The US House of Representatives has passed the fiscal year 2013 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill by a vote of 326-90. The bill includes $518 billion in base funding and an additional $88 billion for the war in Afghanistan and other overseas operations. Congressman Jose E. Serrano joined 78 other Democrats and 11 Republicans in voting against the measure.
Two reports on attacks against the press, presented at the United Nations Human Rights Council, rely a great deal on CPJ research and bring unprecedented international attention to how anti-press violence imperils our collective right to information.
The nation's highest court is expected to issue a landmark decision on the Affordable Care Act, also known as OBAMACARE.
There are several key legal issues being reviewed by the supreme court and this debated case revolves around the constitutionality of the individual mandate. It is scheduled to take effect in 2014 and will require that everyone maintain a certain level of health insurance in order to expand insurance pools and help mediate costs.
This forced purchase has angered opponents, who say this bill sets the precedent for the government to dictate other types of purchases.
President Obama is currently announcing an executive order regarding his administration's new policy for granting young immigrants workers permits. The announcement is being broadcast live from the White House Rose Garden.
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/msnbc.com/47829963/?ocid=twitter#47829963
This current administration has reportedly deported more illegal immigrants than any previous administration and with 150 days left before election day, critics say he had to do something to increase his popularity.
Today, May 23, 2012 NYC Council Members James Vacca, Chair of the Transportation Committee, and Domenic Recchia, Chair of the Finance Committee, will hold a joint hearing to discuss the Administration’s Executive Budgets with respect to transportation.
Since the Committee’s preliminary budget hearings, MTA’s capital plan has been fully funded through 2014, but the Agency has planned fare hikes of 7.5% in both January 2013 and January 2015. In addition, the East Side Access project was recently announced to be $1B over budget and far behind its scheduled completion date.
Can members of US Congress get anything done during this election year? Some observers may say probably not, if their past record is any indication.
OBAMA: If you have shown little talent for leadership and wasted years dealing with Congress, you may not get a do-over. Then you're outta the Oval, and that new president gets his four years. But if this happens, then what do we have to look forward to?
NYC Council Member, Council District 13
James Vacca
3040 East Tremont Avenue
718-931-1721
jvacca@council.nyc.gov
Bronx Borough President
Adolfo Carrión Jr.
851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
718-590-3500
webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov
State Senator, District 34
Jeff Klein
3713 East Tremont Avenue
Bronx, New York 10465
718-822-2049
jdklein@senate.state.ny.us
State Assemblyman, Assembly District 82
Michael Benedetto
3369 East Tremont Ave.
Bronx, NY 10461
718-892-2235
Benedetto@assembly.state.ny.us
U. S. Congress
Representative Joseph Crowley
2800 Bruckner Blvd
NYC Councilman Vacca, Transportation Alternatives issue statements on death of Bronx cyclist calling for NYPD to step up traffic enforcement, thoroughly investigate crashes.
BRONX CLERGY TASK FORCE & NYPD INVITE YOU TO AN
IMMIGRATION AND HEALTH FAIR
DATE: APRIL 18, 2012
TIME: 6:00 PM TO 8:30PM
Hutchinson Metro Center 1200 Waters Place, Bx, NY
The guest speaker is Andrea J. Quarantillo,
District Director for NYC US Citizenship & Immigration Services
US Homeland Security
They will speaking on the Dream Act and offer valuable information on Immigration issues.
Please bring members of your congregation and community that will benefit from this information.
This week, the Supreme Court held three days of oral arguments on the multi-state lawsuit challenging the 2010 health care law. Justices sat for a combined six hours to determine the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The case is officially known as Florida v. Department of Health & Human Services.
Anti-Injunction Act