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Affordable Health Care for America Act - How They Voted

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:07:23 PST

H R 3962 RECORDED VOTE 7-Nov-2009 11:16 PM
QUESTION: On Passage
BILL TITLE: Affordable Health Care for America Act

Stupak Amendment of Health Care PLan - How They Voted

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:00:14 PST

H R 3962 YEA-AND-NAY 7-Nov-2009 10:20 PM
AUTHOR(S): Stupak of Michigan Amendment
QUESTION: On Agreeing to the Amendment

Planned Parenthod Condemns Passage of Stupak/Pitts Amendment

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:58:39 PST

Planned Parenthood condemns the adoption of the Stupak/Pitts amendment in HR 3962 this evening. This amendment is an unacceptable addition to the health care reform bill that, if enacted, would result in women losing health benefits they have today. Simply put, the Stupak/Pitts amendment would restrict women's access to abortion coverage in the private health insurance market, undermining the ability of women to purchase private health plans that cover abortion, even if they pay for most of the premiums with their own money. This amendment reaches much further than the Hyde Amendment, which has prohibited public funding of abortion in most instances since 1977.

Center for Reproductive Rights Statement on Pitt/Stupak Anti-Abortion Amendment

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:45:53 PST

The Center for Reproductive Rights strongly opposes the Pitts/Stupak amendment which would result in millions of women losing the benefits they already have and force them to buy insurance that does not meet all of their medical needs. The House Leadership's decision to allow a vote on this amendment has not been made in a way that represents all Americans.

Toward home-brewed electricity with 'personalized solar energy'

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:15:07 PST

New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. That's the topic of a report by an international expert on solar energy scheduled for the November 2 issue of ACS' Inorganic Chemistry, a bi-weekly journal. It describes a long-awaited, inexpensive method for solar energy storage that could help power homes and plug-in cars in the future while helping keep the environment clean.

Use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could help post-traumatic stress disorder patients

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:14:01 PST

Use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder patients. This is exposed in a new study carried out at the Learning and Memory Lab in the University of Haifa's Department of Psychology. The study, carried out by research student Eti Ganon-Elazar under the supervision of Dr. Irit Akirav, was published in the prestigious Journal of Neuroscience.

'Dropouts' pinpoint earliest galaxies

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:11:18 PST

Astronomers, conducting the broadest survey to date of galaxies from about 800 million years after the Big Bang, have found 22 early galaxies and confirmed the age of one by its characteristic hydrogen signature at 787 million years post Big Bang. The finding is the first age-confirmation of a so-called dropout galaxy at that distant time and pinpoints when an era called the reionization epoch likely began. The research will be published in a December issue of the Astrophysical Journal.

Past climate of the northern Antarctic Peninsular informs global warming debate

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:09:50 PST

The seriousness of current global warming is underlined by a reconstruction of climate at Maxwell Bay in the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula over approximately the last 14,000 years, which appears to show that the current warming and widespread loss of glacial ice are unprecedented.

Nitrogen loss threatens desert plant life, study shows

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:08:49 PST

As the climate gets warmer, arid soils lose nitrogen as gas, reports a new Cornell study. That could lead to deserts with even less plant life than they sustain today, say the researchers.

Catholics for Choice Statement on Antiabortion Amendment to Healthcare Reform Bill

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:58:49 PST

This is unconscionable. This tiny group of individuals has decided that their personal beliefs about abortion are more important than insuring millions of Americans who do not currently have coverage.

Researcher's Analysis Shows Buying Alaska No Sweet Deal for American Taxpayers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:56:11 PST

Sarah Palin has a new book out, and the former Alaska governor's rise to fame has brought more notoriety to her native state than it's had since the United States dropped $7.2 million in gold to buy it from Russia in 1867.

But a new analysis by a University of Iowa economist suggests the investment hasn't been worth it for U.S taxpayers.

Kenya: Replacing the bucket latrine

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:53:16 PST

The sound of the evening bell at a local boarding high-school in Wajir, in the northeast of Kenya, did not always signal the end of the day's classes. Instead it marked the end of the evening bathroom break as "bucket toilets" were emptied for the day.

Sherwood Ross | 800,000 Americans Busted Annually For Pot

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:51:59 PST

Seven million Americans have been arrested since 1995 on marijuana charges and 41,000 of them are rotting in federal and State prisons---but the public is starting to rebel against "the preposterous war on pot," two political scientists say. Thousands of other pot users and sellers are confined in local jails as well.

Somalia: Donor caution alarms aid workers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:49:49 PST

Aid agencies operating in Somalia say they need more money but that some donors are holding back, concerned at where resources might end up in areas too dangerous for international staff.

Lesotho: A mountain of challenges

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:30:24 PST

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has been feeding people in Lesotho since 1965, yet the tiny mountain kingdom is still not much closer to achieving food self-sufficiency. Time to overhaul the approach, aid agencies say.

Secondary PTSD a Possible Factor for Fort Hood Shooter

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:07:43 PST

"Our hearts go out to the families of the soldiers and civilians who were killed or wounded by the senseless violence that took place at Fort Hood today," said National Veterans Foundation President and Founder Shad Meshad.

Ken Salazar Leads Groundbreaking Ceremony for Permanent Flight 93 National Memorial

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:04:54 PST

At a solemn ceremony in a remote Pennsylvania field, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar marked the groundbreaking and start of construction for the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial. The national memorial pays tribute to the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 which plunged to earth as the heroic 40 men and women resisted terrorists seeking to attack our nation's capital on September 11, 2001.

UN launches campaign harnessing support to end violence against women

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:54:07 PST

The United Nations kicked off a campaign today mobilizing people around the world to take part in a drive to stop the pandemic of violence suffered by women at the hands of men.

Prolonged Detention of Somali Torture Victim Unconstitutional

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:52:47 PST

The government's prolonged detention without a hearing of a Somali man who was a victim of torture is unconstitutional, the San Diego ACLU said in a habeas corpus petition filed this week.

Assembly Presidents Calls on Israel, Palestinians to Implement Resolution on Gaza Conflict

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:52:11 PST

General Assembly President Ali Treki today urged Israel and the Palestinians to heed the body's call to conduct credible investigations into charges that both sides were guilty of serious human rights violations during the conflict in the Gaza Strip at the start of the year.

Humane Society International/Canada and Humane Society of the US Condemn Opening of Protected Wilderness Area to Commercial Seal Slaughter

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:49:45 PST

Humane Society International/Canada and The Humane Society of the United States condemns the Nova Scotia legislature's passage of Bill 50 – amendments to the Wilderness Areas Protection Act to allow the commercial slaughter of baby seals on Hay Island for their fur.

The HSUS Testifies in Support of Federal Legislation to Restrict Trade in Large Constrictor Snakes

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:47:36 PST

Nancy Perry, vice president of Government Affairs for The Humane Society of the United States, testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in support of H.R. 2811, introduced by Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla. The legislation would add certain nonnative large constrictor snakes to the list of injurious species that cannot be imported or moved in interstate commerce for the pet trade.

Humane Society International Wins Campaign of the Year Award

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:46:42 PST

Humane Society International is the proud recipient of the Campaign of the Year award at the European Public Affairs Awards in Brussels Thursday night.

Planned Parenthood Statement Opposing Stupak/Pitts Amendment

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:45:18 PST

Planned Parenthood strongly opposes the Stupak/Pitts amendment which would result in women losing health benefits they have today. This amendment would violate the spirit of health care reform, which is meant to guarantee quality, affordable health care coverage for all, by creating a two-tiered system that would punish women, particularly those with low and modest incomes. Women won't stand for legislation that takes away their current benefits and leaves them worse off after health care reform than they are today.

Placer County's Veterans' Services Office Gets $22 Million in Benefits for Local Veterans

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:09:50 PST

During the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Buckman, the county's Veterans' Service Officer, and his staff filed 3,500 claims for Placer County veterans, garnering $22 million in benefits for them. This was an increase from 1,700 claims and $10 million received in benefits for veterans the year before. Since Buckman's arrival to Placer County in May, 2006, services to area veterans have increased dramatically. And the proof is in the numbers. In the year before his arrival, the office filed about 400 claims on behalf of veterans.

FDIC: East West Bank, Pasadena Assumes All the Deposits of United Commercial Bank, San Francisco

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:05:04 PST

United Commercial Bank, San Francisco, California, was closed today by the California Department of Financial Institutions, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with East West Bank, Pasadena, California, to assume all of the deposits of United Commercial Bank. This agreement included all U.S. branches of United Commercial Bank, the Hong Kong branch of United Commercial Bank, and the subsidiary of United Commercial Bank headquartered in Shanghai, China, United Commercial Bank (UCB-China).

Heating, Air-Conditioning and Carpets May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:03:25 PST

Damp environments, poorly maintained heating and air-conditioning systems and carpeting may contribute to poor indoor air quality, according to experts at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Miami Beach, Fla. Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are repeatedly exposed to indoor allergens and airborne particles that can lead to respiratory symptoms and conditions.

Poll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:57:15 PST

A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so. The poll, which examines the American public's response to the H1N1 vaccine shortage, is the fifth in a series of surveys of public views concerning the H1N1 flu outbreak undertaken by the Harvard Opinion Research Program at HSPH. The polling was done October 30 to November 1, 2009.

Sierra College Natural History Museum Presents "The Fascinating World of the Ringtails" on Nov. 20

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:54:34 PST

The Sierra College Natural History Museum will present an illustrated lecture entitled "The Fascinating World of the Ringtails" by Sacramento City College Biologist David Wyatt on Friday, November 20, at 7:30 PM in Sewell Hall on the Sierra College-Rocklin Campus.

Forest Service Employee Receives California Film Commission Honor

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:52:25 PST

Gina Thompson of the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, received the honor of Public Employee of the Year-Federal at the California Film Commission's Annual On Location Awards.

Dirty Coal Czar Confirmed by Senate

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:51:46 PST

The Senate today confirmed controversial nominee Joseph Pizarchik to be director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the federal agency charged with protecting communities and natural systems from the impacts of coal mining. The Center for Biological Diversity and numerous organizations and communities affected by coal mining had opposed the nomination.

Greenpeace Demands Answers, Balance in Newsweek’s Pay-to-Play Forum with Big Oil

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:48:56 PST

Greenpeace Executive Director Phil Radford today pressed Newsweek Editor Jon Meacham for answers on the magazine's financial ties to Big Oil companies and for balance in an upcoming "pay-to-play" forum about climate legislation that currently includes only one panelist, Big Oil's top lobbyist.

Call for E-Waste Industry to Withdraw Lawsuit

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:48:52 PST

California local governments and associations joined with officials from across the country in calling on the electronics industry to withdraw its lawsuit against the New York City e-waste recycling law, describing the lawsuit as a direct challenge to state and local government efforts to protect public health and the environment.

Draft Environmental Study Available for Proposed Ivanpah Solar Electric Generation System Project

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:47:52 PST

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today released for public comment a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) released a Final Staff Assessment (FSA) for the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generation Project on public land in San Bernardino County, California.

Kerry Kennedy Accuses Chevron of Cultural Genocide in Ecuador Rainforest

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:46:27 PST

The massive oil contamination for which Chevron faces a potential $27 billion liability in Ecuador's courts is a "clear violation" of the rights of indigenous peoples to life, security, and self-determination, said Kerry Kennedy, a human rights advocate and daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy, in an opinion piece posted on the Huffington Post this week.

AQMD Approves Funding to Replace Dirty Diesel Trucks Operating at Ports

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:45:43 PST

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has approved $34 million in grant funding to replace more than 600 dirty diesel trucks operating in and around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with new, low-emission models.

Fort Hood Shootings

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:36:16 PST

Fort Hood Shootings - cartoon by Nate Beeler

Fort Hood

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:34:07 PST

Fort Hood - cartoon by Mike Keefe

Public Option Trojan Horse

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:30:32 PST

Public Option Trojan Horse - cartoon by RJ Matson

Doe Run Lead Waste Pollution

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:27:19 PST

Doe Run Lead Waste Pollution - cartoon by RJ Matson

Berlin, 20 Years Later

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:25:52 PST

Berlin, 20 Years Later - cartoon by Patrick Chappatte

David Swanson: How to End Wars

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:16:53 PST

Around the United States, peace groups are engaged in effective campaigns against proposed new military installations, local funding of weapons companies, and the routine destruction of the environment and of workers' health by such companies. Activists are building better media outlets, educating young people, educating old people, keeping military testing and recruiting out of schools, and discouraging the Army from building real-weapon video arcades in shopping malls. But when it comes to stopping our wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, our citizens are less clear how to go about it.

Marijuana Arrests Rising Faster in California Than Nationally, New Report Shows

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:12:48 PST

The most exhaustive collection of data ever on U.S. marijuana arrests and penalties, released today, reports marijuana arrests rising faster in California than nationwide, while penalty structures act as a price support mechanism that boosts the illegal market. Assembled by Jon Gettman, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, the new report finds:

Brown Wins $19.5 Million Judgment Against Shell Oil Co. for Environmental Violations at its Gas Stations

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:55:09 PST

After finding "hundreds of environmental violations" at Shell gasoline stations statewide, Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that his office has secured a $19.5 million judgment against the oil company and its affiliates, which will ensure compliance with the state's hazardous waste and underground fuel storage laws.

Violence Policy Center and Freedom States Alliance: Fort Hood Mass Shooting Latest Example of Price Paid for Deadly Firepower Available to Americans

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:50:47 PST

"Our sympathies go to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

"The handguns used in yesterday's rampage shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, demonstrate the deadly firepower available to any American -- whether that person is a member of the military or a private citizen. Initial news reports describe the handguns possessed by the shooter as a semiautomatic pistol and .357 revolver, apparently neither was military issue. Like the Luby's massacre in neighboring Killeen, Texas that occurred 18 years ago and left 23 dead and 20 injured, the facts are as simple as they are disturbing: easy access to unmatched firepower allows angry individuals to kill and wound at will.