Daily Archives: 04/27/2010

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U.S. Poll shows Wind Works for Americans



Washington, District of Columbia, United States April 22, 2010

    Voters Overwhelmingly Support Increased Use of Wind Power and a Strong National Renewable Electricity Standard

Voters overwhelmingly support increasing the use of wind power in the U.S. and adopting a strong Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), according to a national poll released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

“The poll’s bottom line is clear: An overwhelming majority of American voters, on a bipartisan basis, want more wind power and support a national RES to increase its use,” said Anna Bennett and Neil Newhouse, partners respectively with Bennett, Petts & Normington and Public Opinion Strategies, the firms that conducted the poll.

“Wind works for America and that is why voters want Congress to pass a strong national RES” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Americans understand that an RES will mean new manufacturing jobs, less dependence on imported energy, and more pure, clean, affordable energy for our country.”

Poll highlights include:

    –An overwhelming, bipartisan majority — 89% — of American voters (including 84% of Republicans, 88% of Independents and 93% of Democrats) — believe increasing the amount of energy the nation gets from wind is a good idea.
    –A majority of Americans — 56% — disapprove of the job Congress is doing on renewable energy and 67% believe Congress is not doing enough to increase renewable energy sources such as wind.
    –A majority of Americans — 82% — believe the nation’s economy would be stronger (52%) or the same (30%) if we used more renewable energy sources like wind.
    –A majority of Americans — 77% — support a national Renewable Electricity Standard. This support extends across party lines and includes 65% of Republicans, 69% of Independents, 92% of Democrats.

The poll was conducted March 27-28 by Neil Newhouse of Public Opinion Strategies and Anna Bennett of Bennett, Petts & Normington. The poll sampled a national survey of 600 likely voters. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points. Poll details are available here.

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.

Poll details are shown here.

Source: AWEA

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ThinkProgress …


UNDER THE RADAR

IMMIGRATION — CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO MOVES TO JOIN GROWING BOYCOTT OF ARIZONA OVER NEW ANTI-IMMIGRATION LAW: On Friday, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) signed a draconian, likely unconstitutional immigration bill that has been slammed by both Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) has been calling for a boycott of his own state, urging, “Do not do business with a state that is propagating the idea separate but equal treatment under the law can be codified.” The idea is catching on as the “nation’s biggest Spanish-language newspaper,” La Opinion, called for “a boycott of all goods and services from Arizona and [a] pledge to avoid tourism in the state as well.” Indeed, a growing number of travelers have said they will avoid visiting Arizona because of the new law, and the state has already lost the business of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which decided, “moments after” Brewer signed the law, to move its upcoming conference from Arizona to another state. Meanwhile, San Francisco City Supervisor David Campos — himself a former undocumented immigrant from Guatemala — said yesterday that he will introduce emergency legislation calling for a boycott of Arizona. “I feel the city and the county of San Francisco has to take a stand against what happened in Arizona,” Campos said. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said he is “fully committed” to the effort and will help to “identify all applicable contracts, and to pursue termination wherever possible.” Tourism is one of Arizona’s biggest industries, but Jon Garrido, a former Tucson economic development official, wrote in the Tucson Citizen that a national boycott is necessary to combat “Jim Crow actions,” even if it causes economic pain.

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What’s going on in both Chambers of Congress …


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET

Day Two test vote failed 57-41; lawmakers on the right cannot agree that Financial Reform needs to not only be debated but voted into law ASAP …  Republicans and Wall Street are playing games with Americans and our future. And is (D)Senator Ben Nelson looking for a new job yet? just saying

Morning Business for 1 hour with 10 minute limitations. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, resume the motion to proceed to S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons

Votes:
126: Now Voting on Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3217, Wall Street Reform;
Not Invoked: 57-41

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.498, a resolution designating April 2010 as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month”.

Adopted S.Res.501, a resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.

The next meeting in the House is April 27th 10:30am ET

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 27, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION


5:52 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:51 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 4: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

5:50 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1033:

expressing support for designation of April 2010 as “National Autism Awareness Month” and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism

5:49 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 motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

H. Res. 1033:
expressing support for designation of April 2010 as “National Autism Awareness Month” and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism

5:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1033. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3808:

to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce

5:23 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

5:15 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3808. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1208:

supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day

5:14 P.M. – 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 voice vote.

5:03 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1208. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1259:

recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

5:02 P.M. – 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 voice vote.

4:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

4:42 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

4:41 P.M. – Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1300.


H.R. 5146:

to provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011


Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 15 (Roll no. 226).

4:32 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.


H.R. 5017:

to ensure the availability of loan guarantees for rural homeowners

4:31 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): 352 – 62 (Roll no. 225).

4:20 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.


H. Res. 1131:

expressing support for designation of the week of April 18, 2010, through April 23, 2010, as National Assistant Principals Week

4:19 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 224).

3:53 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

3:52 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 5146:

to provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011

3:51 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.

3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5146. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Davis (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5017:

to ensure the availability of loan guarantees for rural homeowners

3:25 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.

3:15 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5017. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1280:

expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day

3:14 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 motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1280. Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

H. Res. 563:

congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lazers for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men’s Lacrosse Tournament

3:04 P.M. – 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 voice vote.

2:55 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 563. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 561:

congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lady Lazers for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Women’s Lacrosse Tournament

2:54 P.M. – 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 voice vote.

2:44 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 561. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 375:

supporting the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace

2:43 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.

2:17 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 375. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1131:

expressing support for designation of the week of April 18, 2010, through April 23, 2010, as National Assistant Principals Week

2:16 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.

2:10 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1131. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1293:

expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month

2:09 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:02 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1293. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1240:

supporting the goals and ideals of Global Youth Service Day

2:01 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:47 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1240. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3253:

to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes

1:46 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:41 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3253. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Velazquez moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

1:40 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

12:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

12:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McNerney to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 27.

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Tuesday … some News &c-span live stream


Today, The President is in Iowa talking wind, energy jobs and  change we can all believe in.

Game on …  the response is Bring it …at least that’s the impression given by some Democrats … specifically Nancy Pelosi and chessman Senate Majority leader Harry Reid.

Reports are that leader Reid and Senator Nelson both voted no but for extremely different reasons and as a democrat the moves Harry Reid is making definitely is refreshing; we need someone who is shrewd, smart and clearly a  Reid strategy is either in place or coming into focus with lessons learned from what happened with health care reform; Senator Reid stated he will not tolerate slowing down the process, any progress or watering down of financial reform, which, is great because the time for talk is over …the other side keeps saying we need time,we need a substantive bill one that puts the screws to Wall Street; well it’s just talk and the action they really want is keeping the status quo.   Senator Ben Nelson and his reasons for voting no on Financial Refrom twice remains a mystery.

Daily Gallup Poll numbers– President Obama job approval by Party Affiliation:

82% Democrats

48% Independents

13% Republicans

Americans want Congress to get more than one thing done at a time and stop playing the political games keeping us from moving forward but Republicans seem to feel being the Political Party of No will bring voters out for them in 2010 or 2012 are betting, risking a big rally against them in the up coming elections.

Immigration … effects all parts of our economy our way of life and needs a comprehensive reform not raids, arrests or paper checks.  We need to STOP legal racial profiling and is it just me or is this new law along with the birther law a legal way to control brown people and possibly the  2010/2012 elections; if so; we will not be held down and while the games are beginning we will overcome this foul play. While immigration is definitely an issue that will continue to hit the hot buttons of everyone it’s time to get organized, get informed in Arizona and get out the vote GOTV for DEMOCRATS to fix what is currently going on there and what might jump to other states.   This morning on the BillPress show a Democrat and Progressive Candidate has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination to run against McCain and JD hayworth named Randy Parraz, who is a Civil Rights Attorney… we need to get behind a candidate for the Senate that is there for everyone not just for a select few http://www.parrazforchange.com

Other News …

**Both Chambers of Congress have elected to opt out of pay raises for this election year

**The 3rd financial reform test vote should happen on Wednesday and even R. Senator Gregg believes it will move forward.

**The President’s debt commission is meeting today consisting of 18Senators from both Political Parties

**WellPoint states they will stop dropping patients after May 1st; health insurers have until September to start implementing reform;some have already implemented coverage under parents insurance for children under 26


C-span …

Saturday at 8pm (ET) on C-SPAN
White House Correspondents’ Association Annual Dinner: Remarks by President Obama & NBC “Tonight Show” Host Jay Leno

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Economy

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Jobs

watch Announcement on Health Care Settlement

watch White House Press Briefing 4/26
watch Hearing with DHS Sec. Napolitano 4/27

watch Chamber of Commerce Meeting read U.S. Chamber of Commerce( on health care bill) 4/26

watch Community Bankers Conference

Lawmakers call for “updated and effective” wall street regulation

Testifying before a Senate committee, six current and former Goldman Sachs executives are appearing on the role Goldman and other investment banks played in triggering the 2008 financial collapse. Panel one includes Goldman’s Exec. Dir. Fabrice Tourre and in a later panel Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein will deny that the firm profited by betting against the U.S. housing market. Yesterday the Senate rejected to act on financial regulatory reforms.

Commission Chairs: All Options Have To Be On The Table To Lower Deficit

The Presidential Commission charged with finding bipartisan solutions to lowering the nation’s trillion-dollar budget deficit is meeting for the first time today. In remarks before the meeting, Pres. Obama told the commissioners that “everything is on the table,” and that “we are serious in getting our budget under control”. The Commission is supposed to submit its recommendations to the President by December 1.

watch Debt Cmsn. Meeting: From Earlier

read AP: Obama urges bipartisan effort

Lawmakers investigate mine safety, legislative solutions

After the recent West Virginia Upper Big Branch Mine blast, a series of investigations have been launched to look into mine safety. Today, federal labor and mining officials appear before the Senate HELP Committee to discuss ways to strengthen regulation enforcement. Due to pending investigations, the hearing is not expected to focus on the West Virginia accident in particular, but rather on overall safety efforts.

watch Mine Safety Hearing: LIVE on c-span.org