Brink

3 hours ago, Douglas Butcher said:

I'm withdrawing this, but let me say something. A few resets ago, you had corrupt administrators trying to unethically undermine a Republican president and doing shady things that got them banned from this game. I was brought into that crap. And while I'm interpreting private feedback from those administrators as a legitimate game dynamic, the reality was something far different. I absolutely resent being used in that nonsense. I have a very serious problem with keeping major aspects of the game hidden like this, even if it is reported on. You need to keep it in the forefront of your mind that there should absolutely be transparency in every thing being done. Because that's how game-killing bull**** happens.

I understand your points, but why don't you take this up with the admins privately? I'd prefer not to dredge that time in game history back up and I think most of us who were here would like not to. I also think you've already lost your high ground here publicly after almost rage quitting, so maybe it's time to take this privately where it should be. Thank you.

5 hours ago, Adam said:

 

I have returned.

So you're not actually Chris Fowler? 

On 11/23/2023 at 12:14 PM, Bolster said:

 

 

Senator Nolan Anthony Stokes (D-MD)

Name: Nolan A. Stokes

Date of Birth: December 8, 1980 

Place of Birth: Washington, DC

Current Place of Residence: District Heights, Maryland

Political Party: Democratic Party

Faction: Progressive Faction

State and Seat: Maryland Class III

 

Avatar: Mayor Brandon M. Scott

 

Family History:

Father: Anthony Stokes (b. 1911)

Mother: Pamela Stokes nee Thomas (b. 1915)

Sister: Fatimah Stokes-Lewis (nee Stokes)

Sister: Daniella Simpson (nee Stokes)

Wife: Helen Stokes (nee Laster)

Daughter: Destiny Stokes (b. 1991)

Son: Kevin A. “Little Ant” Stokes (b. 1997)

 

Educational History (where you went to school and when you finished):

• Suitland High School ‘92
• Morgan State University ‘96

 

Occupational History (with years as to when):

1984-present: Small Business owner

1988-1997: City Commissioner Ward 1 (two terms)

1997-2003: Mayor of District Heights, MD (one term)

2003-2006: Prince George’s County Council (one term

2006-2010: Prince George’s County Executive (one term)

2011-present: US Senator Class III

 

Gender:

Male: 0 Points

 

Sexuality:

Straight, married with < 3 children: 0 Points

 

Race:

Black: 10 points

 

Religion:

Historically Black Protestant: 10 points (0 if black)

Education:

College Degree at Public University: 0 points

 

Family History:

Working Class: 5 points
 

Career Information:

Entrepreneur/Business Founder: 20 points

 

Political Experience:

City Council (population <50,000): 2 points (Dist. Heights City Commissioner)
Mayor (population <50,000): 2 points per term (Dist. Heights Mayor)
City Council (population >100,000): 3 points per term (County Council)

Mayor (population >250,000): 10 points per term (County Executive)

 

Points: 52 points

 

 

 

Personal Information

• Favorite Sports Team: Baltimore Orioles
• Hidden Talent: Can play the Piano
• Favorite Band(s): Rare Essence and The Strokes
• Favorite Food: Crab cakes duh! Or anything with Old Bay  

I think the high school and college graduation years might be off. Unless you were a child prodigy, which like nothing wrong with

Turtle

Aye

Aye

Nay

Thanksgiving

...how ironic!

Not to poo poo on the idea. But do we really need a Whip for this mini session? Feels like it may just be something where we can get by with just a leader.

Also pausing would allow us to consider @Starnes's potential amendment to the charter. While I'd potentially oppose it off the bat, I think it's important for the party to consider it. Especially so with Starnes in the position that he is in now.

Aye

I second John Starnes.

I'd argue it also is kind of a way for a President to have unfettered power over the party even if the party completely disagrees with the President on a particular issue. 

Devil's advocate: why isn't the Vice President just the chair of the party in that situation? It's not like recent VPs have had a ton to do.

Why should does the President get to force the DNC Chair to resign?

I know this is a copy paste from last reset, just throwing it out there

Just now, John E said:

New Dog?  Blue Dem?

You scared me for a second I didn't edit it right

19 minutes ago, Jefferson said:

 

The seat still says Iowa, though. Nevertheless. 

Glad to see you back as player, too.

Thanks! I will update that to say Minnesota and not Iowa lol. Also I'm changing to Blue Dog since I would apparently be the only one (where you placed me in, lol)

I know the new bio said New Dem and the original says Blue Dog. But yeah!

I have changed the bio to Minnesota to relieve any concerns about my being in Iowa, fits my pic better anyway!

Character Name: Catherine Tabor

Political Party: Democrat

Seat Held: Minnesota, Class II

Date of Birth: June 24, 1958 (66 years old)

Place of Birth: Metairie, Louisiana

Place of Residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian

Avatar: Lisa Murkowski

Caucus: Blue Dog Coalition 

Family Information:

Parents: Melissa Patton-Taylor, Leo Patton

Spouse: Delbert Tabor

Children: Edna, Angela

Educational History:

License in Notary, Delgado Community College, New Orleans, LA (1976-1977)

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (1988-1993)

Occupational History:

Retail Store Associate, CVS Pharmacy, Metairie, LA (1975-1978)

Title Specialist/Notary, Auto Title of Louisiana, Metairie, LA (1978-1987)

Lead Title Specialist/Notary, Auto Title of Louisiana, Metairie, LA (1988)

Merchandiser, Nei Bottling, Bemidji, MN (1988-1993)

Electrical Assembler, Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (1993-2004)

City Council, Minneapolis, MN (2000-2004)

U.S. Representative, Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District (2005-2013)

Minnesota State Auditor (2015-2023)

U.S. Senator, Class Two, Minnesota (2021-present)

POINTS:
Female: 5 Points

66-70: -5 Points

Straight, married with < 3 children: -5 Points

White/Caucasian: 0 Points

Evangelical or Mainline Protestant: 0 Points 
College Degree at Public University: 0 Points
Working Class: 10 points

Blue-collar worker: 10 points
Local Political Staffer: 1 points
House of Representatives Terms: 12 points (4 terms)

State Row Office (excl. Lt. Gov.): 10 points (2 terms)

City Council (population >100,000): 3 points (1 term)

39 POINTS

KEY VOTES:

109th Congress 2005-2007:
Democrats: Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act AYE

110th Congress 2007-2009
Democrats: Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 Amendments Act of 2008 AYE

111th Congress 2009-2011
Democrats: Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 AYE
112th Congress 2011-2013
Democrats: United States–Colombia Free Trade Agreement AYE

4 minutes ago, John E said:

I hate to be that person, but Iowa has had two Republicans representing her in the Senate since 2014...

See, that's what I thought too. But exceptions were apparently made last reset looking at the bios... so thought I'd give it a try!  

AB: feel free to say no, I thought I'd give it a try and see if there was any wiggle room there!

PLEASE SEE MY UPDATED BIO: https://virtualgovernment.us/topic/24425-catherine-tabor-d-ia/?do=findComment&comment=163060

Stick

Senate Minority Leader Rollins Puts Hold on BRIDGE Act

Sponsors respond forcefully: “[the hold is] a blatant disregard for the bipartisan efforts and consensus that have been painstakingly built around this bill”

by Murphy Johnson

Late last week, Senate Minority Leader David Rollins (R-Nebraska) placed a hold on the Border Reform and Immigrant Development, Growth, and Employment (BRIDGE) Act. 

The legislation was introduced by Senate Majority Whip Justin Casanova-Davis, Jr (D-Florida), RNC Chairwoman/Senator Jennifer Cole (R-Texas), and Senator Catherine Valois (D-Massachusetts). It has been placed on the Senate calendar by Senate Majority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) and debate has begun on the Senate floor. 

You can read this article for more about the specifics of the legislation: https://virtualgovernment.us/topic/24042-national-independent-news-company-ninc/?do=findComment&comment=162607

Rollins, in his weekly press briefing, called the bill inadequate and reckless.

“The hold I placed on the BRIDGE Act is intended to inform the Majority of my intention to hold the floor, as long as it may take, if necessary, in an effort to have the bill changed and provide a magnifying glass and transparency to what this bill actually is,” Rollins said. “Now, let me be clear - this legislation is inadequate in its language, and reckless in the affects it will provide to many cities and towns all across America - with its $4 billion allocated to granting a pathway to citizenship for those in this country illegally.”

A Senate hold is a threat to filibuster a piece of legislation should it be put on the Senate calendar for consideration. This is a rare case where a hold is placed on a bill already on the floor. This is also the first hold issued of the 113th Congress. 

A filibuster is where a Senator goes to the Senate floor and does not stop speaking on a piece of legislation. A filibuster has the intended consequence of shutting down all business on the floor since the Senator does not relinquish the floor. 

According to Rollins, his opposition specifically lies in the eligibility requirements for non-citizens to hold the proposed Conditional Permanent Resident status; the bill not directly addressing ports of entry; the international partnerships proposed; the development of the proposed Visa Overstay Tracking System; the prioritization of the identification, arrest, and deportation of non-citizens who have committed serious crimes; the establishment of 20 new immigration courts by the end of fiscal year 2014; and the $72 billion price tag of the legislation.

The eligibility requirements that Rollins takes issue with are that the non-citizen must have no felony convictions and no more than two misdemeanors to get the proposed Conditional Permanent Resident status.

“That might sound well intentioned - but in a state like Texas - assault causing bodily injury, or assault causing bodily injury to a family member, or domestic violence, burglary of a vehicle and violation of a protective order are simply Class A misdemeanors,” Rollins said. “That means someone in this country illegally - which means they already broke the law - who has assaulted someone causing bodily injury can, not only remain in this country, but get citizenship. If they commit a second misdemeanor offense, such as possession, which could be laced with who knows what if they're in this country illegally, intending to do who knows what, can also remain in this country and be granted citizenship.”

Rollins also believes that Congress should be responsible for designing the Visa Overstay Tracking System, not the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

“It is the job of Congress to create such a system - not an unelected Federal department, no matter who is in charge,” Rollins said. “Instead of passing the buck to the Department of Homeland Security - I call on Congress to craft the plan to reform visas. It is immature and counterproductive to simply not do that, and vaguely ask someone else to.”

Rollins also said that the legislation prioritizing the identification, arrest, and deportation of non-citizens who have committed serious crimes is already being done and therefore an attempt by Casanova-Davis Jr, Cole, and Valois to score political points. 

NINC asked Rollins for clarification on his stance relating to points of entry. Rollins suggested that the bill should also be covering the U.S. border with Canada.

“When it comes to the 121 international airports in the US, road & railway crossings from our Northern border, and the 48 seaports that receive over 10 million tons of foreign trade per year - no, this bill that is supposedly comprehensive immigration reform, doesn’t,” Rollins said. “Again, I’ll repeat, that a majority of the illegal activity done by foreign actors such as cartels, etc. bringing drugs and the like into this country comes through those ports of entry. And a border or immigration security bill cannot completely address the issue if it doesn’t tackle those points of entry.”

The BRIDGE Act was released with the recent cartel violence on the United States-Mexico border, including the violence in Cameron Park, Texas, in mind.

This issue is an obvious divide for Republicans, with prominent members of leadership being on both sides of the issue.

Sources told NINC that Cole has been expressing her dismay at Rollins’s hold.

“Senator Cole is frankly dismayed by the Senate Minority Leader's decision to obstruct the BRIDGE Act, a move she considers not only politically short-sighted but detrimental to the nation's interests,” the source told NINC. “She sees this as a blatant disregard for the bipartisan efforts and consensus that have been painstakingly built around this bill. Senator Cole believes this obstruction is less about the merits of the Act and more about political posturing, which unfortunately comes at the expense of meaningful progress on immigration reform.”

Senator Casanova-Davis, Jr expressed a lack of surprise at Rollins’s hold.

“To be quite honest, I am not surprised by the intransigence of Senator Rollins,” Casanova-Davis, Jr said. “Much like President [Tommy] Diaz, the Senate GOP has seemed fractured, confused, and more intent on political posturing than anything else. When I undertook this work to bring comprehensive immigration reform to the Senate, I knew that I had to work with a Republican Senator not only for the good of the country but because I suspected we would see obstruction from that side of the aisle and sure enough Senator Rollins is proving my concerns correct.”

Casanova-Davis, Jr also suggested that Rollins could have introduced amendments to make the legislation better, rather than placing a hold.

“Senator Rollins is very aware that he can submit amendment(s) to address any concerns he may have about this bill,” Casanova-Davis, Jr said. “When President Diaz pushed forward with VA reform legislation without Democratic input, the Senate Democratic caucus didn’t take their ball and go home. We didn’t try to scuttle the bill. We constructively and substantially changed the bill to make it better for our veterans and our country on the Senate floor. That’s what leadership is about. That is what the legislative process is about.”

An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll has found that a pathway to citizenship, one of the many provisions in the bill, has 64% of Americans in favor nationally. That number drops to 51% among Republicans. This suggests that Rollins may have to do some work to explain why this bill is not good. The hold and a potential filibuster, of course, likely give him that opportunity.

Sources close to Starnes noted Cole’s role within the Republican Party to NINC.

“This current in fighting between the Senate Minority Leader and the RNC Chair just shows the levels of partisan obstruction that we see from the Senate Minority Leadership and their allies in the White House,” the source told NINC. “I wonder if the Senate Minority Leader understands the electoral role of Senator Cole before he started this fight.”

The next few weeks are likely to be very busy when it comes to this legislation on the floor. It remains to be seen if Rollins’s threat of a filibuster will hold. He may also elect to introduce amendments to the legislation to see if he can get his changes done before filibustering. An immigration battle appears to be set to play out over the coming weeks, regardless.

Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Immigration Reform Proposal

Comprehensive proposal, costing roughly $72 billion, would tackle border security, visa reform, a pathway to citizenship, and more
by Murphy Johnson

At a time where United States-Mexico border issues have been at the forefront of many minds with cartel violence taking place even on the U.S. side of the border, three Senators believe they may have a response to it.

Senate Majority Whip Justin Casanova-Davis, Jr (D-Florida), RNC Chairwoman and Senator Jennifer Cole (R-Texas), and Senator Catherine Valois (D-Massachusetts) have come together to submit the Border Reform and Immigrant Development, Growth, and Employment (BRIDGE) Act for consideration by Congress.

“This [BRIDGE Act] is an invitation across the congressional aisle, a call to action not as Republicans or Democrats but as stewards of the American promise,” Cole said in a statement. “We're at a crossroads that can redefine our nation's path toward security, fairness, and the enduring promise of justice.”

The BRIDGE Act would set in place various immigration related proposals. Those include a new Southern Border Security Commission, recruitment and training of additional Border Patrol agents, the establishment of 20 new immigration courts by the end of fiscal year 2014, the creation of a Visa Overstay Tracking System, upgrades to the visa system, the establishment of partnerships with Mexico and other Central American countries to strengthen cooperation and address the root causes of migration, and more.

The Southern Border Security Commission would have a hand in several proposals. Those include identifying sectors where fencing, walls, and vehicular barriers should be placed along the border as well as identifying sectors where the integration of advanced surveillance technologies (including drones, sensors, and cameras) should take place. 

The BRIDGE Act would also establish a new Conditional Permanent Resident Status, which would be renewable on a six year basis, providing the resident passes a thorough background check, pays all assessed taxes and a penalty fee, has no felony convictions, has no more than two misdemeanors, and demonstrates English language proficiency and an understanding of American civics. This Conditional Permanent Resident Status would also set up a recipient with a pathway to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years with the status.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be responsible for creating a Conditional Permanent Resident Status application process within six months of the legislation being signed by the President. 

The legislation in total would cost roughly $72 billion, broken down into the following amounts, as totaled up by NINC.

The Plain English Summary of the legislation says the bill would cost $45 billion. Before NINC dug deep into the exact cost and specific cost provisions, NINC asked Vice President Kyle Fitzgerald (R-Texas) for his thoughts on the cost of the legislation. Particularly he was asked if he was comfortable with a $45 billion price tag.

“I’m not sure there’s a magic number that needs to be spent, but it’s definitely something we need to invest in,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s an issue that is so important to our country. I think the border crisis is the biggest national security threat we face. For years, I’ve seen cartel violence spill over from Mexico into my home state and drive Texans off their land. It can’t keep happening.”

Casanova-Davis, Jr emphasized in his statement about the legislation that it is a starting point and that the Senate ultimately can and should consider it and make it better.

“Most importantly, this legislation is a starting point for the discussion that we need to have in Congress to address our broken immigration system and protect our nation with strong border security measures,” Casanova-Davis, Jr said. “I believe this bill will and can be strengthened even further if brought to the Senate floor. I know that there are members from both sides of the aisle who can provide constructive amendments to improve this legislation. But, I call upon our colleagues to pick up where we have failed in the past and bring this measure forward and across the finish line. Now is the time to act; we cannot and should not delay further.”

The legislation has the support of Casanova-Davis, Jr (the Senate Majority Whip) however for the Senate to consider it, it will need Senate Majority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) to decide to put it on the Senate’s calendar. Starnes has recently implied that the Stability and Freedom for Syria Act, introduced by Senator Clint Dickens (D-Minnesota), will receive consideration in the next calendar update. However, it remains to be seen if this bill will make the calendar. 

Cole (the RNC Chairwoman) could also influence fellow members of Republican leadership, including newly elected Senate Minority Leader David Rollins (R-Nebraska) to convince Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) to bring the bill before the U.S. House. 

A potential roadblock to this legislation could be the White House’s recent insistence on deficit reduction. However, Fitzgerald’s support of investing to fix border issues may be enough for the White House to agree to spend some money on this. It remains to be seen if this is simply a potential roadblock or an actual roadblock.

House to Consider Minimum Wage Increase Legislation

Republican source describes decision to NINC as “just fucking stupid"

by Samantha Roscoe

NINC has learned via the Office of the Speaker of the House that the House will soon consider the Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2013. Apparently, per the Speaker’s office, Republican leadership has asked for the bill to receive consideration.

The Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2013 would increase the federal minimum wage to $8 as of January 1, 2014. Further increases would be made yearly depending on inflation according to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Those increases would be rounded to the nearest five cents.

It would also increase the maximum amount of outstanding leverage that is made available to two or more licensed small business investment companies that are under common control from $225 million to $350 million. 

It also amends the Small Business Act “to make financial assistance available to franchisees” as well as other apparently small business friendly measures.

After several proposed amendments were considered, some precipitated by the White House suggesting that President Tommy Diaz (R-Arizona) would entertain a modest minimum wage increase if it came with measures supporting small business, the bill passed the Senate in a 70-27-3 vote. At the time, Republican Senate Leadership was split with then-Senate Minority Leader Richard Baker (R-Florida) voting in favor and then-Senate Minority Whip Katherine Abbott (R-Texas) voting against.

When the White House was asked about it by NINC, Press Secretary Elias Cornell said Diaz would sign the bill if it made it past the House.

“If the bill has the support to pass the House, the President will sign it,” Cornell said.

After that point, up until now, the House had yet to take up the legislation. 

Not much was said by either Democrats or Republicans until just recently. Senate Majority Whip Justin Casanova-Davis, Jr (D-Florida) brought the languished legislation up at a town hall in Jacksonville a couple of weeks ago. He directly criticized Diaz for not asking his party’s leadership to take up the bill that the White House said he would sign.

“In my opinion, President Diaz's tenure as President has been mediocre so far. This is a President who has been unwilling to step in and demand that House leadership from his own Party bring up legislation that would increase the minimum wage, that would help hard-working Americans and small businesses, and [that] is good for our economy,” Casanova-Davis, Jr said. “Saying he would leave it to Congressional Leadership to decide whether to move forward or not.”

NINC has learned that Senate Majority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) is also troubled by Diaz’s response.

“The President's blasé attitude on the matter is very telling about his priorities and where working America fits into them,” we were told.

However, NINC has learned that Baker’s fall from prominence did not end the division within the party on the issue. 

When told that the House would now be considering the minimum wage increase, one Republican source characterized the move as "stupid". They even went so far as to suggest how one particular Republican Senator would potentially characterize it, which seems to be an opinion that is shared by this source.

“[former Senate Minority Leader] Abbott would say, ‘Just fucking stupid,’” the source told NINC.

Senator Clint Dickens reacted directly to that Republican source when talking to NINC.

"If Republicans think raising the minimum wage is stupid, I welcome them to cut their salaries down to $7.25 an hour and prove us all wrong,” Dickens told NINC. “Only a coward would deny working families an earnest living and not have the guts to admit it publicly."

The U.S. House of Representatives now will take up the mantle of the legislation in the coming weeks. Based on what we have learned from the above people, there could certainly be amendments or even plain opposition put forward by certain caucuses that could certainly change the ballgame on the possibility of a minimum wage increase being enacted by January 1, 2014.

President Nominates Replacement for Jindal

Democrats keeping cards close to chest on if they will support or oppose

by Garrett Talley

President Tommy Diaz (R-Arizona) has nominated Tevi Troy (R-New York) to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). This comes after the Senate tabled the nomination of Governor Bobby Jindal (R-Louisiana) in a 55-45 vote along party lines, in what many considered to be the death knell for Jindal’s chances.

Troy has a master’s degree as well as a Ph. D. in American Civilization from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Troy began his career by serving as a Senior Domestic Policy Adviser for the House Republican Policy Committee. He later moved onto the office of Senator John Ashcroft (R-Missouri), later strongly supporting Ashcroft’s bid to be Attorney General in a New Republic article titled “My Boss the Fanatic”.

Afterwards, he served in various domestic policy roles in the administration of President George W. Bush (R-Texas) before becoming the Deputy Secretary of HHS for the final two years of his administration. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank, where he serves on the Hudson Institute sponsored Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. 

"Mr. Troy is a man of great skill and knowledge, with plenty of experience in the Department of Health and Human Services to boot,” Diaz said in a statement. “A man with many years of experience in a wide variety of policy areas, he is exactly the kind of person we need leading the HHS. It is my hope that the Senate will treat him with proper respect and give due consideration to his merits and ability, despite differences in politics between my administration and the Senate Majority, a courtesy they did not extend to Governor Jindal."

Senator Patrick Mulligan (R-Illinois) made a statement on the Senate floor in support of the nomination.

“I rise today in support of the nomination of Tevi Troy to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services,” Mulligan said. “Mr. Troy is an undisputed expert in the realm of healthcare policy, with a bevy of experience in regards to the inner workings of government. I continue to believe that Mr. Troy has the exact kind of experience HHS needs now more than ever.”

While leaving the Senate floor, NINC asked Mulligan if he believes the nomination can pass the Senate.

“I don’t see a reason why he would be denied confirmation, though I thought the same of Governor Jindal,” Mulligan told NINC.

Democrats have remained silent on the nomination so far. 

While Senator Jeffrey Murphy (D-Indiana) was leaving the Senate floor after seconding the Starnes amendments to the VETS Act, NINC asked him about the nomination. He did not confirm if he would be supporting or opposing the nomination.

“At this time I have no objection, but that does not mean I will or will not vote in favor,” Murphy said to NINC. “So for now, no [further] comment."

NINC also asked Mulligan for reaction to Democrats staying tight lipped.

"My Democratic colleagues have every right to make whatever determination they see fit,” Mulligan told NINC. “My only hope is that we don’t see a repeat of the unprecedented partisanship that sank Bobby Jindal’s nomination."

Jindal was the first presidential cabinet nominee to receive an outright denial from the Senate since Senator John Tower (R-Texas) received his 53-47 denial.

113th Congress: Legislative Roundup

Newly introduced legislation to keep an eye on as 113th Congress rolls along

by Cory Buchanan

NINC has compiled the newest legislation to watch as the 113th session of the United States Congress continues. As is customary, legislation featured is in the order of introduction, not necessarily importance or likelihood of consideration by the full Senate.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Recall and Replacement of Supreme Court Justices

This proposed constitutional amendment, introduced by Senator Jeffrey Murphy (D-Indiana), would create a process for Supreme Court justices to face recall elections. 

The amendment does not clearly lay out the mechanism that would trigger a recall election, but it is believed from what is in the amendment that there would be an approval or disapproval question for each Supreme Court justice during every Presidential election cycle starting two years after the amendment is ratified. 

Any Supreme Court justice who receives an approval (proposed amendment says disapproval) of less than 30%, would then be subjected to a recall election. The amendment does not state when the recall election would take place. A majority of voters would then be required to disapprove of the justice in the recall election for the Supreme Court justice to be removed.

The President would then be responsible for appointing a new Supreme Court justice as normal. However, the Senate would have to “act” on the nomination within 30 days of its submission. The amendment does not specify what constitutes an action on the nomination.

Murphy believes the proposed amendment would make the democratic process better.

"Amendment 28 is a testament to the principles of democracy, accountability, and the power of the people,” Murphy said. “It provides a legal and structured way for American citizens to have a say in the highest court's composition. This amendment underscores the fundamental principles of checks and balances and ensures that our Supreme Court remains responsive to the will of the American people."

A constitutional amendment requires the approval of two-thirds of the members of both houses of Congress, then it is sent to the state legislatures where three-fourths of them must approve of it. 

Since this amendment was introduced, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died and President Tommy Diaz (R-Arizona) has nominated Meg Ryan to fill the seat. 

Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Women Act

The Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Women (MARCH) Act, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Martins (D-Virginia), would add an exception to current policy on using Department of Defense (DOD) funds to facilitate abortions. It would also repeal restrictions on using “a medical treatment facility or other DoD facility to perform an abortion”.

The exception would be in cases where the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest. There is currently an exception in place for cases where the life of the mother would be in danger as a result of the pregnancy being carried to term.

Martins emphasized that the legislation seeks to eliminate barriers standing in the way of female service members making healthcare decisions.

"This legislation is about equity and compassion, and it's a step towards ensuring that our servicewomen receive the care they need and deserve,” Martins said. "Our military service members make extraordinary sacrifices for our nation, and they should not face unnecessary barriers when it comes to their reproductive healthcare decisions. We should never forget that personal choices about reproductive healthcare are deeply personal and often complex. Our servicemen and servicewomen deserve our support, understanding, and respect when making such decisions.”

The legislation is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate, as Senate Majority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) has proposed an amendment to add this legislation into the VETS Act currently being considered by the chamber. The VETS Act is President Diaz’s Department of Veterans Affairs reform proposal. 

Women and Workforce Investment for Nontraditional Jobs Act

The Women and Workforce Investment for Nontraditional Jobs (Women WIN Jobs) Act, introduced by Senator Mollie Berryhill (D-Colorado), would authorize the Department of Labor to issue grants to states with plans that have been approved by the department to increase women’s participation in high-wage, high-demand occupations where women are currently underrepresented within said state’s borders. It also lays out the following potential uses for these grants, as long as those specified uses do not exceed 15% of the funding from the grant.

Finally, the legislation would also start a national commission “to examine and make recommendations for improving the status of women in high-demand, high-wage nontraditional occupations” as well as require the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to start collecting data on “women's participation in underrepresented sectors of the economy, and examine the status of women in relation to that of men.”

Berryhill believes passing this legislation is an important step in strengthening the U.S. economy.

"Increasing women's participation in nontraditional occupations is a pivotal measure in elevating women from economic hardship while simultaneously fortifying our nation's economy," said Berryhill. "Right now it's being argued by some Republicans that women just happen to get paid less, because of a lack of self-esteem! How about we see what opening up real opportunities does for pay equity."

Berryhill is referencing an editorial earlier this year as well as comments by Senator Douglas Butcher (R-Utah) relating to the gender pay gap. Those comments, while not receiving a lot of media coverage, rankled many Democrats.

Ethical Treatment in Hiring Implementation for Care and Safety Act

The Ethical Treatment in Hiring Implementation for Care and Safety (ETHICS) Act, introduced by Senator Clint Dickens (D-Minnesota) and Senate Minority Leader Katherine Abbott (R-Texas), would require all members of Congress to report all financial transactions to the clerk of the House or Senate (depending on where they serve) or turn over all assets into a blind trust upon their election to Congress. This is seen as a potential measure to prevent congressional insider trading.

The bill would also set requirements on how long a lawmaker must wait before becoming a paid lobbyist and vice versa at eight and 10 years respectively.

Finally, all Congressional offices would be required to establish their own Human Resources (HR) department that would be overseen by their respective chamber’s ethics committee. $400,000 would be provided to each Senate HR department and $250,000 would be provided to each House HR department.

Dickens pointed out the bipartisan nature of the proposal in his press release announcing the legislation.

"It isn't everyday you see Kathy Abbott and I on the same side of an issue,” Dickens said. “But one thing we absolutely agree on is that politicians should not enrich themselves off public service. Make every politician play by the same rules as everyone else. No more insider trading, no more jumping back and forth between lobbying and lawmaking, and no more unaccountable behavior in the workplace. The ETHICS Act represents a bipartisan blow against the entrenched interests in our nation's Capitol. It is an unmistakable rebuke of the powerful and elites. And it will hold every last scumbag in this town to count for their abuses of power."

Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act

The Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (911 SAVES) Act, introduced by Senator and RNC Chairwoman Jennifer Cole (R-Texas), would classify the role of a 911 operator as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification System issued by the BLS. 

This would allow those 911 operators to identify as a first responder for the purposes of federal legislation related to first responders. Theoretically, it could also allow them to advocate for similar benefits as well as allow for statistical reporting by federal agencies to be more in line with what they do.

"It's time to rightly classify our public safety telecommunicators for their courageous and lifesaving work," Cole said.

Combating Human Trafficking Act of 2013

The Combating Human Trafficking Act of 2013, introduced by Senator Patrick Mulligan (R-Illinois), would crack down on sex trafficking within federal law in the following ways.

The legislation would also require new reports to be issued yearly by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the arrest rate as well as prosecutions and convictions by state law enforcement and state courts for sex trafficking offenses involving buyers of commercial sex involving sex trafficking victims.

Finally, DOJ anti-sex trafficking training programs would be required to include “technical training on effective methods for investigating and prosecuting buyers of commercial sex involving sex trafficking victims.”

Mulligan addressed the legislation while on his "Conversations with Patrick" statewide listening tour.

“The scourge of human trafficking remains a prevalent issue in our society,” Mulligan said. “As someone who has prosecuted human traffickers at a federal level right here in Illinois, I've seen firsthand the brutality and cruelty that this heinous practice inflicts on all it touches. Protecting our children and our people is of the utmost importance to me, which is exactly why I put forward the Combating Human Trafficking Act of 2013. We need to strengthen penalties against human traffickers, support victims, and enhance our existing anti-trafficking policies."