Congressional Dish

This week, a bill was introduced in both the House and the Senate that would hand Congress' power to negotiate trade deals, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, over to the President. We also look at the budget agreement to get an idea of what Congress is putting into their last-minute must-sign-by-next-week budget. Finally, thoughts on the golf swing. Information Presented in This Episode Fast Track for Trade Agreements On Thursday, January 9, Max Baucus, retiring Democrat in the Senate, and Orrin Hatch and Dave Camp, two shameless Republicans in the House, introduced a bill that would hand their power to negotiate and enter into trade agreements to the President. This bill would provide the President with so-called "fast track" authority to enter into both the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and a trade deal with the European Union. Fast track authority makes it much, much easier for these controversial deals to become law. Text of the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014" CD052: Episode detailing what we know about the secretive TPP CD053: Episode detailing the leaked Intellectual Property chapter of the TPP The bill starts off with Section 2, which lists a whole bunch of wonderful sounding goals - "objectives"- for the United States' trade agreements with other nations. Some of these lofty goals include opening up new markets, protecting the environment, protecting United States' family farms, encouraging foreign investment in the United States, protection of intellectual property rights, transparency, fair labor practices, and anti-corruption. Too bad none of these things are actually enforceable. The reason these goals are unenforceable is that regardless of whether any of these "objectives" are actually met by the trade agreement, page 35 authorizes the President of the United States, and only the President of the United States, to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries on or before July 1, 2018. There's some wiggle room with that date. The expiration date will be automatically extended until July 1, 2021 if the President asks for the extension as long as "neither House of Congress adopts an extension disapproval resolution" before July 1, 2018. If Congress does nothing; the extension is automatically approved. And doing nothing is one area where Congress performs extremely well. In order to enter into a trade agreement, the President merely has to inform Congress of his intentions to do so. He also has to let them pretend to have a say in "consultation" meetings, but there are no consequences if the majority of Congressional representatives disagree with the substance of the trade agreement, even if they can prove that the trade agreement does not meet the "objectives" listed in the beginning of the bill. In fact, Congress might not know the substance of the trade agreement because page 83 doesn't require the President to submit the final text to Congress until after he has entered into the agreement. From there, Congress will only be permitted to vote on whether or not to implement the President's trade agreement; no amendments to the agreement will be allowed. Congress did insert some language into the bill that is supposed to make us feel better about all this. First, page 87 says that Congress must be given the text of the trade agreement before the "implementing bill" comes up for a vote. What it doesn't say is how much time they'll get to read it. In theory, the President could give them the text of the trade agreement an hour before the vote and he will have fulfilled his obligations. Section 8 is the only source of real hope in the bill. It essentially says that trade agreement provisions that are different from or that change United States laws are not enforceable. It also says that any findings or recommendations of "dispute settlement panels" will have "no binding effect" on the law of the United States. Canada is being sued for $250 million in lost profits for their fracking ban thanks to NAFTA. The Budget Agreement On December 12th, 2013, the House of Representatives passed the budget agreement that was crafted by Democratic Senator Patty Murray and Republican Representative Paul Ryan. The budget agreement is the general rules they will follow while crafting the omnibus budget for 2014 and 2015. The omnibus budget is all twelve appropriations bills wrapped up into one monster bill, with all kinds of non-related gifts to campaign contributors attached to the must-sign legislation. The text of the omnibus legislation isn't finished yet. It must be signed into law next week to avoid another government shut down. One creepy provision (Section 203) in the budget agreement will restrict our access to the Death Master File for three years. The Death Master File lists the name, social security number, birthday, and date of death of everyone who dies in the United States. Currently the list is updated weekly and available both for a fee and for free on various websites. The budget agreement will prevent us from getting this information for three years after a person dies. Fees are steep for those who release this currently-public information; you will be charged $1,000 for each disclosure, capped at $250,000 a year if the disclosure is accidental. If the disclosure is on purpose, there is no cap. The provision also exempts the Death Master File from the Freedom of Information Act, effective immediately. Another infuriating provision (Section 303) approves the United States-Mexico agreement to open up oil and gas exploration in the center of the Gulf of Mexico, an area known as the Western Gap. As outlined in detail in Episode CD033, the majority of companies that have already claimed leases on the American side are not American companies, yet we are risking our coastlines for them anyway. A bill to approve this deal passed the House of Representatives earlier this year but the Senate did not approve it, so friends of the oil industry slipped it into the budget agreement. Hardly anyone has noticed. Some other provisions: Section 501: Lowers fee rates on student loan defaults to 16% from 18.5% Section 601: Changes TSA fees from $2.50 per plane, one-way, capped at $5 to a flat $5.60 each way, regardless of number of planes boarded. Section 702: Changes the compensation formula for Federal contractors and lowers the cap to $487,000/yr. For the rest of the provisions, we will have to wait for the text of the actual budget to see the details. It will likely already be law by the time we get a chance to read it. Music In This Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Fast Lane by All Crazy (found on Music Alley by mevio)

Congress and President Obama worked together to fast-track a new & unexamined NDAA into law. The new law essentially makes NSA data collection legal, cuts military pensions, and spends an enormous amount of money making sure the United States is able to destroy the entire world at a moment's notice. Links to Information in This Episode H.R. 3304: The National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 *The title has been changed to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 since it was signed into law. Previously, it was titled "To authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor to Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam Conflict and to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to certain other veterans who were previously recommended for award of the Medal of Honor" The Cyber-security bill (Sections 932- 942) was added by Senator Jay Rockefeller. Section 1071 creates the "Conflicts Records Research Center" and allows states, foreign governments, and "any source in the private sector" to give money to the Department of Defense. Section 143 prohibits the military from retiring the RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk drones, which the Air Force doesn't want. Section 234 gives $15 million taxpayer dollars to "United States" companies so they can set up assembly lines for the Iron Dome missile defense system in Israel. No requirement for profit-sharing with the taxpayers was included. Section 242 says the United Stats shouldn't buy products that don't work unless the purchase is "to mainatin a warm line for the industrial base". Section 811 allows private contractors specializing in science, technology, engineering, math, medical, and cyber-security to be paid up to $625,000/year. The President of the United States makes $400,000/year. Section 813 makes it easier for the Department of Defense to hide their reasons for contracting with suspended or disbarred companies. Section 1011 extends the CIA/military program in Columbia for another year. Section 1013 expands the drug war to Chad, Libya, Mali, and Niger. Section 1033-1039 prevent prisoners from Guantanamo Bay prison from being transferred to prisons in the United States, but allows them to be transferred to their home countries if certain conditions are met. Section 1043 orders a report from the President regarding how he creates his kill lists. Section 1056 only allows the military to "prepare" to comply with the New Start Treaty, not to actually comply with the New Start Treaty. Section 1062 says that upgrading nuclear bombers "must remain a high budget priority." Sections 1701-1753 create new rules governing sexual assault in the military. The Congressional Research Service summary of the 2014 NDAA; note that the "Conference Report" numbers (H.R. 3304 is the conference report) are blank. The NDAA was passed via fast-track, which means no amendments were allowed. H.R. 1960: The National Defense Authorization Act version that passed the House of Representatives earlier this year; it is officially a dead bill. Congressional Dish episode CD031 highlighted the House's original version of the 2014 NDAA. Section 403 of the Budget Agreement - which has been signed into law - cuts the cost of living adjustments to pensions for military veteran's under age 62 by 1% per year. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's comments on the pension cuts. The NSA has full access to Apple iPhones Music in This Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Somebody's Watching Us by Skybridge (found on Music Alley by mevio)

During the first week of December, the House of Representatives passed bills to extend an insurance program that provides taxpayer bailouts to private space exploration companies, made changes to TSA policies, tried (again) to deregulate Wall Street gamblers, and tried to shut down patent trolls. Executive Producer: Brandon K. Lewis Information Presented in this Episode H.R. 3547: "Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act" Extends an existing government insurance program for private companies that launch vehicles into space through 2014. The program has three tiers: The private companies buy insurance from a private insurance company for the "maximum probably loss" that would occur if there were an accident; the insurance is capped at $500 million. The "maximum probable loss" is determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the Government Accountability Office says that the FAA's method for calculating the risk is outdated. If the "maximum probably loss" is not actually the maximum loss, taxpayers will pay up to $2.8 billion (in 2013 dollars -this number increases with inflation) for damage caused by the private companies' accident. Any amount over the insurance payment plus the taxpayers' $2.8 billion must be paid by the private company who caused the accident. The insurance program extension has been requested by the private companies who stand to profit from launching vehicles into space. [caption id="attachment_1162" align="aligncenter" width="261"] Rep. Lamar Smith (TX), author of H.R. 3547[/caption] Rep. Lamar Smith (TX), author of H.R. 3547, has taken money for the 2014 election from companies requesting the insurance program. [caption id="attachment_1163" align="aligncenter" width="773"] Source: OpenSecrets.org on December 20, 2013[/caption] Passed the House of Representatives on December 2, 2013 [caption id="attachment_1165" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Source: Govtrack.us[/caption] H.R. 1095: "TSA Loose Change Act" Would divert approximately $500,000 per year in abandoned change from airports from TSA airport security, where it currently goes, to building areas of "rest and recuperation" for military families at airports. [caption id="attachment_1166" align="aligncenter" width="273"] Rep. Cedric Richmond (VA), December 3, 2013 Congressional Record[/caption] Passed the House of Representatives without a recorded vote on December 3, 2013. H.R. 2719: "Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act" TSA must develop and publicly publish a plan for what security technology they plan to buy. Bill is necessary because the TSA is "wasting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars by inefficiently deploying screening equipment and technology to commercial airports." Former Department of Homeland Security officials, including Michael Chertoff, have profited from airport body scanners since leaving their government jobs. The plan must identify "opportunities for public-private partnerships". Private sector suggestions must be included in the plan. The Obama administration must report "subcontracting goals" and why they haven't been met (if applicable). Passed the House of Representatives unanimously on December 3, 2013. H.R. 3626: Extends Undetectable Firearms Act for 10 Years Was signed into law on December 9, 2013. It is illegal to "manufacture, import, sell, ship, deliver, possess, transfer, or receive a firearm not detectable by metal detectors." Plastic Guns Made With 3-D Printers Pose New Security Concerns by Carrie Johnson, NPR, November 14, 2013. H.R. 1105: Deregulate Wall Street Gamblers Real name: "Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act" (hello, Orwell). Exempts private equity fund advisers from registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Passed largely along Party lines, getting almost unanimous Republican support. Unsurprisingly, the bill was supported by Democrat Jim Himes of Connecticut, a former Vice President of Goldman Sachs. [caption id="attachment_1169" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Rep. Jim Himes (CT), OpenSecrets.org as of 12/20/2013[/caption] Just a few weeks ago, the House passed H.R. 992, an even more offensive bill that would allow United States' government bailouts for domestic AND FOREIGN banks that participate in credit default swaps trading - the type of behavior that crashed the global economy. H.R. 3309: "Innovation Act" Requires more details when filing a lawsuit for patent infringement. Losers of lawsuits must pay expenses and fees of the winners, but the court can intervene. Limits discovery requests; they must be specific. Patent claims must be available on a searchable, public website. Limits lawsuits down the supply chain (for example, patent trolls have been suing coffee shops and hotels for offering Wifi and have sued podcasters, including Adam Corrolla, claiming they own the technology The bill passed on December 5, 2013 with 91 Representatives voting against it because they say the bill was rushed and not examined closely enough for unintended consequences. Representatives Quoted in This Episode (In Order of Appearance) Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts Rep. Robert Hurt of Virginia Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut Music & Other Audio in This Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) National Geographic's Seconds from Disaster - Challenger Explosion

Hudson Hollister, Executive Director of the Data Transparency Coalition, schools Jen on the DATA Act, the bill from episode CD054. Turns out, the bill is not so bad; In fact, the bill could be really, really good. Links to Information Presented in This Episode CD054: The Hidden DATA Act episode with a detailed summary of the bill. Status and text of the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA) Act USASpending.gov is the website that would be improved by the DATA Act. Follow @hudsonhollister on Twitter The Data Transparency Coalition's website DATA Act informational YouTube video by the Data Transparency Coalition Music Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Thank You by Bill Willmott (found on Music Alley by mevio)

Jen's husband loses his job; in this episode, the political situation that doomed his solar power company. Then we make a rough plan for the future, for ourselves and Congressional Dish. Joe Briney co-hosts. Links to Information in This Episode A solar farm seen from an airplane[/caption] *Correction: Jen said that the sun shines in Western Oregon; it does not. She meant Eastern Oregon. Representatives Discussed in This Episode Rep. Greg Walden - Oregon, District 2 Greg Walden's Legal Bribes Campaign Contributions [caption id="attachment_1151" align="aligncenter" width="946"] OpenSecrets.org, Dec. 6, 2013.[/caption] Music Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)

Before going home for Thanksgiving, the House passed three bills designed to fast-track permits for oil and natural gas drilling. This episode highlights the Congressmen who pushed these bills through the House. Bill Summaries H.R. 1965: "The Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act of 2013" passed the House of Representatives 228-192 on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. H.R. 1965 will not become law; President Obama would veto the bill. TITLE I, Subtitle A: Speeds Up Oil and Gas Permitting ("Streamlining Permitting of American Energy Act of 2013") Introduced by Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-5) The government will have 30 days to decide on a drilling permit: If the government does not decide whether or not to issue a drilling permit in 60 days, the permit is automatically approved: It will cost $5,000 to challenge a drilling permit in court: Lawsuits that challenge a drilling permit must be filed within 90 days: If a citizen wins a lawsuit challenging a drilling permit, they cannot be reimbursed for their attorney's fees and court costs: American taxpayers will pay $50 million to map our oil and gas resources for the fossil fuel companies: TITLE I, Subtitle B: Hand Our Land to Fossil Fuel Companies ("Providing Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act of 2013") Introduced by Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-6) Every year, we must lease at least 25% of our available land; these leases cannot be challenged in court: Once we lease the land to the energy companies, we can't change our minds: Protests against lease sales that are not settled in 60 days are automatically denied: The Bureau of Land Management Instruction Memorandum 2010-117 - a process that examines environmental concerns and involves the public in oil and gas leasing decisions - will have "no force or effect". TITLE I, Subtitle C: Bring Back Bush Administration Regulations for Oil Shale Development ("Protecting Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy, and Resource Security Act" or the "PIONEERS Act") Introduced by Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-5) Oil Shale is a technology - that still doesn't work - which involves melting rocks to access the oil inside of them: Regulations for oil shale will return to the regulations issued by the George W. Bush administration: The Bush administration regulations - would would come back - require fewer environmental studies and allows oil companies decide which new regulations to obey: We would have to lease at least 125,000 additional acres to the oil companies for oil shale experimentation: TITLE III: "The National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Access Act" Introduced by Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-4) The national policy of the United States will be to drill, baby, drill in Alaska; we must give the oil companies at least 10 leases by 2023: We will throw out a completed Environmental Impact Statement and replace it with one designed to "promote efficient and maximum development of oil and natural gas resources" of the Alaska Petroleum Reserve: TITLE V: Prevent Native American Anti-Drilling Lawsuits ("Native American Energy Act") Introduced by Rep. Don Young (Alaska) Appraisals that determine the market value of Native American land will be automatically approved after 60 days: Environmental reviews of projects on Native American lands will not be available to the public; only Native Americans and local residents can get access: Native Americans can not file a lawsuit against a drilling lease after 60 days; they cannot file lawsuits locally, only in Washington D.C.: If Native Americans win a lawsuit against the United State government challenging a drilling decision, they cannot be paid for their court costs: If Native Americans lose a lawsuit against a drilling lease, they must pay the oil companies' court costs: Current law says the Secretary of the Interior needs to approve drilling projects on Navajo Nation land; Section 5008 reverses the law and extends the length of drilling leases by making the following edits: (e) Leases of restricted lands for the Navajo Nation (1) Any leases by the Navajo Nation for purposes authorized under subsection (a) of this section, and any amendments thereto, except a lease for including leases for the exploration, development, or extraction of any mineral resources, shall not require the approval of the Secretary if the lease is executed under the tribal regulations approved by the Secretary under this subsection and the term of the lease does not exceed - (A) in the case of a business or agricultural lease, 25 99 years, except that any such lease may include an option to renew for up to two additional terms, each of which may not exceed 25 years;... Federal regulations governing fracking will not automatically apply to Native American land: H.R. 2728: "Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act" passed the House of Representatives 235-187 on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. H.R. 2728 will not become law, President Obama would veto the bill. TITLE I: Only States Can Regulate Fracking Introduced by Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17) If a State has any regulations in place, the Federal government cannot enforce any additional regulations: The Federal government can't enforce fracking regulations on land held in trust for Indians: The government would create a rigged study that examines only the benefits of fracking (added by amendment): TITLE II: "EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Study Improvement Act" Introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-21) Adds extra work to Environmental Protection Agency studies of fracking chemicals in drinking water by requiring the studies to be peer reviewed and held to a higher standard: EPA studies on fracking chemicals in drinking water need to point out their own weaknesses: H.R. 1900: "Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act" Introduced by Rep. Mike Pompeo (KS-4) passed the House of Representatives 252-165 on Thursday, November 21, 2013. H.R. 1900 will not become law; President Obama would veto the bill. Permits for natural gas pipelines must be decided in under 1 year: Agencies responsible for determining if a natural gas pipeline is in the public interest will have 90 days to decide after the environmental review is complete: If the agency does not decide within 90 days, the permit will be automatically issued on the 120th day: Representatives Discussed in This Episode Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-5) The "tar baby" quote. He voted against re-opening the government and raising the debt ceiling. KOAA video: Residents of the Colorado 5th are fighting fracking in their city. Drilling in Fast-Growing Areas Ushers In New Era of Tension by Kirk Johnson, New York Times, October 24, 2011. Rep. Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming) Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-6) Mike Coffman Wikipedia page Mike Coffman, 6th Congressional District, interview with The Denver Post. Aurora Residents Protest Proposed Fracking Site, CBS Denver, June 5, 2012. Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-4) Doc Hastings Wikipedia page Rep. Don Young (Alaska) Alaska's Young, Stevens Face Inquiry by John R. Wilke, Wall Street Journal, July 25, 2007. Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17) Bill Flores Wikipedia Page Exclusive: Bankruptcy of Edwards challenger Bill Flores' business cost taxpayers $7.5 million by Dave Michaels, The Dallas Morning News, October 9, 2010. Bill Flores' employment history Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-21) SOPA: The Stop Online Piracy Act was introduced by Lamar Smith He's against marijuana legalization. Rep. Mike Pompeo (KS-4) GOP freshman Pompeo turned to Koch for money for business, then politics by Dan Eggen, Washington Post, March 20, 2011. Koch brothers now at heart of GOP power by Tom Hamburger & others, The Los Angeles Times, February 6, 2011. Representatives Quoted in This Episode Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah Rep. Pete DeFazio of Oregon Rep. Don Young of Alaska Rep. Doc Hastings of Washington Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado Rep. Bill Flores of Texas Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas Rep. Kathy Castor of Florida Rep. Henry Waxman of California Music Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) The Fracking Song Music by David Holmes and Andrew Bean Vocals and Lyrics by David Holmes and Niel Bekker Animation by Adam Sakellarides and Lisa Rucker Which Side Are You On by Pete Seeger Additional Information As Environmentalists Walk Out of UN Talks, Top US Envoy Says No to Reparations for Climate Damage, Democracy Now!, November 22, 2013. Exemption for hydraulic fracturing under United States Federal law, Wikipedia CBO: H.R. 1965 would bring in $325 million over 10 years in revenue. CBS local video: San Bruno Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion, September 10, 2010. San Bruno pipeline explosion Wikipedia page

A bill marketed as for "transparency" appears to keep information secret from the public and gut an oversight board. Taxpayers treat a group of Representatives to an expensive Summer getaway. Cocaine. HR 2061: "The Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA) of 2013" passed the House of Representatives 388-1 on Monday, November 12, 2013. Section 3: The following information would be published on the USASpending.gov website: A "pilot program" will "consolidate reports" that agencies and companies who receive Federal money must turn in: The agencies and companies allowed into the pilot program must be worth at least $1 billion total; there's no limit to the number of participants. The Recovery Board would start investigating the Inspectors General: Section 5: Expands the amount of information that can be kept secret: Section 3 of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 says: Section 5 of the DATA Act changes it to say: The "information protected" under the Freedom of Information Act which the DATA Act would keep secret from the public is: Some information from the Privacy Act of 1974 that the DATA Act would keep secret from the public is: The information from the US Tax Code that the DATA Act would keep secret from the public is: The Recovery Board investigates companies that are given government money - "recipients". [caption id="attachment_1065" align="aligncenter" width="336"] Quote by Rep. Darrell Issa, House Floor, November 18, 2013.[/caption] The DATA Act extends the Recovery Board but lets its functions and website expire six weeks from now: H.R. 313- which passed the House in May 2013- is attached to the end of the DATA Act. Limits spending on conferences to $500,000. Extraordinarily detailed reports required for conferences over $10,000. Cuts agencies' travel budget by at least 30%. Congressional Travel Expenses Five Representatives and two staffers took a $179,938 six-day all expense paid-by-taxpayers trip to Singapore and Australia in Summer 2013. Representatives Discussed in This Episode Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey was the only Representative to vote against the DATA Act. As a scientist, I know firsthand how important scientific conferences and meetings are. I opposed H.R. 2061, the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, because it would cut by 30 percent the amount of travel federal employees could undertake for conferences, meetings, and other crucial events. - Rep. Rush Holt Rep. Henry "Trey" Radel of Florida is on a leave of absence due to his proven cocaine habit. [caption id="attachment_1049" align="alignright" width="300"] Rep. Darrell Issa represents California's 49th district[/caption] Rep. Darrell Issa of California was the main author of the DATA Act. Darrell Issa is the richest person in Congress in 2013. He has at least $430 million; he made $135 million in 2012 on Wall Street. Darrell Issa does the bidding of Big Business. Representatives Quoted in this Episode Rep. Darrell Issa of California Additional Information Sunlight Foundation blog in support of HR 2061 Music Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Dirty Little Secret by 54 Seconds (found on Music Alley by mevio) Cocaine by Eric Clapton Homework Watch Chasing Ice

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is an international treaty being negotiated in almost total secrecy by the United States and eleven other nations. This week, Wikileaks published one of the twenty-nine chapters, the chapter on Intellectual Property. In this episode, we highlight the details of the patent and copyright laws contained in the leaked TPP chapter and then we quickly look at the bills that passed the House of Representatives this week. Music in This Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) The English and Japanese versions of "Lets Stop the TPP" produced by Consumers International. I Don't Need a Doctor by David Pannozzo (found on Music Alley by mevio) Links to Information in This Episode The leaked chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, released on November 13, 2013 by Wikileaks . PDF and web version available CD052: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Congressional Dish episode that presented an overview of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Genetically modified corn has pesticides in the corn itself Information sheet from the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Aereo gives you access to basic cable stations for about $8/month (if available in your city). S. 252: PREEMIE Reauthorization Act Funds research into premature births and funds the care of chimpanzees at the National Institutes of Health. Funds these things at a lower rate than they were funded from 2007-2011. S. 330: "HIV Organ Policy Equity Act" Allows organs taken from people with HIV to be transplanted into people with HIV. S. 893: "Veteran's Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013" Gives a cost of living increase to disabled veterans. H.R. 2922: Supreme Court Security Allows the Supreme Court to have personal security outside of the Supreme Court H.R. 982: "Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act of 2013" Requires public publication of the names and diseases of any person who makes a claim from the asbestos trust fund. H.R. 2655: Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2013 Imposes mandatory financial penalties for filing "frivolous" lawsuits. Eliminates the 21-day grace period to withdraw a lawsuit without financial penalty. H.R. 3350: Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013 Allows insurance companies to sell insurance plans that don't meet the minimum standards set by the Affordable Care Act during 2014. Presidential Message to Congress: Continuation of the National Emergency in Respect to Iran Continues the National Emergency begun during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979. Continues Executive Order 12170, which blocks property of the Iranian Government and Central Bank

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a secret international treaty designed to give corporations power over governments; it is labeled as a "free trade agreement". The TPP will likely allow corporate control of the Internet, endanger food safety, increase medicine costs, remove environmental laws, prohibit financial regulations, and almost certainly would force the United States to give tax money to private corporations if our democracy creates laws that interfere with corporate profits. The Obama administration aims to have it signed into law by the end of 2013. *Full text of draft Intellectual Property Chapter (text as of August 30, 2013), released by Wikileaks on November 13, 2013. Sources of Clips Presented in This Episode YouTube Video: "The Top Secret Deal Between 11 Countries That Will Affect Your Lives" by Lee Camp, episode #186 of the Moment of Clarity series, November 14, 2012. Lee Camp is an angry comedian who has blessed the world with his 5 minute Moment of Clarity videos, which tackle all the horrible problems of the world with justified anger, passion, and lots of laughs. Check him out. The link above his to his episode on the Trans Pacific Partnership. YouTube Video: "Conversations with Great Minds: Lori Wallach on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, part 1" by Thom Hartmann, RT: The Big Picture, July 16, 2012. Provides the history of Global Trade Watch and Lori Wallach's interest in trade agreements. Examples of American laws being circumvented with trade agreements, including the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). YouTube Video: "Conversations with Great Minds: Lori Wallach on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, part 2" by Thom Hartmann, RT: The Big Picture, July 16, 2012. Details from the leaked chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. What is the difference between a treaty and an agreement? A treaty must be agreed to by 2/3 of the Senate; an agreement only needs a simple majority. The Trans-Pacific Partnership will create tribunals that will allow corporations to sue governments if the governments enact laws that interfere with corporate profits. Video with transcript: "A Corporate Trojan Horse: Obama Pushes Secretive TPP Trade Pact, Would Rewrite Swath of U.S. Laws" by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzales, Democracy Now!, October 4, 2013. Interview with Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch. Details from the leaked chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. What is "fast track"? Basically, fast tracking the TPP would involve Congress handing their power to approve treaties to the Executive Branch and would essentially eliminate any public role in trade negotiations. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="175"] Michael Froman, U.S. Trade Representative, sounds like Dick Cheney, dead inside[/caption] Video with transcript: "Obama-Backed Trans Pacific Partnership Expands Corporate Lawsuits Against Nations for Lost Profits" by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzales, Democracy Now!, June 6, 2013. Details on the tribunal system that will allow corporations to sue governments for lost profits. Sound clip of Michael Froman, the United States Trade Representative who is negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership on behalf of the United States. Video with transcript: "Breaking '08 Pledge, Leaked Trade Doc Shows Obama Wants to Help Corporations Avoid Regulations" by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzales, Democracy Now!, June 14, 2012. Interview with Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch. An agreement was made to publish the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership four years after completion. Sound clip of a corporate tool giving former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk a fake award for pushing the TPP, which the corporate tool says will provide companies with expanded profits despite what the citizens think. Video with transcript: "Trans Pacific Partnership Could Damage Australia" by Kerry Brewster, Lateline, October 10, 2013. Australian news segment highlighting the Trans-Pacific Partnerships dangers to Australian citizens. Canada is being sued for their fracking moratorium. TPP would extend the length of pharmaceutical patents, thereby delaying cheaper generics. Music In this Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) YouTube Video: "TPP = Corporate Power Tool of the 1%" by Public Citizen, May 7, 2012. YouTube Video: "Stop the TPP (English Version)" by Jeremy Malcolm, September 30, 2013. Links to Additional Information About the Trans Pacific Partnership PDF: The leaked chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Public Citizen's Trans Pacific Partnership Information Website Simply the best resource available for finding information on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Upcoming TPP Meetings, Office of the United States Trade Representative website. A Pacific Trade Deal by The Editorial Board of the New York Times, November 5, 2013. An endorsement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership YouTube video: "Secretary Clinton on Delivering on the Promise of Economic Statecraft" by the US State Department, November 17, 2012. Hillary Clinton gives a speech to promote the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Financial Industry Paid Millions to Obama Aide by Jeff Zeleny, New York Times, April 3, 2009 Michael Froman, now the United States Trade Representative, used to work at Citigroup and was paid at least $7.4 million. How to Contact Your Representatives President Obama: 202-456-1111 Find and Contact Your Two Senators Find and Contact Your Representative in the House

The House passed a bill this week that would expand the number of banks that will be eligible for government bailouts and eliminated rules to prevent the banks from making really risky bets with our money. New Information (Found Since this Podcast Episode Was Released) YouTube video: Insanity in the House, Part 2 by Mansur Gidfar. Has additional information on the corrupt Congressmen who moved H.R. 992 through the House. Links to Information in This Episode Intro and Exit Music: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) H.R. 992: "Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act of 2013" Expands the eligibility of American foreign banks that would be eligible for a bailout. Allows banks to eligible for bailouts to trade credit default swaps. Citigroup wrote most of H.R. 992 Banks Lobbyists Help in Drafting Financial Bills by Eric Lipton and Ben Protess, New York Times, May 23, 2013. See How Citigroup Wrote a Bill So They Could Get a Bailout by Erika Eichelberger, Mother Jones, May 24, 2013. Contact your Senators here (search tool is in the top right hand corner) Contact the White House here White House phone number: 202-456-1111 Music: Greed is Good by Leeman BrothaZ Frontline: Money, Power, Wall Street, documentary, April-May 2012. H.R. 2374: "Retail Investor Protection Act" Prevents a Department of Labor regulation that would force broker-dealers to have a fiduciary duty to their customers and act in their customer's best interest President Obama has issued a veto threat for H.R. 2374 but not for H.R. 992 H.J Res 99: Bring Back the Debt Ceiling Early H.J Res 99 is the first step in the expedited process for bringing back the debt ceiling established in the law that ended the shutdown and extended the debt ceiling. The clause that brings back the debt ceiling is in Section 1002 Details of the law were in CD049: Crisis... Postponed