- Created on 27 February 2013
Rep. John Lewis Honored for Central Role In Creation of Smithsonian Museum
In a reception this evening Rep. John Lewis will receive an award for his "long-standing support of the U.S. museum field" and "his strong leadership in the creation of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture." The awards ceremony will take place today February 26th, from 5-7 pm in the Kennedy Caucus Room, Room 325 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The ceremony is hosted by the American Alliance of Museums and the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC).
"As a courageous leader, Rep. Lewis understands the significance and impact of museums to tell the story of all Americans and preserve our national history and culture," said SEMC Executive Director Susan Perry.
Other 2013 honorees are Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) as well as Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) from the House. The award recognizes both "long-standing support of the museum field over a public career, as well as specific initiatives championed by the Members."
Lewis will also be honored for his commitment to sponsor the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, which he has sponsored in several Congresses. The act provides artists who create works of art the same tax deduction as collectors. Currently artists donate their work to a non-profit museum, they can only deduct the cost of the tools required to recreate a work of art, while collectors can deduct the retail value of the same work from their taxes. This inequity in the tax code has encouraged important American artists to donate their works to museums outside the United States or to sell their works to private collectors, which robs Americans of the opportunity to view these works in public settings in this country.
"Rep. Lewis is an inspiration to us all and his unflagging support of museums has enabled our field to inspire tens of thousands of Americans every day. This award is emblematic of our appreciation for the Congressman's efforts," said Ford W. Bell, president of the Alliance.
- Created on 26 February 2013
As Sequester Looms, Republicans And Democrats Remain At Odds
No progress to report in efforts to stave off looming government-wide spending cuts, President Barack Obama on Tuesday singled out for praise the few Republicans who say they’re open to aspects of his approach, seeking to turn up the heat on GOP leaders ahead of Friday’s deadline.
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- Created on 20 February 2013
Report Shows Vulnerable Georgia at 'High-Risk' if Sequestration Not Prevented
A Wells Fargo analysis declares Georgia is at "high risk" if sequestration hits March 1, primarily because Georgia is among second tier states with the most exposure to federal spending cuts.
Business Insider defines sequestration as an obscure budgetary term used to explain a type of process to create spending cuts.
The analysis mentioned Georgia's federal spending makes up 6.9 percent of the state's gross domestic product in 2012.
To prevent sequestration from taking place will take congressional action and Federal spending cuts across the board.
According to USA Today, President Obama looked to Congressional Republicans to circumvent $85 billion in "automatic, severe" budget cuts.
"Cuts won't help the economy," said Obama.
"Smaller towns that host large military bases are probably the most vulnerable areas in the sequestration battle because so much of their economic wellbeing is tied to the continued flow of defense dollars. Georgia is home to three such areas: Columbus, Warner Robbins and Hinesville," noted the analysis that revealed the three areas where Georgia is most vulnerable.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports the cuts will reduce public services that will lead to the layoffs of teachers, reductions in the air traffic control systems, furloughs of FBI agents and a compromised military.
Further discussion on sequestration and impending cuts will resume Feb. 25 when congressmen return from their recess.
- Created on 25 February 2013
NRA Uses Justice Department Memo Against Obama on Guns
The National Rifle Association is using a Justice Department memo from the Obama Administration claiming their gun control plan will fail.
The obtained memo states that Obama's gun control plan won't work unless the government seizes firearms and requires nationwide gun registration. The administration's memo states that the total elimination of assault weapons would have little or no effect on gun killings due to the fact that assault weapons account for a small number of those crimes.
The nine-page document refers to the usage of background checks and their success would depend on requiring gun registration.
Since Obama has been in office, the administration has not proposed any gun registrations, buybacks or banning of firearms. As part of his gun restrictions package, Obama proposed that he order federal scientific agencies to research gun violence.
"Still think President Obama's proposals sound reasonable?" Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief Washington lobbyist asked of the memo's release. Cox declined to say how the NRA obtained the memo.
The written memo was named under Greg Ridgeway, the acting director of the National Institute of Justice.
Dated Jan. 4, this was two weeks before Ridgeway's first day as acting chief and Obama's announcement for restricting guns.
A Justice Department official labeled the memo "an unfinished review of gun violence research" and said it does not represent administration policy accurately.
White House officials declined to comment on the memo.
- Created on 20 February 2013
Biden: Buy a Shotgun; It Will Scare Off Intruders [VIDEO]
(AP) — Vice President Joe Biden said Tuesday that Americans don’t need semi-automatic weapons to protect their homes because a couple of blasts from a shotgun will scare off intruders.
“Buy a shotgun, buy a shotgun,” the vice president encouraged those worried about defending themselves. He was speaking in an online video as part of a Fac
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