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Senate

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

On the Nomination (Confirmation Kathleen Sebelius, of Kansas, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services )

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, the Senate, despite potential land mines on abortion and  on tax errors,  confirmed Governor of Kansas Kathleen Sebelius on a 65-31 vote to be the next health and human services secretary.  (To view how your senators voted visit: 00172 )

Article: Senate confirms Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as HHS secretary

House of Representatives

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009  (H.R. 627)

The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009, (H.R. 627; Full text of legislation ) a measure passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives by a 357-70 vote (To view how your representative voted visit: 228) on Thursday, April 30, 2009, is a credit card "bill of rights" that imposes limits on interest and fees and requires 45 days notice of rate hikes. Also, the legislation requires that billing statements be mailed at least 21 days before the due date, up from 14 days; that payments be applied to balances with the highest interest rates first; and that teaser interest rates be maintained for six months before being raised.

Article: House boosts credit cardholders' rights

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913)

On April 29, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913;  Full text of legislation   ) on a 249-175 vote . The measure creates a special protected class for homosexuals and determines to prosecute people for their beliefs about homosexuality.  One's religious belief about homosexuality can be sufficient reason to prosecute an individual for a hate crime if one engages in an act of violence against a homosexual.   Though acts of violence against people merely because they are homosexual should never be condoned, the attacker's religious beliefs about homosexuality should not be a germane issue in his prosecution. (To view how your representative voted visit: 223).

Article: House passes expanded hate crimes bill

What Can You Do?

If your representative or senators have or have not reflected your views, let them know how you feel.

Contact Information:

US House of Representatives:

Capitol Hill Switchboard Numbers: 202-224-3121 (Those numbers will direct you to the Capitol Hill operator. Ask for representative or senator's office.)

To go to your representative's website, find his E-mail or to find out who your representatives are...   http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html.

To electronically mail your U.S. House of Representative, go to https://writerep.house.gov.  

Addressing Correspondence: 

The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative (last name):  

US Senate:  

Contact Information:  

To go to your senators' websites, find their E-mail or to find out who your senators are... http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm

Addressing Correspondence: 

The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510   

Dear Senator (last name):      

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