JKoning's MyC-SPAN

Senate Democratic leaders held a news conference to outline their proposed bill, the “Not My Boss’s Business Act,” that would require employers to abide by the health care law contraception mandate, despite religious objections. The bill was written in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores. Senator Schumer also criticized the decision and spoke about his participation in confirming Supreme Court justices and in passing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

U.S. Air Force Academy history professor Lieutenant Colonel Grant Weller talked about America’s use of atomic bombs against Japan at the end of World War Two. Professor Weller and his class discussed American and Japanese military strategies in the months leading up to the attacks at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The class also covered Japanese social and political attitudes, American motivation for dropping the bomb and the considerations involved in choosing target cities. Professor Weller argued that the atomic bomb fit into America’s goal of “absolute military victory,” avoided a large-scale invasion, and lead to Japan’s surrender weeks after the bombs were used.

Margie Phelps and Timothy Nieman talked about Snyder vs. Phelps, the Supreme Court case on the constitutionality of protests at military funerals. They also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Ms. Phelps represents Fred Phelps, pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Mr. Nieman filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Snyder family.
C-SPAN Radio’s Nancy Calo read news headlines at the end of the program.
Margie Phelps participated from Kansas City, Missouri, Timothy Nieman from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Journalists, politicians and celebrities gathered for the White House Correspondents' Association Annual Dinner where journalism awards were presented. President Obama gave humorous remarks focusing on his potential 2012 Republican presidential candidates. His speech featured a fake trailer for “The President’s Speech,” a spoof sequel to the film “The King’s Speech.” He was followed by “Saturday Night Live” head writer Seth Meyers.

During Morning Hour, any member may speak for up to five minutes on any topic. When no additional members seek recognition, Morning Hour concludes.