CAIR APPLAUDS LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS IN FOILING TEXAS BOMB PLOT

Statement on the LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS IN FOILING TEXAS BOMB PLOT from CAIR

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/24/11) -- The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded the efforts of the FBI and members of the public in preventing an alleged bomb plot in Lubbock, Texas.

CAIR said a Saudi Arabian citizen living in Texas has been charged with plotting to bomb targets in the United States. The FBI was tipped off to the alleged plot by officials of a company from which the suspect ordered chemicals that could be used to build a bomb.

SEE: Saudi Student in Texas Arrested on Suspicion of Plotting Terror Attacks

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"We applaud the efforts of the FBI, the Lubbock Police Department and all those who helped prevent this deadly plot from being carried out. Without public vigilance and swift action by law enforcement authorities, many Americans could have been killed or injured.
"We note that this case involves a foreign individual, was apparently planned before the suspect came to this country and was motivated by extremist views acquired outside the United States."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 450 Celebrating the life of Mukit Hossain.

The Muslim American leadership thank all that were involved in introducing this bill, we are grateful to your kindness.

11105062D 


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 450Offered February 9, 2011Celebrating the life of Mukit Hossain.----------
Patrons-- Howell, Barker, Herring, Marsden, Petersen, Puller, Saslaw, Ticer and Whipple; Delegates: Brink, Bulova, Ebbin, Englin, Filler-Corn, Greason, Herring, Hope, Hugo, Keam, Kory, Plum, Rust, Scott, J.M., Sickles, Surovell and Watts 
----------

WHEREAS, Mukit Hossain was a telecommunications executive and an admired civic leader during his lifetime and was named the Herndon Times’ Citizen of the Year for 2004; and

WHEREAS, a native of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mukit Hossain came to the United States in the 1970s on a full scholarship to Duke University; after earning a bachelor’s degree, he went on to earn a master’s degree from North Carolina State University; and

WHEREAS, a respected professional, Mukit Hossain began his exemplary career in telecommunications working for companies across the United States before relocating to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in the late 1990s; and

WHEREAS, Mukit Hossain was an innovative and resourceful leader who served as an executive for several telecommunications companies, playing a pivotal role in helping them achieve their missions; and

WHEREAS, Mukit Hossain took an active role in the political and civic life of his community, serving as a trustee of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society Center, as a board member of the Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee, and as a member of the board of directors of the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help; and

WHEREAS, a tireless advocate for those in need, Mukit Hossain raised thousands of dollars to purchase coats for day laborers; helped found Project Hope and Harmony, which represented a number of faith communities that worked to provide an organized day labor site and social services; and organized the provision of healthy meals to homeless residents; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, Mukit Hossain worked with Muslim and Jewish leaders to lobby the General Assembly to pass a bill making it illegal to label a product halal or kosher if it was not, which was eventually signed by Governor Timothy Kaine; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, Mukit Hossain retired from the corporate world and moved with his family to the Fredericksburg area, where he established a farm where goats could be naturally raised to yield meat that would be halal; and

WHEREAS, a man of great integrity and compassion, Mukit Hossain selflessly reached out to those less fortunate and touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy that others may strive to emulate and that his wife, Sabrina, and children, Maya and Hana, may cherish; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an admired civic activist, Mukit Hossain; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Mukit Hossain as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.

Welcome!

Welcome!: "I connected Blogger to my http://flavors.me page - http://flavors.me/wentabi"

What is happing on Capitol Hill this Week of February 21, 2011

Major Recent Events 
 

Major Cuts to Disability programs approved by the House; Senate to work on its spending bill next week   

 

On Saturday, the House of Representatives completed work on a FY 2011 Continuing Resolution (CR) that would make landmark cuts to domestic discretionary funding in the remainder of this fiscal year.  The cuts to programs were over $100 billion when compared to what President Obama requested for FY 2011.  Over 580 amendments were offered during the debate on the bill, with 67 passing that cut an additional $620 million. The overwhelming majority of the cuts were to domestic programs though $19 billion did come from security-related cuts.  The Senate is expected to work on a CR when they return from the President’s day recess the week of February 28. The Senate Democratic leadership has signaled an unwillingness to pursue the level of cuts in the House bill but it is unclear what the strategy will be.  

While reducing the deficit is important to all Americans, The Arc and UCP will continue work diligently to ensure that this is not done at the expense of the most vulnerable, underserved, and unserved segment of our society.  We will be calling on our grassroots in the coming weeks to help preserve the most essential programs for people with disabilities.

Below are some examples of the program cuts in the House bill:

Health Care:  Nine amendments were accepted aimed at blocking implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), prohibiting funds to pay the salary of employees or contractors working on implementation and prohibiting the Internal Revenue Service from enforcing the individual responsibilitysection of the ACA. 

Employment:  The House bill eliminates the State Supported Employment grant program and theProjects with Industry grant program.  Also the overall amount of funding to states for employment and training was cut by nearly $1.4 billion. 
Housing: Housing for Persons with Disabilities would be cut by 70%.  The Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program budget would be cut from the FY 2010 level of $300 million to $90 million for FY 2011.

Special Education: The House bill would cut funding to states for special education by $557 million.  Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers introduced an amendment which passed by a vote of 249 to 179.  The amendment would restore the $557 million to special education by taking that amount from regular education.  Several advocacy groups, including the Council for Exceptional Children, had opposed the amendment stating that it “robbed Peter to pay Paul.”

Social Security:  The Administration’s “Limitation on Administrative Expenses,” the amount the agency spends on salaries and other costs to administer its programs, would be funded at $10.675 billion.  This is $1.7 billion less than the President’s request for FY 2011 and will result in increased backlogs in disability cases.  In anticipation of the possibility of this reduced spending level, SSA has imposed a hiring freeze and is planning for the possibility of furloughs.

Transportation:  The biggest cut to transportation was to the high speed rail program, a priority of the Obama Administration.  Amtrak was cut an additional $151 million. 

Special Olympics: All funding would be eliminated.

FY 2012 Appropriations – President releases Budget Request; Disability programs slated for both significant cuts and increases

The Obama Administration released its budget request for FY 2012 on February 14th.  It included a five-year freeze on domestic discretionary spending, saving an estimated $400 billion over 10 years.  Within the overall freeze, some programs were viewed as investments and given an increase, others faced significant cuts, and many programs were proposed to be consolidated with other programs. The White House budget would reduce overall spending by 2.7 percent from the $3.8 trillion Obama proposed a year ago for fiscal 2011. 

Below is a summary of changes to disability-related programs in the President's Budget:
Health:  The Administration proposes cutting $62 billion from federal health spending to offset the cost of a two-year delay in reducing payments to physicians who treat Medicare patients.

Employment:  As has been proposed in previous budgets, the Supported Employment State Grant program, Projects with Industry and a few other smaller programs were proposed to be consolidated with the state grant. There were also a few proposals for new spending including: 
• targeted program for youth receiving SSI ($30 million)
• Mentoring program for individuals with intellectual disabilities ($5 million) 
• National activities to improve VR ($8 million)

Social Security:  The President has requested $12.522 billion for the Social Security Administration’s administrative expenses, an amount that Commissioner Michael Astrue indicates is “the minimum the agency needs to continue to reduce key backlogs and to increase deficit-reducing program integrity work.”  In addition, the request includes proposals to establish:
• Disability Research Consortium – to enhance recent efforts to expand disability research. ($5 million)
• SSI Children’s Pilot – an interagency pilot – Promoting Readiness of Minors in SSI (PROMISE) – to improve outcomes for children in the SSI program.  Funding will provide competitive grants to test and evaluate interventions that successfully improve child and family outcomes and result in children leaving the SSI program. ($10 million) 
• Disability Insurance /Work Incentives Simplification Pilot (WISP) – a legislative proposal to reauthorize SSA’s demonstration authority for 5 years, including its ability to test various methods of treating work activity of people receiving disability benefits.  Using that authority, WISP would test important improvements of return-to-work rules by simplifying treatment of beneficiaries’ earnings and potentially reducing overpayments.

Developmental Disabilities Act: The DD grant programs would remain level funded; however the funding for Projects of National Significance would be cut to $8 million from $14 million, a cut of $6 million.

Discrimination: $18 million would be added to EEOC’s budget for enforcement of the non-discrimination in employment provisions of the ADA. Funding for the Helping America Vote (HAVA) protection and advocacy voting project would be eliminated.

Special Education:  The Department of Education would receive a $200 million increase for special education and $50 million for programs for infants and toddlers. 

Special Olympics: The President’s Budget would provide level funding of $8 million.

Housing: The President’s Budget calls for $196 million for the Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program, a cut of 35% from FY 2010.  It would move Section 811 rental assistance vouchers to the Section 8 voucher program, freeing Section 811 dollars up for creating new accessible housing.  Under the new Frank Melville Housing program, housing developers would be able to leverage the Section 811 dollars in more efficient ways.  The anticipated number of accessible housing units would be 3-4,000 compared with the 1,000 new units annually under the current system. 

Respite. The President’s Budget calls for $10 million for the Lifespan Respite program which is a 400% increase over the current funding level ($2.5 million). It also provides $192 million for the Family Caregiver Support program which is 500% increase over the FY2010 level ($38 million).

New Programs: The Department of Education would receive $5 million to create a Mentoring for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities; NIDRR would receive an additional $10 million to investigate cloud computing for making computer technology accessible; and several departments would jointly receive $30 million to create a transition program called PROMISE for youth who receive SSI benefits.

Long Term Services and Supports – HHS announces MFP funding for states and seeks public comment on CFC regulations

States will see significant new federal support in their efforts to help move Medicaid beneficiaries out of institutions and into their own homes or other community settings, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced yesterday.  The Affordable Care Act provides additional funding for two programs supporting that goal: 

Money Follows the Person (MFP):  The Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended the MFP demonstration program (which was set to expire in fiscal year 2011) for an additional five years.  The 13 States receiving awards today (CO, FL, ID, ME, MA, MN, MS, NV, NM, RI, TN, VT, and WV) join the 29 States and the District of Columbia already operating MFP programs. Together, these States will receive more than $45 million in the first year of the awards, and more than $621 million through 2016. The MFP program provides individuals living in a nursing home or other institution new opportunities to live in the community with the services and supports they need.
Community First Choice (CFC) Option:  The ACA created the CFC Option, which will give States additional resources to make community living a first choice, and leave nursing homes and institutions as a fall back option.  Starting in October, this option will allow States to receive a six percent increase in federal matching funds for providing community-based attendant services and supports to people with Medicaid. Over the next three years—through 2014—States could see a total of $3.7 billion in new funds to provide these services.  The CFC proposed rule, posted today, describes the details of this program and solicits public comment.   See the HHS press release at:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/02/20110222b.html

Employment -  Three Transition Bills Introduced in House

Three separate bills that share the name, “Transitioning towards Excellence & Achievement in Mobility (TEAM)” have been introduced in Congress by Rep. Greg Harper (R-MS).  The TEAM legislation provides separate legislative responses to help ensure that youth with significant disabilities have the opportunity to become gainfully employed in integrated settings, pursue post-secondary education, and engage in typical community activities upon leaving high school.
The TEAM Education Act (H.R. 602) seeks to streamline the transition process at the high-school level and require coordination between the state education authority and the State I/DD authority.  Among other things,  it requires Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to begin including transition planning at age 14, and allows the State Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) Agency to participate in the IEP and transition planning team for students expected to be eligible for adult I/DD services.  It also provides $50 million to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to pilot the hiring of internal transition services coordinators 

The TEAM Empowerment Act (H.R. 603) seeks to increase coordination between state educational agencies and state I/DD authorities to successfully transition youth with significant disabilities from high school into meaningful employment and post-secondary education opportunities. The bill establishes an optional Transition Planning and Services Division within each State I/DD agency to provide the necessary capacity and expertise. It also provides $50,000,000 in funding beginning in fiscal year 2012.   

The TEAM-Employment Act (H.R. 604) would amend the Rehabilitation Act to realign preferred outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities, and streamlines public funding by requiring the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) systems to actively engage with other state entities. The bill institutes the attainment of integrated employment or post-secondary education as the preferred outcome for all individuals, including those with significant disabilities.  It directs VR programs to work toward ensuring that all individuals with disabilities can be employed in integrated settings at the greater of minimum or competitive wages with commensurate benefits, and can pursue independent living and community participation and removing VR authority to determine an adult with significant disabilities ineligible to receive supported employment services. 

Wasim Entabi

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Recent Virginia's Congressional Votes

Recent Congressional Votes Senate: FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 Senate: FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act House: Continuing Resolution, FY2011 House: FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 Editor's Note: The Senate and House are in recess until Monday, February 28, 2011.

Recent Senate Votes

FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (86-12, 2 Not Voting) The Senate passed this bill extending some expiring provisions of the Patriot Act for 90 days. The extension allows both chambers more time to work on long-term bills. The House cleared the measure for the president two days later. Sen. Mark Warner voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim Webb voted YES......send e-mail or see bio FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act - Vote Passed (87-8, 5 Not Voting) This $34.6 billion bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration for two years and sets aviation policies. The House is working on its own version of the bill that would cover four years. Sen. Mark Warner voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Jim Webb voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes

Continuing Resolution, FY2011 - Vote Passed (235-189, 9 Not Voting) The House passed this long-term CR that would fund government operations through September 30, 2011, the end of the current fiscal year. The bill includes $61.5 billion in spending cuts. The current funding expires on March 4, 2011. The bill now goes to the Senate. Rep. Frank Wolf voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Scott Rigell voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Robert Hurt voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Robert Goodlatte voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Rob Wittman voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. J. Randy Forbes voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Gerald Connolly voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Rep. James Moran voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Robert Scott voted NO......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Eric Cantor voted YES......send e-mail or see bio FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (279-143, 11 Not Voting) The House gave final approval to this bill extending some expiring provisions of the Patriot Act for 90 days. The original House bill would have extended the provisions to December 8, 2011, but the Senate approved the short-term bill on February 15. Both chambers are working on long-term bills. The president is expected to sign the bill into law. Rep. Frank Wolf voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Scott Rigell voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  Rep. Robert Scott voted NO......send e-mail or see bio  Rep. James Moran voted NO......send e-mail or see bio  Rep. Robert Hurt voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  Rep. Gerald Connolly voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  Rep. Eric Cantor voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. J. Randy Forbes voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Rob Wittman voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio Rep. Robert Goodlatte voted YES......send e-mail or see bio  We urge every member of our community to call or e-mail his or her Congressional Representative to either thank them or to express disappointment for the vote The Vote marked highlighted with read is not a good vote for our community, and the vote marked in Green is good for our community..

Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition Facebook page

Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition Facebook page is celebrating its 2th year with a new profile picture and more active and frequent updates.

  

Our "friends" list is growing and many people are "liking us". 

Make sure you add VMCC as a Group to your list on FB and become a friend if you are not already.  We are sure you will "like" us.

RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE LIBYAN PEOPLE SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH, 2011 AT THE WHITE HOUSE

RALLY IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE LIBYAN PEOPLE 

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH, 2011 AT THE WHITE HOUSE

A coalition of demonstrators will gather at the White House on Saturday, February 19th, 2011 from 11:00am to 3:00pm to show solidarity with the Libyan people and their calls for protests in Libya on February 17th.

In the wake of successful demonstrations in Tunisia and Egypt, the Libyan people are drawing inspiration and courage from their neighbors on either side.  The planned protests throughout Libya on February 17th will call for an end to corruption, the mismanagement of enormous resources and the gross violation of human rights by one of the world's most oppressive regimes.

When    February 19th, 2011

Time:  11:00am to 3:00pm

Where: front of the  White House  Map

The participants of the rally in Washington, D.C. support the efforts of the Libyan people and call attention to the savage brutality and blatant corruption, which has been denying the Libyan people their basic human rights and their share of the country's rich resources for more than 40 years.

Bring you native country flag, signs, your friends, and family..  Look forward to see you there.

Statement of Rep. Gerry Connolly on Temporary Extension of Patriot Act Provisions

Congressman

Gerry Connolly

11^th District, Virginia | 424 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 | (202) 225-1492

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            CONTACT

February 15, 2011                                              George Burke – 202-225-1492/ 202-503-7756

                                                                          George.burke@mail.house.gov

Statement of Rep. Gerry Connolly on Temporary Extension of Patriot Act Provisions

Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement on House passage of the temporary extension of three provisions of the Patriot Act:

“Northern Virginia is a diverse community comprised of residents from many nations.  That diversity is a tremendous source of cultural and economic strength that we must always welcome and seek to foster.  It is also a community directly affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that remains a high-priority target for terrorists today. 

“Our ongoing challenge is to strike the right balance between national security and the preservation of civil liberties for all Americans.  As Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2005, I sent a letter to then-Senator John Warner and the entire Virginia congressional delegation expressing concerns about some provisions of the Patriot Act and their potential to impinge on civil liberties.  I continue to have those concerns, particularly with respect to the provision allowing federal authorities to access library records and other personal information. 

“At President Obama’s request, I supported H.R. 514 this week to provide a temporary extension of three Patriot Act provisions through December 8, 2011.  This temporary extension will give Congress the opportunity to review the provisions before granting a long-term extension while not interrupting ongoing investigations.   

“As President Obama has noted, failing to extend these provisions at this time would have serious and immediate national security implications that could threaten the lives of Americans here in the United States, and in Northern Virginia particularly.”

Facts

• H.R. 514 provides a short-term extension through December 8, 2011 of just three Patriot Act provisions.  It is not an extension of the entire Patriot Act, and did not grant the two-year extension of these provisions through 2013 requested by President Obama.

• The three extended provisions are: roving wiretap authority that provides law enforcement with the ability to track suspected terrorists who frequently change cell phones or communication devices; the so-called “lone wolf” authority that provides the ability to track suspected terrorists who have no connection or affiliation with a foreign country or identified terrorist group; and the “any tangible thing” provision that allows law enforcement to request documents connected to a terrorism investigation.

• All three provisions require court approval under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before they can be used.

• These provisions have been extended by Congress in 2006, 2009, and 2010, each time with overwhelming bi-partisan support.

• In an effort to ensure greater scrutiny of the “any tangible thing” provision, Congressman Connolly voted against the Rule providing for consideration of the extension (Roll Call No. 29).  The Rule passed 248-176.

• Congressman Connolly also voted in favor of a Democratic motion to ensure that all Patriot Act investigations be conducted in a manner that complies with the Constitution.  Unfortunately that motion failed because of Republican opposition.

• A 3 month extension of these provisions recently passed the Senate by a vote of 86-12 with both Virginia Senators voting yes.

# # #

The Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition is an independent, non-partisan Muslim group concerned with domestic issues which directly affect the VA Muslim American community’s livelihood. 

We focus on issues of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Education, the Economy, Banking Reform, Environmental issues, Immigration Reform, and Health Care Reform. Our endorsements to candidates are based primarily on these issues and a candidate’s history of support for and positive interaction with the American Muslim community.

 

Congressional Legislation Details on Patriot Act Extension in House Vote H.R.514.

Patriot Act Extension in House Vote:


Detailed, up-to-date bill status information on H.R.514.


     House voted on extending provisions of the Patriot Act that will lapse on February 28. The three provisions concerned authorizing the FBI’s use of roving wiretaps, granting the government access to “any tangible items” of individuals under surveillance, and allowing the surveillance of individuals and groups not connected to identified terrorist groups. The House bill will extended these provisions until December 2011. The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would extend the expiring provisions to 2013. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) issued a statement explaining that he did not support efforts to extend the provisions that “undercut important oversight and government accountability of these intelligence gathering tools.” EPIC, through the Freedom of Information Act, recentlyobtained from the Intelligence Oversight Board, internal reports of intelligence law violations by the FBI that do not comply with Attorney General guidelines for oversight. EPIC has in the past urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to require the Attorney General to report to Congress on potentially unlawful investigations. For related information, see EPIC: USA Patriot Act and EPIC: PATRIOT FOIA Litigation. (Feb. 9, 2011)  

02/14/2011: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 275 - 144 (Roll no. 36).

Some history:
1/26/2011--Introduced.Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend through December 8, 2011, a provision granting roving electronic surveillance authority. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until December 8, 2011, a provision revising the definition of an "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or preparatory activities ("lone wolf" provisioBill # H.R.514
Original Sponsor:F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI 5th)
Cosponsor Total: 3
(last sponsor added 01/26/2011)
  3 Republicans

About This Legislation: 1/26/2011--Introduced. Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend through December 8, 2011, a provision granting roving electronic surveillance authority. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until December 8, 2011, a provision revising the definition of an "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or preparatory activities ("lone wolf" provision).

Detailed, up-to-date bill status information on H.R.514.

Virginia's 8th Congressional District Recent Congressional Votes

Virginia's 8th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes House: Patriot Act Extensions House: United Nations Tax Equalization Refund Act Upcoming Congressional Bills Senate: FAA Reauthorization House: Patriot Act Extensions House: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

Recent House Votes

Patriot Act Extensions - Vote Failed (277-148, 9 Not Voting) Under a vote that required a two-thirds majority, the House failed to pass this bill that would extend through Dec. 8, 2011, three provisions of the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act. The bill is likely to be voted on this week under regular voting procedures. Rep. James Moran voted NO......send e-mail or see bio United Nations Tax Equalization Refund Act - Vote Failed (259-169, 6 Not Voting) Under a vote that required a two-thirds majority, the House failed to pass this bill that would establish as United States policy that the United Nations should return $179 million overpaid into the U.N. Tax Equalization Fund as of Dec. 31, 2009, and that the U.S. should press the U.N. to change its fund assessment procedures to reduce discrepancies. The future of the bill is unclear. Rep. James Moran voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes

FAA Reauthorization - S.223 The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this bill reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. Patriot Act Extensions - H.R.514 The House is expected to vote on this bill that would extend provisions of the Patriot Act. Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - H.R.1 The House is scheduled to work on this bill to fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011.

 PS Voting NO on this bill is good for our Community  

The Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition is an independent, non-partisan Muslim group concerned with domestic issues which directly affect the VA Muslim American community’s livelihood. 

We focus on issues of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Education, the Economy, Banking Reform, Environmental issues, Immigration Reform, and Health Care Reform. Our endorsements to candidates are based primarily on these issues and a candidate’s history of support for and positive interaction with the American Muslim community.

 

Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition: Action Alert! We urge every member of our community to call or e-mail his or her Congressional Representative

Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition: Action Alert! We urge every member of our community to call or e-mail his or her Congressional Representative

Action Alert! We urge every member of our community to call or e-mail his or her Congressional Representative

Salaam.  We have all just seen how a united Muslim Community can change even the most entrenched political systems and promote democracy in a country like Egypt or Tunisia.  We can similarly make our voices heard in our own country and state.
 

We urge every member of our community to call or e-mail his or her Congressional Representative to either thank them for voting against the extension of the Patriot Act or to express disappointment for voting in support of that extension.  Thank God, the extension was voted down.  However, two of our Congressmen did vote to extend. 

Please do not miss this opportunity to make your voice as loud as those in Tahrir Square.  Ours is a participatory democracy and works at its best when we exercise our rights by speaking up on issues that impact our communities.  It takes only a few minutes to call or e-mail.  And please know that every Congressional office counts all the calls and messages received on an issue like this.  If your Congressman receives your calls in support of a certain Act or policy, he will give it full attention.

You do not need a long and complex letter - the suggested messages below can be put into your own words.  Please keep it short and simple as well as please keep your message polite.  

Congressman Gerry Connolly 11th District

Washington, DC Office
424 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-1492
Fax: (202) 225-3071

E-Mail addresses: 

hera.abbasi@mail.house.gov

james.walkinshaw@mail.house.gov

Suggested message by phone or e-mail:

As a loyal Muslim American living in your District in Virginia, I am very disappointed that Congressman Connolly voted to extend the Patriot Act, which is extremely objectionable to the Muslim community here.  During the 2010 campaign, Mr. Connolly actively sought the support of our community and that support was instrumental in his re-election.  It seems very deceitful for him to vote for this Act.

 
Congressman Jim Moran 8th District

Capitol Hill Office
2239 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4376
Fax: (202) 225-0017

Email Addresses:

gayle.reuter@mail.house.gov

Suggested message by phone or e-mail:
As a loyal Muslim American living in your District in Virginia, I want to thank  Congressman Moran for voting against extending the Patriot Act, which is extremely objectionable to the Muslim community here.   We applaud his courage for standing up to those who demonize our community.   Please tell Mr. Moran that our entire community appreciates his service.



Congressman Frank Wolf 10th District
Washington Office
241 Cannon Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5136
(202) 225-0437 fax

https://wolf.house.gov//index.cfm?sectionid=383

Suggested message by phone or e-mail:
As a loyal Muslim American living in your District in Virginia, I am very disappointed that Congressman Wolf voted to extend the Patriot Act, which is extremely objectionable to the Muslim community here.  Our community has been actively seeking ways to restore our traditional support for the Republican Party, and it is very difficult for us to understand Mr. Wolf's support for this Act.  As one of the more moderate voices in the GOP, Mr. Wolf  had a chance to rebuild bridges to our community by opposing an Act that has unfairly demonized our community.



AND REMEMBER - PLEASE BE COURTEOUS AND POLITE IN ALL YOUR COMMUNICATION, please let us know their response.
You can email us to vamccus@gmail.com or post the response on FB Fan page.

Thank you for your priceless support!

The Virginia Muslim Civic Coalition is an independent, non-partisan Muslim group concerned with domestic issues which directly affect the VA Muslim American community’s livelihood. 

We focus on issues of Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Education, the Economy, Banking Reform, Environmental issues, Immigration Reform, and Health Care Reform. Our endorsements to candidates are based primarily on these issues and a candidate’s history of support for and positive interaction with the American Muslim community.