Posing with the NOH8 Campaign’s iconic face tattoo and duct tape, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) joined nearly 70 of his colleagues in Congress in standing up for marriage equality and equal rights for all Americans by participating in the third annual NOH8 On The Hill photo event.

The portraits were released by NOH8 Campaign co-founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley on Monday.

“Marriage equality is a fundamental right for all families and I’m proud to stand with the NOH8 Campaign in speaking out against hate,” said Rep. Crowley. “Our diversity is what makes us stronger as Americans, and that should always be celebrated.”

This year’s event more than doubled the number of Congressional participants over 2012, when 26 members participated. In 2010, 10 members participated. The class of 2013 brings the total number of Congressional participants over three years to 100 members.

The NOH8 On The Hill portraits feature members of Congress wearing duct tape over their mouths to symbolize the voices of equality being silenced by laws like DOMA and California’s Proposition 8. In addition, the NOH8 face tattoo symbolizes solidarity with others standing up for equality.

The NOH8 On The Hill event comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8.

“Both DOMA and Proposition 8 have been declared unconstitutional by courts, and now the Supreme Court will have the opportunity to do the same. Sexual orientation discrimination has absolutely no place in the laws and policies of this country,” said Crowley.

Congressman Crowley is the eight-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Following several months of deliberations, U.S. Supreme Court justices have vacated a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit which had upheld the race-conscious admissions policy at the University of Texas at Austin.

In their 7-to-1 ruling, from which Justice Elena Kagan was recused, the court held that the Fifth Circuit was incorrect in upholding a lower court’s summary judgment in favor of Texas because the lower court had failed to apply strict scrutiny to the university’s policy.

Where in the World Is Edward Snowden? This is the question of the latest international spy tracking game.

The war of words between China, Russia and US continues to escalate. As he flees from espionage charges, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden apparently left Hong Kong on Sunday for Ecuadoran asylum. This could leave USA with little option as attempts are made to prosecute Snowden who is accused of leaking details about top secret surveillance programs. Snowden may have some 200 sensitive documents in his possession.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW YORK HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY THAT WILL REMAIN IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT TUESDAY.

* LOCATIONS...NEW YORK CITY.

* HAZARDS...HEAT.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES...IN THE MID TO UPPER 90S DUE TO TEMPERATURES
IN THE LOWER 90S...AND DEW-POINTS IN THE UPPER 60S.

* TIMING...THROUGH TUESDAY.

* IMPACTS...SENSITIVE POPULATIONS WILL BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ADVERSE
HEALTH EFFECTS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED FOR NEW YORK CITY WHEN HIGH HUMIDITY IS
EXPECTED TO COMBINE WITH HOT TEMPERATURES TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE

This year on City Island the turnout was less than last year, with only 50 vessels receiving their blessings.

Although the Blessing of the Fleet continues to be a longstanding naval tradition symbolizing the start of the boating season.

The parade of boats and kayaks received a blessing on the water. Each one of the boats received a salute and prayer from religious leaders representing the Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal and Jewish faiths.