Tag Archives: senate

Fiscal Cliff: Averted By Last-Minute Deal!

A full two hours after a midnight deadline, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a deal Tuesday to avert the feared fiscal cliff of tax increases and spending cut. The bipartisan bill passed 89-8. Budget cuts will be put off for two months and income tax cuts for individuals earning less than $400,000 or couples earning less than $450,000 are preserved. The measure now goes to the U.S. House where it faces an uncertain future in the GOP-controlled body. However, the Senate’s margin of passage sends a message. It is not expected that the House will reject the bill (although anything is possible) and thus allow taxes to rise on almost every single American. “Glad it’s over,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) after the vote. “We’ll see if the Republicans in the House can become functional instead of dysfunctional.” A statement from House leadership made no promises, though a vote could come as early as New Year’s Day. The House is scheduled to convene at noon. Under the Senate fiscal cliff package : Taxes would stay the same for most Americans. They will rise for individuals making over $400,000 and couples making over $450,000, with the top rate increasing from 35 percent to 39.6. Itemized deductions would be capped for those making $250,000 ($300,000 for couples). Taxes on inherited estates will go up to 40 percent from 35 percent. Unemployment insurance would be extended for a year for 2 million people. The alternative minimum tax – a perennial issue – will be permanently adjusted for inflation. Child care, tuition and research and development tax credits would be renewed. Reimbursements for doctors who take Medicare patients will continue, but it won’t be paid for out of the Obama administration’s health care law. Milk prices should remain relatively stable. What’s not addressed is the debt ceiling, and the so-called sequester – a series of cuts in federal spending that would have taken effect Wednesday – beyond March 1. Going over the fiscal cliff would have reduced the budgets of most agencies and programs by 8-10 percent, and Congress will have to resume those talks soon.

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Fiscal Cliff: Averted By Last-Minute Deal!

Senator McCain Slams ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Torture Scenes

A front-runner in the Oscar race, Zero Dark Thirty received some harsh words from an unlikely source – Senator John McCain. The Arizona legislator who was a P.O.W. and endured torture during Vietnam watched the film by Kathryn Bigelow Monday night and said it left him sick and called it, “wrong.” McCain said that the controversial technique, known as water boarding, which simulates drowning, did not yield useful information from al Qaeda’s number three leader, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has been in U.S. custody since 2003. The film suggests that the technique resulted in useful information that lead the CIA to al Qaeda mastermind Osama Bin Laden’s courier, Abu Ahmed. “The filmmakers fell for it hook, line and sinker,” the Republican senator is quoted as saying by A.P. Last year, McCain, who spent 5 1/2 years in captivity by his North Vietnamese captors, asked then-CIA director Leon Panetta whether the hunt for Bin Laden came from information provided from Mohammed. The lead to the courier, however, came from a detainee held in a separate country. “Not only did the use of enhanced interrogation techniques on Khalid Sheikh Mohammed not provide us with key leads on bin Laden’s courier, Abu Ahmed, it actually produced false and misleading information,” McCain said in a speech in the U.S. Senate. California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who is chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee concurred that water boarding did not lead to the tip that eventually saw U.S. special forces raid a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. McCain said that water boarding is dangerous because it damages the U.S.’s reputation and character and might be used against Americans. “I do not believe they are necessary to our success in our war against terrorists, as the advocates of these techniques claim they are,” he said. [ Source: A.P. ]

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Senator McCain Slams ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Torture Scenes

Arlen Specter Dies; Former U.S. Senator was 82

Arlen Specter, a former U.S. Senator who made headlines toward the end of his career by switching from the Republican Party to the Democratic side, passed away yesterday after a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 82. The long-time Pennsylvania politician passed away at his home in Philadelphia, family members confirm. He was elected to the Senate in 1980 and served longer than anyone in state history. “Arlen Specter was always a fighter,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “From his days stamping out corruption as a prosecutor in Philadelphia to his three decades of service in the Senate, Arlen was fiercely independent — never putting party or ideology ahead of the people he was chosen to serve. He brought that same toughness and determination to his personal struggles, using his own story to inspire others.” Specter crossed party lines in 2009 when he voted for the President’s stimulus plan and subsequently lost in the Democratic primary to then-U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak a year later. He is survived by wife Joan, sons Shanin and Steve, and four granddaughters.

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Arlen Specter Dies; Former U.S. Senator was 82

Todd Akin Apologizes for "Legitimate Rape" Comment

Missouri Congressman Todd Akin has apologized for a remark found incredibly outrageous and offensive by both Republicans and Democrats. In an interview with KTVI-TV of St. Louis yesterday, the U.S. Senate candidate was asked about his view on abortion and defended his strict pro-life stance by saying: “First of all, from what I understand from doctors [pregnancy from rape] is really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Two questions, of course, have arisen from this statement: What medical process of “shut down” is Akin talking about? What the heck is a “legitimate” rape?!? Following outcry from citizens and politicians – Mitt Romney’s camp said “Congressman’s Akin comments on rape are insulting, inexcusable, and, frankly, wrong. Like millions of other Americans, we found them to be offensive.” – Akin quickly apologized and attempted to clarify: “In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it’s clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year,” he said. “I recognize that abortion, and particularly in the case of rape, is a very emotionally charged issue. But I believe deeply in the protection of all life and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action.” Of course, he didn’t actually answer either of the questions posed above. And now many are asking a different question of Akin: Should he drop out of the Senate race against Claire McCaskill? What do you think?

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Todd Akin Apologizes for "Legitimate Rape" Comment

Legalize It?: Top DEA Agent Can’t Admit Meth Or Any Other Hard Drug Is More Harmful Than Mary Jane! [Video]

Top DEA Michelle Leonhart Can’t Admit Marijuana Less Harmful Than Heroin Caught in a pickle, Michelle Leonhart, just can’t handle the truth: During a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Drug Enforcement Administrator Michele Leonhart repeatedly refused to admit that anything was more addictive or harmful than marijuana. Democratic Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado pressed Leonhart on whether illegal drugs like methamphetamine and crack, as well as legal prescription drugs, caused greater harm to public health compared to marijuana. But within a three minute time-span, Leonhart dodged his questions eleven times. “Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?” Polis, who has called for an end the prohibition on marijuana, asked. “I believe all illegal drugs are bad,” Leonhart responded. “Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?” Polis continued. “Is heroin worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?” “Again, all drugs,” Leonhart began to say, only to be cut off by Polis. “Yes, no, or I don’t know?” Polis said. “If you don’t know this, you can look this up. As the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency, I’m asking a very straightforward question.” Leonhart said that heroin was highly addictive, but accused Polis of asking a “subjective” question. After being pressed further, she conceded that heroin was more addictive than marijuana, but added “some people become addicted marijuana and some people become addicted to methamphetamine.” Leonhart was nominated to be the Deputy Administrator of the DEA by then-President Bush in 2003 and confirmed by the Senate in 2004. She became the acting Administrator of the DEA after the former Administrator, Karen P. Tandy, resigned in 2007. Obama nominated Leonhart to the position in 2010. Turn the page to see this woman not be able to give a complete and decisive response to a simple question.

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Legalize It?: Top DEA Agent Can’t Admit Meth Or Any Other Hard Drug Is More Harmful Than Mary Jane! [Video]

Evelyn Lozada Says Star Jones Helped Her See The Bad Example She Was Setting For Young Girls Of Color

Evelyn Lozada wants the world to know she recently had an “aha” moment. In a letter penned to her 7-year-old self, the starlet admits she’s finally seen the error of her ways and will “Try To Do Better” Via the Huffington Post : From the Desk of Evelyn Lozada Dear Mija, In exactly twenty-nine years you’re going to find yourself at the middle of a mess that you unwillingly helped to create… You’re going to be the topic of a discussion about women on a national level that won’t be one of your proudest moments. And as large as your life may be at that time, the truth is that you’re going to feel painfully small. You’ll look through the rearview mirror of your life and see a mountain of mistakes. You’ll realize that although it appears that you’re living out a dream, your seven year old self could never picture this near nightmare at thirty-six. You’ll remember the days when you drowned out the fighting and drama in your own house and the negativity of the women you loved who ultimately shape who you will become. You’ll recall the moments when you sat in front of the television each day after school in search of someone positive and found Oprah and wondered if people like her would ever be a part of your life, or if you’d always have the jaded ones you watched on Jerry Springer. You’ll make no excuses for your actions, as a matter of fact, you’ll find yourself in tears at the Ah-ha moment Star Jones forces you to have. Beyond what you’ll initially perceive as a malicious attack by Star, lives a hard truth that will shake you to your core. YOU are the little girl, she’s talking about. And it hadn’t dawned on you the effects that your grown-up actions were having on the next generation of little ones who watch negative and abusive moments unfold on television. It’ll take the moment when you see and hear your future step-daughters pretending to be “you” after watching you behave badly on T.V., that you’ll actually feel real shame. Knowing that the self image they were imitating was the very ‘image of self’ you will so desperately try to escape. In utter embarrassment you’ll find yourself explaining your unacceptable behavior to them, reaching for the imprint of encouragement felt by Star, Oprah, our First Lady Michelle Obama and other positive women of color that have gone before you and that are prayerfully standing behind you…encouraging you…willing you to stand in the space God will so graciously provide for you.” It’ll be the wakeup call you need. Until now, you’d never put a race, or face or even an age to the eyes that idolize you or see you as an example: be it good or bad. And although, conscious now, you’ll carry the fear of failure with you each second because deep down, you’ll realize that you yourself had never been taught better. I cannot promise you perfection, Mija. I cannot say that overnight, I’m going to get it right every time. What I will promise you is that I will always remain conscious that little eyes like yours are watching me and because of that, I will try to be better. Learning To Love You More, Evelyn Are you buying it? Is Evelyn genuinely sorrry? Or is this a last ditch attempt to keep the public on her side? Either way, it’s a relief to see Evelyn owning up to her mistakes finally — isn’t it?

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Evelyn Lozada Says Star Jones Helped Her See The Bad Example She Was Setting For Young Girls Of Color

Random Ridiculousness: Democrats ‘Equal Pay’ Bill Blocked By Senate

Equal Pay Bill Blocked By Senate A bill that would require employers to clearly identify non-gender related reasons for differences in pay was shot down by the Senate GOP majority on Tuesday. Republicans say the bill would place “unnecessary burdens” and too much pressure on businesses required to comply. As expected, the pay equity bill failed along party lines, 52-47, short of the required 60-vote threshold. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., would require employers to prove that differences in pay are based on qualifications, education and other “bona fides” not related to gender. It also would prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who ask about, discuss or disclose wages in response to a complaint or investigation. And it would make employers who violate sex discrimination laws liable for compensatory or punitive damages. Under the bill, the federal government would be exempt from punitive damages. GOP sure does know how to win over the hearts of women everywhere . Image via Wenn Source

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Random Ridiculousness: Democrats ‘Equal Pay’ Bill Blocked By Senate

Obama Divorce Story: New Book Claims Michelle Nearly Left Barack in 2000

The controversial new biography of President Barack Obama claims that his wife, Michelle Obama, planned to leave the future president in 2000. Is the divorce story real? Is anything in the book? The unauthorized biography, which Klein claims is based on nearly 200 interviews, has been dismissed by presidential spokesperson Eric Schultz. “Ed Klein has a proven history of reckless fabrication in order to sell books,” he said. “Nobody in their right mind would believe the nonsense in this one.” Nevertheless, the Obama divorce story is the latest revelation in the book – which also discusses his ex Genevieve Cook – to generate major buzz. In The Amateur: Barack Obama in the White House , out this week, Klein claims the divorce nearly happened eight years into the Obamas’ marriage. After Obama failed to listen to his wife’s warnings in challenging Bobby Rush for his U.S. House seat in 2000 and got creamed, their relationship cooled. “During the dark days that followed his defeat, he turned to Michelle for comfort. But she was in no mood for sympathy,” Klein reportedly writes. “He had refused to listen to her warnings about taking on Rush.” The primary left them in debt and Barack depressed, Klein claims. “Michelle actually had divorce papers drawn up,” he writes, citing one of her friends. “Obama was so depressed that some of his friends worried that he was suicidal,” the book adds, without elaboration on that particular point. Obama, of course, was still in the Illinois State Senate, and went on to win a U.S. Senate seat in 2004 that helped establish his national credentials. But Michelle almost vetoed the Senate race, too. Northwestern University professor Steven Rogers told Klein that Obama talked about his ambition after they met at a golf fund-raiser. “My wife will not allow me to run for the Senate until I clear up the debts from my unsuccessful run for Congress,” Obama said, according to Rogers. [Photo: WENN.com]

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Obama Divorce Story: New Book Claims Michelle Nearly Left Barack in 2000

Feds Spent $70 Billion on Climate Change Since 2008

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According to a new report, the federal government has spent a whopping $70 billion on climate change since 2008. But we’re supposed to believe they can’t reduced spending. The Daily Caller has the details. Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe presented the new CRS report on the Senate Floor Thursday to make the point that the Obama administration has been focused on “green” defense projects to the… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : The Lonely Conservative Discovery Date : 17/05/2012 22:46 Number of articles : 2

Feds Spent $70 Billion on Climate Change Since 2008

Why Won’t Senate Democrats Adopt a Budget? (Cont’d)

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(John Hinderaker) The United States has now gone almost three years without a budget, because Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats refuse to propose or adopt one. President Obama’s proposed budgets have failed to gain a single vote in support: his FY 2012 budget was voted down in the Senate last year, 97-0, and his FY 2013 budget was voted down in the House this year, 414-0. The Democrats love to castigate… Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Power Line Discovery Date : 04/04/2012 18:02 Number of articles : 2

Why Won’t Senate Democrats Adopt a Budget? (Cont’d)