profit and "faith-based" groups from using their own funds for election "get-out-the vote" activities.
One republican amendment would also restrict independent non-profit and "faith-based" groups from using their own funds for election "get-out-the vote" activities.
The republican House leaders are bringing up another bill to eliminate "frivalous" lawsuits = "improper" lawsuits.
The rules committee won't allow amendments and is limiting debate --- again.
This bill came up last year, was passed in the House on party line vote, and failed in the Senate.
The rules committee won't allow amendments and is limiting debate --- again.
This bill came up last year, was passed in the House on party line vote, and failed in the Senate.
Democrats offered an alternative bill - voting now.
Courts could issue sanctions/fines for any frivalous lawsuits if this law passes.
Courts could issue sanctions/fines for any frivalous lawsuits if this law passes.
House Cracks Down on Frivolous Lawsuits
Updated 4:35 PM ET October 27, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8dgjk6g0&src=ap
By LAURIE KELLMAN
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Thursday passed a bill that would take away lawyers' licenses if they repeatedly file frivolous lawsuits, the latest in a Republican drive to crack down on what they consider costly abuses of the legal system.
Supporters of the bill, which passed 228-184, said lawsuits deemed baseless by a judge for flimsy facts or faulty interpretations of the law are a waste of court time and often a bonanza for lawyers _ rather than a chance to recoup legitimate damages for clients.
In a statement, the White House called the bill "a step in the right direction" toward eradicating bogus lawsuits.
No Senate vote is expected this year.
Updated 4:35 PM ET October 27, 2005
http://dailynews.att.net/cgi-bin/news?e=pr...8dgjk6g0&src=ap
By LAURIE KELLMAN
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Thursday passed a bill that would take away lawyers' licenses if they repeatedly file frivolous lawsuits, the latest in a Republican drive to crack down on what they consider costly abuses of the legal system.
Supporters of the bill, which passed 228-184, said lawsuits deemed baseless by a judge for flimsy facts or faulty interpretations of the law are a waste of court time and often a bonanza for lawyers _ rather than a chance to recoup legitimate damages for clients.
In a statement, the White House called the bill "a step in the right direction" toward eradicating bogus lawsuits.
No Senate vote is expected this year.
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