Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–March 1, 2013.  Across-the-board budget cuts that take effect today in the sequester will affect senior citizens across the country. The failure of the Senate to pass the American Family Economic Protection Act (S. 388), which would have raised revenue from the wealthiest Americans and corporations who send jobs[Read More…]

Mine Ban Treaty Marks 14 Years Since Becoming International Law Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–March 1, 2013. The Obama administration, which is poised to make a decision on future US policy on landmines, should at long last embrace the ban on antipersonnel landmines on the Mine Ban Treaty’s 14th anniversary. “The United States[Read More…]

Washington—(ENEWSPF)—February 28, 2013. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten released the following statement on passage of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act by the U.S. House of Representatives.  “Violence against women, regardless of their background or sexual orientation, must be condemned in all forms at all times,[Read More…]

AFSCME, AFT, SEIU and NEA Launch New Ad Campaign Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 28, 2013. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the National Education Association (NEA) today launched a new television ad aimed at the[Read More…]

Statement of NOW President Terry O’Neill Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 28, 2013 With a resounding vote of 286-138, the House passed a bipartisan, inclusive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. This is a major victory for all women, including women in the LGBT community, Native American women, women on college campuses[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–February 27, 2013. Today, in response to the announcement that Royal Dutch Shell will suspend its Arctic drilling operations for 2013, the Center for American Progress released the following statement from CAP Chair John Podesta: Today’s announcement is a reminder that the industry does not yet have the adequate[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 28, 2013.  The full text of the op-ed by First Lady Michelle Obama is printed below. The piece is published today in The Wall Street Journal and can be found HERE.  The Business Case for Healthier Food Options By First Lady Michelle Obama For years, America’s childhood obesity[Read More…]

Washington—(ENEWSPF)—February 27, 2013. Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Voting Rights Act case before the U.S. Supreme Court.  “There is nothing more sacred in our democracy than the right of every eligible American to cast a ballot and elect our leaders. This is a right won through the[Read More…]

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–February 27, 2013. The Supreme Court heard arguments today in Shelby County v. Holder over the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, a civil rights law that has protected the right to vote for people of color since 1965. The American Civil Liberties Union intervened in the[Read More…]

Staff Commentary Voters still on the fence regarding candidates for the February 26 Democratic Primary in the Special Election for the 2nd Congressional District in Illinois can relax: Robin Kelly is the clear choice. During her time as State Representative of the 38th District, Kelly was always, always responsive to[Read More…]