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aflcio.org

05/04/2010 Nativegrl77

Together we’re breaking the powerful grip Wall Street bankers and their high-paid lobbyists have on Washington. Our message is powerful and simple:

Good Jobs Now! Wall Street Must Pay.

Last week, mere hours before we rallied and marched on Wall Street, the Senate overcame Republican obstructionism and brought us closer than ever to meaningful Wall Street reform.

Meanwhile, the most elite Wall Street investment bank of them all, Goldman Sachs, is facing a criminal investigation, compounding its already substantial legal problems. As a result, Goldman stock has plummeted, costing executives millions—small consolation for those out of work, but a start.

The last few months have been amazing, as across the country union members, leaders and allies in the movement have taken our message to the street and to the Wall Street banks that cost us billions of dollars and millions of jobs.

Last week’s rally on Wall Street, with more than 10,000 marching in person and more than 35,000 joining online, was a powerful event, making it clear we will not be taken for granted. Together we are making a difference. What’s NEXT in our fight for good jobs?

1) Text: REFORM to 225568 to join our Wall Street rapid action network. Wall Street must pay to rebuild our economy and create jobs to replace the millions it helped destroy.

2) Ensure the Senate passes meaningful Wall Street reform. We overcame a huge hurdle last week, but many more remain and the next few weeks are critical, as opponents of reform will be fighting with all their power to weaken the Wall Street reform bill on the Senate floor. Contact your senator now and take action.

3) Keep on marching and rallying. Marching and rallying. We can’t slow down. We can’t stop taking our message of Good Jobs Now! Wall Street Must Pay to the rich and powerful. In two weeks we will rally and march here in DC to make sure the banks and their K Street lobbyists hear your message.

For more pictures and stories from our march and rally on Wall Street, visit our blog.

In solidarity,

Marc Laitin
AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Coordinator

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ThinkProgress.org …

05/04/2010 Nativegrl77

RADICAL RIGHT — CONSERVATIVES TOUT CONSPIRACY THEORY THAT OBAMA WANTED OIL SPILL: Yesterday, former Bush-appointed FEMA director Michael Brown — infamous for severely mismanaged the federal response to Hurricane Katrina — accused the Obama administration of playing politics with the oil spill, claiming that the growing catastrophe is “exactly what they want.” Brown said that the President sought to use the disaster to “pander to the environmentalists,” and even suggested that he intentionally delayed the administration’s response in order to allow the spill to worsen. Brown’s charge, which ignores the fact that every branch of government had been engaged in managing or investigating the crisis for at least a week, follows a spate of similar right-wing conspiracy theories about the incident. As the disaster caused by the explosion became more apparent last week, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh suggested that someone intentionally blew up the rig in order to “head off more oil drilling.” By yesterday morning the meme had found a home on Fox and Friends, where former Bush press secretary Dana Perino said she was “not trying to introduce a conspiracy theory” before asking, “But was this deliberate?” Later in this show, host Steve Doocy asked Fox Business’ Eric Bolling to respond to people who have suggested that “there’s a possibility this could be sabotage.” Citing Perino, Bolling engaged in conspiracy speculation, asking “did they let it leak a little bit and say, ‘boy I don’t know?’ I mean, the conspiracy theorists would say, maybe they let it leak for a while and then they address the issue.” Until Limbaugh and Fox News’ recent speculation, such oil spill truther theories had appeared only on fringe websites. And while federal investigators are not ruling out any possible causes, the President of BP America himself blamed the disaster on “a failed piece of equipment.”

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Tuesday On the floor of Congress …

05/04/2010 Nativegrl77

UPdates as needed

The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET

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

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

The first votes for Wall Street Reform might happen today

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm.

Pending amendments to S.3217:
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute)
Boxer #3737 (no bail outs)
Snowe #3755 (reporting)
#3757 (small business access to credit)

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.513, a resolution designating July 9, 2010, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 4, 2010
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. Dreier requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 11: Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Dreier requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 6: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min and Mr. Franks of AZ for 5 min.

Mr. Dreier requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 5: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Franks of AZ for 5 min, Mr. King of NY for 5 min, Mr. Paul for 5 min, Mr. Posey for 5 min, and Mr. Thompson of PA for 5 min.
7:19 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:16 P.M. –: The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, is to continue in effect beyond May 11, 2010 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-105). ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-105). 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 sealed envelope from the White House on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 3:23 p.m., and is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits to the Congress a copy of a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to the Syrian Government.

H. Res. 1132:

honoring the USS New Mexico as the sixth Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy to protect and defend the United States

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 – 1 (Roll no. 245). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:09 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1213:

recognizing the need to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, supporting the ideals of National Lab Day, and for other purposes

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): 378 – 2 (Roll no. 244).

H. Res. 1307:

honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the Nation
6:59 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 – 2 (Roll no. 243).
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 were postponed. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 4.
3:21 P.M. –: The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H. Res. 1132:

honoring the USS New Mexico as the sixth Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy to protect and defend the United States
3:20 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.
3:14 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1132. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 24:

to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps
3:13 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.
2:58 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 24. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1269:

commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first use of the telescope for astronomical observation by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei
2:57 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.
2:52 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1269. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1231:

celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Television Infrared Observation Satellite, the world’s first meteorological satellite, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on April 1, 1960, and fulfilling the promise of President Eisenhower to all nations of the world to promote the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all mankind
2:51 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.
2:40 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1231. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1310:

recognizing the 50th anniversary of the laser
2:39 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.
2:33 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1310. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1213:

recognizing the need to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, supporting the ideals of National Lab Day, and for other purposes

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. 1213. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1307:

honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the Nation

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.
2:08 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1307. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:02 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:01 P.M. –: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Jackson 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.
2:00 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 May 4.
12:40 P.M. –: The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
12:31 P.M. –: MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of the legislative day

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Tuesday News tips …&C-SPAN

05/04/2010 Nativegrl77

Clearly, we all have woken up to an even more ugly reality this morning… We the People need to be more community oriented; we need to watch out for each other even more than ever. Today, We have what might be considered a test terrorist attack and all things being said a man was arrested while on board a plane going to Dubai.

The investigation is ongoing … he is a US citizen from Connecticut; has a family in Pakistan and while the Pakistani Taliban did take responsibility a few days ago; most didn’t believe it … it was amateurish … it’s just my opinion but we must ask ourselves if this attack was actually meant as a test. The idea that it was a lone wolf, a teabagger and or a mcveigh type …. has suddenly turned into an international connection; who knows if he was on any passenger list but we all should thank the police and any or all intelligence because this is not over… stay tuned; oh by the way someone needs to get a couple of great dinners over to the Vendors who were first responder Heros not just the NYPD; without their eyes and common sense; the outcome could have been quite different.

Other News …

**The bad weather continues on in the South, Tennessee in particular and 29 deaths have been reported in 3 Southern States

**The Boil water alert has been lifted in Boston

**More Private Sector Companies are posting profits

**An 6.4 earthquake has happened in Chile

**Studies show that Oregon has the lowest rate of Childhood Obesity

**Reuters reports that the US reveals size of nuclear arsenal…transparency and truth

**Julia louis dreyfus is getting her Star today

C-SPAN …

White House Press Briefing

Press Conference on Times Square

Hearing on Teacher Quality

Pres. Obama: From Earlier The Business Council: Background

ADL Conference: Afternoon Session ADL Conference: Evening Session /anti-defamation league national leadership conf

AG Holder: suspect provided “useful information”

In a press conference, Attorney General Eric Holder stated that suspect Faisal Shahzad admitted involvement in the failed car bombing of Times Square in New York City. Holder and other officials provided an update on the investigation. Earlier, Pres. Obama stated that “justice will be done.” Later, DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano and Mexican Interior Sec. Fernando Gómez-Mont will discuss southwest border security.

Atty Gen. Holder: From Earlier

Pres. Obama: From Earlier

Sec. Napolitano: c-span.org at 4:30pm ET

‘Too Big to Fail,’ Consumer Agency Proposal on List of Amendments

The U.S. Senate continues consideration of amendments on financial regulation reform, the Wall St. Reform Bill (S. 3217). Sen. Barbara Boxer’s (D-CA) amendment prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to prevent the liquidation of a financial company may be voted on today. Reports indicate that Republicans will also submit amendments regarding the proposed consumer protection agency.

Senate Floor: C-SPAN2 at 10am ET

NYT: Senate Readies for Financial Bill Votes

Senate Considers New Bank Fee, Wall Street Oversight Rules

Today, the Senate will hold separate hearings on Wall St., TARP funds and financial fraud. First, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee is investigating ways to criminalize Wall Street fraud, looking into the rules and roles for brokers, dealers and investment advisors. Also, Treasury Sec. Geithner goes over President Obama’s plan to recover funds from TARP recipients. The proposed Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee would be applied to financial institutions with over $50 billion in assets.

Senate Committee on Finance

Sen. Judiciary: NOW on c-span.org

Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs

Senate Finance Cmte: From Earlier

Senate Committee on Finance
Treasury Secretary Geithner Written Testimony
Sen. Judiciary: Morning Session Sen. Judiciary: Afternoon Session

President Obama Emphasizes Role of Businesses in Stimulating Economy

President Obama addresses the role the business community plays in the fight to get the American people back to work in remarks before the Business Council. The President will also go over his efforts to spur job creation and rebuild the economy during the association’s annual meeting, which brings together business leaders representing major industries.

The Business Council: Background

Pres. Obama: From Earlier The Business Council: Background