Congress at Work?

Congress.org (congress.org) presents:  MEGAVOTE for February 19, 2013

In this MegaVote for Georgia's 13th Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes

• Senate: Gender-based Violence Prevention  Final Passage
• Senate: Defense Secretary Nomination  Cloture
• House: Disaster Aid for Houses of Worship  Suspension
• House: Hydropower Regulation  Suspension
• House: Federal Pay Freeze Extension  Final Passage
• House: North Korea Nuclear Test

The House and Senate are in recess until Monday, February 25.
GOOD, they wont be creating inventive new ways to spend more money. 

Recent Senate Votes:

Gender-based Violence Prevention  Final Passage

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=19&chamber=S&congress=1131

Vote Passed (78-22)

The Senate passed a comprehensive re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) last week, including a controversial provision that grants expanded authority to tribal courts over non-American Indian offenders. The bill would also expand protections for LGBT victims. VAWA consists of a variety of grant programs to state and local law enforcement agencies and service organizations that specialize in treating victims of such crimes as rape, domestic violence, and stalking. S. 47 extends VAWA for five years. The Senate debated several amendments to the bill, notably defeating a proposal from Oklahoma Republican Tom Coburn to remove the expanded tribal court authority (Roll Call 14 ). Judiciary Chairman Pat Leahy of Vermont successfully attached a four-year extension of anti-human trafficking measures to the overall bill (Roll Call 15). House leaders have been vague about their plans regarding the legislation, which expired last year amid disagreement between the two chambers. President Obama supports the Senate bill.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted YES

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

Whatever, now we are growing the power of the Indian nations within our borders.  I suspect that Senator Tom Coburn was resistant to the expansion because he knows there will be trouble reaching out from the Cherokee reservations in his state. Have said it before and will say it again, special protections amount to preference under the law.  Things like this make people unequal in court.  

Defense Secretary Nomination  Cloture

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=21&chamber=S&congress=1131

Vote Rejected (58-40, 1 Present, 1 Not Voting)

One of the more contentious nomination fights in recent memory was dragged into the Presidents Day recess when the Senate failed to invoke cloture on Chuck Hagels bid to become Defense Secretary. The former Republican senator from Nebraska endured a withering confirmation hearing on January 31 , during which he was grilled for hours by fellow Republicans on a narrow range of issues, particularly Israel and Iran. The nomination passed out of the Armed Services Committee February 12 on a straight party-line vote, and Reid attempted to end debate two days later. Several Republican senators, including John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Lamar Alexander stated that they would not vote for cloture that day but would following the recess (though they would ultimately oppose the nomination). After extended back and forth about whether the Republicans were filibustering Hagel by essentially requiring 60 votes to confirm him, the cloture vote failed. Four Republicans Susan Collins, Thad Cochran, Mike Johanns and Lisa Murkowski  joined all Democrats and independents Angus King and Bernie Sanders in supporting the motion. Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah voted present, which in this instance had the same effect as a no vote.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted NO

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted NO

I think Hagel is pretty much the type of weasel the President likes, he's on record as being a detractor  of Israel, he'll pretend that the on team and then when decisions are to be made the true colors will show.  

Recent House Votes:

Disaster Aid for Houses of Worship  Suspension

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=39&chamber=H&congress=1131

Vote Passed (354-72, 5 Not Voting)

This bill would expand the definition of private non-profit facilities eligible for federal disaster funding to include houses of worship such as churches and synagogues. Many such buildings were damaged by Hurricane Sandy, which brought the issue to lawmakers attention.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

Reaction to Federal bureaucrats  withholding help to those who help.  The sooner we get rid of the folks clinging to their religion, the sooner the kindness of the socialist vision can be the guiding light. I agree with Congressman Scott's vote on this bill.

Hydropower Regulation  Suspension

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=40&chamber=H&congress=1131

Vote Passed (422-0, 9 Not Voting)

The House unanimously supported this measure to streamline permitting and regulation of hydropower facilities.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

It's about freaking time.  This is a field in which my business is involved, and I well know of some moronic decisions which were the result of moronic, short sighted regulations.  My fear here is, based on experience, that they are no more skilled at creating new regulations than they were the old. I agree with Congressman Scott's vote on this bill.

Federal Pay Freeze Extension Final Passage

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=44&chamber=H&congress=1131

Vote Passed (261-154, 16 Not Voting)

Acting to head off a scheduled cost-of-living-adjustment for federal civilian employees, the House extended the freeze on their pay through the end of the calendar year. Military pay is not affected by the bill.

Rep. David Scott voted NO

Notice how the military is excluded, the sniffling little bastards don't have the courage to go there.  In general, I think that Federal wages have expanded at an advanced rate in comparison to the rest of the economy for the last two decades, a little choking of the pipeline would do the system some good. I do not agree with Congressman Scott's vote on this bill.

North Korea Nuclear Test

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=45&chamber=H&congress=1131

Vote Passed (412-2, 17 Not Voting)

Responding to a nuclear test conducted by the secretive Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea , the House passed a resolution condemning the act and calling for a new round of sanctions. Libertarian Republicans Justin Amash of Michigan and Thomas Massie of Kentucky cast the only no votes.

Rep. David Scott voted YES

Who really gives a crap what the House of Representatives has to say on this subject.  Sanctions don't mean shit to North Korea, when they have proven that all they have to due is wave flag hinting at cooperation and the sitting US President will send them food, oil or relief of sanctions.  I do not really care one bit how Congressman Scott's vote went on this bill, the whole damned thing is superfluous and a waste of time  that could be spend hammering out a budget that folks can agree on. Stop wasting time you turkeys!

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God is Good, Excuse Me, a Guy

Thank you Miss Lily....

A man on his Harley was riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, God said, "Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish."

The biker pulled over and said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want."

God replied, "Your request is materialistic; think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind."

The biker thought about it for a long time. Finally, he said, "God, I wish that I, and all men, could understand women; I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong, why she snaps and complains when I try to help,
and how I can make a woman truly happy."

God replied:
"You want two lanes or four on that bridge...?"

Global Warming Protesters Brave Frigid Temps

Funny stuff, make sure you wear your mittens.

"The Lid": IRONY ALERT! Protesters Brave Frigid Temps to Figh...:

Sometimes pictures are great at showing the irony of a situation. Thousands of global warming moonbats braved the frigid cold yesterday...

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Child Uses Rifle to Scare off Home Invaders

A well spoken 11 Year old, has been taught how to load and handle a weapon.
Alyssa Gutierrez of Albuquerque New Mexico heard intruders trying to break in, went to her mother's room, loaded a small rifle design for women, hid from view and waited for the police who arrived immediately on site.
I am glad she has enough sense not to fire unless necessary.
I am glad she avoided the pain of injuring a person, whether they deserved it or not.

Child Uses Rifle to Scare off Home Invaders: National Media Silent

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Congressional Progress (sic)

Congress.org (congress.org) presents:  MEGAVOTE February 11, 2013

In this MegaVote for Georgia's 13th Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes:

• Senate: Gender-based Violence Prevention - Substitute Amendment
• House: Budget Submission Requirement - Final Passage

Upcoming Congressional Bills:

• Senate: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013
• House: To eliminate the 2013 statutory pay adjustment for civilian federal employees.
• House: To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

Recent Senate Votes:

Gender-based Violence Prevention - Substitute Amendment

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=13&chamber=S&congress=1131

Vote Rejected (34-65, 1 Not Voting)

The Senate began action last week on its renewed effort to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, a panoply of initiatives designed to combat such crimes as domestic violence and sexual assault and to provide assistance to state and local law enforcement. Both chambers of Congress passed reauthorization bills last year, but were never able to resolve various differences. One major hurdle, the creation of new visas for immigrant victims of domestic violence, has been stripped from this year’s version of the Senate bill. The other large sticking point, however, remains - Senate language that would give Indian tribes expanded police and judicial jurisdiction over non-Indian sex offenders who commit crimes on tribal land. Senate proponents contend the provision is a practical response to the reality that the nearest law enforcement authorities are often located hours away from tribal lands, making it very difficult to adequately police non-Indian offenders. Opponents are wary of potential constitutional issues raised by the provision. Regardless, the bill looks to be sailing toward passage in the Senate. The motion to proceed was agreed to by an overwhelming 85-8 margin (Roll Call Number 12) last Monday, February 4. Several days later, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, offered a substitute bill supported by his conference. The Grassley substitute made several changes, including to the Indian language. Its margin of defeat - 34 to 65, with ten Republicans joining all Democrats and independents - indicates the strength of the bills support. The president has not taken a position on the current bill, though he supported last years Senate bill. The House has not yet taken action to move a reauthorization.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted YES

Sen. Johnny Isakson voted YES

I had to look up the word, panoply; Merriam-Webster says that it is “a magnificent or impressive array”, what a nice word.   My stand on any law that applies different standards to different groups is that they are wrong.  But the argument here is not that, this is Senators arguing over which special applications are going to be put into law. It’s all crap, and don’t try to tell I don’t care about the oppressed, I would and do help people in need in the manner of my choice.

Recent House Votes:

Budget Submission Requirement - Final Passage

http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=38&chamber=H&congress=1131

Vote Passed (253-167, 11 Not Voting)

House Republican leadership has vowed to complete a budget document this year that achieves balance within a decade. Last week the House passed a bill that would hold the President to the same requirement. The Require a PLAN Act would mandate that, if President Obamas FY2014 budget - which, the bills findings section notes, is expected to be (and indeed was) late - does not achieve balance at any point within its ten-year window, a new budget that does project balance must be submitted by April 1. The bill is not expected to be taken up by the Senate, but - along with the No Budget, No Pay Act that was recently signed into law - it does allow House Republicans to position themselves as the group in Washington most concerned with taming the deficit.

Rep. David Scott voted Not Voting

What surprises me on this vote is that Representative Scott did not vote with the minority position.  My guess is that he agrees with the principle of the plan.

In my opinion, this is a symbolic vote.  The President has no intention of submitting a valid budget and the Senate will never allow one to come to a vote.  The House Republican’s are portrayed as being over zealous on debt control, which is true if barking like a little dog counts as tough, in the end their weakness always erodes through when the President calls their hand.  No Boehner, I do not believe that bullshit posture that you’re playing it smart and will win in the end.

Upcoming Votes:

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 - S.47

The Senate will continue debate on the bill starting Monday, February 11. Six debates are scheduled for consideration including one by Oklahoma Republican Tom Coburn that would remove the Indian tribal court provision. Final passage is expected later in the week. 

Republicans pandering to the same women who in the end have their voices dominated by the feminists of the Democratic party.  You can pretend you have a shot, you might even actually care about what you debate, but in the end, no matter what you accomplish you will be vilified with prejudice and ignorance.

To eliminate the 2013 statutory pay adjustment for civilian federal employees. - H.R.273

Federal civilian workers have been living under a pay freeze for several years will be able to receive a 0.5 percent cost of living adjustment upon expiration of the current Continuing Resolution governing federal spending, which runs through March 27. This bill would continue the pay freeze through the end of 2013.

A friend just became a Federal employee; it seems that the profit is in the expenses.

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act - H.R.592

This bill would clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities.

I hope to read about this later, is likely a reaction to actions of an overzealous bureaucrat.

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

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Get The Privilege To Meet Her!

When I hear and read about mail order brides, this is not what comes to mind.
I think of Natasha in the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons.

Premium dating portal, that's rich.
The things you find in your junk mail folder.
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I Think So

My own beliefs are evolving, but I am reading the Bible, and am about half the way through.
Found this link at Grouchy Old Cripple, and in reading the comments of his other readers find that I am in one of the lower performance groups.

So while I ride the short bus to Sunday school, I know more than an Atheist.
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What is an assault weapon? Its about rights people

From One Marine's View, a competent description of assault weapons.

What is an assault weapon? Its about rights people

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Exit Stage Left

Why can't we trust them?
In the late sixties scientists were predicting the next ice age.
Snagglepuss had it right.

Don't worry it's going to miss by a couple of miles.

Anyone happening to glance towards the heavens in a week's time and glimpses a 50-metre-long lump of rock hurtling ominously through the skies need not panic.

To clarify, they are really talking about 17,100 miles.

Don’t Worry About That Asteroid Hurtling Toward Earth, Say the Scientific Experts Who Are Always Right About Everything

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Georgia at Work

Copied from an email from the NRA Institute for Legal Action....

Two NRA-backed bills of importance to Georgia gun owners, sportsmen and Second Amendment supporters, were introduced this week:

Senate Bill 101, sponsored by state Senator Frank Ginn (R-47), was introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Non-Civil Committee for consideration. This comprehensive bill takes steps to ensure protection and fortification of our Second Amendment rights. SB 101, if passed and enacted into law, would make the following changes:

• Repeals the state licensing requirement for Federal Firearm License (FFL) holders. These lawful dealers are already subject to extensive federal oversight and state law only imposes unnecessary and duplicative administrative fees and requirements.
• Prohibits public housing authorities in Georgia from prohibiting or restricting a tenant from lawfully owning or possessing a firearm. This would ensure that citizens who reside in public housing are treated fairly under the law and afforded the same opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to self-defense as citizens who own or rent their own homes.
• Grants full recognition to a person licensed to carry a handgun in any other state to carry in compliance with state law while visiting Georgia. This legislation would ensure that the right to self-defense does not end at the Georgia state line.

Senate Bill 93, sponsored by Senator Bill Heath (R-31), was introduced and referred to the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee for consideration. SB 93 would allow hunters in Georgia to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms while hunting.

Currently, more than half of the states allow hunters to use suppressors while hunting. There are numerous benefits to hunting with suppressed firearms, including:

• Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate noise complaints that are frequently an excuse to close hunting lands throughout the country. This will protect hunting areas well into the future.
• Using a suppressor while hunting will reduce recoil and muzzle rise to help increase the accuracy of hunters. More accurate shooting in the field means fewer wounded and lost animals--a good thing for hunters and wildlife.
• Hearing protection is not necessary with suppressed gunfire, so hunters will be able to protect their long-term hearing. Hunters often fail to use ear plugs or similar devices in many field applications, creating permanent hearing damage and tinnitus.

Recently, Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas adopted new rules allowing for use of suppressors when hunting game. It’s time that hunters in Georgia are able to enjoy the same opportunities available to sportsmen in more than half of the country. For

SB 101 and SB 93 are critical to your Right to Keep and Bear Arms and hunting heritage in Georgia. Contact your state Senator TODAY and urge him or her to support this NRA-backed legislation.

I have much more interest in seeing SB 101 succeeding as it addresses some practical issues surrounding carry permits and the boundaries between personal needs and public rule.  As for the suppression bill, it's a good practical for hunters, but I can also see how law enforcement persons would have a problem with the equipment. My tinnitus comes by way of duck hunting with 12 gauge shotguns, there is no suppression for that.   
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