Category Archives: U.S. Senate

by | October 15, 2013 · 10:28 am

Flight 93 Memorial is Barry-caded

2013_10 10 Flight 93 closed

The Flight 93 National Memorial is a 400-acre bowl-shaped area.

The land was acquired partly by

  • donations from land-owners,
  • purchases made with cash donations,
  • purchases made with profits made by the film United 93.

The monument itself was paid for with

  • private donations ($20 million),
  • money provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ($18.5 million), and
  • money appropriated by Congress ($10 million).

The Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign was a partnership among:

  • the Families of Flight 93,
  • the Flight 93 Federal Advisory Commission,
  • the Flight 93 Memorial Task Force,
  • the National Park Service,
  • the National Park Foundation and
  • many representatives of
    • local,
    • state and
    • national organizations,
    • agencies and
    • interests, as well as
    • people from around the world.

The National Park Service, its volunteers, and its partners ordinarily work to honor the sacrifice of those on Flight 93.

  • Winter Hours: 9AM-5PM (effective October 13, 2010)
  • Summer Hours: 9AM-7PM (effective April 1, 2011)

President Stompy Foot ordered it closed.

The NPS still has staff there … to keep people OUT.

Senate Democrats continue to REFUSE to bring a House bill to the floor for a vote that would authorize funding for the National Park Service and get all our parks reopened.

Sources:

4 Comments

Filed under 9/11, Barack Obama, Democrats, Government Shutdown, U.S. Senate

by | October 12, 2013 · 5:01 am

Senate FINALLY votes on volunteer chaplains

2013_10 06 Senate blocks military masses

LAST Saturday, the House passed (400-1) a bill to allow contract chaplains to volunteer without reprisal on military bases during the shut-down.

The Senate refused to take up the bill until late THIS Thursday and only then because voters YAPPED at them all week to get their thumbs out. The bill passed unanimously, so the civilian chaplains who fill in the gaps for soldiers without uniformed chaplains available will have services this week-end.

Take note here, folks.

This bill did not involve any MONEY. It was merely about giving these “non-essential” (and part-time) government employees PERMISSION to tend to their flocks WITHOUT REPRISAL. The law about fines and arrests for furloughed gov’t employees voluntarily doing their jobs anyway dates back to the 19th c. It’s got nothing to do with Obama Democrats.

Obama Democrats were just the schmucks who refused to WAIVE this law for the specific benefit of troops who do not have access to a chaplain of their denomination.

This mostly affects Catholics. About 25% of the military is Catholic, but less than 10% of the military chaplains are priests. I heard stories about Catholics serving in uniform whose scheduled baptisms and weddings were affected by this petty Democrat intransigence.

Source:

BREAKING NEWS: Senate OKs resolution to allow priests back on military bases

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Filed under Armed Forces, Catholic Church, Democrats, Government Shutdown, U.S. Senate

by | October 10, 2013 · 7:20 am

DON’T BLINK!

Oct 9, 2013 in WASHINGTON, D.C.

Republican senators put THIRTEEN unanimous consent requests to the Senate, each of which would reopen some part of the federal government, including the National Institute of Health, the National Park Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Democrats BLOCKED every single one of them! They’re holding out for ALL OR NOTHING. They want Americans to HURT as much as possible and BLAME REPUBLICANS for it. They’re hoping that a combination of STUPIDITY and BIASED MEDIA will push Americans to pressure Republicans to cave.

My word to Republicans is …

DON’T CAVE!

DON’T EVEN BLINK!

We’re sick to death of being dictated to by this nasty, bullying Obama Democrat Progressive Minority!!

Sen Rand Paul’s speech: Reopen government [11:34]

2 Comments

Filed under Democrats, Government Shutdown, Rand Paul, Republicans, U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate

by | October 10, 2013 · 4:59 am

Obama’s DoD informed military “no death benefits” by TWITTER

These people really have NO SHAME.

This video should be on your Must View ASAP list. Please set aside 16 minutes to listen. No need to watch. It’s just a talking head. But do listen. And if you can, get your favorite Obama Apologist to listen too.

Majority Leader Harry Reid Objects to Funding the VA. Again. [16:10]

Republican Senator Cruz: Veterans are an American issue, not a partisan issue. Refusing death benefits is an abomination. Eight bills have come from the House to fund parts of the government. The Democrats have not allowed any of them to come to the floor.

Democrat Senator Reid: Blah blah blah

REID SHORT TRANSLATION: No, I will not allow the Senate to vote on funding death benefits.

LONG TRANSLATION: I’m in charge of the Senate and I’m Obama’s lapdog. So no, we are NOT voting on any “piecemeal” funding of anything, because we want everybody to HURT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE so we can get Obamacare funded without any negotiation whatsoever and never mind that half of all Americans hate it and that Obama Democrats are the ONLY people refusing to fund the Veterans Administration or open the parks or allow chaplains to VOLUNTEER their services on military bases because DEMOCRATS CARE. You can be sure of this because we keep telling you. Also, (with respect to my dear friend and colleague Senator Cruz) REPUBLICANS SUCK.

Democrat Lackeys: We don’t need to vote on your stupid Republican piecemeal bills, because we are happy to vote on complete (with Obamacare) funding.

Republican Senator Cruz: Veterans should not be held hostage by partisan political issues like whether or not we fund Obamacare. Democrats are holding veterans hostage by refusing to even vote on veteran funding and demanding all or nothing funding.

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Filed under Armed Forces, Democrats, Government Shutdown, Harry Reid, Ted Cruz, U.S. Senate, Veterans

by | October 9, 2013 · 4:45 am

The 2013 Battle of Yorktown: A restaurant owner defies feds

Carrot Tree Restaurant Yorktown VA

For the past 11 years, Glenn Helseth and his wife have owned and operated the Carrot Tree Kitchens Restaurant inside the historic Cole Digges House in Yorktown, Va.

Although the building is owned and operated by the National Park Service, the restaurant is a money-maker for the government. Glenn said, “I send them a check every month.”

He also pointed out that even though the building is technically closed, he’s still required to maintain insurance and utilities, make his rent payment AND pay for the building’s security system – the building the NPS kicked them out of.

At least 20 of Helseth’s longtime employees are facing unemployment. They can’t make rent and some are faced with choosing between buying food or buying medicine.

Glenn has decided enough is enough. He has reopened the Carrot Tree Kitchens Restaurant and is serving Brunswick stew, ham biscuits and carrot cake.

He said. “If that gets me put in jail, I’m going to jail. I don’t wish to take a stand against my government. I’ve always been very proud of my country. [But] I don’t agree with what’s happening. I can no longer abide by what’s happening.”

2013_10 09 Why are the parks closed

One legislator said, “I’ve never seen such small-minded, miserable behavior … and such a disregard of our responsibilities to the people. The American people could get better government out of monkey island in the local zoo than we’re getting … today.”

Sadly, it was a Democrat criticizing Republicans for holding their ground. Ann Coulter once said, “It’s easy to know what Democrats are doing. Just listen to what they accuse of us doing.”

That is so true! A majority of Americans do not want Obamacare.

A majority of us did not want it when it was shoved through a Democrat super-majority Congress and signed by a Democrat president. (Check the polls.)

We’ve fought it in the courts and screamed our heads off trying to get it re-evaluated. At this point, Republican legislators are doing the only thing available to them by refusing to fund it.

It’s the Democrats who are making this an all-or-shutdown thing.

Don’t believe me?

  • Look up the VOTES for yourself. They’re all on-line. See URLs below.
  • Read the GOP bills that Republicans have PASSED to FUND government services.

Think for yourself for a change and stop letting these Democrat bullies and their lapdog media heads USE you to push their agendas at our expense.

Source:

6 Comments

Filed under Barack Obama, Democrats, Obamacare, Republicans, U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate

by | October 4, 2013 · 7:26 pm

Democrats: Stop holding America hostage

2013_10 02 Govt shut down photo

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statement on the Senate’s refusal to take up House-passed continuing resolutions:

“This morning, disability payments for wounded veterans would be fully funded if not for Harry Reid.

“This morning, our National Guard and reservists would be fully funded if not for Harry Reid.

“This morning, our national parks and war memorials would be open and fully funded if not for Harry Reid.

“This morning, the National Institutes of Health would be fully funded if not for Harry Reid.

“Harry Reid and President Obama should stop playing partisan games; they believe that the shutdown benefits them politically, and so they are cynically trying to make it as painful as possible for the American people.

“None of these limited CRs implicates or even mentions Obamacare; Harry Reid and President Obama shouldn’t be holding veterans hostage simply to force Obamacare on the American people.

“The House of Representatives has passed bipartisan funding for all these government functions; Senate Republicans are united in support of these vital funding bills. It is only because Harry Reid and Senate Democrats continue to object that these are not today on the President’s desk.”

Source:

http://www.cruz.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=345856

1 Comment

Filed under Barack Obama, Harry Reid, Obamacare, Ted Cruz, U.S. Senate

by | October 2, 2013 · 9:05 pm

“Caring” Democrats?

Yesterday, the Senate voted down a House joint resolution entitled Honoring our Promise to America’s Veterans Act.

Today, Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said they will also vote down the bill to provide funding to NIH which helps children with cancer:

Reporter: But if you could help one child who has cancer, why wouldn’t you do it?

Reid: Why would we want to do that?

Please keep in mind that:

A. Democrats have flatly refused to negotiate in any way whatsoever, despite the Republican “obsession” with this bill that a majority of Americans did not want WHEN IT WAS PASSED and which a BIGGER majority of Americans do not want NOW.

B. Ever since Obama first took office in January 2009, Democrats have blocked every attempt by Republicans in Congress to fulfill the ONE JOB the Congress is legally required to do … PASS A BUDGET.

C. All this haggling over Continuing Resolutions is about keeping the money (debting) flowing at the ridiculous rate that Democrats established in 2009, a rate that is very rapidly sending the United States of America into bankruptcy.

3 Comments

Filed under Budget, Democrats, Harry Reid, Obamacare, Republicans, U.S. Senate, Veterans

by | October 1, 2013 · 5:13 pm

What You Need to Know About a Government Shutdown

2013_10 01 Democrats did this

What You Need to Know About a Government Shutdown by Congressman Jack Kingston (GA)

Why Are We Here?

In accordance with Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the United States Constitution, “no money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law.” The law under which government is currently funded expires at midnight on Monday, September 30.

What Has the House Done?

The House, committed to preventing a government shutdown, has passed three temporary spending measures called ‘continuing resolutions’ which would keep the government open. The first continuing resolution repealed Obamacare, while the second delayed the plan for a year and included conscience protection. The House passed a third compromise measure including a one year delay of the individual mandate, pushing the President, Vice President, and political appointees into the system and removing all taxpayer subsidies for the President, Vice President, Members, and staff.

What Has the Senate Done?

The Senate refused to work this weekend while the House remained in session and Senate Democrats have refused to work with the House to reach agreement. Instead, they have flatly rejected the House’s efforts to prevent a shutdown and refused to offer compromise.

What Has the President Done?

President Obama has refused to engage in negotiations with Congress, opting instead to golf on a taxpayer-funded course over the weekend. While his own Administration has exempted several portions of the law by executive fiat, he refuses to extend those same protections to the American people.

What Shuts Down?

“Non-excepted” parts of the government will be closed, including the Smithsonian museums, national monuments, national parks, and Capitol tours. Certain services such as the expedition of a passport would also cease.

What Stays Open?

Sectors of government deemed “excepted” will continue to conduct business. Therefore, programs written into permanent law (Social Security), functions pertaining to national security or public safety continue to operate.

Does Congress Get Paid?

Members of Congress are paid under constitutional law, and “excepted” congressional staff members receive payment in the form of back pay once the shutdown is over. Other essential federal employees continue to work and have historically received payment after a delay, although it is not guaranteed.

What About Our Troops?

On Saturday, the House unanimously approved a bill proposed by Congressman Kingston along with Reps. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), and Tom Latham (R-IA) to ensure the payment of our troops and supporting civilian employees or contractors in the event of a government shutdown. On Monday, the Senate followed up with passage by unanimous consent.

2013_10 01 Reid the Inflexible

2013_10 01 Dems refusing to negotiate

Source:

http://kingston.house.gov/news/email/show.aspx?ID=MURALQL7FIYFTSNOAECAEPGVJQ

23 Comments

Filed under Armed Forces, Barack Obama, Democrats, Government Shutdown, Obamacare, Republicans, U.S. Senate

by | September 28, 2013 · 6:39 pm

Random collection of Saturday stuff

Sept 27, 2013: The 2013 Warrior Open opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of “America the Beautiful.”

Dubya talked briefly about the tournament. [:44]

Lefties aren’t much different in Iran. Hard-liners threw eggs at moderate President Rouhani as he arrived home from the United Nations. Our leftie wingnuts threw eggs at Bush’s car during the Inauguration Parade. (I always thought the fact the Obamas could walk rather than ride inside a closed car like the Bushes had to do was Proof Positive that right wingnuts are far better behaved then left wingnuts.)

http://twitchy.com/2013/09/28/total-chaos-iranian-hard-liners-hurl-eggs-at-rouhani-as-he-arrives-in-tehran/

Lying Senator Crapweasels Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell voted WITH the Democrats in favor of cloture, which allowed Harry Reid to strip out all the language in the bill to defund Obamacare. Then they bragged that they had “proudly voted to Defund Obamacare.”

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00206#position

Citizens schooled them both:

  • Wow, you must really not think much of your voters.
  • You knew good and well that the bill would be stripped before it was sent back to the house.
  • No one trusts a liar.
  • I will be supporting your opponent in the primary.
  • Do you really think we’re that stupid?
  • You lying piece of trash! You’ve been on the edge for a long time and you finally put yourself over the cliff.
  • You need to start counting the days till the next election because I intend to support ANYONE that primaries you.
  • Unbelievable. Do you really think you can get away with that, Senator?
  • How do you sleep at night, sir?
  • Stand, grow a pair and get your head out of Obamas rear-end!!!

http://twitchy.com/2013/09/27/outrageous-crapweasel-sen-graham-lies-through-his-teeth-about-o-care-vote-citizens-slam/
http://twitchy.com/2013/09/28/see-ya-mitch-spineless-disgrace-sen-mcconnell-recycles-sen-grahams-bs-on-o-care-vote/

1 Comment

Filed under Armed Forces, George W. Bush, Iran, Obamacare, Patriotism, U.S. Senate

by | September 26, 2013 · 1:37 pm

Yet another reason why I never click on HuffPo

And why I stopped using my AOL email account. AOL bought HuffPo in February 2011 and began pushing it as their Go To News site.

Googling “AOL buys HuffPo” got me these two statements:

  • AOL said, “AOL is buying Huffington Post, the news and culture website, in a deal that catapults AOL into a new stratosphere of a genuine media company.”
  • The Wall Street Journals said, “AOL Buys Huffington Post: Is It Crazy?”

So about that claim that Huffington Post is a “news” website …

HuffPo filibuster coverage

June 2013: The Filibuster Heard ‘Round the World

Texas State Senator Wendy Davis became a national darling of the left when she filibustered against a Texas State law that would halt the dismemberment and poisoning of pain-capable fetuses (i.e., post 20 weeks gestation).

HuffPo was among the many “news” media that declared Davis a hero … despite the fact that her filibuster accomplished nothing more than to catapult her and her pink running shoes into the national limelight. After she shut up, the law passed.

Sept 2013: Cruz Hijacks Senate ‘Til I’m Unable to Stand’

Texas Senator Ted Cruz was ridiculed and dismissed by the left when he filibustered in favor of the House bill to fund everything in the federal government, except Obamacare. They sneeringly called it just a “long speech” and a “fauxlibuster” because his time on the floor wouldn’t delay any votes.

They neglected to mention that Democrat Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid was contemptuously refusing to even permit a vote on the House bill. The only vote Reid wants to come to the floor is to vote to fund EVERYTHING or NOTHING.

The House bill approved funding for everything EXCEPT Obamacare.

2013_09 26 Obamacare by Terrell - bears

Source:

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2013/09/25/huffpo-wendy-davis-was-filibuster-heard-round-world-now-its-cruz-hijacks

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Filed under Abortion, Harry Reid, Media Bias, Obamacare, Ted Cruz, U.S. Senate, Wendy Davis