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Email conversations about "ending hunger in Ohio through changing conditions which cause poverty"
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Advocates for reducing hunger |
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Hunger Network in Ohio |
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Legislative logjam broken: U.S. House and Senate vote today to extend these
benefits |
Just before noon today, the Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan deal extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while also avoiding a Medicare fee cut for doctors for the rest of the yea
The bill cleared the Senate in a 60-36 vote less than an hour after the House approved it by a 293-132 margin.
A majority of House Republicans and Democrats voted in favor of the bill, though 91 Republicans and 41 Democrats in the chamber voted no. Senate Democrats voted overwhelmingly for the bill while Senate Republicans largely opposed it.
President Barack Obama has promised to sign the legislation as soon as it reaches his desk.
While not a "perfect" bill from any standpoint, it will protect many Americas facing severe hardship and reduce chances of others becoming more dependent.
Thus, with all that we've shared so far and--if you wish--supplementary detail in links below tracing today's actions, the simple thrust of this alert is twofold:
- expressing appreciation to Congress
- for future reference, recognizing the strength of the kind of advocacy that persuaded legislators about the importance of this bill (HR 3630). Your contacts are critically important. They--and YOU--DO make a difference!
At your earliest convenience, especially thank those who voted favorably (if you are unsure about the name of your house member and/or need a phone number, see reference below on how to locate);
First, find out the yeas and nays:
- go online to lis.gov. You may be surprised to come immediately to "THOMAS"--the Library of Congress
- Scroll down the middle column under "More Legislative Information" and click on Roll Call Votes
- For House Votes, click on 2nd Session, just after "112th (2011-12)"
- Now click on 72, on the top listing just before "17-Feb H R 3630"
- AT the top, you will find your representative's name and how he/she voted. If affirmatively, call (again, information links in references below) to say thank you. If negative, you might either ignore OR call to express regret (this needn't be overdone) and encourage support for these and similar services if future opportunities arise (they will). You might include, however they voted, commendation--whether earned or still needing to be earned--for cooperation and bipartisan compromise (especially in the House)
- While you can find senate listings directly underneath by clicking on 00022 just before "17-Feb H.R. 3630," we can report that Ohio Sen. Brown voted "yes" and Sen. Portman, "no." Again, either "thanks" or few choice words (kindly delivered) are in order.
Congress sends payroll tax cut bill to Obama
Congress Acts to Extend Aid to Jobless and Payroll Tax Cut
Congress passes payroll tax cut deal
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