In the wake of Congress' rejection of an Authorization for the Use of Military Force in Syria, the Administration has announced that the CIA is increasing its efforts to supply weapons and training to armed rebels in Syria. Since it is widely acknowledged that Al Qaeda types are the most important faction among the armed rebels in Syria, it is very likely that weapons supplied by the United States to Syrian rebels will fall into the hands of people who could use them to kill Americans. The most dangerous weapons that could plausibly be supplied to Syrian rebels are anti-aircraft weapons, because these could be used to shoot down civilian aircraft. Congress can make sure this doesn't happen by prohibiting the CIA and other U.S. intelligence agencies from supplying - or facilitating the supply of - anti-aircraft weapons to armed rebels in Syria. One opportunity to do this may come when Congress considers the intelligence authorization that establishes funding levels for U.S. intelligence agencies. Such a Congressional restriction on the paramilitary activities of the CIA would be unprecedented in recent history, and is only likely to succeed if it has very broad political support, so it is strategic to focus Congressional attention on blocking the most dangerous possible arms transfer to Syrian rebels.

Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. John Shimkus to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. Aaron Schock to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. Randy Hultgren to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

The rapid growth of the restaurant industry in Inwood has escaped thorough oversight by city agencies, This mismanagement by the responsible agencies has led to marked decrease in quality of life, an increase in environmental problems, and discord within the community. We ask that the current laws, statues and policies be enforced by regular inspections during all hours of operations. Fair and neutral inspectors can educate business owners on how to comply with city regulations, which would reduce the burden on the residents to report observed infractions. Having our local restaurants operate safely and legally would improve quality of life in the neighborhood for all.

Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. Peter Roskam to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

On June 2013, FERC issued a new 30-year license to Alabama Power Company for the continued operation of the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project. The license permits operation of seven dams spanning 225 miles of the Coosa River. Since the seven dams were built, the Coosa River has seen one of the largest extinctions in North America. Nearly 30 freshwater species have become extinct, largely due to the dams. An additional 21 freshwater species in the area are listed as endangered or threatened. The new license does little to help put these species on the road to recovery. FERC must act now to better balance energy needs with the health of the river.

I am starting this petition because there are people here in ohio who need and would love the use of medical marijuana. We are wasting our time arresting and putting people in jail for this. When there is murderers and rapist out there. It would bring money to out state because just like California they have to pay a certain about for a medical marijuana card. It would help bring money in for our streets, schools, Rehabs, and Ohio is terrible for hard drugs. Once we get medical marijuana legal, It will take it off the streets!

As home child care providers, we partner with New Jersey’s working families to care for their children while providing flexible hours and a safe & loving environment. In 2007 we won the right to organize a union and negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. Our first contract was a huge victory and now we’re negotiating a second contract that will increase our wages AND our ability to provide the children we care for with the necessary resources to be successful in their lives. We’re just two of 2,000 home child care providers in New Jersey earning wages so low we could qualify for taxpayer-funded public assistance programs. In fact, home child care providers contracted by the state of New Jersey to care for the children of working parents, haven’t received a raise in over five years. Some of us have degrees in education and early childhood development – and all of us work upwards of 50 or 60 hours each week. We’re also classified as “independent contractors” which prevents us from accessing workers’ compensation, unemployment, social security retirement or even basic health care coverage. We struggle to make ends meet – not just for our own families – but also for the children we care for. We frequently pay out-of-pocket for food and basic supplies…even diapers! Many of us also take on the important work of caring for physically and developmentally disabled children who require more attention, extra support and additional resources. As hard-working professionals who care for New Jersey’s next generation we deserve to earn enough to provide basic needs for our own families. We also deserve the resources and support that the children we care for require to be successful in all the developmental stages their lives. Please support our efforts and tell the New Jersey Department of Human Services, to negotiate a fair contract for home child care professionals! Sincerely, Shawanda Jones-Velez, Newark, NJ Danisia Valadez, Passaic, NJ Professional Child Care Providers in New Jersey

If this Legislation is passed by the Senate, we are surely headed into another housing crisis

Ward 6 Council Member Tommy Wells is running for mayor on a progressive platform, but has been taking the conservative position that Walmart shouldn't be asked to pay its DC employees a living wage - just $26,000 per year for full time workers. Council Member Wells could strike a compromise by voting for LRAA on Tuesday and then helping to pass an economy-wide minimum wage hike (as he has already proposed) that would include a repeal of the LRAA. He can regain his progressive reputation and show that it's not okay to abuse workers in the nation's capital.

Spice/K2 is a dangerous drug. This is affecting the life of teens as well as adults. This drug is extremely addicting and is ruining peoples lives. Please take the time to look into this drug. We need to find a way to ban this drug, completely. No matter what compounds are being used to make it!!!! Please sign and help save kids futures, peoples families, careers and lives!!! You can visit this facebook page to share any stories you may have as well!!! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ban-SpiceK2-In-Virginia/671710516173802