Jim mcgovern

“This is an emergency meeting that we’re having here and I’ve seen some surreal things around this place, but this is really something,” Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said. “Vital parts of our government are about to shut down in just a few hours, and the Republicans have called an emergency meeting on cheese.” … [Read more...] about L.A. artist promises to ‘Make America Grate Again’ with border wall of cheese

Senate Legislative ActivityOn Monday, March 16, following any Leaders remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour, beginning at 3:00pm. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.178, a bill to provide justice for victims of human trafficking. Given that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) filed cloture on the substitute amendment to S.178 and on the underlying bill, the filing deadline for all first-degree amendments to the substitute amendment and the underlying bill is 5:00pm on Monday.At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session for up to 30 minutes – with the time equally divided – to consider the following:Executive Calendar #17 -Carlos Monje, of Kouisiana, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation (Roll Call Vote)Executive Calendar #18 – Manson K. Brown, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce (Voice Vote Expected)At approximately … [Read more...] about Senate To Consider Legislation On Human Trafficking; House To Take Up Numerous Bills

On September 30, 2013, the one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill Reauthorization expired.  In June 2013, the Senate passed its five-year reauthorization measure, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 (S.954).  The House passed its measure, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (H.R.2642) in July 2013.  Unlike the Senate bill, the House bill did not include a nutrition title dealing with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the federal food stamps program, and related nutrition programs.  Divisions over spending cuts and policy changes to the SNAP have hampered prospects for reauthorization.  The House bill seeks to cut $40 billion from SNAP over ten years while the Senate bill proposes $4 billion in reductions. Tomorrow, October 30th, negotiations between the House and Senate will begin anew over reauthorizing these key agriculture programs.  House Republican … [Read more...] about Joint Conference Committee to Meet Over Farm Bill

Local politicians are remembering former first lady Barbara Bush for her “grace” and for being a “strong woman who loved her family, the State of Maine,” and her country. Bush passed away Tuesday at the age of 92. In New England, the messages of condolences and expressions of grief came from politicians on both sides of the aisle.   “Devoted mother, loving wife, beloved leader,” Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said following the news of her passing. “Barbara Bush was a woman of unique American grace and integrity.  She was devoted to the nation, and we loved her in return.” “Every summer for more than 20 years, I have visited President and Mrs. Bush at their Kennebunkport home,” Maine Sen. Susan Collins wrote. “It was always one of the highlights of the year. I shall miss those delightful visits with her.” Below, the messages that have been shared by local politicians following the death of the former … [Read more...] about Here’s what local politicians are saying about the passing of Barbara Bush

WASHINGTON -- The late Rep. Louise M. Slaughter got her start in politics four decades ago fighting a developer's plans to destroy a grove of trees she could see from her kitchen window in suburban Rochester. And on Wednesday, Slaughter's colleagues honored her by planting a tree in her name on the grounds of the Capitol. A month and two days after Slaughter, a Democrat from Fairport, died at the age of 88 after a fall at her Washington home, her colleagues gathered in dazzling sunshine for the first of two Wednesday ceremonies honoring her. "What a beautiful day for a beautiful person," said Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla. Long-serving lawmakers of great stature often get honored with a tree on the Capitol grounds. And that certainly describes Slaughter, who served in the House for more than 30 years -- including a decade in which her district included parts of Buffalo. During that time, she authored landmark legislation on congressional ethics and genetic discrimination. Usually the … [Read more...] about Lawmakers honor Slaughter with ceremonies — and a tree