The POPVOX Blog

Articles By rachna, page 1

  1. Issue Spotlight: Sexual Assault in the Military

    by rachna on May 22, 2013

    According to a Pentagon survey of active duty service members, there were an estimated 26,000 sexual assaults in the military last year. However, the number of actual reports of sexual assaults was far lower. There were 3,374 reports of sexual assault involving service members last year.

    In response to these reports, the Defense Department published a revised sexual assault prevention and response strategic plan. And this week, the House Armed Services Committee released legislative language as part of the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a number of bipartisan reforms to the way sexual assault cases are reported, investigated and punished in the military.

    Here's a look at the dozen bills (and a resolution) that Congress is considering related to sexual assault in the military.

    Proposals in Congress: Sexual Assault in the Military

    Weigh in and POPVOX will deliver your message to Congress.

    • HR 2002 Combating Military Sexual Assault Act: to enhance assistance for victims of sexual assault committed by members of the Armed Forces. (House bill.)
    • S 871 Combating Military Sexual Assault Act: to enhance assistance for victims of sexual assault committed by members of the Armed Forces. (Senate bill.)
    • HR 2016 Military Justice Improvement Act: would remove the decision whether to take a case to special or general court-martial completely out of the chain of command and give that discretion to military prosecutors for all crimes punishable by one year or more in confinement, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going AWOL (according to the bill sponsors). (House bill.)
    • S 967 Military Justice Improvement Act: would remove the decision whether to take a case to special or general court-martial completely out of the chain of command and give that discretion to military prosecutors for all crimes punishable by one year or more in confinement, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going AWOL (according to the bill sponsors). (Senate bill.)
    • HR 1986 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Deployment Act: to provide for the assignment of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners-Adult/Adolescent to brigades and equivalent units of the Armed Forces.
    • HR 1864 Whistle blower protections for military sexual assault victims: to require an Inspector General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding sexual assault.
    • S 964 Requiring New Criteria for Who Can Serve in Sexual Assault Prevention Positions: to require a comprehensive review of the adequacy of the training, qualifications, and experience of the Dept. of Defense personnel responsible for sexual assault prevention and response for the Armed Forces.
    • S 992 More Rigorous Screening, Training of Military Sexual Assault Officers: to provide for offices on sexual assault prevention and response under the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, to require reports on additional offices and selection of sexual assault prevention and response personnel.
    • S 548 Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act: to improve and enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Armed Forces.
    • HR 1593 Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act: to improve the prevention of and response to sexual assault in the Armed Forces by establishing a Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Council and an enhanced Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office and by requiring the appointment of a Director of Military Prosecutions for sexual-related offenses committed by a member of the Armed Forces.
    • HR 671 Ruth Moore Act: to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. (House bill.)
    • S 294 Ruth Moore Act: to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. (Senate bill.)
    • HRes 213 Resolution establishing the Special Committee on Sexual Assault and Abuse in the Armed Forces to conduct oversight, ensure accountability, and report on the activities of the Dept. of Defense to prevent, reduce, prosecute, and provide victims’ services for cases of sexual assault and abuse in the Armed Forces.
    • HR 2059 U.S. Coast Guard STRONG Act: to ensure the issuance of regulations applicable to the Coast Guard regarding consideration of a request for a permanent change of station or unit transfer submitted by a member of the Coast Guard who is the victim of a sexual assault.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  2. The Week Ahead: May 20 - 25

    by rachna on May 19, 2013

    From our Hill Sources: The House and Senate are in for one last week before taking off for Memorial Day, and will use this time to work on issues like student loan interest rates, the Keystone pipeline and agriculture spending.

    Video to Watch: Watch veteran Washington reporter Charlie Mitchell as he shares the back stories and "what to watch" next week in Congress. (Video)

    The Senate

    The Senate may spend time on the comprehensive immigration bill this week, but will start off with a five-year farm bill:

    • S 954 The Farm Bill (or the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act): a five-year farm bill that would spend $955 billion over those five years.

      The scoop: The Senate was able to pass a farm bill last year, but the House never considered a proposal on the floor, as Republicans are wary of its cost.

    The House

    The House will look at two major bills for the week:

    • HR 1911 Smarter Solutions for Students Act: This bill would permanently use the interest rate on 10-year government bonds as a basis for setting interest rates on federal student loans.

      The scoop: Congress needs to find some solution to the problem of student loan rates by this summer. Without legislation, the rates on new loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Republicans hope their bill provides a permanent fix. Democrats say the GOP bill could allow rates to rise up to the 8.5 percent cap, much higher than the 6.8 percent original rate.

    • HR 3 Northern Route Approval Act: This bill would remove the need for a presidential permit to construct the northern piece of the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada.

      The scoop: Republicans have pushed this issue for years, while the Obama administration has delayed a final decision out of concerns for the environment.

    Members of the House will also consider a slew of "suspension bills," which need a two-thirds majority vote to pass:

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  3. The POPVOX Top 20: May 10 - 16

    by rachna on May 17, 2013

    "Obamacare" Repeal Tops the List in the Weekly Roundup

    More than 3,500 people weighed in on repealing "Obamacare" (HR 45) in this Congress. Three in four POPVOX users supported the repeal. And yesterday, the House of Representatives voted 229 to 195 in favor of repealing President Obama’s health-care law. It's the 37th time that the GOP-led House has tried to undo all or part of the legislation, but it likely won't be considered by the Senate.

    Want to be a part of the POPVOXnation conversation? Please join us on Facebook or Twitter. It's a great way to stay connected with the POPVOX team and Congress. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    POPVOX Roundup: Week of May 10 - 16

    Here are the bills and proposals that POPVOX users weighed in on with Congress in the past week. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't aggregates of total support, but just what happened in the past seven days.

    POPVOX Roundup

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

    *POPVOX invites organizations to create "sponsored campaigns" on POPVOX, which include policy principles and actionable items directed at Congress. 

     

  4. Issue Spotlight: Firearms and Gun Control

    by rachna on May 16, 2013

    Issue Spotlight: Firearms and Gun Control

    5/5/13: Last month, the Senate shelved its planned for a vote on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act, which would ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the national instant criminal background check system and require a background check for every firearm sale. As part of this, the Senate had also considered the bipartisan compromise known as the Toomey-Manchin Amendment, which was opposed by 45 Senators.

    Senator Manchin, however, is now working to make changes to his Amendment to garner the support of additional Senators -- and to beat a filibuster. And meanwhile, the House version of this compromise has more than 100 cosponsors.

    Firearms and Gun Control Legislation

    Congress needs to hear from their constituents on this issue at this critical time. Weigh in and POPVOX will deliver your letters to your Members of Congress -- guaranteed.

    Relating to Background Checks

    • HR 1565 The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act: To protect Second Amendment rights, ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and provide a responsible and consistent background check process. 
    • HR 1605 The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act: To protect Second Amendment rights, ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and provide a responsible and consistent background check process.
    • S 729 The Disarm Criminals and Protect Communities Act: to protect law abiding citizens by preventing criminals from obtaining firearms.
    • Compromise The Toomey-Schumer-Manchin Amendment: would require states and the federal government to send all necessary records on criminals and the violently mentally ill to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It also extends the existing background check system to gun shows and online sales.
    • S 649 The Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act: would ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the national instant criminal background check system and require a background check for every firearm sale.
    • S 374 The Fix Gun Checks Act: A bill to ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the national instant criminal background check system and require a background check for every firearm sale.
    • S 22 The Gun Show Background Check Act: A bill to establish background check procedures for gun shows.
    • HR 141 Closing the ‘gun show loophole.’ To require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at gun shows.
    • HR 137 The Fix Gun Checks Act: To ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the national instant criminal background check system and require a background check for every firearm sale.
    • HR 21 The NRA Members' Gun Safety Act: To provide for greater safety in the use of firearms.

    Relating to Banning Specific Weapons and Ammunition

    Relating to Trafficking

    Relating to Enforcement

    Relating to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

    • HR 575 The Second Amendment Protection Act: The US should not adopt any treaty that poses a threat to national sovereignty or abridges any rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, such as the right to keep and bear arms, and to withhold funding from the United Nations unless the President certifies that the United Nations has not taken action to restrict, attempt to restrict, or otherwise adversely infringe upon the rights of individuals in the US to keep and bear arms, or abridge any of the other constitutionally protected rights of US citizens.
    • HCR 23 House Resolution expressing concerns about the US becoming a signatory to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, or to any similar agreement on the arms trade.
    • SCR 7 Senate Resolution expressing concerns about the US becoming a signatory to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, or to any similar agreement on the arms trade.

    Relating to the Second Amendment

    • HR 848 The Armed Prohibited Persons Act: to make grants to States to develop systems to retrieve firearms from armed prohibited persons. 
    • S 261 : To establish and clarify that Congress does not authorize persons convicted of dangerous crimes in foreign courts to freely possess firearms in the United States.
    • HR 575 The Second Amendment Protection Act: To express the sense of the Congress that the United States should not adopt any treaty that poses a threat to national sovereignty or abridges any rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution, such as the right to keep and bear arms, and to withhold funding from the United Nations unless the President certifies that the United Nations has not taken action to restrict, attempt to restrict, or otherwise adversely infringe upon the rights of individuals in the United States to keep and bear arms, or abridge any of the other constitutionally protected rights of citizens of the United States.
    • S 82 The Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act: A bill to provide that any executive action infringing on the Second Amendment has no force or effect, and to prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes.
    • HR 410 The Restore the Constitution Act: To provide that any executive action infringing on the Second Amendment has no force or effect, and to prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes.

    Relating to Children and Schools

    Relating to the Sale of Firearms and Ammunition

    • HR 1369 The Firearm Risk Protection Act: To prohibit the sale of a firearm to, and the purchase of a firearm by, a person who is not covered by appropriate liability insurance coverage. Just introduced!
    • HR 720 : To increase public safety by permitting the Attorney General to deny the transfer of a firearm or the issuance of firearms or explosives licenses to a known or suspected dangerous terrorist.
    • S 174 The Ammunition Background Check Act: A bill to appropriately restrict sales of ammunition.
    • S 35 The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act: A bill to require face to face purchases of ammunition, to require licensing of ammunition dealers, and to require reporting regarding bulk purchases of ammunition.
    • HR 142 The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act: To require face to face purchases of ammunition, to require licensing of ammunition dealers, and to require reporting regarding bulk purchases of ammunition.
    • HR 238 The Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act: To amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to restrict the ability of a person whose Federal license to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms has been revoked, whose application to renew such a license has been denied, or who has received a license revocation or renewal denial notice, to transfer business inventory firearms. 
    • HR 34 The Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act: To provide for the implementation of a system of licensing for purchasers of certain firearms and for a record of sale system for those firearms.
    • HR 93 The Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act: To amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to restrict the ability of a person whose Federal license to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms has been revoked, whose application to renew such a license has been denied, or who has received a license revocation or renewal denial notice, to transfer business inventory firearms.
    • HR 404 The Straw Purchaser Penalty Enhancement Act: To enhance criminal penalties for straw purchasers of firearms.
    • HR 236 The Crackdown on Deadbeat Gun Dealers Act: To ensure greater accountability by licensed firearms dealers. 
    • S 34 The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act: A bill to increase public safety by permitting the Attorney General to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of firearms and explosives licenses to known or suspected dangerous terrorists.

    Relating to Gun Buybacks

    Relating to Concealed Carry

    Relating to Veterans and Active Duty Servicemembers

    • HR 577 The Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act: To clarify the conditions under which certain persons may be treated as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes. 
    • HR 449 The Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act: To provide an amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register certain firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. 
    • HRes 40 House Resolution expressing that active duty military personnel who are stationed or residing in the District of Columbia should be permitted to exercise fully their rights under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

    Relating to Licensing and Registration

    Other Bills

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

     

  5. The Week Ahead: May 13 - 17

    by rachna on May 12, 2013

    From our Hill Sources: The House returns this week to vote on a bill repealing the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, while the Senate continues work on a water resources bill. 

    Video to Watch: Watch veteran Washington reporter Charlie Mitchell as he shares the back stories and "what to watch" next week in Congress. (Video)

    The House

    • HR 45 Repealing the healthcare law: The House will yet again vote on a bill to "repeal Obamacare." Many Republicans have been asking for this vote all year as a chance to get new Members on the record as opposing the controversial law.

      The scoop: House leaders promised in April that a vote would come, after a failed attempt to pass legislation to adjust the law. House passage will once again give the GOP a chance to remind voters that they are fighting to repeal the law. But just as in the last Congress, House passage will likely be as far as the bill goes, with no indication that the Senate will consider it.

    • HR 1062 The SEC Regulatory Accountability Act: This bill would require the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct an enhanced cost-benefit analysis for all regulations it issues, and also require the SEC to ensure that the benefits of a rule outweigh the costs.

    The House will also consider several suspension bills this week, all of which will get less debate time and be subject to a two-thirds majority vote. They are:

    • HR 180 A bill encouraging the development of plans for law enforcement to send out information when an officer is hurt or killed.
    • HR 356 The Hill Creek Cultural Preservation and Energy Development Act: To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled “An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes”.
    • HR 384 The Homes for Heroes Act: requiring the Department of Housing and Urban Development to pay closer attention to veterans' housing needs.
    • HR 573 A bill granting the Northern Mariana Islands the same coastal land rights as other US territories.
    • HR 701 A bill setting a fall deadline by which the Securities and Exchange Commission can exempt securities from regulation.
    • HR 767 A bill assigning regional Bureau of Land Management offices as Pilot Project offices under the Energy Policy Act.
    • HR 1580 A bill affirming US policy on Internet governance.
    • SCRes 10 A resolution authorizing the celebration of King Kamehameha's birthday in the Capitol Visitors Center.

    The Senate

    The Senate is also in session, but so far only has plans to continue its work on:

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  6. Issue Spotlight: Syria

    by rachna on May 11, 2013

    5/9: President Obama last week explained that the United States is investigating whether the Syrian government used chemical weapons in its civil war, but made clear that he was not inclined to send troops to Syria. Meanwhile, Congress has been watching Syria as well. The Senate Armed Services announced that it will receive a closed briefing on the situation in Syria next week.

    We'd like to spotlight the bills that Congress is considering related to Syria.(Updated 5/11)

    • HR 1922 A bill to limit assistance to Iran, North Korea, Syria, Egypt, and Pakistan.
    • S 892 A bill: to amend the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to impose sanctions with respect to certain transactions in foreign currencies
    • S 856 The Syria Stabilization Act: to foster stability in Syria.
    • HR 893 The Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Accountability Act: To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign persons who transfer to or acquire from Iran, North Korea, or Syria certain goods, services, or technology that contribute to the proliferation activities of Iran, North Korea, or Syria.
    • HR 1327 The Free Syria Act: To improve United States humanitarian and other assistance to the Syrian people, facilitate the transition of Syria to a democratic government, provide for United States support to the post-Assad government.
    • S 617 The Syria Democratic Transition Act: to provide humanitarian assistance and support a democratic transition in Syria

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

     

  7. The POPVOX Top 20: May 9

    by rachna on May 9, 2013

    The Second Amendment Once Again Tops the List in the POPVOX Weekly Roundup

    More than 500 people weighed in on the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act (HR 1565) last week. This is one of more than 50 firearms and gun control bills introduced in this Congress. (See the full list.)

    Want to be a part of the POPVOXnation conversation? Please join us on Facebook or Twitter. It's a great way to stay connected with the POPVOX team and Congress. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    POPVOX Roundup: Week of May 3 - 9

    Here are the bills and proposals that POPVOX users weighed in on with Congress in the past week. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't aggregates of total support, but just what happened in the past seven days.

    POPVOX Roundup

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

    *POPVOX invites organizations to create "sponsored campaigns" on POPVOX, which include policy principles and actionable items directed at Congress. 

     

  8. Issue Spotlight: National Nurses Week

    by rachna on May 8, 2013

    It's National Nurses Week! As HHS Secretary Sebelius explained, the week is to "recognize the contribution of the health care providers at the heart of our health care system."

    • HRes 201 A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week on May 6 through May 12, 2013.

    Issue Spotlight: Nurses

    We'd like to spotlight bills related to nurses. Weigh in and POPVOX will deliver your message directly to Congress.

    • HR 1821 The Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for patient protection by establishing safe nurse staffing levels at certain Medicare providers
    • S 739 The National Nursing Shortage Reform and Patient Advocacy Act: to establish direct care registered nurse-to-patient staffing ratio requirements in hospitals
    • HR 485 The National Nurse Act: To establish the position of National Nurse for Public Health, to be filled by the same individual serving as the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service.
    • S 382 A bill to allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to supervise cardiac, intensive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
    • HR 1835 A bill to provide that service of the members of the organization known as the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II constituted active military service for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
    • HR 643 A bill to provide that no Federal or State requirement to increase energy efficient lighting in public buildings shall require a hospital, school, day care center, mental health facility, or nursing home to install or utilize such energy efficient lighting if the lighting contains mercury.
    • S 569 A bill to count a period of receipt of outpatient observation services in a hospital toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare.
    • HR 1857 A bill to make demonstration grants to eligible local educational agencies for the purpose of reducing the student-to school nurse ratio in public elementary schools and secondary schools.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

     

  9. Issue Spotlight: Immigration

    by rachna on May 6, 2013

    Immigration reform is once again becoming a priority issue in Washington, DC. This week, a Senate committee will be considering a comprehensive immigration reform bill:

    This isn't the first time that lawmakers have considered sweeping immigration reform. Here's a look at the history of immigration reform in the recent decades.

    Issue Spotlight: Immigration

    Updated 5/6: Here are some specific bills introduced in Congress related to immigration reform. Weigh in and POPVOX will deliver your message to your Members of Congress. (Bills listed in order of popularity among POPVOX users. In other words, the more people have weighed in, the higher it is on the list.)

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  10. The Week Ahead: May 6 - 10

    by rachna on May 5, 2013

    From our Hill Sources: Congress is back from its late April break to deal with online sales taxes, a jobs bill and the debt ceiling.

    The Week Ahead

    The Senate

    The Senate has plans to vote on the online sales tax bill and then a water resources bill.

    • S 743 The Marketplace Fairness Act: to restore States’ sovereign rights to enforce State and local sales and use tax laws.

      The scoop from our Hill Sources: Before leaving town, the Senate voted to end debate on this bill and hold a final vote on it Monday. The bill would give states the option of collecting sales tax on purchases made online.

      The bill has found wide support in the Senate as a way to let states claw back some of the revenue they've lost as more people shop online. Under the bipartisan legislation, anyone living in a state that collects sales tax would be hit by a tax whenever they make a purchase online, even if it's from a company based in another state. Before holding a final vote, the Senate will consider an amendment that would require states to give a 180-day notice before collecting these taxes. This is the only amendment that will be considered. However, passage is still expected. Even with limited amendments, the Senate has already voted 63-30 to end debate on the bill.

    Once the Senate is done with the online sales tax bill, it will start work on this legislation:

    The House

    The House has a full list of bills they expect to consider.

    • HR 1406 The Working Families Flexibility Act: to give private sector workers the same choices that government workers have when it comes to using their overtime hours.

      The scoop: Under current law, only government workers can trade time-and-a-half overtime pay for time off, while private sector workers must be paid a wage. The legislation changes that to give private sector workers the option of being paid in time off instead of wages.

      Republicans say the bill would give families more flexibility to deal with sick children or other issues that require parents to be home more. They also note that it would require companies and workers to agree on this sort of trade-off. But Democrats will oppose the bill, and argue it would undermine the wages workers are guaranteed by current law.

    • HR 807 The Full Faith and Credit Act: would allow the government to exceed the debt ceiling, but only to pay for interest on the debt or to pay interest costs related to the Social Security Trust Fund.

      The scoop: This is the GOP's contingency plan in case the two parties cannot agree on a debt ceiling increase later this year. In its original form, it did not allow any additional borrowing, and would have required the government to make debt interest payments in the event the debt ceiling were reached.

      The new bill is more generous than that, as it would authorize some new borrowing above the ceiling. But Democrats still oppose it, and argue that Congress should be focusing on a deal to raise the debt ceiling.

    The House will also consider three suspension bills during the week:

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  11. The POPVOX Top 20: April 25 - May 2

    by rachna on May 3, 2013

    Furloughs of Air Traffic Controllers Tops the Weekly Roundup -- And Congress Takes Action

    Tens of thousands of people weighed in on the FAA furloughs of air traffic controllers, which were causing flight delays across the country. The campaign on POPVOX, sponsored by the Airlines for America, urged the FAA to make other cost cuts and deem air traffic controllers “essential employees.” (Learn more.) On Friday, Congress passed legislation to end the air traffic controller furloughs, which the President signed into law on May 1st. It's a great example of grassroots advocacy!

    Want to be a part of the POPVOXnation conversation? Please join us on Facebook or Twitter. It's a great way to stay connected with the POPVOX team and Congress. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    POPVOX Roundup: Week of April 26 - May 2

    Here are the bills and proposals that POPVOX users weighed in on with Congress in the past week. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't aggregates of total support, but just what happened in the past seven days.

    POPVOX Roundup

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

    *POPVOX invites organizations to create "sponsored campaigns" on POPVOX, which include policy principles and actionable items directed at Congress. 

     

  12. The Week Ahead: April 29 - May 3

    by rachna on April 29, 2013

    From our Hill Sources: The House and Senate are not in session this week, but here's a look at what to expect from the Senate when they return.

    The Senate

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said this week that when the Senate returns in May, it will take up a water infrastructure bill and the farm bill, and hopes to complete an immigration bill before the July 4th break.

    The House

    No word yet. Stay tuned!

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  13. The POPVOX Top 20: April 19 - 25

    by rachna on April 25, 2013

    Furloughs of Air Traffic Controllers Tops the Weekly Roundup 

    This week, a new issue topped the list on POPVOX -- and brought "sequestration" back into the national conversation: The FAA furloughs of air traffic controllers due to required budget cuts from sequestration are causing thousands of flight delays across the country. The campaign on POPVOX, sponsored by the Airlines for America, is urging the FAA to make other cost cuts and deem air traffic controllers “essential employees.” (Learn more.) 

    Want to be a part of the POPVOXnation conversation? Please join us on Facebook or Twitter. It's a great way to stay connected with the POPVOX team and Congress. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    POPVOX Roundup: Week of April 19 - 25

    Here are the bills and proposals that POPVOX users weighed in on with Congress in the past week. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't aggregates of total support, but just what happened in the past seven days.

    POPVOX Roundup

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

    *POPVOX invites organizations to create "sponsored campaigns" on POPVOX, which include policy principles and actionable items directed at Congress. 

     

  14. The Week Ahead: April 22 - 26

    by rachna on April 21, 2013

    From our Hill Sources: The House meets this week to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the Senate will try to pass a bill allowing states to tax online sales.

    The Week Ahead

    The Senate

    The Senate has plans to take up one major piece of legislation this week, the Marketplace Fairness Act. On Monday, the Senate will hold a procedural vote on whether to formally start work on the legislation.

    • S 743 Marketplace Fairness Act: to restore States’ sovereign rights to enforce State and local sales and use tax laws.

      The Senate will start work Monday on this bill, which would give states the authority to tax Internet sales made to residents or businesses in their state.

      States have complained for years about dwindling tax revenues, and this bill would allow them to recoup the taxes they used to collect before billions of dollars of sales started happening online.

      While some oppose what they see as a new tax on growing Internet companies, the Senate seems likely to pass it. Last month, the Senate easily approved a non-binding amendment calling for states to collect these taxes.

    The House

    The House will work to amend Obamacare.

    • HR 1549 Helping Sick Americans Now Act: The House will start work Wednesday on this bill, which would attempt to keep open the 2010 healthcare law's insurance program for people with pre-existing conditions.

      The Obama administration stopped enrollment in this program earlier in the year. And while many Republicans oppose the law they call "Obamacare," GOP leaders see the bill as a chance to keep the program open, at the expense of shrinking another piece of the law they don't like.

      Specifically, the bill would take $4 billion from a preventive healthcare fund run by the Department of Health and Human Services. The GOP has said this is a "slush fund" that the government is free to spend how it likes. It then directs $3 billion to the pre-existing conditions insurance program, and $1 billion to deficit reduction.

    The House will also consider several other bills this week, including:

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  15. Issue Spotlight: Marijuana

    by rachna on April 20, 2013

    Throughout early American history, marijuana use was legal under both federal and individual state laws. In fact, from 1850 to 1941, cannabis was included in the United States Pharmacopoeia as a recognized medicinal. By the end of 1936, however, all 48 states had enacted laws to regulate marijuana.

    The federal government's first attempt to regulate marijuana, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, made possession or transfer of cannabis illegal throughout the US, but for medical and industrial uses. An excise tax was established for these permitted uses. In 1969, the Supreme Court held the Marijuana Tax Act to be unconstitutional. In 1970, with President Nixon's urging, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act placing marijuana in Schedule I—the most restrictive of five categories for substances with "no currently accepted medical use"—along with heroin, LSD, peyote and psilocybin (mushrooms). Drugs of abuse with recognized medical uses, including opium, cocaine and amphetamine, were assigned to Schedules II through V based on their potential for abuse. (Source: Congressional Research Service.)

    Marijuana and Hemp Legislation

    In November 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize marijuana use. Meanwhile, 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for the medical use of marijuana. California led the way in 1996 when its voters passed Proposition 215, legalizing medical marijuana. This state-level activity may prompt greater interest in federal marijuana legislation. Already, nearly a dozen bills have been introduced in the US Congress -- and Congress needs to hear from its constituents.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  16. The POPVOX Top 20: April 12 - 18

    by rachna on April 19, 2013

    The Senate Drops Its Gun Control Plans...For Now

    On Thursday, the Senate put on hold plans to keep working on gun legislation, after several key amendments to the bill  -- including the bipartisan compromise -- failed to pass on the Senate floor. Senate leadership said that they could bring up the bill in the future, but nothing definitive has been set. The Senate's actions reflected the sentiment on POPVOX. Once again, gun control legislation topped the list of bills, which POPVOX users overwhelmingly and consistently opposed.

    Want to be a part of the POPVOXnation conversation? Please join us on Facebook or Twitter. It's a great way to stay connected with the POPVOX team and Congress. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    POPVOX Roundup: Week of April 12 - 18

    Here are the bills and proposals that POPVOX users weighed in on with Congress in the past week. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't aggregates of total support, but just what happened in the past seven days.

    POPVOX Roundup

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

    *POPVOX invites organizations to create "sponsored campaigns" on POPVOX, which include policy principles and actionable items directed at Congress. 

     

  17. The Week Ahead: April 15 - 19

    by rachna on April 14, 2013

    From our Hill Sources: The Senate continues its work this week on gun control legislation, while the House will consider a handful of cybersecurity and tax bills.

    The Week Ahead

    The Senate

    The Senate voted last week to start debating Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's gun control proposal, and votes are expected on amendments to the bill this week and possibly the week after.

    • S 649 Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act: to ensure that all individuals who should be prohibited from buying a firearm are listed in the national instant criminal background check system and require a background check for every firearm sale

    One key amendment that could get a vote this week is a bipartisan proposal from Sens. Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey, which would scale back the background check requirements in the bill. If this passes, it could help bring Senate Republicans onboard with the bill.

    • Amdnt Toomey-Manchin Compromise Amendment on Background Checks: would require states and the federal government to send all necessary records on criminals and the violently mentally ill to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It also extends the existing background check system to gun shows and online sales.

    But several other amendments are likely, and each one has the potential to change senators minds about supporting the bill in the end. Democrats will be looking to pass language reimposing an assault weapons ban, for example.

    See related gun bills in our Issue Spotlight.

    The House

    The House will consider four cybersecurity bills:

    The House will also consider four other bills during the week, including two related to taxes (which are due Monday):

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  18. Weekly Roundup: April 5 - 11

    by rachna on April 11, 2013

    Will Congress pass Gun Control Legislation?

    With the Senate voting today to advance a controversial gun-control bill, we can expect firearms and gun control to remain on the top of POPVOX users' minds in the days, if not weeks, ahead.

    Want to be a part of the POPVOXnation conversation? Please join us on Facebook or Twitter. It's a great way to stay connected with the POPVOX team and Congress. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    POPVOX Roundup: Week of April 5 - 11

    Here are the bills and proposals that POPVOX users weighed in on with Congress in the past week. Keep in mind that these numbers aren't aggregates of total support, but just what happened in the past seven days.

    POPVOX Roundup

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

    *POPVOX invites organizations to create "sponsored campaigns" on POPVOX, which include policy principles and actionable items directed at Congress. 

     

  19. Issue Spotlight: Beyonce and Jay-Z Visit Cuba

    by rachna on April 9, 2013

    "I get so excited when you travel with me"...to Cuba!

    It's a lyric from Beyonce's song, "Hello" -- but I added the mention of Cuba in honor of her recent trip there with her husband, Jay-Z. And it's creating quite a stir in Washington. Some lawmakers in Congress are wondering how Beyonce and Jay-Z got permission from the Treasury Department to go to Cuba.

    Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen explained: "If the tourist activities undertaken by Beyonce and Jay-Z in Cuba are classified as an educational exchange trip, then it is clear that the Obama Administration is not serious about denying the Castro regime an economic lifeline that US tourism will extend to it. That was a wedding anniversary vacation that was not even disguised as a cultural program."

    Federal law expressly prohibits “tourist activities” in Cuba. However, educational opportunities sponsored by approved organizations, such as the American Museum of Natural History, National Geographic or various universities, are allowed.

    Bills Related to Cuba

    In this rare occasion, when mainstream news, policy wonks and entertainment gossip blogs are all covering the same story, we thought we'd jump in too! Here are the bills that Congress is considering about Cuba. Add your voice to the mix -- and share this list with your friends and networks!

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

  20. Issue Spotlight: Equal Pay Day

    by rachna on April 9, 2013

    President Obama, in his Equal Pay Day proclamation, explained:

      "Women -- who make up nearly half of our Nation's workforce -- face a pay gap that means they earn 23 percent less on average than men do. That disparity is even greater for African-American women and Latinas. On National Equal Pay Day, we recognize this injustice by marking how far into the new year women have to work just to make what men did in the previous one."

    Equal Pay Day

    On this Equal Pay Day, April 9, 2013, POPVOX is spotlighting a variety of bills related to women's wages. Weigh in on these bills on POPVOX and share with your friends and networks.

    • HConRes 28 House Resolution recognizing the significance of Equal Pay Day to illustrate the disparity between wages paid to men and women.
    • S 84 Paycheck Fairness Act: Amends the portion of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) known as the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for, enforcement of, and exceptions to prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. (And HR 377.)
    • S 168 Fair Pay Act: to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin. (And HR 438.)
    • HR 951Women and Workforce Investment for Nontraditional Jobs: To promote the economic self-sufficiency of low-income women through their increased participation in high-wage, high-demand occupations where they currently represent 25 percent or less of the workforce.
    • HR 1010Fair Minimum Wage Act: To provide for an increase in the Federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by 2015, in three steps of 95 cents each. (And S 460.)
    • HR 650WAGES Act: To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to establish a base minimum wage for tipped employees.
    • HR 229Original Living American Wage (LAW) Act: To provide for the calculation of the minimum wage based on the Federal poverty threshold for a family of 2, as determined by the Bureau of the Census.

    Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of an overwhelmingly complex legislative system.

(For media inquiries, please contact Marci Harris, POPVOX’s CEO, at info@popvox.com.)

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