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Articles Tagged elections

  1. Issue Spotlight: Election Day!

    by rachna on November 4, 2012

    The Election is days away! At stake are 31 Senate races and 435 House races, not to mention one Presidential race. Here are some of the bills that are on our minds. We hope you'll weigh in on POPVOX. And don't forget to vote!

    The Electoral College

    • HJRes 121 Proposing a Constitutional amendment to increase by 29 votes the number of electoral votes awarded to the candidate for President who receives the largest percentage of the popular vote.
    • HJRes 36 Proposing a Constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College and provide for the direct election of the President and Vice President by the popular vote of all citizens of the US regardless of place of residence.

    Presidential Elections

    • HJRes 17 Proposing a Constitutional amendment to repeal the 22nd article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as President.
    • S 3312 The Presidential Funding Act: To amend the tax code to reform the system of public financing for Presidential elections.

    Voting

    Check out more bills related to voting.

    Campaign Regulations

    • S 3369 The DISCLOSE Act: To provide for additional disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs and other entities.
    • HJRes 65 Proposing a Constitutional amendment to prohibit candidates for election to Congress from accepting contributions from individuals who do not reside in the State or Congressional district the candidate seeks to represent.

    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. Foreign Policy and the Presidential Debate

    by rachna on October 22, 2012

    Whether you watched the Presidential debate on Monday night, or need a recap, the POPVOX team has put together a list of bills related to the topics the candidates discussed. We hope you'll weigh in on these bills and send a message to Congress on POPVOX!

    Issue Spotlight: Foreign Policy and the Presidential Debate

    The debate included approximately 15-minute segments on a range of foreign policy topics. The moderator, Bob Schieffer of CBS News, gave each candidate initially two minutes to respond to each topic, and then opened it up to discussion. The list below is sorted by the topics chosen by Mr. Schieffer.

    America's role in the world

    • HR 5865 The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act to promote the growth and competitiveness of American manufacturing.
    • HR 1749 The Reciprocal Market Access Act to enhance reciprocal market access for United States domestic producers in the negotiating process of bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements.
    • HR 6303 The Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act to establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy.
    • HCRes 124 Expressing the sense of the Congress that President Obama’s delays in implementing a clear mission for the American space program represent a clear threat to American exceptionalism
    • S 3477 The Women, Peace, and Security Act to ensure that the United States promotes women’s meaningful inclusion and participation in mediation and negotiation processes undertaken in order to prevent, mitigate, or resolve violent conflict and implements the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.
    • HR 1532 The Race to the Top Act To provide incentives for States and local educational agencies to implement comprehensive reforms and innovative strategies that are designed to lead to significant improvement in outcomes for all students and significant reductions in achievement gaps among subgroups of students.
    • HR 3012 The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act To eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants.

    Our longest war - Afghanistan and Pakistan

    • HR 6391 The Pakistan Terrorism Accountability Act to terminate the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally.
    • HR 5734 To provide compensation for the deadly acts by elements of the Pakistani military and intelligence services against US citizens
    • HR 1530 To establish the Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group
    • HR 5787 The Congressional Oversight of Afghanistan Agreements Act to provide for congressional oversight of United States agreements with the Government of Afghanistan.
    • HR 5735 Provides for the establishment of a Tomb of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery for interment of cremated fragments of the remains of members of the Armed Forces killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, or a subsequent conflict when the fragments are unidentifiable by use of DNA testing or other means because of the condition of the fragments, are unclaimed, or are identified and authorized by the person designated to direct disposition of the remains for interment in such memorial.
    • S 3235 The Hire at Home Act (and HR 4115): requires, as a condition on the receipt by a State of certain funds for veterans employment and training, that the State ensures that training received by a veteran while on active duty is taken into consideration in granting certain State certifications or licenses.
    • S 3505 The Afghanistan Contractor Accountability Act to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars in construction-related contracts for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan by requiring reporting to Congress by Federal agencies that refuse to implement, or only partially concur with, SIGAR recommendations to seek reimbursement for failure by a contractor or subcontractor to successfully complete a contract due to poor contractor performance, cost overruns, or other reasons.
    • SRes 159 honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Osama bin Laden.
    • S 3429 The Veterans Jobs Corps Act to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a veterans jobs corps.
    • HR 2826 The Combat Veterans Back to Work Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an exemption from employer social security taxes with respect to service members and veterans, and to provide a business credit for the retention of such individuals for at least 1 year.

    Red lines: Israel and Iran

    • HRes 630 Expresses support for Israel and its right to self-defense against the illegal nuclear program by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
    • HR 4173 The Prevent Iran From Acquiring Nuclear Weapons Through Diplomacy Act directs the President of the United States to appoint a high-level United States representative or special envoy for Iran for the purpose of ensuring that the United States pursues all diplomatic avenues to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to avoid a war with Iran.
    • HR 4485 The Credible Military Option to Counter Iran Act furthers the preparedness of the United States Armed Forces, in cooperation with regional allies, to prevent the Government of Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
    • HR 4179 The Iran Financial Sanctions Improvement Act strengthens the multilateral sanctions regime with respect to Iran, to expand sanctions relating to the energy sector of Iran, the proliferation of weapons of mass
    • HR 3783 The Countering Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act provides for a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran’s growing hostile presence and activity in the Western Hemisphere.
    • SRes 574 Calls on the United Nations to take concerted actions against leaders in Iran for their statements calling for the destruction of another United Nations Member State, Israel.
    • SCRes 23 (and HRes 271) expresses support for the State of Israel’s right to defend Israeli sovereignty, to protect the lives and safety of the Israeli people, and to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the use of military force if no other peaceful solution can be found within reasonable time to protect against such an immediate and existential threat to the State of Israel.
    • S 1595 The Solidarity with Israel Act prohibits funding for the United Nations in the event the United Nations grants Palestine a change in status from a permanent observer entity before a comprehensive peace agreement has been reached with Israel.
    • HR 4133 The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act To express the sense of Congress regarding the United States-Israel strategic relationship, to direct the President to submit to Congress reports on United States actions to enhance this relationship and to assist in the defense of Israel.

    The changing Middle East

    • HR 5993 The Syria Non-Intervention Act to prohibit the use of funds available to the Department of Defense or an element of the intelligence community for the purpose or which would have the effect of supporting, directly or indirectly, military or paramilitary operations in Syria by any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual.
    • HR 2106 The Syria Freedom Support Act To strengthen sanctions against the Government of Syria, to enhance multilateral commitment to address the Government of Syria’s threatening policies, to establish a program to support a transition to a democratically-elected government in Syria.
    • HRes 687 Calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to be tried before the International Criminal Court for committing crimes against humanity.
    • HR 2237 The Syria Freedom Support Act To promote the strengthening of the private sector in Egypt and Tunisia.
    • S 2034 The Syrian Human Rights Accountability Act to impose sanctions with respect to human rights abuses committed against the people of Syria.
    • S 3551 (and HR 6511) requires investigations into and a report on the September 11-13, 2012, attacks on the United States missions in Libya, Egypt, and Yemen.
    • HRes 783 Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the attacks on United States diplomats in Libya and Egypt.
    • SRes 556  Expresses the sense of the Senate that foreign assistance funding to the Governments of Libya and Egypt should be suspended until the President certifies to Congress that both governments are providing proper security at United States embassies and consulates pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
    • SRes 372 Recognizing the importance of the United States-Egypt relationship, and urging the Government of Egypt to protect civil liberties and cease intimidation and prosecution of civil society workers and democracy activists.

    New face of terrorism

    The rise of China and tomorrow's world

    • S 3449 The China Fair Trade Act: prohibits purchases by the Federal Government of Chinese goods and services until the People’s Republic of China becomes a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement.
    • HRes 356 Urges the European Union and its member states to maintain the arms embargo against the People’s Republic of China.
    • HR 2909 The Emergency China Trade Act withdraws normal trade relations treatment from the products of the People’s Republic of China, to provide for a balanced trade relationship between that country and the United States.
    • HR 6313 (and HRes 352) promotes peaceful and collaborative resolution of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea and its environs and other maritime areas adjacent to the East Asian mainland.
    • S 1619 The China Currency Bill provides or identification of misaligned currency, require action to correct the misalignment.
    • HR 3375 To direct the President to impose duties on merchandise from the People’s Republic of China in an amount equivalent to the estimated annual loss of revenue to holders of United States intellectual property rights as a result of violations of such intellectual property rights in China.

    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. Issue Spotlight: National Voter Registration Day

    by rachna on September 24, 2012

    It's National Voter Registration Day! Did you know that only 60% of the voting-age population in the US is actually registered to vote?

    Issue Spotlight: National Voter Registration Day

    The POPVOX team is always encouraging our users to weigh in on legislation. But it's just as important to vote! If you're not registered to vote, our friends at TurboVote have a great voter registration tool. It's simple and easy -- and they send you election day reminders via email or text message! We also hope you'll weigh in on these bills related to voter registration and share with your friends and networks!

    Not sure on who to vote for? Check out your CongressMatch page. It's a customized guide to show you just how well your Senators and Representative matches up with you on the issues you care about.

    Voting Rights and Registration Bills

    • HR 4126 The Voter ID Accessibility Act: To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require each voter registration agency in a State which requires an individual to present a government-issued photo identification as a condition of voting in an election for Federal office to provide such an identification without charge upon request to any such individual who does not otherwise possess one.
    • HR 3316 The Voter Access Protection Act: To prohibit election officials from requiring individuals to provide photo identification as a condition of obtaining or casting a ballot in an election for Federal office or registering to vote in elections for Federal office.
    • HR 3317 The Same Day Voter Registration Act: To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require States to provide for same day registration.
    • S 1994 The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act: To prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections.
    • HR 6408 To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each individual who desires to vote in an election for Federal office to provide the appropriate election official with a government-issued photo identification.
    • HR 5971 To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each individual who desires to vote in an election for Federal office to provide the appropriate election official with a government-issued photo identification.
    • HR 5814 The Poll Tape Transparency Act: To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish standards for the publication of the poll tapes used in elections for Federal office.
    • HJRes 25 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding presidential election voting rights for residents of all United States territories and commonwealths.
    • HR 597 The District of Columbia Voting Rights Restoration Act: To restore the Federal electoral rights of the residents of the District of Columbia.
    • HR 267 The District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act : To provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a State for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives.

    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.

  4. Could Members force a vote on the DISCLOSE Act?

    by marci on July 16, 2012

    In both the House and Senate, the majority controls the agenda and the Speaker decides what gets a vote, with one exception: the discharge petition.

    In the House, if a majority sign on to "discharge" a bill from committee (218 signatures required), it will be brought to the Floor for a vote. Since 1993, all signators to a discharge petition are public. This means that this petition can only be sucessful if some members of the majority party are willing to buck their own leadership to see a bill get a vote.

    This week some House Members are touting a discharge petition in the House that would force a vote on the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending (DISCLOSE) Act (HR 4010) from Represenative Chris Van Hollen [D-MD-8]. The discharge petition currently has 149 signatures, 79 short of the 218 that would be necessary to force a vote.

    Today the Senate will hold a cloture vote on a similar bill. The Senate bill, S 3369 from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse [D-RI], would "provide for additional disclosure requirements for corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs and other entities…" Senate Republicans have indicated they will filibuster and the bill is not expected to make it to an up or down vote. 

    While rare, discharge petitions have been employed by both parties throughout the years. Additional discharge petitions filed in the current Congress are: 

    Weigh in on the discharge petition.

  5. Issue Spotlight: Voting Rights

    by rachna on June 12, 2012

    Issue Spotlight: Voting Rights

    In case you hadn't noticed, Election Day is almost around the corner. Or at least it feels that way, with 31 Senate races and 435 House races, not to mention one Presidential race! POPVOX is spotlighting bills related to the right to vote. We hope you'll weigh in on these bills and share this list with your friends and networks. Thanks for using POPVOX!

    • HR 5815 The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act prohibits deceptive practices in Federal elections (and S 1994.)
    • HR 5799 The Voter Empowerment Act modernizes voter registration, promote access to voting for individuals with disabilities, protect the ability of individuals to exercise the right to vote in elections for Federal office.
    • HR 4183 The Weekend Voting Act changes the date for regularly scheduled Federal elections and establish polling place hours.
    • HR 3316 The Voter Access Protection Act prohibits election officials from requiring individuals to provide photo identification as a condition of obtaining or casting a ballot in an election for Federal office or registering to vote in elections for Federal office.
    • HRes 542 Condemning the passage of legislation that would unduly burden an American citizen’s ability to vote and opposing any State election law or proposed legislation that would have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities across the country.
    • HR 2540 The Voter Protection Hotline Act directs the Attorney General to establish and operate a toll-free nationwide telephone hotline through which individuals may obtain information on voting in elections for Federal office and report information on problems encountered in voting in such elections.
    • HR 3846 The National Commission for Independent Redistricting Act establishes a National Commission for Independent Redistricting to prepare Congressional redistricting plans for all States and to require Congressional redistricting in a State to be conducted in accordance with the Commission plan for the State.
    • HR 5816 The Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot.
    • HR 4126 The Voter ID Accessibility Act requires each voter registration agency in a State which requires an individual to present a government-issued photo identification as a condition of voting in an election for Federal office to provide such an identification without charge upon request to any such individual who does not otherwise possess one.
    • HR 3978 The EASY Voting Act prohibits the dissemination of false information for the purpose of discouraging a student of an institution of higher education from registering to vote or voting in an election for Federal office, and requires States which require individuals to present a photo identification as a condition of voting in elections for Federal office to accept school-issued photo identification.
    • HR 3317 The Same Day Voter Registration Act requires States to provide for same day registration.
    • HR 2212 The Democracy Restoration Act secures the Federal voting rights of persons who have been released from incarceration (and S 2017.)

    See previous Issue Spotlights.

    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: Campaign Finance on the Anniversary of Citizens United

    by rachna on January 21, 2012

    Today marks the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC. The justices voted 5-4 that corporations and unions had First Amendment rights that prohibits government from placing limits on their independent spending for political purposes. We pulled together a list of bills related to campaign financing.

    We hope you'll weigh in on these bills on POPVOX and share with your friends and networks.

    Campaign Finance Bills on the Anniversary of Citizens United

    • SJRes 33 The Saving American Democracy Amendment and The OCCUPIED Amendment propose a Constitutional amendment to expressly exclude for-profit corporations from the rights given to natural persons by the Constitution, prohibit corporate spending in all elections, and affirm the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations and to regulate and set limits on all election contributions and expenditures.
    • S 750 The Fair Elections Now Act and (HR 1404) reform the financing of Senate elections and establish a Fair Elections Fund.
    • HJRes 65 Constitutional Amendment to prohibit candidates for election to Congress from accepting contributions from individuals who do not reside in the State or Congressional district the candidate seeks to represent.
    • SJRes 29 Constitutional Amendment to clarify the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations, limited liability companies or other corporate entities established by the laws of any state, the United States, or any foreign state.
    • HJRes 88 Constitutional Amendment relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
    • HJRes 100 Constitutional Amendment regarding the use of public funds to pay for campaigns for election to Federal Office.

    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. Entrepreneur Magazine--They've Got Your Backers

    by annalee on September 1, 2011

    They've Got Your Backers in Entrepreneur Magazine

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

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