Starve Government, Feed Business

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE for September 26, 2016 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations – Cloture on Motion to Proceed
• Senate: Prohibit Sales of Military Equipment to Saudi Arabia – Motion to Table
• House: Legal Challenges to Federal Rules
• House: Identify Assets of Top Iranians
• House: Defer Taxing Stock Options for Startups
• House: Bar Ransom Payments for Hostages

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations
• Senate: Veto Override of Lawsuits by U.S. Victims of International Terrorism
• House: Water Resources Development
• House: Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations

Recent Senate Votes:

Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations – Cloture on Motion to Proceed Vote Agreed to (89-7, 4 Not Voting)

The bill appropriates $3.5 billion Legislative Branch bill for fiscal 2017, which covers the operations of the House, the Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress and other agencies. The measure is expected to be the vehicle for the continuing resolution that would deal with broader veterans funding and emergency money needed to fight the spread of the Zika virus. Sixty votes were needed to invoke cloture.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted NO

Votes on deciding to talk or deliberate or whatever, bore me. Well they got the 60+ votes needed, and progress for a vehicle of little consequence.

Prohibit Sales of Military Equipment to Saudi Arabia – Motion to Table Vote Agreed to (71-27, 2 Not Voting)

The joint resolution prohibits a roughly $1 billion sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, including well more than a hundred Abrams tanks.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Sen. David Perdue voted YES

Sell them the damned tanks, the Saudis are duplicitous bastards but they are loyal because they want us to buy their oil.

Recent House Votes:

Legal Challenges to Federal Rules Vote Passed (244-180, 7 Not Voting)

The bill postpones, until all legal challenges are completed, the implementation of any new federal rule that would have an economic impact of $1 billion or more per year.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

I like the concept and how the vote went. Democrats, for the most part, love regulations the most. It affords them the opportunity to extend the power of government.

Identify Assets of Top Iranians Vote Passed (282-143, 6 Not Voting)

The bill requires the Treasury secretary to compile and submit to Congress a report detailing the known assets of Iran's top political and military leaders, how those assets were acquired and for what purposes the assets were used.

Rep. David Scott voted YES
The intent is correct, but I have little doubt that the Executive Branch will do everything it can to obstruct. 

Defer Taxing Stock Options for Startups Vote Passed (287-124, 20 Not Voting)

The bill allows employee stockholders in certain startup businesses to defer income taxes on stock options for up to seven years, when they are more likely to have the funds to make the tax payments.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

We should be pleased with our Congressman on this vote. Anything that defers or obliterates taxes is a good thing. Starve the government, feed the business.

Bar Ransom Payments for Hostages Vote Passed (254-163, 14 Not Voting)

The bill specifies that it is the policy of the U.S. government not to pay ransom or release prisoners for the purpose of securing the release of U.S. citizens taken hostage abroad, and it generally prohibits the U.S. government from providing to the government of Iran, either directly or indirectly, any cash or other promissory note. It requires the administration to obtain a Treasury foreign assets license before settling any pending financial claims with Iran, and to publicly disclose each such transaction and payment.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

Explain to me Mr. Scott, why you would vote against this. The policy is already in practice and the President has already proven that he is willing to break banking laws to pay ransom

Upcoming Votes:

Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations - HR5325 

The bill would appropriate $3.5 billion Legislative Branch bill for fiscal 2017, which covers the operations of the House, the Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress and other agencies. The measure is expected to be the vehicle for the continuing resolution that would deal with broader veterans funding and emergency money needed to fight the spread of the Zika virus.

Politicians love to spend money, after talking about it endlessly.

Veto Override of Lawsuits by U.S. Victims of International Terrorism - S2040

The measure would permit possible lawsuits by U.S. victims of international terrorism against foreign nationals, which could allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue certain Saudi citizens, including members of the royal family. The bill was vetoed by President Barack Obama on September 23, 2016.

Here is a tip, they did it, it was political grandstanding by the Congress, but they did it.

Water Resources Development - HR5303

The bill would authorize 27 new water projects for construction by the Army Corps of Engineers and would authorizes the corps to conduct feasibility studies for 29 possible projects. It also would deauthorize five existing projects and would establish an expedited process for the deauthorization of other projects that are no longer viable, and it would modify the water project selection process created by the 2014 authorization law and other elements of that law in order to clarify and strengthen its application and use.

Give them everything they ask for. This is the real shovel ready spending.

Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations - HR5325

The bill would appropriate $3.5 billion Legislative Branch bill for fiscal 2017, which covers the operations of the House, the Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress and other agencies. The measure is expected to be the vehicle for the continuing resolution that would deal with broader veterans funding and emergency money needed to fight the spread of the Zika virus.

Politicians love to spend money, after talking about it endlessly.

MegaVote is powered by the CQ-Roll Call Group
http://corporate.cqrollcall.com
Copyright (c) 2016.

Duane Allman on Wilson Pickett's "Hey Jude"

Eric Clapton's endorsement is enough for me.

A Drop in the Bucket

Congress presents the MEGAVOTE for September 21, 2016 and Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Water Resources Development - Motion to Invoke Cloture
• Senate: Water Resources Development - Passage
• House: Health Expenses Tax Deductions
• House: Disclose Agency Rule-Making Communications
• House: Veterans Affairs Department Accountability
• House: Prohibit Guantanamo Transfers

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations
• Senate: Prohibit Sales of Military Equipment to Saudi Arabia
• House: Legal Challenges to Federal Rules
• House: Identify Assets of Top Iranians
• House: Defer Taxing Stock Options for Startups
• House: Bar Ransom Payments for Hostages

Recent Senate Votes:
Water Resources Development – Motion to Invoke Cloture Vote Agreed to (94-3, 3 Not Voting)

Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill which authorizes $10.6 billion in funding for more than 30 Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects under the current law (PL 113-121), including waterways and flood control systems, as well as Environmental Protection Agency drinking water infrastructure programs. The measure authorizes $220 million in recovery assistance, specifically $100 million for water infrastructure improvements available to "states with emergency drinking water situations" via state revolving fund loans; $70 million in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act credit subsidies; and $50 million in health screening and education grants. Sixty votes are needed to invoke cloture.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES
Debate has been limited on discussion of the water resources bill. Interesting that the value of the bill is 10.6B$, bu the major items described do not amount to even 10% of that amount. Plainly speaking, 100M$ is a drop in the bucket, no pun intended. This kind of infrastructure is very expensive, any major city in the United States could spend all of that 100M$ in a year or two.

Water Resources Development - Passage Vote Passed (95-3, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate passed legislation which authorizes $10.6 billion in funding for more than 30 Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects under the current law (PL 113-121), including waterways and flood control systems, as well as Environmental Protection Agency drinking water infrastructure programs. The measure also authorizes $220 million in recovery assistance, specifically $100 million for water infrastructure improvements available to "states with emergency drinking water situations" via state revolving fund loans; $70 million in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act credit subsidies; and $50 million in health screening and education grants.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES
The bill includes 50M$ for health screening and education grants. 
For 50$ I can handle that, water flows down hill, freezes when it gets cold and if it's dirty don't drink it.

Recent House Votes:
Health Expenses Tax Deductions Vote Passed (261-147, 23 Not Voting)

The legislation repeals the increases in the threshold at which individuals may begin deducting unreimbursed medical expenses from their income as set by the 2010 health care law, thereby rolling the threshold back to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income for all taxpayers and preventing the threshold from increasing to 10 percent for senior citizens. Under the measure, the medical deduction threshold reverts to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income beginning with the current 2016 tax year.

Rep. David Scott voted Not Voting
The shit-storm that ACA has created in the insurance industry is going to be felt world wide soon enough. Interesting that my congressman backed away from a vote on this topic. Perhaps he's being a bit more analytical.

Disclose Agency Rule-Making Communications Vote Passed (250-171, 10 Not Voting)

The legislation requires each federal agency to maintain an online searchable list of its regulatory actions and all public communications it makes regarding those regulatory actions. It also prohibits agencies from soliciting support for, or promoting, its regulatory actions.

Rep. David Scott voted YES
A fine idea that in no way will affect anything in a positive manner. The government machine is in the business of creating regulations, whether they be at the behest of business or political objective. I don't see how the process can separate an agencies need to be involved in regulation development without serving as an advocate for the same.

Veterans Affairs Department Accountability Vote Passed (310-116, 5 Not Voting)

The bill expands the ability of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department to fire or demote VA employees based on performance or misconduct, and it overhauls the VA's current disability appeals process by giving veterans the choice of three "lanes" for appeal when dissatisfied with an initial VA benefits decision. It also includes provisions to protect VA whistleblowers against retaliation by supervisors, authorizes the VA to recoup employee bonuses and relocation expenses, allows the VA to reduce Senior Executive Service (SES) employees' pensions upon conviction of certain felonies, streamlines disciplinary actions for SES employees and eliminates all bonuses for SES employees for five years.

Rep. David Scott voted YES
Has anybody gone to prison for cooking the books for the the purpose of padding statistics and obtaining bonus pay for performance that did not happen? No and nobody will.  These administrators are guilty of theft and conspiracy to commit theft.

Prohibit Guantanamo Transfers Vote Passed (244-174, 13 Not Voting)

The measure prohibits the Defense Department from transferring or releasing any detainee from the detention facility at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States, its territories or possessions, or to any foreign country or entity. The blanket prohibition would end on Jan. 21, 2017, or earlier once a Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2017 is enacted.

Rep. David Scott voted YES
My congressman votes against the President. A President whom I somewhat suspect will circumvent and release some of these folks in the next three months, regardless of any law.

Upcoming Votes:
Fiscal 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations - HR5325

The bill would appropriate $3.5 billion Legislative Branch bill for fiscal 2017, which covers the operations of the House, the Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress and other agencies. The current bill text is expected to be replaced with text containing the continuing resolution that would deal with broader veterans funding and emergency money needed to fight the spread of the Zika virus.

Zika?

Prohibit Sales of Military Equipment to Saudi Arabia - SJRes39

The joint resolution would prohibit a roughly $1 billion sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, including well more than a hundred Abrams tanks.

The tanks aren't the problem with Saudi Arabia, its the duplicitous sheiks who run the country. They do business with the United States, all the time fomenting religious warfare. 

Legal Challenges to Federal Rules - HR3438

The bill would postpone, until all legal challenges are completed, the implementation of any new federal rule that would have an economic impact of $1 billion or more per year.

This would be ignored, or at least skirted, all it would take is an intentional misstatement of the expect financial impact. Remember, these people are liars and the want nothing more than to run everything.

Identify Assets of Top Iranians - HR5461

The bill would require the Treasury secretary to compile and submit to Congress a report detailing the known assets of Iran's top political and military leaders, how those assets were acquired and for what purposes the assets were used.

I think a better list to keep, would be, one which lists all Iranians donating money to political candidates and organizations in the United States.

Defer Taxing Stock Options for Startups - HR5719

The bill would allow employee stockholders in certain startup businesses to defer income taxes on stock options for up to seven years, when they are more likely to have the funds to make the tax payments.

The IRS has been playing a little bit dirty on this topic, making some taxpayers pay taxes on unrealized profits.

Bar Ransom Payments for Hostages - HR5931

The bill would specify that it is the policy of the U.S. government not to pay ransom or release prisoners for the purpose of securing the release of U.S. citizens taken hostage abroad, and it generally would prohibit the U.S. government from providing to the government of Iran, either directly or indirectly, any cash or other promissory note. It would require the administration to obtain a Treasury foreign assets license before settling any pending financial claims with Iran, and to publicly disclose each such transaction and payment.

There were already laws non the books that the President and his minions ignores when making the last transfer to Iran. Who thinks that a motivated politicians is going to be limited by some silly law such as this? Not me.

MegaVote is powered by the CQ-Roll Call Group
http://corporate.cqrollcall.com
Copyright (c) 2016.

Sorry ACA We Needed Money for Zika

Congress.org presents MEGAVOTE, dated September 15, 2016, for Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Fiscal 2016 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Conference Report – Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Conference Report
• Senate: Fiscal 2017 Defense Appropriations – Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Bill
• House: Prevent Government Settlement Donations to 3rd Parties – Passage
• House: Ease Stock Listing Requirements for Certain Small Firms – Passage
• House: Loosen Private Equity Fund Requirements – Passage

Upcoming Congressional Bills

• Senate: Water Resources Development
• House: Health Expenses Tax Deductions
• House: Veterans Affairs Department Accountability
• House: Disclose Agency Rule-Making Communications
• House: Prohibit Guantanamo Transfers

Recent Senate Votes:
Fiscal 2016 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Conference Report – Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Conference Report Vote Rejected (52-46, 2 Not Voting)

Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the conference report on the bill which would provide $1.1 billion in supplemental funding for the government to prepare for and respond to the public health threat posed by the Zika virus, and it would provide a total of $185 billion for the Veterans Affairs Department and military construction in fiscal 2017 - including $82.5 billion in discretionary spending subject to the budget caps, $102.5 billion in mandatory spending and $172 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funding.  The Zika funding would include $933 million in domestic funding and $175 million for international activities, with approximately $750 million of the total being offset through rescissions to Ebola, Affordable Care Act, and other Health and Human Services Department funding. Sixty votes are needed to invoke cloture.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES
The democrats have been pressing pretty hard so they can make this into an issue. Meanwhile the states are doing what they can, spraying where they think they need to. I am curious as to where the roughly 1B$ is going to be used on, prevention cures or both. Oh, and cutting money from the ACA funding for Zika, isn't that like trading counterfeit dollar bills for slug coins?

Fiscal 2017 Defense Appropriations – Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Bill Vote Rejected (55-43, 2 Not Voting)

The Senate rejected a McConnell, R-Ky., motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill that would provide billions in discretionary defense spending for the Defense Department. Sixty votes are needed to invoke cloture.

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES
Sen. David Perdue voted YES
Is Mitch McConnell up for re-election yet? Unfortunately not.

Recent House Votes:
Prevent Government Settlement Donations to 3rd Parties – Passage Vote Passed (241-174, 16 Not Voting)

The measure prohibits settlement agreements involving the U.S. government from requiring the other party to make a donation to a third party. The bill's prohibition would not apply if the payment is for restitution to affected parties or remedies actual harm. Under the measure, the prohibition applies only to settlement agreements reached after the bill's enactment.

Rep. David Scott voted NO
Having read though some of the information on this, and listening to John Bolton, I would have to agree that a no vote is probably the correct response. People are not going to be able to effectively sue the Saudi government. So the whole bill, headed for veto, is little more than grandstanding.

Ease Stock Listing Requirements for Certain Small Firms – Passage Vote Passed (236-178, 17 Not Voting)

The bill expands the range of companies that can use Form S-3 to register securities sales, exempts the sale of certain securities from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state regulatory agencies and requires the SEC to revise Regulation D (Reg D) with the goal of loosening restrictions and filing requirements under existing Rule 506 exemptions.

Rep. David Scott voted NO
I have to disagree with David on this vote, I am for the the weakening of government restrictions in virtually all non-defense issues. Knowing politicians, it probably isn't what they say anyhow, so, who knows?

Loosen Private Equity Fund Requirements – Passage Vote Passed (261-145, 25 Not Voting)

The legislation reduces reporting and other requirements effectively placed on private equity funds by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act (PL 111-203), including by eliminating requirements that such funds report annually on their investments and activities and be subject to unannounced, independent annual audits. It also modifies existing requirements under the Investment Advisers Act regarding the relationship between investment fund managers and their investors under the act to largely exempt private equity funds, including by loosening current restrictions on advertising and expanding the circumstances under which funds do not have to notify investors when there is a change in ownership or control.

Rep. David Scott voted YES
Boy, I get the willies every time the Congress messes with banking. It is difficult from them not to make legislation somehow help people who should not purchase what hey cannot afford to pay for. That said following the mantra, that a weaker government is an improvement, thank you Mr. Scott for the correct vote.

Upcoming Votes:
Water Resources Development - S2848

The bill would authorize $10.6 billion in funding for more than 30 Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects under the current law (PL 113-121), including waterways and flood control systems, as well as Environmental Protection Agency drinking water infrastructure programs. The measure would authorize $220 million in recovery assistance, specifically $100 million for water infrastructure improvements available to "states with emergency drinking water situations" via state revolving fund loans; $70 million in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act credit subsidies; and $50 million in health screening and education grants.

Do it, do it every time. True shovel ready projects that pay off over the decades.

Health Expenses Tax Deductions - HR3590

The legislation would repeal the increases in the threshold at which individuals may begin deducting unreimbursed medical expenses from their income as set by the 2010 health care law, thereby rolling the threshold back to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income for all taxpayers and preventing the threshold from increasing to 10 percent for senior citizens. Under the measure, the medical deduction threshold would revert to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income beginning with the current 2016 tax year.

Every time some shitty aspect of ACA come to bat, the politicians kick the issue down the street.  In the end ACA was supposed to control costs, while it extended coverage to folks that had trouble booking policies. In the end costs have continued to rise and a new welfare is spawned.

Veterans Affairs Department Accountability - HR5620

The bill would expand the ability of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department to fire or demote VA employees based on performance or misconduct, and it would overhaul the VA's current disability appeals process by giving veterans the choice of three "lanes" for appeal when dissatisfied with an initial VA benefits decision. It also would include provisions to protect VA whistleblowers against retaliation by supervisors, authorize the VA to recoup employee bonuses and relocation expenses, allow the VA to reduce Senior Executive Service (SES) employees' pensions upon conviction of certain felonies, streamline disciplinary actions for SES employees and eliminate all bonuses for SES employees for five years.

I have said it before, VA hospital administrators broke the law and conspired to defraud taxpayers. As an organization run like a crime syndicate, they should be prosecuted via RICO. Some deserve to be in prison.

Disclose Agency Rule-Making Communications - HR5226

The measure would require each federal agency to maintain an online searchable list of its regulatory actions and all public communications it makes regarding those regulatory actions. It also would prohibit agencies from soliciting support for, or promoting, its regulatory actions.

It is easy enough to imagine that a zillion little bureaucrats running around defending their right to f-over citizens without due representation or due process.

Prohibit Guantanamo Transfers - HR5351

The bill temporarily would prohibit the Defense Department from transferring or releasing any detainee from the detention facility at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States, its territories or possessions, or to any foreign country or entity. The blanket prohibition would end on Jan. 21, 2017, or earlier once a Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2017 is enacted.

The Guantanamo Bay facility is useful, needs to stay open, and prisoners of value kept there. There should be more funding provided for setting up dedicated water boarding access shower rooms. 

MegaVote is powered by the CQ-Roll Call Group
http://corporate.cqrollcall.com
Copyright (c) 2016.

McDonough Cake Wars

A story active in local news, (3) workers at a McDonough, Georgia Walmart refused to decorate a cake for a retiring policeman. They claimed that the proposed concept which was to include a black background with white lettering and a blue stripe was something they could not in good conscience, produce.
The daughter of the retiring policeman said...

“The baker told me the blue line cake was racist” 

When Walmart's management heard of the refusal, they tried to make it right, but apparently did not make the bakers do the job because the end result was pretty sorry looking.
I agree with Todd Starnes, the employees who refused to decorate the cake should be fired. Yes they have the right to assert themselves, they should also be vulnerable to the repercussions of doing so while being paid to perform the advertised personal service.
How in the world did so many people develop this skill of turning innocent gestures into personal injuries?

Very Brave Man Jokes

Braver than me...

How do you turn a fox into an elephant?
Marry It! 

What is the difference between a battery and a woman?
A battery has a positive side. 

Why is the space between a woman's breasts and her hips called a waist?
Because you could easily fit another pair of tits in there.

How do you make 5 pounds of fat look good?
Put a nipple on it. 

Why do women fake orgasms?
Because they think men care. 

What do you say to a woman with 2 black eyes?
Nothing, she's been told twice already.  

If your wife keeps coming out of the kitchen to nag at you, what have you done wrong?
Made her chain too long.  

Why is a laundromat a really bad place to pick up a woman?
Because a woman who can't even afford a washing machine will probably never be able to support you.  

Why do women have smaller feet than men?
It's one of those 'evolutionary things' that allows them to stand closer to the kitchen sink. 

Why do men pass gas more than women?
Because women can't shut up long enough to build up the required pressure. 

If your dog is barking at the back door and your wife is yelling at the front door, who do you let in first?
The dog, of course. He'll shut up once you let him in.  

Scientists have discovered a food that diminishes a woman's sex drive by 90%...
It's called a Wedding Cake.  

Why do men die before their wives?
Because they want to. 

Voters Reject Obama’s New Middle East Refugee Plan

Voters Reject Obama’s New Middle East Refugee Plan

As President Obama gets closer to retirement, my resolve to treat him with respect is evaporating. By this Rasmussen poll, less than 1 in 5 voters think that the President's targets for refugee resettlement in the US are proper or insufficient. The rest of the voters polled think that his targets are over-reaching, in varying degrees.

Does anybody think, that given his penchant for ignoring the populace, think that he is going to take his foot off the gas pedal? For him it most important to play his roll on the world stage not protect and serve the citizens of the United States.

Republicans Couldn’t Care Less About Bush's Vote For Clinton

Republicans Couldn’t Care Less About Bush's Vote For Clinton

After 9-11 I felt very proud to have George W. Bush as our President. My impression of him has always been that he is compassionate, something that is probably still true. This controversy belongs to the father George H. W. Bush but it is fair to day that the sons and patriarch are cut from the cloth. But this is not that; his support of the Clinton candidacy reveals a commitment that belies something that he thinks is more important than compassion. His support makes clear his placement of priority upon global business governance and adherence to liberal objectives which combined has developed into a inertial juggernaut.
Donald Trump is an offensive man, but what Hillary Clinton represents is repulsive. Even with the current state of here candidacy, Hillary Clinton has taken the posture of condescending elitism. Elitism that George H. W. Bush and his brethren have now openly endorsed.

Applause

Barack Obama, at a recent rural elementary school assembly in Arkansas, asked the audience for total quiet.
Then, in the silence, he started to slowly clap his hands once every few seconds, holding the audience in total silence.
Then he said into the microphone,
'Children, every time I clap my hands together, a child in America dies from gun violence.'
Then, little Johnny, with a proud Arkansas drawl, pierced the quiet and said,
'Well, dumb-ass, stop clapping!'

Welcome to Otisville

Love it.
Thanks to DGJ.