#Legislative Process

[ivygorgon]

AN OPEN LETTER to THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Co-sponsor The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024!

59 so far! Help us get to 100 signers!

A group of House Democrats, led by Reps. Melanie Stansbury, Ilhan Omar and Jamie Raskin, have introduced legislation that would strengthen oversight of the Supreme Court. I’m writing in support of it.

The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024 would authorize the creation of an office of the inspector general to investigate allegations of misconduct in the judicial branch. The inspector general would also investigate alleged violations of the Supreme Court code of ethics, issued in November; conduct and supervise audits; and recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the judiciary. The inspector general would be required to inform the attorney general when they believe there has been a violation of federal criminal law.

Congress must pass this bill. Confidence in the Supreme Court is at an all-time low, and there’s good reason for that. Several of its justices are deeply compromised and everyone can see it.

Please co-sponsor The Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024 right away, so the provisions in it can begin to restore Americans’ faith in our highest court. Thanks.

▶ Created on April 19 by Jess Craven

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[fandfnews]

MYTHBUSTER: White House Debunks Claims of "Pork" in Comprehensive Legislative Package

White House Official Clarifies Misunderstandings About Major Legislative Initiative The White House has directly addressed widespread misconceptions about the comprehensive legislative package known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” with Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller providing detailed clarification during a recent interview with political commentator Charlie Kirk. Understanding the Core…

[historyofguns]

The article by Will Dabbs, MD, discusses the recent passage of President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" in the House, which includes the Hearing Protection Act that aims to remove sound suppressors from the 1934 National Firearms Act. This could significantly change the regulation of suppressors, allowing them to be treated like Title 1 firearms, thus eliminating transfer taxes, fingerprinting, and processing time. The author explains the legislative process in which the bill was introduced and passed in the House, its potential impact, and the challenges it may face in the Senate. The article highlights possible outcomes, ranging from no change to an increase in gun rights, suggesting a significant shift in gun control policy for a more expansive understanding of constitutional freedoms, depending on the bill's final form and the additional changes that could still be introduced in the Senate. The passage has sparked a discussion regarding the nature of governance and the impact of legislative strategies such as the filibuster.

[akeliciousmedia]

The Beauty of Democracy is That The Minority Will Have Their Say, The Majority Their Way - Sen Henry Seriake Dickson

In the wake of recent legislative proceedings, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former governor of Bayelsa State, has expressed his views on the essence of democracy and the legislative process. His remarks, shared through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, emphasized the importance of open debate and the established principles of…

[tmarshconnors]

US Government Rant

Oh, where do I even begin with the ever-so-efficient, flawless, and oh-so-transparent U.S. government? It's like watching a well-oiled machine run by geniuses who always have their citizens' best interests at heart! 🙄

I mean, it's truly astounding how they manage to navigate complex issues with such grace and decisiveness. The way they handle healthcare, for instance, is simply a masterclass in efficiency and compassion. It's so touching to see them bicker endlessly while millions of Americans struggle to afford basic medical care. But hey, who needs affordable healthcare when you can have endless debates, right?

And let's not forget the political circus, where politicians put on a breathtaking show of finger-pointing, grandstanding, and empty promises. Who needs honest, transparent leadership when you can have politicians who can twist words better than a pretzel?

Of course, the U.S. government's track record on foreign policy is second to none. They've got a knack for intervening in other countries' affairs and leaving behind nothing but peace, stability, and gratitude from the locals. It's almost like they've mastered the art of winning hearts and minds on a global scale.

Oh, and the cherry on top is the awe-inspiring efficiency of the bureaucracy! The way they navigate through mounds of paperwork, red tape, and bureaucratic hurdles is truly awe-inspiring. It's almost as if they deliberately designed the system to make simple tasks as convoluted as possible.

But hey, let's not forget about the ever-growing national debt. Who needs to worry about living within your means when you can just keep borrowing and kicking the can down the road? It's not like future generations will have to deal with the consequences of our financial irresponsibility, right?

In conclusion, hats off to the U.S. government for consistently setting the bar high when it comes to, well, let's just say "unique" approaches to governance. It's truly a sight to behold, and we're all so lucky to witness this grand spectacle of political prowess and wisdom. Bravo! 👏

[tomorrowusa]

From Day One, Donald Trump would not have been able to usurp power without the grinning assistance of Capitol Hill Republicans. They share the blame for the destruction and chaos of the last few months.

The fundamental story of Trump’s second term has been his usurpation of powers traditionally granted to the legislative branch. Congress created the networks of federal agencies and programs that help govern the country; Trump has asserted the power to shut them down at will. Congress has the constitutional power to set tariffs and other taxes; Trump has unilaterally imposed them on most of the world in ways that are not only economically ruinous but likely illegal as well. [ ... ] Over the last three months, we’ve seen something even more ominous: Republican senators and representatives acting as willing partners in the destruction of their own branch of government’s power, all on Trump’s behalf. The Constitution is designed for tension between the three branches of government; it cannot function if one branch proclaims its supremacy and the other two give up without a fight.

Even the judicial branch has had more cojones about curbing executive branch power.

The Supreme Court, to its partial credit, took steps to preserve its own authority in recent weeks. (I only give them partial credit because they created this monster in the first place.) Their order last month to immediately halt Alien Enemies Act deportations came from an unmistakable concern that the Trump administration was trying to evade judicial review. The same thing can’t be said for Congress. Republican lawmakers may think that they are following their constituents’ wishes by reflexively obeying Trump’s whims. Allowing a president to usurp the powers of one branch and ignore the orders of another one is not in anyone’s long-term interest—and especially not theirs.

If you want to stop Trump, you have to do it via Congress. That means putting pressure on Capitol Hill Republicans that goes beyond the ineffectual mantra of "call or email your representative or senator".

I've said this before and I'll say it again...

All of our US reps and senators have one or more offices back in their home districts and states. If your GOP senator is up for re-election next year or if your GOP rep won by a relatively narrow margin in 2024, pay a visit to that office during business hours. Post about your visit online. If the visit is unsatisfactory, return with a few dozen like-minded voters from the same district or state and conduct some sort of legal protest; informational picketing, street theater, or prayer vigils can work well. Tailor your protest to the local community.

Only pressure on individual Capitol Hill Republicans can do anything at this point. That means: 1] calling them out very publicly for colluding with Trump's gutting of our American system AND 2] doing precinct work to pave the way for their electoral defeat in 2026. The era of slacktivism and fundraging is over. It's time to become more directly involved in the political process.

People who live in US House districts won by Republicans with margins of 9% or under in 2024 have more influence than most of us. If you live in one of these districts then you have a great amount of leverage over your rep.

If just five of those reps stood up to Trump then the entire Trump autocracy project would get derailed.

[sweetfirebird]

I know it is all gossip, but there is something interesting to unpack about toxic masculinity and performing masculinity and the number of closeted and self-hating Republican men and in particular, the number of allegedly closeted and self-hating queer men within the Trump cabinet itself.

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

ahh the art of politely saying "the other office is going to try and make us carry the brunt of the work and we cannot let them do that because this is their goddamn file and has been for almost a year now and if they don't know it that is their problem however we can provide technical support/knowledge on the key issues if they need us to but christ alive this better not slide onto our plate. Slippage Has Happened Historically. I will NOT allow it to while we are severely understaffed with me being the only person present with any history on the file which means I would be doing it"

I rewrote my "OH NO OH NO IT'S A TRAP" email to my manager like ten times.

Put my little greasy Grima-the-civil-servant hat on. The amount of "a just question my liege" that I do I swear

also Grima's "I told you to take the wizard's staff" frustration when dealing with people who literally didn't do the One (1) thing you asked of them - so fucking relatable

[physticuffs]

always remember how vast the range of human experience is and how many near misses there are every day in the world. for example, the central drama in my life right now, the single thing occupying the plurality of my waking thoughts for multiple weeks, is one bill in one state that like ten people care about. and i had an extremely stupid annoying time with advocacy today, and you *could* have been reading right now about a major state capital burning down, except i used my per diem to buy french pastries. the state government was saved from my wrath by one specific pastry shop. always remember that.

[ivygorgon]

An open letter to the U.S. Congress

👮Pass the The End Solitary Confinement Act!

719 so far! Help us get to 1,000 signers!

Last week, U.S. Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Peter Welch introduced the End Solitary Confinement Act, companion legislation to HR 4972 introduced in the House of Representatives by Missouri Rep. Cori Bush in July. This bill would end solitary confinement in all federal custody and incentivize states and localities to do the same. The End Solitary Confinement Act is a product of years of advocacy and activism from campaigns across the country led by people who have survived solitary and had loved ones inside, and draws from the best policy components of enacted and pending legislation. Specifically, the End Solitary Confinement Act does four key things: End all forms of solitary confinement, ensure that all alternatives to solitary are *actual* alternatives, enhance due process protections, and create oversight and enforcement mechanisms. Over 175 organizations nationwide have already endorsed the End Solitary Confinement Act and I hope you will as well. Solitary confinement is torture. We must end this barbaric practice. Thanks.

▶ Created on December 11, 2023 by Jess Craven

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[usadvlottery]

US Immigration and Customs Laws encompass a complex framework governing the movement of people and goods across the United States' borders. These laws are designed to regulate immigration, prevent illegal entry, ensure national security, and facilitate lawful trade and travel. They cover a wide range of topics, including visa requirements, border security measures, customs duties, import/export regulations, and enforcement mechanisms. Compliance with these laws is crucial for maintaining legal status, preventing unauthorized entry, and upholding the nation's safety and security. Various government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, oversee the enforcement and administration of these laws.

[many-sparrows]

Howdy folks, the Senate will be considering a major resolution blocking arms to Israel. This is huge and historic; it would block government contracting and about $20 billion in arms and support. This is an uphill battle, PLEASE urge your senators to support S.J.Res114-115. This is maybe the most important piece of legislation relating to Palestine that we have ever gotten and we must seize this opportunity.

This doc has information on the resolutions and their process, as well as sample messages and a phone script you can use. Please, use this moment to hear witness for your neighbors.

[vaspider]

Listen to me. Listen very carefully:

They are trying to wear you out.

They are trying to wear you out, and they own most major social media now, along with many major media outlets. The disinformation machine is cranking along. You are going to have to slow the fuck down and read things before you help them wear out other people, too.

So you just saw a post about a real scary bill, hunh? Republicans want to make it a capital offense to pet dogs and repeal The Sky Is Blue Act of 1793, declaring the new official color of the sky to be squant? Damn, that sounds scary.

Let's go look up this fictitious "Make The Sky Squant Again Act" on GovTracker* & on the official legislative tracker on congress.gov!

Well, let's see... GovTracker estimates it has a 1% chance of even getting out of committee and a 0% chance of being enacted, while congress.gov says this bill has 2 cosponsors who have been in the House and combined total of less than a month. The bill doesn't have any actual text, and it was referred to 5 different committees.

That fictitious bill and a hundred others like it are quite literally not worth your time, and more than that, continuing to wring your hands about it and tell other people about the scary scary squant sky bill only does their work for them. It scares people, it makes them spend time and energy on it, and it wears them out. It is a legislative Gish Gallop, meant to throw so many things at people that we can't keep up.

Even calling or messaging your Rep in this case means their staffer has to waste time responding to you and letting you know that Representative Buttzonheads definitely won't support making petting dogs a capital offense, a thing that will never, ever happen regardless.

Staying engaged in this environment is going to require protecting your heart and protecting your energy, yes, but also protecting the energy of others. This is why WWII propaganda posters also included ones taking people to task for spreading panicky rumors and undermining morale.

Do you know why most observant Jews don't eat chicken and dairy together, even though the ban is on red meat and dairy together bc you're not supposed to cook the calf in the milk of its mother?** It's not because we think that chicken might secretly lactate or Just Because. It's because the rabbis decided that if I'm sitting out in public and eating turkey and cheese together, someone might glance at the turkey and mistake it for red meat and think, "oh, well, I know that Spider is a good Jew, there must have been a change, or maybe I can just justify it to myself that if Spider does it, it must be permissible to bend the rules just that much." And I would then be accidentally leading my fellow Jew astray. We are responsible for being even more careful for the sake of others than we are for ourselves.

It's the same principle here. We need to really be careful about the information we are spreading and check things past reading a news site. Is it true? Is it relevant? Is it meaningful? Is the news site one I recognize? Can I find meaningful independent corroboration on another site, which is to say, if I find an article about it on a second site, is it just quoting or rephrasing this site?

Yeah, that is a lot. But that's how we keep them from using us to lead our fellows astray.

*GovTracker is an independent site. They explain their methodology in their About section.

**I cannot say enough how I am not at this time interested in going on a Jewish Side Quest About Dietary Laws on this post. Usually, I love it, but hold off this time, please, y'all. Let's stay on target this once.

[summerhighlandfalls]

The thing is that this is a) an insane thing to say because of the implications a law like this would have on consenting relationships between grown adults (if you genuinely believe a 30 year old and a 40 year old or whatever shouldn’t be legally allowed to be in a relationship… what) and b) literally already accounted for in most places? This was a comment under a TikTok post where OP mentioned having an 18 year old boyfriend when she was 16. If this comment is saying ‘oh it should be legal for 18 year olds and 16 year olds to date!’ It already IS in most places. Look up Romeo and Juliet laws. I am once again begging people who want to spread their new wave puritanical sexual ideology to take a look at the history of age of consent laws if nothing else

[quarantinethenews]

Where did you get the impression Americans are okay with this???

This shit costs 200rs... 2.1 $ or something... Why the fuck Americans are okay with this...

[garoche-jinn-jail-phone-rape]

Laws related to scandal interacting with how businesses process information