FOXNews Article
Summary: The SCOTUS announced that they will in fact hear cases regarding same sex marriage in April and a decision will be announced in late June. The case will ask that they overturn bans in 4 states and either allow the whole nation to marry the same sex or not. Attorney General Holder said the Obama administration would urge the court "to make marriage equality a reality for all Americans." On the other side, advocates for traditional marriage want the court to let the political process play out, rather than have judges order states to allow same-sex couples to marry.
Monday, April 20, 2015
4/7 SCOTUS Debit card
FOXNews Article
Summary: The SCOTUS rejected a hearing in which retailers are fighting against the Federal Reserve, who they say allows banks charge too much to handle debit card transactions. The Federal Reserve's cap is 24 cents for "swipe fees". Retailers pay the fee when someone swipes a debit card. The fees cover the cost for the service.
Summary: The SCOTUS rejected a hearing in which retailers are fighting against the Federal Reserve, who they say allows banks charge too much to handle debit card transactions. The Federal Reserve's cap is 24 cents for "swipe fees". Retailers pay the fee when someone swipes a debit card. The fees cover the cost for the service.
3/7 SCOTUS sides with ex-UPS worker
FOXNews Article
Summary: A UPS worker is attempting to sue the company because she claims that they did not giver her lighter work when she was pregnant. The SCOTUS voted 6-3 to throw out lower courts rulings against the girl. Young's dispute with UPS arose after she gave her supervisor a doctor's note recommending that she not lift packages heavier than 20 pounds. Young said she dealt almost exclusively with overnight letters, but UPS said its drivers must be able to lift packages weighing up to 70 pounds.
Summary: A UPS worker is attempting to sue the company because she claims that they did not giver her lighter work when she was pregnant. The SCOTUS voted 6-3 to throw out lower courts rulings against the girl. Young's dispute with UPS arose after she gave her supervisor a doctor's note recommending that she not lift packages heavier than 20 pounds. Young said she dealt almost exclusively with overnight letters, but UPS said its drivers must be able to lift packages weighing up to 70 pounds.
2/7 Supreme Court sends back Alabama redistricting
FOXNews Article
Summary: The Supreme Court, voting 5-4, voted to order a lower court to take another look at whether Alabama relied too heavily on race when redrawing district lines. Justice Breyer believes that should have reviewed claims of racial gerrymandering on a district-by-district level, not just statewide. He also said the court didn't apply the right test when it found that race wasn't the primary motivating factor.
Summary: The Supreme Court, voting 5-4, voted to order a lower court to take another look at whether Alabama relied too heavily on race when redrawing district lines. Justice Breyer believes that should have reviewed claims of racial gerrymandering on a district-by-district level, not just statewide. He also said the court didn't apply the right test when it found that race wasn't the primary motivating factor.
1/7 Obama Immigration Order in Federal Courts
FOXNews Article
Summary: The Justice Dept lawyers are trying to convince a federal appeals court in New Orleans to lift an injunction on the Obama immigration law. The law would allow 5 million illegal aliens to live in the country legally. "We are human. We want family to be together. We just want to be OK in this country, cause no trouble and have the opportunity to be in the U.S. all our life,” Ibarra said, an illegal alien.
Summary: The Justice Dept lawyers are trying to convince a federal appeals court in New Orleans to lift an injunction on the Obama immigration law. The law would allow 5 million illegal aliens to live in the country legally. "We are human. We want family to be together. We just want to be OK in this country, cause no trouble and have the opportunity to be in the U.S. all our life,” Ibarra said, an illegal alien.
Friday, April 10, 2015
5/6 Hillary Clinton to Announce
FOXNews Article
Summary: Hillary Clinton will announce her candidacy for President on Sunday at noon. She will be the first Democratic candidate to enter the race. She will announce in on Twitter, then videos and will start her campaign in Iowa. Apparently, "She fights for every vote and takes nothing for granted.
Summary: Hillary Clinton will announce her candidacy for President on Sunday at noon. She will be the first Democratic candidate to enter the race. She will announce in on Twitter, then videos and will start her campaign in Iowa. Apparently, "She fights for every vote and takes nothing for granted.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
4/6 Obama will try to end conversion therapy
NYTimes Article
Summary: A girl killed herself by throwing herself in front of a train because she was trying to be converted back to her biological gender--male. Obama is calling to end these conversion therapies because a Whitehouse.gov petition was signed and reached 120K signatures, which requires a response from the President. “As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.” said a senior advisor to Obama.
Summary: A girl killed herself by throwing herself in front of a train because she was trying to be converted back to her biological gender--male. Obama is calling to end these conversion therapies because a Whitehouse.gov petition was signed and reached 120K signatures, which requires a response from the President. “As part of our dedication to protecting America’s youth, this administration supports efforts to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors.” said a senior advisor to Obama.
3/6 Super PACs for Ted Cruz
NYTimes Article
Summary: $31 million has already been raised by a network of several Super PACs for Ted Cruz for President. 4 groups with similar names to Keep the Promise are the ones backing this $31 million. The numbers cannot be verified and we won't really know until July, when the FEC requires campaign contributions to be submitted. This could be the largest money race in the history of Presidential races.
Summary: $31 million has already been raised by a network of several Super PACs for Ted Cruz for President. 4 groups with similar names to Keep the Promise are the ones backing this $31 million. The numbers cannot be verified and we won't really know until July, when the FEC requires campaign contributions to be submitted. This could be the largest money race in the history of Presidential races.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
2/6 Vietnam Veteran files lawsuit against Veterans Affairs
FOXNews Article
Summary: A Vietnam veteran has filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs, hoping to force them to speed up the process of benefits claims being processed. The veteran at the helm of the suit has waited years for benefits, claiming he has PTSD and was exposed to poisonous chemicals. He was originally denied for benefits, but appealed. The case is being heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Summary: A Vietnam veteran has filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs, hoping to force them to speed up the process of benefits claims being processed. The veteran at the helm of the suit has waited years for benefits, claiming he has PTSD and was exposed to poisonous chemicals. He was originally denied for benefits, but appealed. The case is being heard in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
1/6 Rand Paul to Run in 2016
FOXNews Article
Summary: Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky announced on Tuesday, April 7, that he will seek the Republican nomination for President. "I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government,” he said. He is expected to aim his campaign at the most Libertarian areas of the states.
Summary: Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky announced on Tuesday, April 7, that he will seek the Republican nomination for President. "I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government,” he said. He is expected to aim his campaign at the most Libertarian areas of the states.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
5/5 Alabama Stops Gay Marriage
NYTimes Article
Summary: All 48 counties that were participating in issuing same sex marriage licenses stopped Wednesday, due to the Alabama Supreme Court issuing an order that all probate judges recognize an Alabama state ban on same sex marriage. The ruling goes against a lower Federal Court ruling that banned the Alabama constitutional ban on same sex marriage. The SCOTUS is expected to rule in favor of same sex marriages later this year. Chief Justice Moore said that the decision was not his, but it was the right one.
Summary: All 48 counties that were participating in issuing same sex marriage licenses stopped Wednesday, due to the Alabama Supreme Court issuing an order that all probate judges recognize an Alabama state ban on same sex marriage. The ruling goes against a lower Federal Court ruling that banned the Alabama constitutional ban on same sex marriage. The SCOTUS is expected to rule in favor of same sex marriages later this year. Chief Justice Moore said that the decision was not his, but it was the right one.
4/5 US Ambassador to South Korea Attacked
NYTimes Article
Summary: The US Ambassador to South Korea was attacked with a knife by a man who claimed he was against joint American-South Korean military exercises. He was taken to a hospital with bleeding on the right side of his face. Critics of the military exercises say they raise tensions with North Korea and hinder reconciliation efforts between the North and South. The man even said he was committing an "act of terror" to show his condemnation for these military exercises.
Summary: The US Ambassador to South Korea was attacked with a knife by a man who claimed he was against joint American-South Korean military exercises. He was taken to a hospital with bleeding on the right side of his face. Critics of the military exercises say they raise tensions with North Korea and hinder reconciliation efforts between the North and South. The man even said he was committing an "act of terror" to show his condemnation for these military exercises.
3/5 SCOTUS divided over ObamaCare Subsidies
FOX News Article
Summary: The latest ObamaCare challenge on tax subsidies has justices divided based on idealogical beliefs. If struck down, this could affect nearly 8 million policy holders. The justices met to see if the law makes every citizen eligible for federal tax subsidies, or just those who live in states that created their own health insurance marketplaces. A decision in King v. Burwell is expected in late June, just alongside the same sex marriage decision.
Summary: The latest ObamaCare challenge on tax subsidies has justices divided based on idealogical beliefs. If struck down, this could affect nearly 8 million policy holders. The justices met to see if the law makes every citizen eligible for federal tax subsidies, or just those who live in states that created their own health insurance marketplaces. A decision in King v. Burwell is expected in late June, just alongside the same sex marriage decision.
2/5 House Committee Subpoenas Hillary's email
FOX News Article
Summary: Two days ago a report came out that potential 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had not been using her official email for business use, but rather a personal email account on her own server. The House Select Committee issued the subpoenas for investigation purposes on what she exactly knew. Currently over 55,000 emails have been turned in while only 300 are related to Benghazi. This could be a potential violation of federal law.
Summary: Two days ago a report came out that potential 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had not been using her official email for business use, but rather a personal email account on her own server. The House Select Committee issued the subpoenas for investigation purposes on what she exactly knew. Currently over 55,000 emails have been turned in while only 300 are related to Benghazi. This could be a potential violation of federal law.
1/5 Senate fails to override Obama Veto
FOX News Article
Summary: President Obama recently used his Constitutional veto power on the Keystone XL pipeline bill. Republicans in Congress were sure that they had enough votes to over rule his veto; however they are wrong. Wednesday, the Senate failed to overturn his veto. The 62-37 vote was only five votes short of passing. A North Dakota senator said that it the vote didn't turn out positive, that they would attach it to another bill and get it passed. Most members of the Republicans and a fair majority of Democrats are for the bi-partisan backed bill. Obama says that this XL pipeline will contribute to global warming and greenhouse gases.
Summary: President Obama recently used his Constitutional veto power on the Keystone XL pipeline bill. Republicans in Congress were sure that they had enough votes to over rule his veto; however they are wrong. Wednesday, the Senate failed to overturn his veto. The 62-37 vote was only five votes short of passing. A North Dakota senator said that it the vote didn't turn out positive, that they would attach it to another bill and get it passed. Most members of the Republicans and a fair majority of Democrats are for the bi-partisan backed bill. Obama says that this XL pipeline will contribute to global warming and greenhouse gases.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
5/4 Walker Becomes More Conservative
NYTimes Article
Summary: Republican 2016 front runner, Scott Walker, has reportedly been changing his stance on abortion. A commercial he ran used the lnaguage that it was ultimartely up to the woman to decide. However, recently he has said that he wants to make all abortions illegal. His campaign described him as, "He is a pro-life, traditional marriage Republican who has taken on the special interests". He isn't necessarily changing his views, just retuning them for prime time.
Summary: Republican 2016 front runner, Scott Walker, has reportedly been changing his stance on abortion. A commercial he ran used the lnaguage that it was ultimartely up to the woman to decide. However, recently he has said that he wants to make all abortions illegal. His campaign described him as, "He is a pro-life, traditional marriage Republican who has taken on the special interests". He isn't necessarily changing his views, just retuning them for prime time.
4/4 Keystone XL pipeline Veto
NYTimes Article
Summary: This week Obama is expected to use his Constitutional right to veto the Keystone XL pipeline bill that was recently passed by both chambers of Congress. This will mark the beginning of what will be known as "The veto era of Obama's Presidency". He is also expected to make vetoes to; revisions on ObamaCare, new Iran sanctions, etc. Republicans only hold 54 senate seats, needing 60 to block a filibuster. In theory, Democrats could block Republicans from bringing any new legislation to the table.
Summary: This week Obama is expected to use his Constitutional right to veto the Keystone XL pipeline bill that was recently passed by both chambers of Congress. This will mark the beginning of what will be known as "The veto era of Obama's Presidency". He is also expected to make vetoes to; revisions on ObamaCare, new Iran sanctions, etc. Republicans only hold 54 senate seats, needing 60 to block a filibuster. In theory, Democrats could block Republicans from bringing any new legislation to the table.
3/4 Caracas Mayor
NYTimes Article
Summary: The mayor of a Venezuela city, Caracas, was arrested last week by intelligence agents has now been indicted on charges of conspiracy against the Venezuelan government, an operation that was backed by the United States. The maximum sentence for the mayor's crime is 25 years in prison. However, his lawyer said that the charges and accusations are based on weak data and that we(the mayor and him) will win without a doubt. Protests have begun since his arrest, with an already low presidential favor, and an awful economy, it seems Venezuela is not the place to be.
Summary: The mayor of a Venezuela city, Caracas, was arrested last week by intelligence agents has now been indicted on charges of conspiracy against the Venezuelan government, an operation that was backed by the United States. The maximum sentence for the mayor's crime is 25 years in prison. However, his lawyer said that the charges and accusations are based on weak data and that we(the mayor and him) will win without a doubt. Protests have begun since his arrest, with an already low presidential favor, and an awful economy, it seems Venezuela is not the place to be.
2/4 Afghanistan Troop pullout slowing
NYTimes Article
Summary: The new Defense Secretary, Ashton B. Carter, after arriving in Afghanistan, said he is thinking about slowing down the number of troops the U.S. is pulling out in order to help keep the Taliban in check. Now, most are scheduled to be out by late 2016. He also detailed that we are potentially rethinking the details of our counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
Summary: The new Defense Secretary, Ashton B. Carter, after arriving in Afghanistan, said he is thinking about slowing down the number of troops the U.S. is pulling out in order to help keep the Taliban in check. Now, most are scheduled to be out by late 2016. He also detailed that we are potentially rethinking the details of our counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
1/4 GOP Governors Offer Buyout
FOX News Article
Summary: In Maryland and Tennessee, Republican governors are offering a voluntary emplyee buy out program so that we can reduce government spending. In the Maryland Executive Branch, members are being offered a lump sum of $15,000 and potentially $200 for every year of service. Both states are looking to save around $30 million.
Summary: In Maryland and Tennessee, Republican governors are offering a voluntary emplyee buy out program so that we can reduce government spending. In the Maryland Executive Branch, members are being offered a lump sum of $15,000 and potentially $200 for every year of service. Both states are looking to save around $30 million.
Monday, February 9, 2015
5/3 Congress looking into White House
FOX News Article
Summary: There is now an investigation into wether the FCC or the White House is regulating the net neutrality rules, on the future of the broadband networks. Tom Wheeler, chairman of the FCC, has decided to hide his latest draft of the internet regulations from the public until a later vote in the month on them. The public has submitted over 4 million comments that support the initiative.
Summary: There is now an investigation into wether the FCC or the White House is regulating the net neutrality rules, on the future of the broadband networks. Tom Wheeler, chairman of the FCC, has decided to hide his latest draft of the internet regulations from the public until a later vote in the month on them. The public has submitted over 4 million comments that support the initiative.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
4/3 Alabama Gay Marriage
NYTimes Article
Summary: On Monday, February 9, Alabama will recognize, as well as allow gay marriages. Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has ordered all probate judges across the state to not issue marriage license's to same sex couples. Some counties are not even issuing licenses to normal couples who are wanting to marry; the Pike County Probate Office. Washington County Probate Judge said that he will only issue a license that is consistent with Alabama law and the U.S. Constitution, which is a marriage between a man and a woman. Moore says that Judge Granade, who originally struck down the Alabama ban on gay marriage, can't order probate judges across the state to recognize these marriages. “It violates not only my conscience, in my opinion, it violates the Constitution of the United States.”
Summary: On Monday, February 9, Alabama will recognize, as well as allow gay marriages. Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has ordered all probate judges across the state to not issue marriage license's to same sex couples. Some counties are not even issuing licenses to normal couples who are wanting to marry; the Pike County Probate Office. Washington County Probate Judge said that he will only issue a license that is consistent with Alabama law and the U.S. Constitution, which is a marriage between a man and a woman. Moore says that Judge Granade, who originally struck down the Alabama ban on gay marriage, can't order probate judges across the state to recognize these marriages. “It violates not only my conscience, in my opinion, it violates the Constitution of the United States.”
Saturday, February 7, 2015
3/3 5.5 Million Work Permits
FOX News Article
Summary: The Obama admin had handed out an additional 5.5 million work permits more than what Congress allows, to illegal aliens since 2009. Republicans complain that this lowers wages and takes jobs away from Americans. One of our own senators, Jeff Sessions, has called for an investigation into this matter. Congress only authorized 5 million green cards, and 3.5 million guest worker permits from 2009 to present day. The largest category of this 5.5 million is that almost 1 million were allowed in without inspection, being offered permanent/pre-permanent status. Around 24,000 were parolees, 1,000 stowaways and 49 suspected of document fraud.
Summary: The Obama admin had handed out an additional 5.5 million work permits more than what Congress allows, to illegal aliens since 2009. Republicans complain that this lowers wages and takes jobs away from Americans. One of our own senators, Jeff Sessions, has called for an investigation into this matter. Congress only authorized 5 million green cards, and 3.5 million guest worker permits from 2009 to present day. The largest category of this 5.5 million is that almost 1 million were allowed in without inspection, being offered permanent/pre-permanent status. Around 24,000 were parolees, 1,000 stowaways and 49 suspected of document fraud.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
2/3 Senate Dems Block GOP Homeland Security Bill
NYTimes Article
Summary: Democrats in the Senate have blocked a Republican backed bill that would finance the Department of Homeland Security. The Department's funding will run out next month. Another bill, passed by the House, would have revoked the President's executive actions on immigration. Obama says he will veto any legislation that undermines his executive actions. Republicans blamed Democrats for the vote, which ended in a 51-48 in favor of blocking it from coming to Senate floor. Republicans POV is simple; “If they’re going to dig their heels in and say, ‘We’re going to refuse to fund the Department of Homeland Security,’ I think they’re going to be held accountable for that,” said Senator John Cornyn.
Summary: Democrats in the Senate have blocked a Republican backed bill that would finance the Department of Homeland Security. The Department's funding will run out next month. Another bill, passed by the House, would have revoked the President's executive actions on immigration. Obama says he will veto any legislation that undermines his executive actions. Republicans blamed Democrats for the vote, which ended in a 51-48 in favor of blocking it from coming to Senate floor. Republicans POV is simple; “If they’re going to dig their heels in and say, ‘We’re going to refuse to fund the Department of Homeland Security,’ I think they’re going to be held accountable for that,” said Senator John Cornyn.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
1/3 House GOP Votes Againt OBAMACare
NYTimes Article
Summary: Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015, House Republicans voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The next vote stop will be the Senate. Majority leader Mitch McConnell says that the Senate will vote on the matter, but didn't give an expected date. However, the tough part might be yet to come. Republicans have yet to deduce a plan for 1. replacing the federal law and 2. what to do if the Supreme Court comes back and says that insurance is now being provided to millions of citizens. Vote count; Repeal - 239, Do not Repeal - 186. The vote followed mostly party lines expect for three Republicans. Democrats say that this is the 56th time for a vote on repealing Obama Care but that this time is different because millions are enrolled.
Summary: Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015, House Republicans voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The next vote stop will be the Senate. Majority leader Mitch McConnell says that the Senate will vote on the matter, but didn't give an expected date. However, the tough part might be yet to come. Republicans have yet to deduce a plan for 1. replacing the federal law and 2. what to do if the Supreme Court comes back and says that insurance is now being provided to millions of citizens. Vote count; Repeal - 239, Do not Repeal - 186. The vote followed mostly party lines expect for three Republicans. Democrats say that this is the 56th time for a vote on repealing Obama Care but that this time is different because millions are enrolled.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
5/2 Health Care Enrollment
NYTimes Article
Summary: 9.5 millions Americans have signed up to receive government healthcare. Even thought they think they achieved their goal of over 9.1 million subscribers, a good number of those people haven't payed their premiums yet, making them almost in purgatory until they pay up. Florida has the largest amount of people who signed up at 1.3 million people, followed by California at 1.2. According to the Obama admin 70% of people selected the middle plan, and 19 percent chose the bronze, which has lower premiums but higher deductibles/out of pocket expenses.
Summary: 9.5 millions Americans have signed up to receive government healthcare. Even thought they think they achieved their goal of over 9.1 million subscribers, a good number of those people haven't payed their premiums yet, making them almost in purgatory until they pay up. Florida has the largest amount of people who signed up at 1.3 million people, followed by California at 1.2. According to the Obama admin 70% of people selected the middle plan, and 19 percent chose the bronze, which has lower premiums but higher deductibles/out of pocket expenses.
Monday, January 26, 2015
4/2 Koch Brothers
NYTimes Article
Summary: The two brothers will spend approximately $900 million on the 2016 Presidential election. This new plan would let the Koch's organization to operate at the same financial level as both the Republican and Democratic parties. The main contributions would be from the brothers, but around 300 other donors would pitch in to make this the most expensive campaign in history. The goal is to spend $889 million which would align with how much each party will likely spend on their candidate.
Summary: The two brothers will spend approximately $900 million on the 2016 Presidential election. This new plan would let the Koch's organization to operate at the same financial level as both the Republican and Democratic parties. The main contributions would be from the brothers, but around 300 other donors would pitch in to make this the most expensive campaign in history. The goal is to spend $889 million which would align with how much each party will likely spend on their candidate.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
3/2 House GOP Anti-Abortion
CNN Article
Summary: House Republican leaders decided to cancel a vote on an anti-abortion bill. Instead of voting for this bill, they will instead schedule a vote for a bill banning tax payer funded abortions. The cause for the change is simply that the GOP leaders could not find enough support to pass the bill in their favor. They view the second bill as more optimistic. Although the second bill has already been discussed last year leading one member to say, "Maybe we can Xerox your [Republicans] testimony from last year". The cause of the change stems from a few Republican congresswomen who said that it could hurt the GOP's reach to women and young voters.
Summary: House Republican leaders decided to cancel a vote on an anti-abortion bill. Instead of voting for this bill, they will instead schedule a vote for a bill banning tax payer funded abortions. The cause for the change is simply that the GOP leaders could not find enough support to pass the bill in their favor. They view the second bill as more optimistic. Although the second bill has already been discussed last year leading one member to say, "Maybe we can Xerox your [Republicans] testimony from last year". The cause of the change stems from a few Republican congresswomen who said that it could hurt the GOP's reach to women and young voters.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
2/2 State of Economy from Ground Level
NYTimes Article
Summary: The economy is soaring to new heights. Unemployment is down and the creation of new jobs is at the fastest rate since the late 90's. Across the country there are many people who are doing great, while others who are struggling to get by. In Denver, a man lost his almost $18 an hour job in 2010 only to find work at a thrift store where he works in exchange for a little under $200 in food stamps. In Boston, a democrat is critical of Obama saying that sure there is some improvement, but not as good as the hype that Mr. Obama has been singing. The President is most likely fully aware of this, yet is trying to keep his somewhat low image up.
Summary: The economy is soaring to new heights. Unemployment is down and the creation of new jobs is at the fastest rate since the late 90's. Across the country there are many people who are doing great, while others who are struggling to get by. In Denver, a man lost his almost $18 an hour job in 2010 only to find work at a thrift store where he works in exchange for a little under $200 in food stamps. In Boston, a democrat is critical of Obama saying that sure there is some improvement, but not as good as the hype that Mr. Obama has been singing. The President is most likely fully aware of this, yet is trying to keep his somewhat low image up.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
1/2 State of Union Address; Obama move past hardship
NYTimes Article
Summary: Obama will make the annual State of the Union address to the American people tonight, January 20, 2015. “I see this as the president returning to the theme of class warfare,” said Representative Adam Kinzinger, Republican of Illinois. He, like many other Republicans, view the President's address as attacking the wealthy, instituting higher tax rates. Likely, the Republican controlled Congress will over rule Mr. Obama's plans, as he has said he will veto three key Republican bills; Keystone XL, cutting costly regulations and adjusting the convoluted health care law. It will be interesting to see what the President says he will do, how much he will accomplish (without Congress backlash) and the reaction of many to his un-American agenda.
Summary: Obama will make the annual State of the Union address to the American people tonight, January 20, 2015. “I see this as the president returning to the theme of class warfare,” said Representative Adam Kinzinger, Republican of Illinois. He, like many other Republicans, view the President's address as attacking the wealthy, instituting higher tax rates. Likely, the Republican controlled Congress will over rule Mr. Obama's plans, as he has said he will veto three key Republican bills; Keystone XL, cutting costly regulations and adjusting the convoluted health care law. It will be interesting to see what the President says he will do, how much he will accomplish (without Congress backlash) and the reaction of many to his un-American agenda.
Monday, January 12, 2015
5/1 Data Hacking/Student Privacy
NYTimes Article
Summary:
Today, Monday, January 12, Obama is planning to start talks for legislation that forces companies who have been hacked to be more open when cards have been breached and customer data has been compromised. Dubbed the Personal Data Notification and Protection Act, it would require companies who have been hacked to alert the affected customers within 30 days of the breach. Another act, the Student Data Privacy Act, which will not allow tech companies to make any profit off of tools and software that are used in the classroom. Many critics say that a federal law will be weak and not as strong as the state laws that have been passed in recent years
Summary:
Today, Monday, January 12, Obama is planning to start talks for legislation that forces companies who have been hacked to be more open when cards have been breached and customer data has been compromised. Dubbed the Personal Data Notification and Protection Act, it would require companies who have been hacked to alert the affected customers within 30 days of the breach. Another act, the Student Data Privacy Act, which will not allow tech companies to make any profit off of tools and software that are used in the classroom. Many critics say that a federal law will be weak and not as strong as the state laws that have been passed in recent years
Friday, January 9, 2015
4/1 Health Care Law Alterations
NYTimes Article
Summary:
The Save American Workers Act, passed by a landslide in the House with a 252-172 vote. The ObamaCare plan requires that any business with 50 or more employees has to offer health coverage to those employees who work 30 or more hours a week. Republicans are waging for 40 hours, because many employers are cutting the time that employees work so they do not have to insure them. A cut in hours could be disastrous for the same people that Obama wanted the coverage to be for. However, Pres. Obama is going to veto it and Nancy Pelosi will sustain it. Boehner accused Obama of "obstructing bipartisanship".
Summary:
The Save American Workers Act, passed by a landslide in the House with a 252-172 vote. The ObamaCare plan requires that any business with 50 or more employees has to offer health coverage to those employees who work 30 or more hours a week. Republicans are waging for 40 hours, because many employers are cutting the time that employees work so they do not have to insure them. A cut in hours could be disastrous for the same people that Obama wanted the coverage to be for. However, Pres. Obama is going to veto it and Nancy Pelosi will sustain it. Boehner accused Obama of "obstructing bipartisanship".
3/1 Free Community College
NYTimes Article
Summary:
President Obama wants to start a nation-wide program that offers free tuition to students who, a) attend a community college that advances you to a four year degree and b) those who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. The issue will seem to not go over so smoothly with the newly elected Republican controlled Congress, though. The Federal Government would cover 75% of the average cost of community college and then the state would cover the rest. The problem with Obama's plan is that a state can decide not to participate; leaving 25% unpaid for. Tennessee already has a similar plan to the President's, and it has gone so far so good. It is unknown how far this measure will actually go.
Summary:
President Obama wants to start a nation-wide program that offers free tuition to students who, a) attend a community college that advances you to a four year degree and b) those who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. The issue will seem to not go over so smoothly with the newly elected Republican controlled Congress, though. The Federal Government would cover 75% of the average cost of community college and then the state would cover the rest. The problem with Obama's plan is that a state can decide not to participate; leaving 25% unpaid for. Tennessee already has a similar plan to the President's, and it has gone so far so good. It is unknown how far this measure will actually go.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
2/1 Senate Panel Approves Keystone Pipeline Bill
NYTimes Article
Summary:
A new pipeline, Keystone XL, is ready for the Republican controlled Congress to challenge the Obama administration. The House is going to force the bill on the floor on Friday, January 9, and it will go to the Senate in the coming weeks. However, President Obama says he will use his veto power to strike the bill down. However, from common knowledge, I know that they can get around this lame duck's agenda, by having at least a 2/3's vote in both chambers of Congress. Then his veto is struck down. Republicans argue it will create more jobs and help the economy while Democrats and environmentalists say that it will destroy forests and thousands of acres of land. There are already a few pipelines from Canada to the United States, including the recently completed, Alberta Clipper.
Summary:
A new pipeline, Keystone XL, is ready for the Republican controlled Congress to challenge the Obama administration. The House is going to force the bill on the floor on Friday, January 9, and it will go to the Senate in the coming weeks. However, President Obama says he will use his veto power to strike the bill down. However, from common knowledge, I know that they can get around this lame duck's agenda, by having at least a 2/3's vote in both chambers of Congress. Then his veto is struck down. Republicans argue it will create more jobs and help the economy while Democrats and environmentalists say that it will destroy forests and thousands of acres of land. There are already a few pipelines from Canada to the United States, including the recently completed, Alberta Clipper.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
1/1 Boehner Facing Dissent and Defections in Vote to Remain Speaker of House
Article 1 - First Rotation
NYTimes Article
Summary:
On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, Speaker John Boehner is up for re-election to his Speaker position. Some Republicans are speaking out against the Speaker because they believe that his leadership of the House and Republican majority has been lacking. Especially with news surfacing on Majority Whip Steve Scalise alleging he spoke to a White Supremacist group in 2002 and a Republican New York Representative who pleaded guilty to evading taxes. However, the future seems to go in Boehner's direction; with around 28 votes, and no real successor coming to the front lines, Boehner is not sweating. He has high confidence in his fellow members.
NYTimes Article
Summary:
On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, Speaker John Boehner is up for re-election to his Speaker position. Some Republicans are speaking out against the Speaker because they believe that his leadership of the House and Republican majority has been lacking. Especially with news surfacing on Majority Whip Steve Scalise alleging he spoke to a White Supremacist group in 2002 and a Republican New York Representative who pleaded guilty to evading taxes. However, the future seems to go in Boehner's direction; with around 28 votes, and no real successor coming to the front lines, Boehner is not sweating. He has high confidence in his fellow members.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)