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On The Verge Of The Next Economic Crisis, 62% Of Americans Are Living Paycheck To Paycheck

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On The Verge Of The Next Economic Crisis, 62% Of Americans Are Living Paycheck To Paycheck Submitted by Michael Snyder via The Economic Collapse blog,

Nearly two-thirds of all Americans are completely and totally unprepared for the next economic crisis.  As you will read about below, *a new survey has found that only 38 percent of Americans have enough money on hand to cover “a $500 repair bill or a $1,000 emergency room visit”.*  That essentially means that 62 percent of the people in this country do not have an emergency fund.  Even after the extremely bitter financial lessons that millions of Americans learned during the last recession, most of us are still choosing to live on the edge.  *That is utter insanity, and when the next major economic downturn strikes most people are going to find themselves totally unprepared.*

*The number one thing that you need to do to get ready for the coming economic collapse is to build up an emergency fund.*

I know that is not the most “sexy” piece of advice in the world, but it is the truth.  Just think about it.  During the last recession, millions of Americans suddenly lost their jobs.  Because they did not have any cushion to fall back on, millions of them also suddenly could not pay their bills and their mortgages.  Foreclosures skyrocketed and countless families went from living a very comfortable middle class lifestyle to being out on the street in very short order.

And now because the people of this country have been so foolish it is going to happen again.

Because of my website, people are constantly asking me what they should do to prepare for the coming economic collapse.

I think that they expect me to say something like this…

“Sell everything that you possibly can and buy gold and silver, go purchase a llama farm, and dig a bunker where you can bury 10,000 cases of MREs.”

Not that there is anything wrong with those kinds of preparations.

But before you do anything else, you have got to have an emergency fund.  My recommendation is to have an emergency fund that can cover *at least* six months of expenses in case something happens.

Sadly, a solid majority of Americans do not have any emergency cash at all.  The following comes from the Wall Street Journal…



Only 38% of those polled said they could cover a $500 repair bill or a $1,000 emergency room visit with funds from their bank accounts, a new Bankrate report said. Most others would need to take on debt or cut back elsewhere.

 

“A solid majority of Americans say they have a household budget,” said Bankrate banking analyst Claes Bell*.* “But too few have the ability to cover expenses outside their budget without going into debt or turning to family and friends for help.”

 

The survey found that an unexpected bill would cause 26% to reduce spending elsewhere, while 16% would borrow from family or friends and 12% would put the expense on a credit card. The remainder didn’t know what they would do or would make other arrangements.



And of course this is not the only poll that has come up with these kinds of results.  In fact, a Federal Reserve survey from last year produced similar numbers…



The findings are strikingly similar to a U.S. Federal Reserve survey of more than 4,000 adults released last year. “Savings are depleted for many households after the recession,” it found. Among those who had savings prior to 2008, 57% said they’d used up some or all of their savings in the Great Recession and its aftermath. What’s more, only 39% of respondents reported having a “rainy day” fund adequate to cover three months of expenses and only 48% of respondents said that they would completely cover a hypothetical emergency expense costing $400 without selling something or borrowing money.



Meanwhile, the financial condition of most American families is far worse than it was just prior to the last major economic crisis.  As a recent MarketWatch article detailed, the average family currently has far less wealth than it did back then…



But while the jobs market is improving and the Affordable Care Act has given an estimated 15 million people access to medical care, the Great Recession does appear to have taken its toll on Americans’ finances; in fact, they’re 40% poorer today than they were in 2007. The net worth of American families — that is, the difference between the values of their assets, including homes and investments, and liabilities — fell to $81,400 in 2013, down slightly from $82,300 in 2010, but a long way off the $135,700 in 2007, according to a report released last month by the nonprofit think tank Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C.



So we have a lot less wealth, and almost two-thirds of us have no emergency cushion to fall back on whatsoever.

What could go wrong?

In addition, there is lots of evidence that much of the country has not bothered to make any preparations at all for even a basic emergency that would last for just a few days.  For example, the following are results from a survey conducted by the Adelphi Center for Health Innovation that I featured in a previous article…

· 44 percent don’t have first-aid kits
· 48 percent lack emergency supplies
· 53 percent do not have a minimum three-day supply of nonperishable food and water at home
· 55 percent believe local authorities will come to their rescue if disaster strikes
· 52 percent have not designated a family meeting place if they are separated during an emergency
· 42 percent do not know the phone numbers of all of their immediate family members
· 21 percent don’t know if their workplace has an emergency preparedness plan
· 37 percent do not have a list of the drugs they are taking
· 52 percent do not have copies of health insurance documents

What are all of those people going to do if there is an extended crisis or disaster in this nation?

That is a very good question.

Meanwhile, the signs that we are on the verge of the next major economic crisis just continue to grow.  Yesterday, I shared 10 things that happened just prior to the financial crisis of 2008 that are happening again right now.

Today, we learned that a major oil driller down in Texas has just declared bankruptcy, and many more energy companies are expected to follow suit in the coming months.  The following is from the Wall Street Journal…



[S]igns of strain are building in the oil patch, where revenue growth hasn’t kept pace with borrowing. On Sunday, a private company that drills in Texas, WBH Energy LP, and its partners, filed for bankruptcy protection, saying a lender refused to advance more money and citing debt of between $10 million and $50 million. Neither the Austin-based company nor its lawyers responded to requests for comment.

 

Energy analysts warn defaults could be coming. “The group is not positioned for this downturn,” said Daniel Katzenberg, an analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co. “There are too many ugly balance sheets.”



And we also learned today that teen retailer Wet Seal is going to be closing two-thirds of its stores.

Dozens more retailers are expected to make similar announcements over the coming months.

We are moving into the most chaotic time for the U.S. economy that any of us have ever seen, and most Americans are totally oblivious to what is happening and are totally unprepared.

*So what is our country going to look like when tens of millions of unprepared people are blindsided by a crisis that they never saw coming?* Reported by Zero Hedge 8 hours ago.

City Urges New Yorkers to Sign Up for Health Insurance

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The Health Department is launching a new ad campaign to remind people that they may qualify for coverage at no cost under the Affordable Care Act. Reported by NY1 3 hours ago.

Mall tours begin this weekend — for health insurance

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It's a little less exciting than a pop star concert, but state officials are hoping for big crowds at the mall as they kick off a statewide tour to get uninsured residents signed up for health insurance. The "Sign Up NY" tour is scheduled at the Walden Galleria beginning this weekend, including a Marvel Super Hero appearance Saturday from noon-3 p.m. With a goal of enrolling hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who lack health insurance, the NY State of Health will provide in-person assistors at… Reported by bizjournals 4 hours ago.

League for Innovation Seeks Community Colleges Interested in Developing Programs in Public Health

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New Awards Program Will Recognize Successful Planning Efforts

Chandler, AZ (PRWEB) January 09, 2015

Community colleges interested in developing associate degree or certificate programs in public health are invited to submit letters of intent to the League for Innovation in the Community College (League) as part of its Community Colleges and Public Health (CC&PH) project.

The letter of intent, to be signed by the college’s chief academic officer, commits the institution to developing a plan for associate degree or certificate programs in one or both curricular areas that are the focus of the CC&PH project, “Public Health: Generalist & Specializations” and “Health Navigator.”

Public Health: Generalist & Specializations includes specializations in Health Education, Health Administration, and Environmental Health designed for transfer to bachelor's degree programs. Health Navigator is designed for certificate or associate degree programs preparing students for careers as community health workers, patient navigators, and health insurance navigators. Additional innovative curriculum designs are also encouraged.

Eligible institutions will be invited to participate in activities throughout 2015. Activities will include a webinar series, opportunities for consultation, and submitting a plan for one or more public health associate degree and/or certificate programs.

Colleges submitting plans deemed most successful will receive recognition awards at the League's March 2016 Innovations conference in Chicago. Up to 10 colleges will be recognized based on the quality of planning for implementation and evaluation; institutional commitment; and evidence of interest and support by students, community college administration, and the local community.

The CC&PH report, approved by the ASPPH Framing the Future Task Force, includes the prototype curricular models. In addition, the League has developed a set of recommendations for gaining approval for and implementing public health programs in community colleges.

The League for Innovation in the Community College (League) is co-sponsoring the Community College and Public Health project with the Framing the Future Task Force convened by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). The CC&PH project has recommended that community colleges whose mission includes a focus on health professions education consider offering associate degree and/or certificate programs in public health.

An information webinar will be held on February 25, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. EST, and an information session will also be held at the League’s Innovations Conference in Boston on March 8, 2015.

Letters of intent are due on April 17, 2015, and institutions will be notified of their eligibility to participate no later than May 1, 2015. The complete call for planning, including submission information, is available at http://www.league.org/ccph.

About the League for Innovation

The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international organization dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement. The League hosts conferences and institutes, develops web resources, conducts research, produces publications, provides services, and leads projects and initiatives with more than 700 member colleges, 160 corporate partners, and a host of other government and nonprofit agencies in a continuing effort to make a positive difference for students and communities. Information about the League and its activities is available at http://www.league.org. Reported by PRWeb 1 hour ago.

Bill Defining 40-Hour Work Week Passes House 252-to-172

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In the first of an expected series of bills aimed at weakening Obamacare, the House of Representatives voted on Thursday to ease health insurance requirements for employers by by raising the full-time work week to 40 hours from the 30 hours currently stipulated by the Affordable Care Act. Reported by Newsmax 23 hours ago.

Report: Small business owners snubbing new health-insurance exchanges

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Some small business owners say new health-insurance exchanges that operate under the Small Business Health Options Program aren't worth the trouble. The Wall Street Journal reports the response is due, in large part, to limited federal tax credits and a small menu of insurance offerings in a few states, according to companies and health-insurance brokers. Georgia is one of 33 states that can buy SHOP-exchange coverage through HealthCare.gov. Other states have their own SHOP marketplaces. SHOP coverage… Reported by bizjournals 22 hours ago.

Research and Markets: United States Personal Accident and Health Insurance Market Report - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2018

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Research and Markets: United States Personal Accident and Health Insurance Market Report - Key Trends and Opportunities to 2018 DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cbjh2b/personal_accident) has announced the addition of the "Personal Accident and Health Insurance in the US, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2018" report to their offering. The US personal accident and health insurance segment was the second largest in the country, accounting for 35.3% of the industry's gross written premium in 2013. The segment recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% durin Reported by Business Wire 22 hours ago.

WellCare and Dawn Staley Partner to Bring Better Health and Hope to Low-Income Families and Children in South Carolina

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WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) and Dawn Staley announced today that they are partnering to increase the overall health and wellness of low-income South Carolinians, with a focus on those who are Medicaid eligible in the state.

Tampa, Fla., and Columbia, S.C. (PRWEB) January 09, 2015

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) and Dawn Staley announced today that they are partnering to increase the overall health and wellness of low-income South Carolinians, with a focus on those who are Medicaid eligible in the state. As part of the agreement, Staley will serve as spokesperson for WellCare of South Carolina. In addition to the terms of the agreement, WellCare will support Staley’s not for profit organization, INNERSOLE, which gives sneakers to homeless and low-income children to help build their confidence and encourage them to participate in activities that promote good health.

“Growing up in an inner-city housing project, I was surrounded by people struggling to get the resources and information they needed to make the right health care decisions for themselves and their loved ones,” said Staley. “I ultimately chose to partner with WellCare because they are making a substantive difference in economically disadvantaged communities where many potential leaders and contributors to society are hindered from meeting their full potential. WellCare helps to deliver the coordinated health care and services these children and families need.”

“WellCare is committed to finding innovative solutions to help those we serve manage the everyday challenges that make it difficult to achieve and maintain optimal health,” said Dave Shafer, state president, WellCare of South Carolina. “We are excited and pleased to have an opportunity to partner with Dawn and to support the INNERSOLE organization to help more South Carolinians improve the health and well-being of their families.”

Since its inception in May 2013, INNERSOLE has given sneakers to more than 5, 700 homeless and low-income children in South Carolina. As a result of the work it will do with WellCare and other partners in 2015, INNERSOLE expects to give the gift of new sneakers to 100 percent of the homeless children in the state through 2017. To learn more about INNERSOLE and to contribute to its mission go to http://www.innersole.org.

As of Sept 30, 2014, WellCare serves approximately 70,000 Medicaid members, 33,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members and 3,000 Medicare Advantage members in South Carolina.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, Prescription Drug Plans and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled. The company serves approximately 4 million members nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2014. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at http://www.wellcare.com or view the company’s videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

About INNERSOLE
INNERSOLE is a national and international sole movement. A movement that effectively changes the negative impact of poverty on our children. A sole movement that allows a common bond of compassion and humanity uniting us by the gift of giving new sneakers and the responsibility of shaping an enduring imprint. Our goal is to provide new sneakers to children who are homeless and children who are in need. Donate your sole at http://www.innersole.org. Reported by PRWeb 20 hours ago.

Will This Be the Year You Start a Business?

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Each January you reacquaint yourself with your gym's floor plan and have big dreams to launch a business. Yet come December you haven't seen your gym membership badge in months and you're no closer to being your own boss.

If you are serious about starting your own venture, timing couldn't be better this year. While the stock market may have started 2015 off on a bad foot, both the economy and consumer confidence are rebounding after the recession. Low gasoline prices are putting more cash in everyone's pockets. And now that Obamacare is in effect, entrepreneurs have more options for health insurance coverage when they go solo.

With such a ripe climate for entrepreneurial activity, how can you make things happen and prevent another year from slipping by? Here are seven steps:

*1. Assess your financial situation and tolerance for risk*
Think about where you are right now in your life. Can you afford to forego a steady pay check and other perks? Can you survive on your savings for months, a year? Not every entrepreneur with an awesome idea has 6 to 24 months of living expenses saved up. You might have a family to support, and student loans or a mortgage to pay.

This isn't meant to discourage you from following your dreams, but you need to be realistic about your situation and craft a plan accordingly. Perhaps you keep your day job for six months while you lay the groundwork for your new business. Or you start small and keep your personal and business expenses as low as possible. Most small businesses close because owners run out of money, so make sure your plans realistically match your budget.

*2. Come up with a business plan*
You don't need to create a comprehensive 100-page document. At this point, a single page that helps distill your thinking is best. This lets you hone in on the core of your business concept before delving into all the details. What's your value proposition? What products or services will you offer and how do they differ from anyone else? Who are your customers and what are they looking for?

*3. Determine what kind of help you need*
What sort of partners, vendors, and other expertise do you need to launch your business? Do you need a manufacturing supplier? Someone to design your website? Start to make a plan about what you can handle yourself and how you are going to find (and pay for) the outside resources.

*4. Get out and network*
The more people you know, the better. Attend networking events to grow your potential customer, partner, and employee base. Start requesting conversations with professionals in your field and others who have started their own ventures. Ask them for coffee or a phone call to talk about their experiences. And observe everyone in your space: think about what they're doing right, and what's missing.

*5. Stay focused*
Most entrepreneurs have a lot of ideas. When you're a creative and passionate person, it's easy to get side-tracked on new projects, when you should be working on your core idea. Think about the top three things you need to do in the next few months to give your new venture the best chance for success. Keep these priorities in mind with everything you do. Otherwise, you can feel like you're accomplishing a lot, without making any real progress.

*6. Believe in yourself*
When you are planning or starting a business, everyone (friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, strangers...) has advice. And I'll be honest: some of those people are going to think you have a lousy idea and are headed straight for bankruptcy. This is when you will need to stand firm and have unwavering belief in yourself, your ideas, and your business. Don't worry about convincing your critics at this point, but don't let the detractors turn you off course.

*7. Don't be afraid to fail*
No matter what type of business you want to start, keep in mind that most people's first entrepreneurial attempts fail. You may fail miserably and brilliantly, but that hardly makes you a failure. With every attempt, you'll gain valuable experience and insight into what works and what doesn't. Starting a business is stressful and it's easy to get downright panicked, but you cannot let fear prevent you from following your dreams. Think of it this way: if fear stops you from ever making a real effort, you will have failed before you ever started.

So, what do you think: will 2015 be the year you finally make things happen? Reported by Huffington Post 18 hours ago.

AmeriLife® Presenting Sponsor for 2015 Hill Country Classic Event

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Building on its partnership from 2014, AmeriLife, the nation’s premier annuity, life and health insurance marketing organization, announced it will partner with the Hill Country Classic again as the event’s Presenting Sponsor in 2015.

Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) January 09, 2015

Building on its partnership from 2014, AmeriLife, the nation’s premier annuity, life and health insurance marketing organization, announced it will partner with the Hill Country Classic again as the event’s Presenting Sponsor in 2015.

In 2014, AmeriLife helped to raise the bar for the annual Hill Country Classic event, which moved from its traditional Texas location to Clearwater, Florida. Donating more than $50,000 to last year’s Hill Country Classic charity golf tournament, AmeriLife is proud to have had a hand in raising $250,000 for Kidz1stFund, a research and awareness group established by Florida State University football coach, Jimbo Fisher, and his wife Candi, dedicated to eliminating childhood diseases, including Fanconi Anemia.

“AmeriLife is thrilled to be a part of the 2015 Hill Country Classic event, raising the bar even more when it comes to the event experience and the amount of money raised to benefit this year’s charities,” said AmeriLife CEO, Timothy O. North. “The charity golf tournament is a great way to bring people together in support of a worthy cause, and I’m confident that the 2015 event will be a huge success!”

Beyond AmeriLife’s monetary donation, the company’s Marketing Communications division is partnering with the Hill Country Classic to help provide marketing, design and production support again for the 2015 event, including the event website, eBlasts, invitations, programs, and signage for the event. The company also expects to provide volunteer support again in 2015.

Led by AmeriLife’s Director of Marketing Support and Product Development, Billy Hill, and his wife, Karon, the Hill Country Classic charity golf tournament features an insurance regulatory roundtable discussion, as well as a dinner and silent auction to raise money for a carefully selected charity that fits the event’s mission of being ‘for the kids.’ The 2015 benefiting charity for the event will be announced as the event nears.

Scheduled for May 20-21, 2015 at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa with golf at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club, next year’s event will build on the success of the 2014 event and be hosted in the Tampa Bay area again. Visit http://www.HillCountryClassic.org for additional information and sponsorship opportunities, or email Info@HillCountryClassic.org.

About AmeriLife
AmeriLife is the nation’s premier insurance marketing group. Founded in 1971, AmeriLife represents more than 30 national insurance carriers, has 15 individual national marketing organizations, 33 career agency branch locations and works with thousands of independent insurance agents across the country.

For additional information about AmeriLife or its community involvement, please contact AmeriLife Marketing Communications at Media@AmeriLife.com. For additional information regarding the Hill Country Classic, please call Billy Hill at 727-683-1198. Reported by PRWeb 17 hours ago.

Time for a New Declaration ... of Dependence?

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The 1776 Declaration of Independence was much more than a Declaration of War. It was a powerful statement of what Americans wanted to be: a society of free, independent, and personally responsible individuals. Are we still, or should the U.S. issue a new Declaration - a 21st Century Declaration of "Dependence"?

*Relationship of individual to government*
The U.S. Founding Fathers clearly defined the relationship of the individual to the government in the Constitution. It establishes a clear separation of powers by law because they knew that power corrupts individuals in government. They amended the Constitution with the Bill of Rights to assure primacy of the individual over any central authority.

*Government: source of goodness or cause of woe?*
The Founding Fathers could answer this question with one word: neither! Federal government was supposed (a) serve the people by (b) doing those things individuals cannot do for themselves. This includes defense against foreign aggression; promoting interstate commerce; developing infrastructure; control of our borders; protecting the environment, etc. In the original America, a person's comfort, personal income, and health condition were all up to the individual. They were not the government's responsibility.

*Rights and Entitlements*
A right is a "moral or legal entitlement; a prerogative or privilege." An entitlement is a "right to have something; a claim or prerogative." Linguistically, they are synonymous.

Operationally, rights are (a) available to all citizens; (b) require no prequalifications; (c) have no natural limit; and (d) are cost-free to the entitled person. Examples include life, liberty, free speech, security in your home, due process, and the pursuit of happiness. There is no right to have happiness, only the right freely to pursue it.

Americans are not entitled to HAVE anything. Their one right is to BE free.

The Bill of Rights is functionally a Bill of Constraints, on government. All ten amendments were written to protect the one and only right of all Americans: freedom. Free speech means the government should not silence you; it does not entitle you to have a podium, microphone, amplifier and TV cameras. You are free to travel wherever you wish. There is no right to have a car or an airplane. The right to life means the government should not kill you. It is not an entitlement to life support technology in an ICU.

*Independent v. Dependent*
The word independent is defined as "free from outside control" and "not depending on another to be responsible or on another for livelihood or subsistence." Antonyms for "independent" include dependent (obviously) as well as subservient and entitled.

If you are a free person, there one and only one thing you are not free to do -- you cannot refuse to choose. A free man chooses -- that is the sine qua non of being free. If you don't decide, someone else will decide for you. Thereby you have abrogated your freedom.

If you accept entitlement, you reject both freedom and personal responsibility. You are not in control. Entitled people are dependent. What are Americans today? What do they want to be?

*Relationship of individual to individual*
There are only two ways to apportion wealth: by government control (centrally) or via free market forces (dispersed). Whatever one's preferred political or economic theory, history teaches there never has been and never will be any system where everyone has the same amount of goods and services. Human beings are human: those with power always have more than those without.

Disparate material possession -- wealth and poverty -- have always existed. The key is how poor the poor in fact are. If they have enough food, adequate shelter, and opportunities to become rich or at least less poor, that is the best possible outcome.

Forty-three percent of all Americans pay no federal income tax. That means 137,600,000 individuals depend on the remaining 182,400,000 for everything, from infrastructure through public schools to social services. Almost half of the American people are thus dependent.

Rather than redistributing wealth by government decree, we should allow market forces to reduce poverty. We need to remember the slogan that JFK borrowed from a New England regional Chamber of Commerce: "a rising tide lifts all boats." Winston Churchill warned us in 1945 about redistribution: "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of its miseries."

*Progressivism promotes Dependency*
Progressives believe that government is the sole source of things that members of society need and want. President Obama epitomized this ideology saying, "You didn't build that." He meant that whatever success an individual achieves is due to the government. Progressives claim that individuals depend on the government for everything from sustenance to luxuries.

Progressive dependency extends beyond the material to the mental. Since Father (government) Knows Best, certainly better than we do, he only what he wants us to hear, not "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth." Father tells us what to think.

*Declaration of Independence v. Declaration of Dependence*
If we choose to reaffirm U.S. founding principles, Americans should say:
o I am an American: therefore, I am free and independent.
o Being independent means I am not dependent or entitled.
o I am independent: therefore I accept personal responsibility.
o I "deserve" what I can produce, not what I can get others to produce.
o If I choose to provide for the less fortunate, that is a social contract I make.
o I think for myself and need hard facts to make decisions.

If we wish to issue a new Declaration, of Dependence, it would read as follows:
o As a progressive American, I give up my freedom and accept dependence.
o Being dependent means I am entitled (to whatever the government says).
o As a dependent American, I am no longer responsible-the government is.
o I "deserve" whatever they say I deserve. I will get whatever they provide.
o Income inequality will no longer exist when the government provides everything.
o Father tells what I need to know and what to think.Dr. Deane Waldman MD MBA is author of "The Cancer In Healthcare;" Adjunct Scholar (Healthcare) for Rio Grande Foundation public policy think tank; Emeritus Professor of Pediatric, Pathology and Decision Science; and member, Board of Directors of New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX). Opinions expressed are solely the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of NMHIX. Reported by Huffington Post 16 hours ago.

Great Strides for Women's Health Under the Affordable Care Act

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President Obama has said repeatedly that "when women succeed, America succeeds." And over the past year, millions of women have gained the security of knowing that their professional, academic, financial, and personal dreams will not be put in jeopardy if they face a health challenge. Today, the Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS") released a report detailing the important strides we have made in women's health as a result of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act ("ACA").

Up until last year, insurance companies could -- and often did -- charge women different premiums than men for the same coverage. As of January 1, 2014, the ACA prohibits this gender discrimination. In part because of improved options and affordability, today's report outlines a significant 5.5 percentage point decline in the uninsured rate among women between the ages of 18 and 64 since 2013. And as more and more women take advantage of the Open Enrollment period that ends February 15, 2015, and sign up for affordable private health insurance, that number will continue to drop.

These statistics are reflected in the individual stories and experiences of our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. I recently spoke with Ann C., a mother of three from Connecticut, who described to me her new appreciation for the importance of preventative care. Last year, Ann was relieved to find a health insurance plan that she could afford by enrolling through the Marketplace. She quickly put her new coverage to good use, and scheduled a mammogram. The test revealed an irregularity which lead to an immediate biopsy and minor surgery. She was diagnosed with cancer, but fortunately she had the coverage she needed in order to catch it early on and she had a method to pay for treatment. Imagine learning such news without the ability to receive or pay for treatments. Because she caught it early, Ann is now facing a brighter, cancer-free future.

And Ann is far from alone. One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and that is just one of many illnesses which both disproportionately affect women, and which can often be treated more effectively if caught early. The ACA has increased coverage for millions of women and helped millions more remain healthy with improved access to preventive services such as mammograms, Pap smears, contraception, domestic violence screening, and other vital health services for no out-of-pocket cost. As revealed in today's HHS report, over 48 million women have benefitted from this expanded access to preventive care. And because these services are available without a co-pay, women no longer need to choose between the health care they need and their other essential expenses.

Today's report also found that the ACA has been instrumental in providing maternity benefits. 8.7 million women who purchased coverage on the individual market have gained these crucial benefits. The ACA also requires plans to cover maternity-related preventive services, which help increase the likelihood of a healthy and safe delivery. With even an uncomplicated delivery costing tens of thousands of dollars, these new protections are helping curb the large expenses many women and families incur for hospital stays during pregnancy.

Today marks the last day of the Women's Week of Action, celebrating the ACA's accomplishments, and gearing up for the work we still have left ahead of us. The Affordable Care Act has given millions of women peace of mind for themselves and their families. And although many women have gained coverage since last year's Open Enrollment, there are still millions of women who have yet to sign up and gain access to these crucial services.

This year's Open Enrollment period ends on February 15. The deadline for February 1 coverage is January 15. Visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find out more, and if you or someone you care about is in need of health insurance, do not wait. Get covered today. Reported by Huffington Post 16 hours ago.

Congress Is Up to Something

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by guest blogger Diana Zuckerman, PhD, National Center for Health Research

If you think health insurance should be affordable and you didn't get a 65 percent raise over the last two years, keep reading!

Congress is up to something, and only you can prevent it from happening. Even though the upcoming Supreme Court decision about the Affordable Care Act could drastically curtail it, that may not be the greatest threat to the millions of Americans who don't want to lose their health insurance.

A greater threat comes from certain U.S. companies and from hundreds of members of Congress, and the culprits might surprise you.

The senators and representatives you need to worry about include some of the most conservative Republicans, but also some Democrats that are usually strong supporters of patients and consumers--including Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and Barbara Mikulski.

And they're bowing to pressure from companies that advertise on NPR, your favorite TV shows, and other media, touting how they save lives every day. In truth, these companies do save lives. But they also make billions of dollars and don't feel like giving any of it to help pay for the Affordable Care Act, as the legislation requires. And that could be fatal to countless Americans.

This is what happened: The three industries that would benefit from millions more insured Americans were asked to make small financial compromises to help pay the cost of subsidies that would make health insurance affordable to millions more Americans. The compromises included lowering certain prices, limiting profits, or paying a small excise tax on products sold.

Two of the industries kept their agreements, but the third immediately tried to repeal the part of the law that affected it.

No, it's not Big Pharma that is the problem. Those companies understand how the Affordable Care Act helps their bottom line and their patients.

It's not the insurance companies, either. They fought the Affordable Care Act but eventually agreed to the terms that have helped keep prices under control. They haven't reneged, and they even lined up in greater numbers to sell policies at lower costs through the state exchanges this year.

The problem includes companies that make lifesaving heart valves and stents, hip and knee replacements, PT scanners and mammography machines, and the contact lenses that millions of us rely on.

The medical device companies selling these and other products spent more than $150 million to try to repeal a 2.3 percent tax on the devices they sell in the U.S. These include implants that cost $20 to make but that sell for $500, as well as devices that sell for half a million dollars but are as obsolete as your iPhone 2 after a few years.

They're complaining to Congress that the tax is killing jobs and cutting funds for the research and development needed to create the innovative products that patients deserve. If they get their way and the tax is repealed, there will be $29 billion less to pay for health insurance over the next decade, and we can expect Pharma and the insurance companies to try to get out of their contributions, as well.

I'm a scientist, so I decided to examine the evidence for the "job killing" and other claims made by the device companies.

First we looked at stock prices--all publicly available online. Not all device companies have publicly traded stock, but the ones complaining the loudest about the device tax do. We looked at the 12 largest U.S.-based companies that sell nothing but devices (not ones that also sell pharmaceuticals or appliances). In the two years since the tax started, their stock went up a whopping 65 percent on average--much more than the NY Stock Exchange (25 percent) or the largest U.S.-based pharmaceutical companies (54 percent).

Then we looked at sales. Sales steadily increased over the last decade, including after the device tax was implemented. So, there would seem to be no reason to cut jobs and every reason to hire more workers.

What about R & D costs to develop new products and possibly hire new workers? Again, a steady increase over the decade, and after the tax went into effect.

What about profit margins? These were stable over the decade for most companies, despite the 2008 economic meltdown and despite the device tax. Again, no reason to cut jobs or raise a ruckus about the tax.

And yet, the House of Representatives has passed several bills that include repealing the tax, and the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution declaring its opposition to the tax. Fortunately, the resolution specified support for repeal only if another source is designated to make up for the $29 billion in revenues that the tax would provide.

Finding another $29 billion seems unlikely, yet congressional leaders keep saying there is overwhelming support to repeal the tax, and journalists repeatedly report that "widespread bipartisan opposition" to the tax will inevitably result in a repeal.

If that happens, the dominoes start to fall and the Affordable Care Act would become unaffordable.

Don't let that happen. Here's more information and the Senate voting record on repealing the tax. Let your voice be heard.Diana Zuckerman is the president of the National Center for Health Research. She received her PhD from Ohio State University and was a post-doctoral fellow in epidemiology and public health at Yale Medical School. After serving on the faculty of Vassar and Yale and as a researcher at Harvard, Dr. Zuckerman spent a dozen years as a health policy expert in the U.S. Congress and a senior policy adviser in the Clinton White House. She is the author of five books, several book chapters, and dozens of articles in medical and academic journals, newspapers, and websites.

*For more from Maria Rodale, visit www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com* Reported by Huffington Post 16 hours ago.

Researcher Says Drug Vaccines would Save Quadrillions in Health Care Costs

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Harbor Village Florida comments on the pitfalls ascribed to the lack of research into drug vaccines.

(PRWEB) January 09, 2015

Today (Jan. 9th) at 6:00am Time released an article stating that there are several vaccines for drug use in development. Among the potentially life saving vaccines is perhaps the cure for heroin addiction. Kim Janda is the lead chemist at the Scripps Research Institute, and has been responsible for developing the heroin vaccine, in addition to a vaccine for methamphetamine. Janda asserts a grim reality for his research, and states that big pharmaceutical companies are unlikely to fund the initiative to move beyond testing his vaccines on lab rats. If not spurned by the ethical aspects of developing vaccines for addicts, Dr. George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, says that addiction vaccines would save quadrillions of dollars in health care expenses. Harbor Village Florida is a drugs rehab center that specializes in rehabilitating drug addicts. Its healthcare professionals witness the earth shattering, debilitating effects of drug addiction everyday.

Quoted in Time, Janda says, “No pharmaceutical company is going to fund trials for heroin, no way. . . The heroin [vaccine] has been our best success in over 25 years of working- it’s the best data we’ve seen.” The reason for the lack of funding for vaccine research? Previous failures. In 2014 a cocaine vaccine was unsuccessful, as was a 2011 vaccine slated to help nicotine addicts. But jada has proven results that merit attempts on willing human subjects- in fact, the researcher receives daily emails from prospective test subjects pleading to help further research, by offering themselves as his subjects. Unfortunately, without approval or funding, Jada has no grounds to begin a trial.

With the uptick of heroin related deaths in Florida, which the Orlando Sentinel covered on Dec. 15th, Harbor Village Florida expects to see an increase in patients at its facilities. Regrettably, its staff also prepares for the possibility that its patients may relapse and end up perishing from their addictions. In light of the recent development of heroin vaccines its officials are frustrated that big pharmaceutical companies are not fully supporting the initiative to supply rehabilitation facilities with drug vaccines, to ensure the long-term success of addicts everywhere.

Jada’s vaccine appears to be superior to previous vaccines, in that the medicine prevents heroin from ever entering the brain- it does not merely attempt to alter the brain’s reaction to the drug. Time quotes Knoob, “You can inject a rat with 10 times the dose of heroin that a normal rat [could handle] and they just look at you like nothing happened. It’s extraordinary.”

The drugs rehab center, Harbor Village Florida, questions the ethical resolve around the lack of funding of heroin vaccine research; especially in the face of recent heroin-related deaths. “This [heroin addiction] is a serious problem, and we could be better equipped to handle addiction in the years to come, if this research is funded,” says a member of their medical unit.

If not for its ethical merits, drug vaccines could have a tremendously positive effect on mitigating exorbitant health care costs. Time quotes Dr. Andrew Kolodny, “I am not sure Americans realize that if they treated alcoholism and drug addiction they would save quadrillions of dollars.. . investing in research on addiction will reduce healthcare costs in the future.”

Harbor Village Florida is located in southern florida, and provides its clients with a safe environment to overcome drug addiction. It’s staff is on call 24/7 to attend to patients suffering from withdrawal symptoms and psychological anguish. The drugs rehab center accepts a larger majority of health insurance for treatment, thanks to their JCAHO accreditation. The facility is structured as a resort, allowing its patients to get away from harmful environments. Additionally, Harbor Village offers its clients luxury amenities.

For more information visit http://harborvillageflorida.com/ or call 1-855-290-4261. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.

Harry Reid Laughs Off Mitch McConnell's Attempt To Claim Credit For Recovery

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Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Friday laughed off Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) recent attempt to claim credit for economic growth, arguing that Democratic policies helped the recovery despite overwhelming Republican obstruction since the beginning of the Obama presidency.

"If [Republicans] had cooperated with us even a little bit, the economy would have been even stronger than it is now," Reid said on NPR, his first public interview since an exercise accident left the Nevada Democrat bedridden with broken bones in the face as well as several broken ribs. "Think where the economy would be, if we didn't have programs like Cash for Clunkers and the bailout of Detroit," Reid said, referring to parts to the stimulus legislation passed early in the recession.

Reid further cited Wall Street reform legislation known as Dodd-Frank, the health insurance reform effort under the Affordable Care Act, FDA regulation of tobacco, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, as just a few Democratic successes in the past six years that have contributed to a growing economic recovery -- highlighted Friday by the latest employment reports showing 252,000 jobs gained in the month of December. He argued that Republicans had actually hurt the economy by blocking student loan reform and hikes in the minimum wage.

"We've done well with the economy. Is it perfect? Not a chance. We have ways to go," Reid added.

Reid said that his doctors were "very hopeful" of being able to restore sight to his right eye, but there was a chance they might not succeed due to large blood accumulation sustained when an exercise band snapped and struck him in the face.

"As long as blood is in the eye, it's hard to see," Reid said, noting that he was under orders "not to be reading a bunch of emails."

The recovery process will keep him from attending the Democratic retreat next week, Reid said, but the incident has not changed his mind from running for re-election in 2016.

Reid, who is 75, boasted that he could do 250 push-ups before his injury, and that his routine also included 250 sit-ups three days a week. "No one has to question my physical ability," he said. Reported by Huffington Post 16 hours ago.

Wonkblog: The reason Gov. Scott Walker might want the Supreme Court to save Obamacare

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There's an anvil hanging over the head of Obamacare, and it's a Supreme Court ruling set to arrive this summer on whether people in states that did not set up health insurance exchanges can also claim subsidies for their insurance. If the Supreme Court rules against the subsidies, millions of Americans could overnight discover that they can no longer afford their Obamacare coverage. Reported by Washington Post 14 hours ago.

MyNetWire Joins Fishers Chamber of Commerce

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The digital advertising agency joined the Fishers Chamber of Commerce to increase local awareness of their business and network with other companies.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) January 09, 2015

On January 1, MyNetWire joined the Fishers Chamber of Commerce in Fishers, IN. The organization is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has connections to a number of other businesses in the area. Because of this, MyNetWire saw joining the organization as a valuable opportunity to network and connect with other companies and attract attention to their business.

Joining the Fishers Chamber of Commerce is simple: companies simply fill out an application online and pay a membership fee. The fee ranges from $250 to $5,000 depending on the level of membership desired. MyNetWire is registered as a Business Builder Core Member.

Members of the Fishers Chamber of Commerce can be easily identified by the personalized membership plaque they receive upon admission, as well as two listings on the organization’s website directory. Like other digital advertising agencies in the area, their listing can be found in the site's "Advertising & Media" section. They will also be able to attend a number of great network opportunities, including monthly luncheons, the Business After Hours and Morning Motivators events, annual Chamber Golf Outings, the Fishers Farmers Market, and the Pillar Awards ceremony. Affiliated businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor some of these events, giving their company additional exposure.

MyNetWire is particularly excited about these networking opportunities the Fishers Chamber of Commerce offers.

“We realize the importance of networking with other local businesses,” said Clayton Thompson, a Partner at MyNetWire. “By teaming up with the Fishers Chamber of Commerce, we believe that we will form new, mutually advantageous business relationships within the area. We look forward to the new business opportunities that will be coming our way and are proud to be a part of this community.”

Other benefits of MyNetWire’s chamber of commerce membership include increased awareness of the company’s services and group health insurance they will have the option of offering to their employees. These plans are offered at a 5% discount to any business affiliated with a Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce that has between 51 and 99 employees. The Fishers Chamber of Commerce also offers a number of seminars and workshops which offer expert advice on running a business in a fast, modern economy.

About MyNetWire

MyNetWire works with over 2,500 clients in a variety of industries, supplying top SEO, website design, and social media services. The company has a hands-on approach with each customer that helps ensure quality, affordable services. To learn more, visit mynetwire.com Reported by PRWeb 14 hours ago.

Colorado health insurance exchange seeking $322,000 to fix glitches

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Officials with the state's health insurance exchange say they need $322,000 to fix technical problems with the website that have kept thousands of people from enrolling for coverage. Reported by Denver Post 11 hours ago.

Every Child Deserves a Fair Chance

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*“A population that does not take care of the elderly and of children and the young has no future, because it abuses both its memory and its promise.” *
-- Pope Francis            

For many, the start of a new year is a chance to turn over a new leaf and take a hard look at the gap between who we say want and need to be and who we are. As a nation it’s time to close our hypocrisy gap in the treatment of our children and value and protect our children—all of them. We need to examine with urgency how we treat our children and the gap between what we say and what we do.

If we did, we’d find:    
· -- A public school student is suspended every 2 seconds.***· -- A public high school student drops out every 9 seconds.***· -- A child is arrested every 24 seconds.· -- A public school student is corporally punished every 30 seconds.***· -- A baby is born into poverty every 35 seconds.· -- A child is abused or neglected every 47 seconds.· -- A baby is born without health insurance every minute.· -- A baby is born into extreme poverty every 68 seconds.· -- A baby is born to a teen mother every 2 minutes.· -- A baby is born at low birthweight every 2 minutes.· -- A child is arrested for a drug offense every 4 minutes.· -- A child is arrested for a violent offense every 8 and a half minutes.· -- A baby dies before his or her first birthday every 22 minutes.· -- A child or teen dies from an accident every hour.· -- A child or teen is killed by guns every three hours and 18 minutes.· -- A child or teen commits suicide every four hours and 11 minutes.· -- A child is killed by abuse or neglect every five and a half hours.· -- A baby’s mother dies from pregnancy or childbirth complications every 11 hours and eight minutes.
**During the school year.*What do these numbers tell us about who we are as a nation and whether we value the life and potential of every child? Why do we choose to let children be the poorest age group in our rich nation and stand by as millions of children suffer preventable poverty, hunger, homelessness, sickness, neglect, abuse, miseducation, and violence? Why do we continue to mock God’s call for justice for children and the poor and our professed ideals of freedom and justice for all? 

It’s time to close our hypocrisy gap as a nation and to realize the promise of a fair playing field for all children. We can and must do better. Reported by Huffington Post 10 hours ago.

Here are the 241 Bills and Resolutions Introduced on the First Day of Congress

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We at POPVOX took a look at the 241 bills and resolutions that were introduced on the first day of the 114th Congress. New message bills, leadership priorities and some old standards are now on the docket. Leaders were elected, Members took their oaths and in short order, they got to work introducing bills on the first day of the 114th Congress. *In total, 241 bills and resolutions were introduced on Day 1: 187 bills, 11 Constitutional Amendments and 65 Resolutions.*By far the most prolific Member was *Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee*, who was responsible for 18 percent of new bills introduced (43 in total.) Other names that made it onto the list include the new Dean of the House; *Rep. John Conyers*, who introduced 12 bills; Rep. Walter B. Jones, who introduced 10 bills; and *Rep. Scott Garrett*, who introduced nine.
*Themes Emerging:*
*Some themes have already emerged among the first-day bills:*

· Seven would alter or repeal the* individual mandate *for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).· Three pertain to comprehensive* immigration reform*; five limit funding for the Administration’s *deferred action* (DACA) program.· Ten provide some kind of limitation or *reduction in Congressional pay, benefits, or terms.*· Already two concern the naming of post offices.*Returning from the 113th:*
*A few bills that have previously commanded considerable interest on POPVOX have made a reappearance* (some even with the same bill numbers as before)

· *Rep. Marsha Blackburn* introduces bills to cut federal spending across the board at 1 percent (HR 39), 2 percent (HR 49) and 5 percent (HR 58).· *Rep Lou Barletta *revived his bill to abolish the IRS (HR 33).· *Rep John Conyers* re-introduced his bill to acknowledge the fundamental injustice of slavery between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to to examine its effects and make recommendations on appropriate remedies. (HR 40) · *Rep. Scott Garrett’*s HR 114 would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and re-locate the US embassy there.· *Rep. Thomas Massie* re-inroduced his "*Audit the Fed*" bill (HR 24).· The "*Fair Tax Act*" from *Rep. Rob Woodall* is back with bill number HR 25.*Other Highlights:*

· *Sen. Rand Paul*’s S. 34 would “prohibit assistance to the Palestinian Authority until it withdraws its request to join the International Criminal Court”· *Rep. Erik Paulen*’s HR160 would repeal the ACA’s *Medical Device Tax*.· *Sen. Roy Blunt*’s S. 11 is described as “protect[ing] the separation of powers in the Constitution of the United States by ensuring that the President takes care that the laws be faithfully executed..”· *Sen. Diane Feinstein*’s S. 29 would repeal the *Defense of Marriage Act.**Myriad Paths Await the New Bills*
Some of the First Day bills have already come to a vote or will be up soon (see the The POPVOX Week Ahead: Jan. 6 - 9.) Some may be considered later in the Congressional session. Many will languish. Some may become part of larger legislative packages, others will be the focus of discussion and debate throughout the 114th Congress.*The Complete List*
*The Complete List of new bills from the first day of the 114th Congress:*

· H.R.3 from * Rep Cramer, Kevin [ ND ] * To approve the Keystone XL Pipeline· H.R.21 from * Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [ WI-5 ] * To provide for a comprehensive assessment of the scientific and technical research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends, and for other purposes· H.R.22 from * Rep Davis, Rodney [ IL-13 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt employees with health coverage under TRICARE or the Veterans Administration from being taken into account for purposes of determining the employers to which the employer mandate applies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act· H.R.23 from * Rep Neugebauer, Randy [ TX-19 ] * To reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and for other purposes· H.R.24 from * Rep Massie, Thomas [ KY-4 ] * To require a full audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal reserve banks by the Comptroller General of the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.25 from * Rep Woodall, Rob [ GA-7 ] * To promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the States· H.R.26 from * Rep Neugebauer, Randy [ TX-19 ] * To extend the termination date of the Terrorism Insurance Program established under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for other purposes· H.R.27 from * Rep Goodlatte, Bob [ VA-6 ] * To terminate the Internal Revenue Code of 1986· H.R.28 from * Rep Poe, Ted [ TX-2 ] * To approve the Keystone XL pipeline project permit· H.R.29 from * Rep Poe, Ted [ TX-2 ] * To prohibit the use of funds for granting deferred action or other immigration relief to aliens not lawfully present in the United States· H.R.30 from * Rep Young, Todd C. [ IN-9 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours· H.R.31 from * Rep Roby, Martha [ AL-2 ] * To prohibit the use of funds to implement the immigration policies set forth in the memoranda issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security on November 20, 2014, or the memoranda issued by the President on November 21, 2014, and for other purposes· H.R.32 from * Rep Barletta, Lou [ PA-11 ] * To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of an unauthorized alien to include aliens who have not been admitted to and are not lawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.33 from * Rep Barletta, Lou [ PA-11 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that emergency services volunteers are not taken into account as employees under the shared responsibility requirements contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act· H.R.34 from * Rep Bonamici, Suzanne [ OR-1 ] * To authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, research, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes· H.R.35 from * Rep Hultgren, Randy [ IL-14 ] * To increase the understanding of the health effects of low doses of ionizing radiation· H.R.36 from * Rep Franks, Trent [ AZ-8 ] * To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children, and for other purposes· H.R.37 from * Rep Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [ PA-8 ] * To make technical corrections to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to enhance the ability of small and emerging growth companies to access capital through public and private markets, to reduce regulatory burdens, and for other purposes· H.R.38 from * Rep Yoho, Ted S. [ FL-3 ] * To prohibit the executive branch from exempting from removal categories of aliens considered under the immigration laws to be unlawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.39 from * Rep Blackburn, Marsha [ TN-7 ] * To make 1 percent across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending for each of the fiscal years 2015 and 2016· H.R.40 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes· H.R.41 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To enhance Federal enforcement of hate crimes, and for other purposes· H.R.42 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals reimbursed under the Medicare system to establish and implement security procedures to reduce the likelihood of infant patient abduction and baby switching, including procedures for identifying all infant patients in the hospital in a manner that ensures that it will be evident if infants are missing from the hospital· H.R.43 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To provide for emergency deployments of United States Border Patrol agents and to increase the number of DEA and ATF agents along the international border of the United States to increase resources to identify and eliminate illicit sources of firearms into Mexico for use by violent drug trafficking organizations and for other lawful activities, and for other purposes· H.R.44 from * Rep Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [ GU ] * To implement the recommendations of the Guam War Claims Review Commission· H.R.45 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To provide for research and education with respect to triple-negative breast cancer, and for other purposes· H.R.46 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To increase the evidentiary standard required to convict a person for a drug offense, to require screening of law enforcement officers or others acting under color of law participating in drug task forces, and for other purposes· H.R.47 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To ensure secure gun storage and gun safety devices· H.R.48 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To require a review of the completeness of the Terrorist Screening Database· H.R.49 from * Rep Blackburn, Marsha [ TN-7 ] * To make 2 percent across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending for each of the fiscal years 2015 and 2016· H.R.50 from * Rep Foxx, Virginia [ NC-5 ] * To provide for additional safeguards with respect to imposing Federal mandates, and for other purposes· H.R.51 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To provide for the collection of data on traffic stops, and for other purposes· H.R.52 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to comprehensively reform immigration law, and for other purposes· H.R.53 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To codify an office within the Department of Homeland Security with the mission of strengthening the capacity of the agency to attract and retain highly trained computer and information security professionals, and for other purposes· H.R.54 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To enhance the security of chemical facilities and for other purposes· H.R.55 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a study on the use of contractors for intelligence activities, and for other purposes· H.R.56 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To impose sanctions against persons who knowingly provide material support or resources to the Donbass People's Militia or its affiliates, associated groups, or agents, and for other purposes· H.R.57 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To require that activities carried out by the United States in South Sudan relating to governance, reconstruction and development, and refugee relief and assistance will support the basic human rights of women and women's participation and leadership in these areas· H.R.58 from * Rep Blackburn, Marsha [ TN-7 ] * To make 5 percent across-the-board rescissions in non-defense, non-homeland-security, and non-veterans-affairs discretionary spending for each of the fiscal years 2015 and 2016· H.R.59 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To provide for a reduction in the amount that may be awarded to a unit of local government under subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968· H.R.60 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a Cyber Defense National Guard· H.R.61 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To preserve the access of victims of trafficking to information about their eligibility to receive SNAP benefits· H.R.62 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] *"To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1900 West Gray Street in Houston, Texas, as the""Hazel Hainsworth Young Post Office Building""· H.R.63 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a database that shall serve as a central location for information from investigations relating to human trafficking for Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies· H.R.64 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To encourage States to provide for enhanced sentencing penalties for persons convicted of committing, or attempting to commit, an act of domestic violence in the presence of minor children· H.R.65 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To require the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a study on the use of contractors for intelligence activities, and for other purposes· H.R.66 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To require the Attorney General to disclose each decision, order, or opinion of a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that includes significant legal interpretation of section 501 or 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 unless such disclosure is not in the national security interest of the United States and for other purposes· H.R.67 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To establish a grant program to empower relatives, friends, and co-workers of domestic violence victims to create safety plans· H.R.68 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance the use of Juvenile Accountability Block Grants for programs to prevent and address occurrences of bullying and to reauthorize the Juvenile Accountability Block Grants program· H.R.69 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Malala Yousafzai, a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace, in recognition of her devoted service to education, justice, and equality in Pakistan· H.R.70 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To direct the Secretary of Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to initiate immediate action to create jobs in America, and for other purposes· H.R.71 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide an alternate release date for certain nonviolent offenders, and for other purposes· H.R.72 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To establish a grant program for nebulizers in elementary and secondary schools· H.R.73 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To establish a grant program for stipends to assist in the cost of compensation paid by employers to certain recent college graduates and to provide funding for their further education in subjects relating to mathematics, science, engineering, and technology· H.R.74 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to provide grants to States and units of local government for the video recording of custodial interrogations· H.R.75 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To prohibit States from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment· H.R.76 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit to encourage private employers to hire veterans, to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the reasonable efforts an employer may make under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act with respect to hiring veterans, and for other purposes· H.R.77 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To provide for the appointment of additional immigration judges· H.R.78 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes to carry out employment training programs to assist long-term unemployed job hunters obtain the skills and training to reenter the workforce and fill jobs in high-growth sectors of the economy· H.R.79 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To conduct a study to ensure that enhanced communication is provided between commercial aircraft and air traffic control towers, and for other purposes· H.R.80 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish an Ombudsman Office within the Transportation Security Administration for the purpose of enhancing transportation security by providing confidential, informal, and neutral assistance to address work-place related problems of Transportation Security Administration employees, and for other purposes· H.R.81 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To increase the number of Federal air marshals for certain flights, require criminal investigative training for such marshals, create an office and appoint an ombudsman for the marshals, and for other purposes· H.R.82 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To establish conditions under which the Secretary of Homeland Security may commence U.S. Customs and Border Protection security screening operations at a preclearance facility outside the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.83 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To assist States and local governments develop and implement emergency notification systems suitable for use on public recreational lands, and for other purposes· H.R.84 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To direct the Secretary of Transportation to take actions to ensure that not fewer than 2 air traffic controllers are on duty and physically situated within the air traffic control room or tower of certain airports at all times during periods of airfield operations, and for other purposes· H.R.85 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * To codify the objective of Presidential Policy Directive 21 to improve critical infrastructure security and resilience, and for other purposes· H.R.86 from * Rep Massie, Thomas [ KY-4 ] * To repeal the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 and amendments to that Act· H.R.87 from * Rep Blackburn, Marsha [ TN-7 ] * To modify the boundary of the Shiloh National Military Park located in Tennessee and Mississippi, to establish Parker's Crossroads Battlefield as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes· H.R.88 from * Rep Blackburn, Marsha [ TN-7 ] * To amend subtitle IV of title 40, United States Code, regarding county additions to the Appalachian region· H.R.89 from * Rep Bridenstine, Jim [ OK-1 ] * To provide for expedited approval of exportation of natural gas to World Trade Organization countries, and for other purposes· H.R.90 from * Rep Brownley, Julia [ CA-26 ] * To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct reviews of certain budget requests of the President for the medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs· H.R.91 from * Rep Buchanan, Vern [ FL-16 ] * To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue, upon request, veteran identification cards to certain veterans· H.R.92 from * Rep Buchanan, Vern [ FL-16 ] * To provide that rates of pay for Members of Congress shall not be adjusted under section 601· H.R.93 from * Rep Connolly, Gerald E. [ VA-11 ] * To prohibit United States Government recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea· H.R.94 from * Rep Connolly, Gerald E. [ VA-11 ] * To permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings· H.R.95 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To amend chapter 9 of title 11 of the United States Code to improve protections for employees and retirees in municipal bankruptcies· H.R.96 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of the general public, and for other purposes· H.R.97 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To amend title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies· H.R.98 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To amend title 11 of the United States Code to dispense with the requirement of providing assurance of payment for utility services under certain circumstances· H.R.99 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To prohibit anticompetitive activities and to provide that health insurance issuers and medical malpractice insurance issuers are subject to the antitrust laws of the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.100 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To amend title 11 of the United States Code to stop abusive student loan collection practices in bankruptcy cases· H.R.101 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To amend title 11 of the United States Code with respect to modification of certain mortgages on principal residences, and for other purposes· H.R.102 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To establish a corporate crime database, and for other purposes· H.R.103 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To improve public safety through increased law enforcement presence and enhanced public safety equipment and programs, and for other purposes· H.R.104 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To protect cyber privacy, and for other purposes· H.R.105 from * Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [ MI-13 ] * To ensure and foster continued patient safety and quality of care by clarifying the application of the antitrust laws to negotiations between groups of health care professionals and health plans and health care insurance issuers· H.R.106 from * Rep Culberson, John Abney [ TX-7 ] * To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to restore State sovereignty over public education and parental rights over the education of their children· H.R.107 from * Rep Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [ PA-8 ] * To amend title 18, United States Code, to increase from 1 to 2 years the post employment restrictions on Members of the House of Representatives· H.R.108 from * Rep Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [ PA-8 ] * To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the termination of further retirement coverage of Members of Congress, except for the right to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, and for other purposes· H.R.109 from * Rep Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [ PA-8 ] * To provide that no pay adjustment for Members of Congress shall be made with respect to any pay period occurring during the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress· H.R.110 from * Rep Forbes, J. Randy [ VA-4 ] * To provide for rates of pay for Members of Congress to be adjusted as a function of changes in Government spending· H.R.111 from * Rep Forbes, J. Randy [ VA-4 ] * To protect the Social Security and Medicare trust funds from the public debt limit, and for other purposes· H.R.112 from * Rep Fortenberry, Jeff [ NE-1 ] * To amend title 31, United States Code, to restore the 10 year statute of limitations applicable to collection of debt by administrative offset, and for other purposes· H.R.113 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To improve the accountability and transparency of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and for other purposes· H.R.114 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-6 ] * To recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, to relocate to Jerusalem the United States Embassy in Israel, and for other purposes· H.R.115 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To prohibit the Transportation Security Administration from performing security screening operations for surface transportation, and for other purposes· H.R.116 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To permit small business concerns operating in the United States to elect to be exempt from certain Federal rules and regulations, and for other purposes· H.R.117 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the mandate that individuals purchase health insurance· H.R.118 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce the Federal tax on fuels by the amount of any increase in the rate of tax on such fuel by the States· H.R.119 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase transparency in Federal budgeting, and for other purposes· H.R.120 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To repeal the War Powers Resolution· H.R.121 from * Rep Garrett, Scott [ NJ-5 ] * To allow a State to opt out of K-12 education grant programs and the requirements of those programs, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to taxpayers in such a State, and for other purposes· H.R.122 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide for the calculation of the minimum wage based on the Federal poverty threshold for a family of 4, as determined by the Bureau of the Census· H.R.123 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * To extend the pilot program under section 258 of the National Housing Act that establishes an automated process for providing alternative credit rating information for mortgagors and prospective mortgagors under certain mortgages· H.R.124 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps· H.R.125 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * To authorize a pilot program to improve asset recovery levels, asset management, and homeownership retention with respect to delinquent single-family mortgages insured under the FHA mortgage insurance programs by providing for in-person contact outreach activities with mortgagors under such mortgages, and for other purposes· H.R.126 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * To direct the Election Assistance Commission to carry out a pilot program under which the Commission shall provide funds to local educational agencies for initiatives to provide voter registration information to secondary school students in the 12th grade· H.R.127 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * To amend title 49, United States Code, with respect to urbanized area formula grants, and for other purposes· H.R.128 from * Rep Green, Gene [ TX-29 ] * To direct the Secretary of Labor to revise regulations concerning the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970· H.R.129 from * Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ ID-2 ] * To amend title 23, United States Code, with respect to the operation of longer combination vehicles on the Interstate System in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes· H.R.130 from * Rep Griffith, H. Morgan [ VA-9 ] * To amend the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide equity for certain eligible survivors, and for other purposes· H.R.131 from * Rep Griffith, H. Morgan [ VA-9 ] * To amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to more comprehensively address the interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition· H.R.132 from * Rep King, Steve [ IA-4 ] * To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010· H.R.133 from * Rep Griffith, H. Morgan [ VA-9 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for waivers of user fees imposed with respect to applications for reinstatement of tax-exempt status of small, subsidiary tax-exempt organizations· H.R.134 from * Rep Issa, Darrell E. [ CA-49 ] *"To designate the exclusive economic zone of the United States as the""Ronald Wilson Reagan Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States""· H.R.135 from * Rep Issa, Darrell E. [ CA-49 ] * To amend the National Historic Preservation Act to provide that if the head of the agency managing Federal property objects to the inclusion of certain property on the National Register or its designation as a National Historic Landmark for reasons of national security, the Federal property shall be neither included nor designated until the objection is withdrawn, and for other purposes· H.R.136 from * Rep Issa, Darrell E. [ CA-49 ] *"To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1103 USPS Building 1103 in Camp Pendleton, California, as the""Camp Pendleton Medal of Honor Post Office""· H.R.137 from * Rep Issa, Darrell E. [ CA-49 ] * To require an adequate process in preplanned lethal operations that deliberately target citizens of the United States or citizens of strategic treaty allies of the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.138 from * Rep Issa, Darrell E. [ CA-49 ] * To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and to amend title 5, United States Code, to establish a national health program administered by the Office of Personnel Management to offer Federal employee health benefits plans to individuals who are not Federal employees, and for other purposes· H.R.139 from * Rep Jolly, David W. [ FL-13 ] * To amend title 10, United States Code, to require that Federal, State, and local agencies to which surplus military equipment and personal property is sold or donated demonstrate that agency personnel are certified, trained, or licensed, as appropriate, in the proper operation of the equipment prior to the sale or donation· H.R.140 from * Rep King, Steve [ IA-4 ] * To amend section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify those classes of individuals born in the United States who are nationals and citizens of the United States at birth· H.R.141 from * Rep Jolly, David W. [ FL-13 ] * To ensure fairness in premium rates for coverage for business properties and second homes under the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes· H.R.142 from * Rep Jolly, David W. [ FL-13 ] * To amend the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989 to expand the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers Training Program Pilot Program to include a Coast Guard unit at Pinellas Park High School in Pinellas Park, Florida, and for other purposes· H.R.143 from * Rep Jolly, David W. [ FL-13 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the individual health insurance mandate· H.R.144 from * Rep Jolly, David W. [ FL-13 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a maximum rate of Federal, State, and local tax imposed on taxpayers· H.R.145 from * Rep Jolly, David W. [ FL-13 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the work opportunity tax credit and to allow the transfer of such credit in the case of contracted veterans· H.R.146 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury have access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy at military medical treatment facilities· H.R.147 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To require the Secretary of Defense to determine and disclose the cost of any transportation provided by the Secretary to Members, officers, or employees of the House of Representatives or Senate who are carrying out official duties outside the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.148 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that every military chaplain has the prerogative to close a prayer outside of a religious service according to the dictates of the chaplain's own conscience· H.R.149 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to permit candidates for election for Federal office to designate an individual who will be authorized to disburse funds of the authorized campaign committees of the candidate in the event of the death of the candidate· H.R.150 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to apply the prohibition against the conversion of contributions to personal use to contributions accepted by political· H.R.151 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To correct the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Unit L06, Topsail, North Carolina· H.R.152 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To direct the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement to provide for management of the free-roaming wild horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge· H.R.153 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * To restore the Free Speech and First Amendment rights of churches and exempt organizations by repealing the 1954 Johnson Amendment· H.R.154 from * Rep Kilmer, Derek [ WA-6 ] * To repeal the provisions of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, which amended the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to establish separate contribution limits for contributions made to national parties to support Presidential nominating conventions, national party headquarters buildings, and recounts· H.R.155 from * Rep Marino, Tom [ PA-10 ] * To provide that no funds appropriated or otherwise made available may be used to implement, administer, carry out, or enforce certain memoranda related to immigration· H.R.156 from * Rep McCaul, Michael T. [ TX-10 ] * To repeal the crude oil export ban under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, and for other purposes· H.R.157 from * Rep McGovern, James P. [ MA-2 ] * To limit the use of cluster munitions· H.R.158 from * Rep Miller, Candice S. [ MI-10 ] * To clarify the grounds for ineligibility for travel to the United States regarding terrorism risk, to expand the criteria by which a country may be removed from the Visa Waiver Program, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report on strengthening the Electronic System for Travel Authorization to better secure the international borders of the United States and prevent terrorists and instruments of terrorism from entering the United States, and for other purposes· H.R.159 from * Rep Paulsen, Erik [ MN-3 ] * To stop exploitation through trafficking· H.R.160 from * Rep Paulsen, Erik [ MN-3 ] * To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on medical devices· H.R.161 from * Rep Pompeo, Mike [ KS-4 ] * To provide for the timely consideration of all licenses, permits, and approvals required under Federal law with respect to the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of any natural gas pipeline projects· H.R.162 from * Rep Schweikert, David [ AZ-6 ] * To amend the Truth in Lending Act to allow certain loans that are not fully amortizing to be used in seller carryback financing on residential mortgage loans· H.R.163 from * Rep Schweikert, David [ AZ-6 ] * To require the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to collect, publish, and keep current an objective index of dollar-denominated loan interest rates of various maturities, and for other purposes· H.R.164 from * Rep Schweikert, David [ AZ-6 ] * To require that the United States Government prioritize all obligations on the debt held by the public, Social Security benefits, and military pay in the event that the debt limit is reached, and for other purposes· H.R.165 from * Rep Schweikert, David [ AZ-6 ] * To provide that the President shall submit to Congress a report detailing the priority of Federal spending if the statutory debt limit is reached, and for other purposes· H.R.166 from * Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ ID-2 ] * To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide for the appointment of additional Federal circuit judges, to divide the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States into two judicial circuits, and for other purposes· H.R.167 from * Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ ID-2 ] * To provide for adjustments to discretionary spending under section 251· H.R.168 from * Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ ID-2 ] * To authorize an additional district judgeship for the district of Idaho· H.R.169 from * Rep Smith, Adrian [ NE-3 ] * To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove the 96-hour physician certification requirement for inpatient critical access hospital services· H.R.170 from * Rep Smith, Adrian [ NE-3 ] * To extend the nonenforcement instruction for the Medicare direct supervision requirement for therapeutic hospital outpatient services insofar as it applies to critical access hospitals and rural hospitals, to require a study of the impact on critical access hospitals and rural hospitals of a failure to extend such instruction, and for other purposes· H.R.171 from * Rep Smith, Adrian [ NE-4 ] * To repeal the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act· H.R.172 from * Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [ MS-2 ] *"To designate the United States courthouse located at 501 East Court Street in Jackson, Mississippi, as the""R. Jess Brown United States Courthouse""· H.R.173 from * Rep Thornberry, Mac [ TX-13 ] * To repeal the Federal estate and gift taxes· H.R.174 from * Rep Wittman, Robert J. [ VA-1 ] * To provide that the salaries of Members of a House of Congress will be held in escrow if that House has not agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2016 by April 15, 2015· H.R.175 from * Rep Womack, Steve [ AR-3 ] * To provide for the revision of certification requirements for the labeling of certain electronic products under the Energy Star program· H.R.176 from * Rep Womack, Steve [ AR-3 ] * To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to permit the collection of user fees by non-Federal entities in connection with the challenge cost-sharing program for management of recreation facilities, and for other purposes· H.R.177 from * Rep Womack, Steve [ AR-3 ] * To amend title 10, United States Code, to continue the national security exemption from emissions regulations when an excess Department of Defense vehicle covered by the exemption is transferred to a firefighting agency in a State or to any other State agency· H.R.178 from * Rep Womack, Steve [ AR-3 ] * To amend section 349· H.R.179 from * Rep Yoder, Kevin [ KS-3 ] * To amend the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to reduce the rates of pay of Members of Congress by 5 percent and eliminate future cost-of-living adjustments in such rates of pay· H.R.180 from * Rep Yoder, Kevin [ KS-3 ] * To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the termination of further retirement benefits for Members of Congress, except the right to continue participating in the Thrift Savings Plan· H.J.RES.1 from * Rep Goodlatte, Bob [ VA-6 ] * Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States· H.J.RES.2 from * Rep Goodlatte, Bob [ VA-6 ] * Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States· H.J.RES.3 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] *"Expressing support for designation of September 2015 as""Gospel Music Heritage Month""and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States"· H.J.RES.4 from * Rep Buchanan, Vern [ FL-16 ] * Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to balancing the budget· H.J.RES.5 from * Rep Culberson, John Abney [ TX-7 ] * Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the effect of treaties, Executive orders, and agreements with other nations or groups of nations· H.J.RES.6 from * Rep Fitzpatrick, Michael G. [ PA-8 ] * Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve to 4 in the House of Representatives and 2 in the Senate· H.J.RES.7 from * Rep Lance, Leonard [ NJ-7 ] * Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States· H.J.RES.8 from * Rep Schweikert, David [ AZ-6 ] * Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the Federal budget be balanced and that an increase in the Federal debt requires approval from a majority of the legislatures of the several States· H.J.RES.9 from * Rep Womack, Steve [ AR-3 ] * Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States· H.CON.RES.1 from * Rep Sessions, Pete [ TX-32 ] * Regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government· H.CON.RES.2 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 106th anniversary· H.CON.RES.3 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] *"Expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued in honor of George Thomas""Mickey""Leland"· H.CON.RES.4 from * Rep Miller, Jeff [ FL-1 ] * Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II· H.RES.1 from * Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [ WA-5 ] * Electing officers of the House of Representatives· H.RES.2 from * Rep McCarthy, Kevin [ CA-23 ] * To inform the Senate that a quorum of the House has assembled and of the election of the Speaker and the Clerk· H.RES.3 from * Rep McCarthy, Kevin [ CA-23 ] * Authorizing the Speaker to appoint a committee to notify the President of the assembly of the Congress· H.RES.4 from * Rep Lewis, John [ GA-5 ] * Authorizing the Clerk to inform the President of the election of the Speaker and the Clerk· H.RES.5 from * Rep McCarthy, Kevin [ CA-23 ] * Adopting rules for the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress· H.RES.6 from * Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [ WA-5 ] * Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives· H.RES.7 from * Rep Becerra, Xavier [ CA-34 ] * Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives· H.RES.8 from * Rep Becerra, Xavier [ CA-34 ] * Providing for the designation of certain minority employees· H.RES.9 from * Rep Sessions, Pete [ TX-32 ] * Fixing the daily hour of meeting of the First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress· H.RES.10 from * Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [ TX-18 ] * Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration should, in accordance with existing law, enhance security against terrorist attack and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit systems and other modes of surface transportation; and for other purposes· H.RES.11 from * Rep Brooks, Mo [ AL-5 ] * Providing for authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States with respect to the implementation of the immigration laws· H.RES.12 from * Rep Graves, Sam [ MO-6 ] * Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of its 6-day mail delivery service· H.RES.13 from * Rep Green, Al [ TX-9 ] * Recognizing the significance of Black History Month· H.RES.14 from * Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [ NC-3 ] * Urging the president to release information regarding the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks upon the United States· H.RES.15 from * Rep Larson, John B. [ CT-1 ] * Congratulating Pope Francis on his election and recognizing his inspirational statements and actions· H.RES.16 from * Rep Schweikert, David [ AZ-6 ] * Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of any bill or joint resolution carrying more than one subject· H.RES.17 from * Rep Wittman, Robert J. [ VA-1 ] * Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of a concurrent resolution to provide for a recess of the House after July 31 of any year unless the House has approved each regular appropriation bill for the next fiscal year· S.1 from * Sen Hoeven, John [ ND ] * A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline· S.11 from * Sen Blunt, Roy [ MO ] * A bill to protect the separation of powers in the Constitution of the United States by ensuring that the President takes care that the laws be faithfully executed, and for other purposes· S.12 from * Sen Blunt, Roy [ MO ] * A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt employees with health coverage under TRICARE or the Veterans Administration from being taken into account for purposes of determining the employers to which the employer mandate applies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act· S.13 from * Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [ UT ] * A bill to establish the Hurricane Sand Dunes National Recreation Area in the State of Utah, and for other purposes· S.14 from * Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [ UT ] * A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain interest in Federal land acquired for the Scofield Project in Carbon County, Utah· S.15 from * Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [ UT ] * A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to recognize the authority of States to regulate oil and gas operations and promote American energy security, development, and job creation, and for other purposes· S.16 from * Sen Vitter, David [ LA ] * A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to apply the provisions of the Act to certain Congressional staff and membersThis post originally appeared on the Reported by Huffington Post 10 hours ago.
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