Monthly Archives: April 2010

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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

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Election 2010


The article below by Gallup Poll should be a warning of a need for millions of Obama supporters to help keep and or vote Democrat in both Chambers of Congress… if you believe in a positive change ..believe in We the People not … some or just a select few … then come be  one of millions to help the effort and process of the change we can all believe in … Young, Old, Caucasian, First time Voter, African-American Latino, Women, 1st Nation Peoples and those in between … YES WE CAN we have to.

By Frank Newport: Younger Voters Less Enthusiastic About Voting This Year

April 26, 2010 Gallup Poll

Younger American voters are less enthusiastic about voting in this year’s midterm elections than those who are older. At the same time, 18- to 29-year-old voters currently favor the Democratic candidate in their districts by a 12-point margin over the Republican candidate.  More …
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Immigration law or something else …


UNDER THE RADAR

ThinkProgress.org

IMMIGRATION — THOUSANDS PROTEST DRACONIAN ARIZONA LAW: On Friday, Arizona governor Jan Brewer (R) signed into law a draconian immigration bill that aims to “identify, prosecute and deport” undocumented immigrants. The law gives local police officers the power to detain anyone suspected of being in the U.S. illegally — a measure that many have concluded will “exacerbate racial profiling” and violate Americans’ civil rights. Before Brewer signed the legislation into law, President Obama said it “threatens basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.” Around 2,500 protesters marched to the Arizona state Capitol yesterday in opposition to the new measure. Speaking at the rally, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) “urged the Obama administration not to cooperate when illegal immigrants are picked up by local police if a tough new state immigration law survives legal challenges.” “We’re going to overturn this unjust and racist law, and then we’re going to overturn the power structure that created this unjust, racist law,” Grijalva said. Sunday was the third day of peaceful protests against the bill. While the new immigration law has rallying advocates for immigrant rights, it has split conservatives across the nation. On Fox News Sunday yesterday, Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol celebrated the new law, saying he doesn’t “think it violates anyone’s civil rights.” While many conservatives like Kristol have offered support, a number have also denounced it. “There’s no such thing” as “American-looking,” Mike Huckabee said. Charles Krauthammer noted that it “could lead to a lot of civil rights abuses” and Fox News’ Judge Andrew Napolitano said that by signing the bill, Brewer is bankrupting the state because of “all the lawsuits that will happen — for all the people that are wrongfully stopped.”

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let the games begin … in Congress


The first test vote to move forward and debate Financial Reform was taken  on the Senate floor and failed 57-41  two Senators absent; which, clearly shows Republicans have no intention of working for the People and that includes Democratic Senator Nelson from Nebraska… who apparently is really a Republican.

The Senate Convenes: 2pmET April 26

Morning business until 3pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3217, the Wall Street Reform Act.

Votes:
124: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3217;
Not Invoked: 57-41

125: Reid Motion to Instruct the Sergeant at Arms to request the attendance of absent senators;
Agreed To: 50-31


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 26, 2010 12:30pm ET
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:33 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:32 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Posey be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on April 29. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on April 28: Mr. Dent for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on April 27: Mr. Forbes for 5 min and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

7:15 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

H.R. 4861:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the “Steve Goodman Post Office Building”

7:14 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 – 0 (Roll no. 223).

7:07 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1103:

celebrating the life of Sam Houston on the 217th anniversary of his birth

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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 375 – 0 (Roll no. 222).

6:58 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4543:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4285 Payne Avenue in San Jose, California, as the “Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building”

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): 370 – 0 (Roll no. 221).

6:31 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

6:30 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.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 26.

2:37 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 4861:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the “Steve Goodman Post Office Building”

2:36 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.

2:28 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4861. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1103:

celebrating the life of Sam Houston on the 217th anniversary of his birth

2:27 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.

2:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1103. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 4543:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4285 Payne Avenue in San Jose, California, as the “Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building”

2:17 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.R. 4543. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

2:09 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:08 P.M. –
THE SELECT INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT PANEL OF THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS – Pursuant to clause 4(a) (5) of rule X, and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Florida, to the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel of the Committee on Appropriations .

2:03 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:02 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on April 26, 2010 at 9:31 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1963; agreed to H. Con. Res. 255 with an amendment; and concurred in the House amendment to S. 1963. The Senate also made appointments to the Commission on Key National Indicators.