Monthly Archives: March 2010

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Pelosi is carrying the gavel used when the House voted to pass Medicare in 1965


it was provided by Rep. John Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress in history, whose father presided over the Medicare 1965 vote.

Black History

Congress in Session 3/20/2010


The House Rules Committee is having much feisty debate and conflict about trying to decide procedural behavior on the floor on HCR

Business in the House

HR1612 … Public Land Management…use

**Bishop amendment was agreed to 227- 180 and adopted

**Cole amendment; to allow arrangement with tribal governments to provide temp housing for or with Corps

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 20, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION


7:46 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:45 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on March 21: Mr. Cassidy for 5 min and Mr. McCotter for 5 min.

7:43 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1119:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all people in the United States should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad

7:42 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

6:58 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1119. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Bordallo moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 900:

supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

6:19 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 900. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Bordallo moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 925:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the meritorious service performed by aviators in the United States Armed Forces who were shot down over, or otherwise forced to land in, hostile territory yet evaded enemy capture or were captured but subsequently escaped

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed

H. Res. 925:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the meritorious service performed by aviators in the United States Armed Forces who were shot down over, or otherwise forced to land in, hostile territory yet evaded enemy capture or were captured but subsequently escaped

5:34 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 925. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Bordallo moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1099:

recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

5:33 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:53 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1099. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Owens moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

3:12 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 1040:

honoring the life and accomplishments of Donald Harington for his contributions to literature in the United States

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 – 0 (Roll no. 154).

3:05 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

3:04 P.M. –
On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 211 – 186 (Roll no. 153).

H.R. 4887:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that health coverage provided by the Department of Defense is treated as minimal essential coverage

2:52 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 403 – 0 (Roll no. 152).

2:24 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4887; on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal; and on a motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 1040 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1075:
commending the members of the Agri-business Development Teams of the National Guard for their efforts, together with personnel of the Department of Agriculture and the United States Agency for International Development, to modernize agriculture practices and increase food production in war-torn countries

2:00 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1075. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Skelton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 4887:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that health coverage provided by the Department of Defense is treated as minimal essential coverage

1:58 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

1:14 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4887. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to announced.

H.R. 1612:

to amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to expand the authorization of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to provide service-learning opportunities on public lands, help restore the nation’s natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources, train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts, and promote the value of public service

1:13 P.M. –
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 288 – 116 (Roll no. 151).

1:00 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Grijalva amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:59 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. Grijalva. On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by recorded vote: 387 – 21 (Roll no. 150).

12:20 P.M. –
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

12:09 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lummis motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with sundry amendments. The amendments insert sections pertaining to limitation on use of funds and further limitation on use of funds to protect children.

12:08 P.M. –
Mrs. Lummis moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

12:07 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Cole amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 402 – 0 (Roll no. 149).

12:00 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Bishop (UT) amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 180 (Roll no. 148).

11:27 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Bishop (UT) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (UT) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until later in the legislative day.

11:21 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1192, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop(UT) amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (UT).

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-445 to retain the existing authorization level of $12 million a year and only authorizes the program for 5 years.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cole amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Grijalva demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until later in the legislative day.

11:17 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1192, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cole amendment.

11:16 A.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. Cole.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 111-445 to amend Section 3(f) to allow the Secretaries to enter into arrangement with tribal governments in order to provide temporary housing with Corps volunteers.

11:15 A.M. –
Mr. Grijalva asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 1:00 p.m. on March 21. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1612:

to amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to expand the authorization of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior to provide service-learning opportunities on public lands, help restore the nation’s natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources, train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts, and promote the value of public service

10:32 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1612.

10:31 A.M. –
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3644 and H.R. 1612. It shall be in order to consider in the House, H.R. 3644 and H.R. 1612. All points of order against consideration of each bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in each bill shall be considered as adopted. The bills, as amended, shall be considered read. Further amendments are in order. Each bill shall be debatable for one hour.

10:30 A.M. –
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1192. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 20.

9:15 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

9:03 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:02 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of OH to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that she had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Klein (FL) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Klein (FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

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Washington State news …


Benefits of reform in Washington’s 7th district

Ending insurance company abuses:
  • Ban discrimination against 8,900 residents with pre-existing conditions
Guaranteeing affordable coverage options:
  • Tax credits and other assistance for up to 157,000 families and 21,300 small businesses
  • Extend coverage to 29,500 uninsured residents
Reducing the cost of care:
  • Save 800 families from health care related bankruptcy
  • Full prescription drug coverage for 84,000 seniors on Medicare

All data obtained from the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF news … &CSPAN.org live-stream – Huskies and PAC10… now 12


It’s Friday and the news is good, if you are a Washington State Husky and in the PAC-10… talk about a nail biting game.. the play started out close, then got a little out of hand but ended up close 80-78  with Washington beating out 6th seeded Marquette. It was a game to write home about not giving up and having faith and given the many upsets, it was great to know our kids are going to the next round.   The news about Democrats acting like a Political Party is also becoming exciting… gotta say We the People need to help all Democrats get back into office if voting yes ends up being their Waterloo. In just one example of strange behavior, last night Republican Senator Coburn held a press conference throwing a threat  to hold seats to those who might lose seats looking for a Federal job.   If you listen to the Media and or people on the right, the stakes seem to be high given the HCR  process has taken so long, possibly costing some Democratic seats, which, has been a part of the Republican talking points. Senator Steny Hoyer completely debunked any truth in the efforts of Republicans to skew the CBO score as well as anyone Democratic Senator losing their seat because they are standing up for Americans not the select few who happen to be the upper 2%

Other News …

**The Rhode Island teacher involved in the effigy of President Obama was fired previously and this was the teachers response to being fired

**Dial Rep. McDermott’s office at (202) 225-3106 right away. Folks across the country will be calling, so if you get a busy signal, please try again. Let those in Congress know we will support them because they not only are standing up for Americans but with President Obama
http://my.barackobama.com/FinalMarchCalls

**British Airways crew will go out on strike if labor talks fail

**HEMET, Calif. — Police in this picturesque city in rural Riverside County have been on edge in recent weeks. Someone is trying to kill them. complete article at AP

**Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) has agreed with House Democratic leaders to eliminate a provision in the reconciliation bill that would’ve given his home state bank, the Bank of North Dakota, an exemption from new federal student loan rules. The provision would’ve allowed the bank to continue lending to students even though the legislation was designed to eliminate lending middlemen.TP

**Speaker Pelosi stated with truth that the other side will stop at absolutely nothing

*”Republican lawyers” are already gearing up for a legal challenge against health care reform,” conducting research and drafting arguments for lawsuits that could be filed within days or weeks, particularly if House leaders decide to go forward with a ‘deem & pass’ rule.”TP

**The Media myth of Obama’s falling poll numbers … complete article is at Media Matters…The release of an Associated Press poll last week that showed President Obama enjoying a healthy job approval rating of 53 percent didn’t generate much news beyond the wire service and produced even less commentary among the media’s chattering class. Then again, neither did another piece of polling news from January, which showed Obama basking in the glow of a 56 percent job approval rating.  The cold shoulder was expected, though. Why? It’s simple: the results didn’t fit the script.  Feeding off right-wing talking points, political journalists love to push the idea that Obama’s polling numbers are in the tank and that he’s fading fast. It’s all part of the preferred, CW narrative that his entire presidency is slipping away. (It must now be “save[d],” according to Newsweek.)


WHAT’s on CSPAN.org live-stream

President rallies for health care legislation

President Obama holds a health care rally at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Press Sec. Robert Gibbs said yesterday the President postponed his trip to Indonesia and Australia in order to be present for a possible Sunday vote on health care in the House of Representatives.

Live on C-SPAN3 at 11:30am ET    watch Press Sec. Gibbs Announces Pres. Trip Delayed

Health Care: House vote probably on Sunday

Yesterday, the CBO released its cost estimate for the House health care bill. They estimated a 10 year cost of $940 billion and deficit reduction of $138 billion. With the release of the substitute bill, House Rules will meet to discuss rules for the floor debate, which will likely be followed by a Sunday vote in the House.


Think Tank Discusses Public Policy & Bipartisanship

The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit policy & education organization, holds a discussion examining the partisan divide in Washington politics. Panelists will look at ways to strengthen America’s strategic position in the areas of national security, education, energy and infrastructure.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Repower America …


On Monday, Al Gore made an impassioned call-to-arms for a clean energy revolution.

More than 10,000 supporters like you joined the Vice President on a call to discuss the next steps in our fight for strong climate and clean energy legislation. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown shared his positive perspective on prospects for bill passage in the Senate this spring, the need for grassroots supporters to get involved right now, and the difference you’re already making.

Listen to highlights from Monday’s call with Al Gore and take action for a clean energy revolution now!

The U.S. Senate is in the process of drafting clean energy and climate legislation. But with lobbyists from big oil and their front groups whispering in Senators’ ears every day and corporate polluters pouring millions of dollars into ads, we have to fight back with all our strength to make sure we pass a strong bill this year.

We’ve heard directly from Senate offices that one of the most meaningful and effective ways to deliver a message to our elected officials is with a handwritten letter. And by sending a personal letter, we’re demanding that our Senators respond. Which is why we’ve set an ambitious goal: delivering over 150,000 handwritten letters demanding the Senate pass a strong bill this year!

Will you take a few minutes to listen to an update from Al Gore and write your Senator a personal, handwritten letter in support of strong clean energy and climate legislation?

Make it personal. Help us deliver over 150,000 letters for clean energy.

http://cpaf.repoweramerica.org/lettersn

If there’s one thing our elected officials cannot deny, it’s the voice of their constituents.

Writing these letters is easy and important — and we’ll show you how. We will provide sample letters, talking points, and your Senator’s address — all you need to bring is a passion about the climate crisis and a commitment to America’s clean energy future.

So please take just a few minutes and write your Senator today.

Help us reach our goal of 150,000 handwritten letters demanding a strong clean energy and climate bill this year.

The time is now. The revolution has arrived. And the voice for change is yours.

So please, make sure our Senators know that this time, it’s personal.

Thanks for all you do,

Dave Boundy
Campaign Manager
The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign