May 2, 2013
By Allie Gregory
Remember watching the Senate vote to crush gun violence legislation? It was horrible -- but Republicans were jumping for joy. Mitch McConnell even made a joke about it on his Facebook page.
The thing is -- gun violence legislation is just the latest victim to the Republican's obscene misuse of the filibuster.
The Senate's bipartisan filibuster "reform" package has failed miserably. It's time for real reform. It's time to change the rules to reinstate the talking filibuster.
Just how broken is the Senate because of Republican extremists? They're blocking so many judicial nominees that court vacancies have caused a judicial "crisis," according to The Washington Post, Politico, and the Huffington Post.They embarked on the first-ever filibuster of a Defense Secretary -- only because Chuck Hagel once said something critical of George Bush. (No, really. John McCain went on television and said that was the reason.) And let's not forget the time that Mitch McConnell introduced a bill to the floor to embarrass Democrats -- and then filibustered his own bill to waste time.
Let's be honest here: Republicans don't want to govern. They just want to stop Democrats from governing. There should be no doubt that we need filibuster reform -- and we need it now. Please sign the petition to Fix the Filibuster.
Categories:
May 1, 2013
By Allie Gregory
In Harrisburg, we took part in the delivery of a petition against fracking with over 100,000 signatures to the Governor of Pennsylvania. The petition asked PA lawmakers to "Support a moratorium on further shale gas extraction in Pennsylvania until it is proven safe for our environment and the public's health."
At the event there were amazing speakers. The most moving was a former pro gas, landman who is now very sick as a result of fracking. Another highlight of the day was Senator Jim Ferlo announcing that in solidarity with our effort he will introduce legislation calling for a moratorium on fracking.
The petition could not have come sooner:
• Gas drillers have already committed more than 3,000 environmental violations.
• And the state is withholding information about the results of water tests for Pennsylvanians at risk, putting gas drillers before our health.
To learn more about this amazing petition, click here.
We hope to reach as many people as possible and get them involved with this important bill. If you'd like to take part in the effort to pass Senator Ferlo's bill please email: [email protected]
Categories:
May 1, 2013
By Allie Gregory
"After Elizabeth Warren's November triumph and Rep. Ed Markey's tremendous victory tonight, it's clear that Massachusetts Democrats are firmly committed to sending only tried and true progressives to the U.S. Senate. Democracy for America's members in Massachussetts and across the country are looking forward to finishing the job in a few short weeks and ensuring that Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren can continue working together to do the people's work in Washington." -- Michael Langenmayr, Political Director, Democracy for America.
Categories:
April 30, 2013
By Allie Gregory
WATCH Rachel Maddow shed light on the Virginia legislature and their war on women:
We can no longer stand by and watch this appalling GOP machine attack women's health and safety. With this recent bill, the Republicans have effectively banned abortion in the state.
Please, support our efforts to elect Progressives and flip the Virginia House with the Purple to Blue Project.
Categories:
