INDIVISIBLE Lambertville NJ / New Hope PA

Category: Resources

  • How the Government Works – WYN2K

    Contributed by Deb Kline.

    A new regular feature in the ILNH Take A Stand newsletter is Civics 101: basic information about how the government works plus definitions to help cut through the jargon. Don’t be insulted, be informed. Share with others, educate your children and community. Information is power.

    How many members of the Senate and House are there in Congress?

    There are 100 Senate members, two from each of the 50 states. There are 435 House members with a varying number of members per state based on the state’s population.

    How often are members of the Senate and House elected?

    Members of the Senate are elected to 6‐year terms. One‐third of the Senate seats (those that are expiring) and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are open for election every two years.

    What is the essential difference between the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives?

    Under the Constitution, the two chambers are equal. Neither can promulgate laws without the other. Although they are equal, the Constitution does give certain exclusive powers to each chamber. Nominees chosen by the President to serve as judges, ambassadors, cabinet officers, and senior executives must be confirmed by the Senate. Treaties negotiated with foreign nations must be ratified by the Senate. The House has no formal role in either process.

    However, the Constitution gives the House the authority to originate all revenue (tax) bills and, through historical precedent, this authority has been extended to all appropriations (spending) bills as well. Although these money bills must begin in the House, the Senate has full opportunity to debate and modify the legislation sent to it by the House and, as with all bills, both chambers must pass a bill before it can be sent to the President.

    What is the difference between an appropriations bill and an authorization bill?

    An appropriations bill provides the legal authority needed to spend or obligate U.S. Treasury funds. Twelve annual appropriations bills fund the entire federal government. The bills are supposed to be enacted prior to the start of a new fiscal year, designated as October 1. Failure to meet the deadline results in the need for temporary short‐term funding or governmental agencies and offices will shut down. For example, funding for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Education Programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration is contained in an appropriations bill.

    An authorization bill provides the authority for a program or agency to exist and determines its policy and structure. It also recommends spending levels to carry out a defined policy, but these levels are not binding. Authorizations may be annual, multiyear, or permanent. Expiring programs require reauthorizations. House and Senate rules require that authorization be in place before final funding decisions are made, though this rule frequently is waived or disregarded. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is an example of an authorization bill.

    What is the difference between discretionary funding and mandatory funding?

    Discretionary spending refers to spending set by annual appropriation levels made by congressional decisions. This spending is optional, in contrast to entitlement programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) for which funding are mandatory. For example, funding for the mental health programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration is discretionary spending.

    Mandatory spending accounts for two‐thirds of federal budget. These funds are not controlled by an annual decision of Congress but are automatically obligated by virtue of previously enacted laws. For example, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, and social security are entitlement programs — funding for them falls under mandatory spending.

    What is a CR?

    A continuing resolution or CR is a short‐term or long‐term temporary funding bill that funds the federal government after September 30 until a permanent appropriations measure is passed and signed into law.

    What is a reconciliation bill?

    A reconciliation bill makes changes to laws required to meet preset spending and revenue levels. A reconciliation bill may be considered when permitted by a budget resolution passed by the House and Senate. The House Budget Committee packages the bills produced by the substantive committees of jurisdiction into one omnibus bill.

    What is an omnibus bill?

    An omnibus bill is a large bill that combines many different aspects of a particular subject. In the last few years, Congress has passed an omnibus appropriations bill to fund the entire government.

    When does the government’s fiscal year start?

    For the federal government, the fiscal year (FY) is October 1 to September 30 of the following calendar year.

    What does sponsor/cosponsor of a bill mean?

    A sponsor is the Senator or Representative who introduces the measure. A cosponsor is a member of Congress who joins in sponsoring legislation but is not the member who introduced the measure.

    Who is a Chair/Ranking Member of a committee/subcommittee?

    The chair of a committee is the presiding officer of a committee or subcommittee — this is usually based on seniority of committee tenure. The ranking member is the highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee.

    What is cloture?

    Cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter and, thereby, overcome a filibuster. Under the cloture rule (Rule XXII), the Senate may limit consideration of a pending matter to 30 additional hours, but only by vote of three‐fifths of the full Senate, normally 60 votes.

    What is a markup?

    A markup is the process by which congressional committees and subcommittees debate, amend, and rewrite proposed legislation.

    What is unanimous consent?

    A procedure whereby a matter is considered agreed to if no Member on the floor objects. A unanimous consent motion can save time by eliminating the need for a vote. This procedure is usually reserved for non‐controversial bills that will easily pass either chamber.

    Extracted from: http://nacns.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Civics101.pdf

  • GOTV PA – Lock in the Keystone State!

    As the summer of our discontent veers toward the fall elections, it’s time to kick up our activism. Distractions abound. Beachcombing, picnics, lounging poolside, relaxing time with family and friends, all provide a necessary antidote to the toxicity that threatens to envelope us, but one thing is for sure – burying our heads in the sand will not make “IT” go away.

    More, with the student volunteers soon heading back to school, there will be a void in the campaigns that needs to be filled. From the increasingly palpable impacts of climate change on the environment to the outright horror of toddlers and children separated from their parents and imprisoned to what can only be called “Traitorgate”, we must take a stand now.

    CALL TO ACTION*
    Wherever you live, now’s the time to organize your neighbors and community. Go on out and knock on doors, invite friends and neighbors over for a fundraiser or meet and greet, be it a coffee klatch or a cocktail party. We need to get together and WIN!

    PA candidates running for election that can turn PA blue include:
    Helen Tai for State Rep in the 178th Assembly District
    Steve Santarsiero for State Senator in the 10th Senatorial District
    Scott Wallace for Congress in the 1st Congressional District
    Bob Casey for US Senator
    John Fetterman for Lt. Governor
    Tom Wolf for Governor

    PA Upcoming Events, Activities & Fundraisers*:
    August 5th, Sun., 2-4pm – Meet & Greet with Meredith Buck Down on the Farm at Three Fawn Farm, 77 Walter Rd, Chalfont.Activities for Kids!$25 for admission (kids under 15 -free!)

    For more info please email Mary Chalich

    Aug. 15th, Wed., 6-8pm – Helen TaiHosted by Steve & Sue Saddlemire and Colin Unsworth & Sparky MorrisonAddress given upon RSVP

    Please RSVP to Rachel at 215-908-1792 or rachel@helentai.com or click HERE

    September 15, Sat., 6-8pm – Helen Tai Hosted by Judy and Jim Finn, Jason and Allison Glickman, and Elissa and Jeffrey DatzAddress provided upon RSVP

    RSVP to Rachel at 215-908-1792 or rachel@helentai.com

    Click HERE to purchase your tickets in advance

    For more information click HERE

    If you can’t make any of the events or volunteer, but would still like to contribute: Donate to the Bucks County Democratic Committee

    *Resources and calendar of events will be updated monthly. If you are planning events or activities, or want to get involved, please contact LisaBergson0@gmail.com
    .
    For more information, additional resources, and ways to get involved*:
    Bucks County Blue: Great source for info on all races and candidates in Bucks, including upcoming events and voter registration.
    Warwick First: Site for this fledgling group in an entrenched red community. Can we flip it? Ride the Blue Wave!
    Buckingham Voices: “Concerned citizens, empowered and in motion.” Smart, active team committed to educating and empowering folks in our area. buckinghamvoices@gmail.com
    Newtown Democrats: Newly energized by their victories in November, this organization is working to widen its reach.
    Solebury Democrats: Lively, up-to-date site, with excellent content.
    Indivisible: Provides a wealth of information and ready-made materials, ranging from Elections 101, Voting Rights, and Voting Suppression, Voter Registration, Endorsement Guides, and more.
    SwingLeft: Nationwide organization dedicated to flipping Congressional districts like ours.
    Flippable: Mounting a Blue Wave Tsunami across the states.

  • The Dark Age of the Trump Court

    Evidence of Trump-nominee for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh’s often dangerous, pro-business bias runs as a common thread in his judicial positions on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Examples include scrapping regulations that protect trainers working with captive killer whales; that control coal-fired power plants, spewing pollution into neighboring states; and preventing internet monopolies from pushing out smaller rivals. His controversial nomination is triggered by the sudden retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who cast the deciding vote in favor of gay marriage. Replacing Kennedy’s swing vote with Kavanaugh’s harsher stance “…will continue a trend toward widening America’s power and wealth gap,” according to the New York Times editorial board. As it is, the Times observes, “The court has given big business a leg up on workers, unions, consumers and the environment.”

    Today’s increasingly conservative Supreme Court caps a 50-year rightward trajectory from the pathbreaking Warren Court, which ruled from 1953 until 1969. Under Chief Justice Earl Warren, an Eisenhower appointee, the Court reversed some of the worst injustices of the notoriously oppressive McCarthy era. It also heralded positive social change, such as school integration and expanded civil liberties (think Miranda Rule, granting those arrested the rights both to remain silent and to an attorney), a time when more enlightened federal power held sway over state’s rights. Focused on the Bill of Rights, Warren favored strong ethical principles – such as “one-man, one-vote” – and fostered an inclusive society that protected minorities.

    Subsequently, the Burger Court (1969 – 1986) put a brake on further liberalization, with some critical exceptions, such as Roe v Wade, which decriminalized abortion in 1973, upholding federal rule over state jurisdiction. Thereafter, the Rehnquist Court (1986 – 2005) and, now, Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.’s Court (2005 – present) mark increasingly conservative rulings, promoting libertarian values and a strict-constructionist interpretation of our Constitution.

    With its emphasis on individual freedom over social good, libertarian ideals can yield varying results, ranging from support for gay marriage to looser gun controls, or to strongly pro-corporate policies that benefit the wealthy and lead to further income inequality and reduction of workers’ rights. A significant game-changing example is Citizens United v Federal Election Commission, granting corporations the ability to invest unlimited support for political campaigns, thus, eroding “one- man, one-vote” in favor of the mighty.

    Now, with the more authoritarian and socially conservative Trump regime taking hold, it is generally expected that progressive decisions are likely to cease and possibly be reversed. We see this in the recent rulings upholding Trump’s Muslim ban, granting employers the right to deny workers reproductive care, and weakening the clout of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which, as our nation’s largest union, raises the bar for working conditions and wages. (Perhaps not incidentally, AFSCME has long been a major donor to the Democratic Party.)

    Supreme Court justices can serve for life and make decisions that overrule Congress and all lower courts, hence, the power and influence of 53-year-old Kavanaugh could be far reaching. His nomination is boosted by massive funding from the Koch brothers, the Judicial Crisis Network, and pro-lifers, who are pressuring Democratic representatives in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, and West Virginia to vote in favor. For their part, NARAL Pro-Choice, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Demand Justice, and Indivisible are leading the charge to defeat Kavanaugh.

    While our democracy rests on a sturdy tripod, dividing power between the Court, the Congress, and the Presidency, that stability may prove fragile and potentially collapse. If Trump’s tyranny grows, our top court could bend to the ruling party, as seen in China, Russia, and more and more nations around the world. Reflecting back to the McCarthy era, not only were dissidents, including actual and suspected US Communist Party members, persecuted and imprisoned, but the volunteer lawyers who defended them were, at times, immediately handcuffed and jailed, without due process, following the conviction of their clients.

    Spearheading that investigation was Roy Cohn, who served as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the “Second Red Scare” and later, prosecuted Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, sending them to the electric chair for treason. Cohn, a master manipulator, went on to represent and mentor Trump during his early years in business. (Cohn’s career ended and soon after, his life, when he was disbarred for unethical conduct in 1986.) Now, echoing McCarthy’s stance, Trump’s propensity for draping himself in the flag, while deriding the free press and all who dare to criticize him, bodes ill for our independence.

    Our democracy is what we make it! #SaveSCOTUS

    CALL TO ACTION:

  • How Shall We Impeach Thee? Let Us Count The Ways!

    Remember when the Republican party rabidly pursued the impeachment of Clinton for obstruction of justice and perjury? To date, there are five charges against Trump. Trump is impeachable for the following charges filed against him which include, but may not be limited to: obstruction of the administration of justice, lack of disclosure of financial and real estate holdings, violation of Article II, Section 1 of the United States Constitution, and seeking to undermine the independence of the federal judiciary by criticizing judges who ruled against him.

    It’s complicated, but let’s see if we can make some sense of the impeachment process.
    The steps to impeachment process are this:
    1. Investigation of the charges against Trump. Robert Mueller is the independent counsel tasked with investigating the charges which will then be presented to the House Judiciary Committee. The House Judiciary oversees the next six steps.
    2. Review of the evidence
    3. Draft the articles of impeachment
    4. Debate the articles of impeachment within the House Judiciary Committee
    5. Debate the articles with the House of Representatives.The Senate will hold a trial to determine if the president will be removed from office. Herein the president will lawyer up, the Senate will act as the jury and the Chief Justice John Roberts and the Supreme Court will rule on the evidence.
    6. A two-thirds majority of the Senate must vote against the accused in order to impeach the president. For more info click here
    Since the inauguration, experts have stated that Trump is in violation of the emoluments clause of the Constitution which, “prohibits the federal government from granting titles of nobility, and restricts members of the government from receiving gifts, emoluments, offices or titles from foreign states without the consent of the United States Congress.” The emoluments clause is to “shield the republican character of the United States against so-called “corrupting foreign influences.” Click here for more on the emoluments clause.

    Trump has refused to either divest from his businesses or establish a blind trust. Essentially, Trump is profiting off of the presidency through payments to his businesses from foreign countries that utilize his facilities, such as Trump International Hotel, for example.

    In March, a ruling by U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte in Maryland, establishes for the first time that the plaintiffs have legal standing to sue the president. That is to say,“ Messitte gave credence to arguments by D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine (D) and Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) that Trump unfairly profits from business at downtown Washington’s Trump International Hotel, in which the president continues to hold a financial interest.”

    Last week, a Federal judge denied Trump’s filing to dismiss the Emoluments Clause case against him and therefore the case will move forward. Racine, the attorney who filed the suit states, “We sued because this corruption is taking place in our backyard, and because 325 million Americans shouldn’t have to wonder if the president is putting his personal financial interests ahead of the national interest.”

    Aside from impeachment, bribery, treason and conviction are reasons to remove a president from office. One thing is for sure, Democrats must motivate voters to go to the polls for the November midterm elections. Flipping the House is of utmost importance if the impeachment process is to come to fruition. Until such time, like it or not, we are stuck with him.
    For more information:

  • GOTV PA – Lock in the Keystone State, May Edition

    Yard signs compete with new blooms for lawn space; our mailboxes are chock-a-block with candidates’ mailers; and pitches for fundraisers and donations crowd our in-boxes. The primary season is in full swing. And, with all of the excitement comes a different kind of swinging, as candidates rail against one another in full-throated, democratic competition.
    While many of us feel uncomfortable with this type of conflict, wishing for everyone to “play nice”, our expectations may be unrealistic. Elections have always been a contact sport, and today’s no-holds-barred ethos makes them all the more extreme. This writer and other ILNHers have spoken to campaign staff in an effort to tone down the negative rhetoric, basically to no avail. (I was told, “That’s politics” by one.)
    It may be wise for us to learn to accept the sausage-making aspects of the process and to, perhaps, view it as a means to “toughen up” our candidates to survive in the final combat with conservatives, known for their vicious and under-handed methods.
    On a more positive note, we wish to acknowledge our ILNH Community for your spirit, hard work, and generosity in support of our local progressives and the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) initiative. You answered our clarion…
    CALL TO ACTION: Wherever you live, now’s the time to organize your neighbors and community. One great way is to go on out and knock on doors. Another is to invite your friends and neighbors over for a fundraiser, be it a coffee klatch or a cocktail party. We need to get together and WIN!
    Enjoy the Spring, with an afternoon of Canvassing –Check out the Turn PA Blue Canvassing Guide.
    Host a Fundraiser – Our candidates need to raise a lot of dough just to compete against the GOP money machine. Turn PA Blue is looking for volunteers willing to host fundraisers for candidates in and outside their districts. It’s fun and easy and we will provide you with all the information you need to host a successful event. If you’re interested in learning more, please sign up HERE. For more information about how to host a candidate fundraiser, please check out the Turn PA Blue Fundraising Guide.
    For more on elections, events, and ways to get involved, please read on…
    Elections. Ride the Blue Wave into the May 15th elections! Here’s what is coming up in our area:
    178th District – Upper Makefield – Special Election and Primary on May 15th.
    ILNH member Helen Tai’s campaign is intelligent, ethical, and professional. A proud Democrat, Helen is dedicated to fully funding our schools and has received a Gun Sense Candidate designation, as well as an endorsement from the “Win Back Your State” PAC. Helen’s integrity has met a rabid and insidious response from her conservative opponent, Wendi Thomas. From the get-go, Thomas’s campaign has attempted to obfuscate its Republican support and blur its positions, while demonizing Helen. But, Wendi cannot hide from her own record as a member of the Council Rock school board, where she endorsed budgets cutting teachers and special education staff, while guaranteeing 3-year raises for already well-compensated administrators. Remember, Helen is running both to fill a temporarily vacant post and in the May primary for our November election. It’s confusing, true, but you need to vote for her twice. NOTE: Independents and Republicans can also vote for Helen in the Special Election. Worth repeating from our February newsletter, the one-seat Special Election poses a major opportunity to break into our State Legislature’s male-dominated, Republican stronghold. In fact, it has been 34 years since our district elected a Democrat! As her button says, “Give ‘Em Helen!”
    Check out: www.HelenTai.com
    10th District, PA State Senate. Lower Makefield’s Steve Santarsiero is running to fill the “number one pick-up opportunity in the State Senate for Pennsylvania Democrats,” according to his website, “…making it the most important State Legislature race in the State”. Until January, Steve served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania for Environmental Protection. He has a 100% rating by Planned Parenthood PA Advocates, a strong commitment to education, and a proven commitment to public service through his many years in our local government.
    Events & Demonstrations*:
    Women’s Leadership Forum, Democratic National Committee – May 17th and 18th. Washington, DC.
    For more information, additional resources, and ways to get involved*:
    Bucks County Blue: Great source for info on all races and candidates in Bucks, including upcoming events and voter registration.
    Warwick First: Site for this fledgling group in an entrenched red community. Can we flip it? Ride the Blue Wave!
    Buckingham Voices: “Concerned citizens, empowered and in motion.” Smart, active team committed to educating and empowering folks in our area. buckinghamvoices@gmail.com
    Newtown Democrats: Newly energized by their victories in November, this organization is working to widen its reach.
    Solebury Democrats: Lively, up-to-date site, with excellent content.
    Indivisible: Provides a wealth of information and ready-made materials, ranging from Elections 101, Voting Rights, and Voting Suppression, Voter Registration, Endorsement Guides, and more.
    SwingLeft: Nationwide organization dedicated to flipping Congressional districts like ours.
    Flippable: Mounting a Blue Wave Tsunami across the states.
    With the Trump administration desperate enough to recently risk a global trade war over a single PA district’s special election, we know that they will resort to extreme propaganda and dirty tricks to keep their grip on us. We call upon you to Join the Resistance and Turn PA Blue!
    *Resources and calendar of events will be updated monthly.