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

Tuesday topics &some News …

05/25/2010 Nativegrl77

It’s a day to Breathe in slowly through the nose then breathe slowly out and …sit be still and stay calm …

The agent of change is Americans and some 53% voted for it … now things are changing even though Republicans are the Political Party of No and clearly Obstructionists should be voted out of office not into Public Office when they clearly stand for Wall Street, Big Banks and AIG types

FYI.. there are reports that Obama is very upset that this BP oil gusher has not been plugged; question is …who has the know how, equipment and skills … point is not even the 3stooges have the skills; though they are profiting from the gamble or risk to the people or environment is clear. This current event or incident is not the President’s fault and it does surprise me to see people on the left freak out before or without finding out what can the government do or can’t do before lashing out and it is not his Katrina and how offensive that people on both sides of the aisle have gone there… Progressives and Liberals are far too willing to throw our leaders overboard and need to help find solutions instead of what being heard on the air waves …stop it! Support the President and think about where we would be with the Palin/McCain ticket or any Republican in Office at this time of unprecedented errors, blunders and corrupt behavior by people that he is trying to fix to get Americans back on track

As we move into full special and mid-term Election Campaign mode; the Hawaii special election was by all accounts a mistake in judgment, the Republican winner is only a temporary winner and it’s obvious that the Democratic Party will win in November when people of both Democrats combine votes and Win.

There have been many candidates out there saying crazy things on national television; mostly Republicans … then pull back, some are going off the campaign trail; like Rand Paul …some are making positive comments about the tea party movement then reversing their support within the same sentence; others have been caught with on-the-spot torture by talkingheads; while the written word has made a lot of people gasp at what a candidate did or said and last there was the john king interview or 3rd degree he tried to do on Joe Sestak has not gone away …he made me stop and wonder just what is he up to and as he quickly put the brakes on the uncomfortable interview by John King who had a big smirk on his face. Any and all Democratic candidates need to be ready for on-the-spot accusatory questions … don’t go there!

The light of day on everything that BP didn’t do while saying they had it under control or was willing to gamble is coming out more and more. The count down is on for the Top-Kill to be implemented on Wednesday. The anger toward the government is palatable but it just seems misdirected by people who may just be misinformed about what may be a protocol conflict. The facts from some in charge is that if the government did take charge what would they do to stop the flow when they don’t have the equipment. The other fact among many others; is …who ultimately would be responsible if something bad happens… til now the industry has regulated themselves, which, was instituted about 20years ago; the BP,Halliburton, TransOcean group maybe others have gotten away with too much.

The time for Reform and Regulation is now and if anyone has watched the video’s; it’s clear that this is no longer a leak anymore but a gusher. We all might be mad but offering up solutions about how to siphon up the oil headed toward the beaches,Wetland,Marches and Estuaries; BP needs to admit they need help to keep the oil from other parts of the Wetlands and Marshes and that should be the focus of our government.

In other attempts to be bipartisan; The President met with Republicans and Mitch McConnell on national tv was very negative maybe aloof at what lays ahead of trying to get Americans back on track he stated that the President has been too left of center and if the President truly wanted bipartisan he would have to come back to the center …and as a voter this truly means that Mitch McConnell and his Republican associates will continue to be the Party of No and act as obstructionist in our move toward progress into the 21st Century; they continue to be on the Side of Big Money and Wall Street who do not want Financial Reform or to fix the problems that shoved us into the ditch created by mostly Republicans and a Republican President who did not pay for his legislation actions 2wars, major tax cuts for the rich … is this what Americans want?

Other News …

**The President is sending 1200 National Guard Troops to the Border of AZ

**President Obama will be going to the Gulf Coast to see the current damage

**The 2014 NFL Super Bowl will be played in New York City in New Jersey

**Reports of our President met with Republicans

**The violence in Kingston is out of control/travel alert is still in effect

**DADT compromise is on the table/Senate cmte Vote possibly on Thursday & implemented in 12/2010

**A memorial will be held in Jackson, MS for the 11 oil rig workers who died at 2pm

C-SPAN…

Pres. Obama Remarks on Small Business

Rep. Frank on Financial Regulations

Anti- fraud bill seeks to protect senior citizens

Elderly advocate organizations testify on the growing fraud trends targeting seniors at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Representatives from AARP, Elder Abuse Victims Advocates, and the Elder Justice Coalition give their opinions on the Senior Financial Empowerment Act. The bill seeks to increase public awareness of fraud schemes and equip the public to identify and combat fraudulent activity.

Hearing: Resuming Shortly on C-SPAN 3

Senior Financial Empowerment Act of 2009

President Obama Urges GOP support on immigration and energy legislation

In a rare Capitol Hill appearance, President Obama today met behind closed doors with Senate Republican leaders urging them for their cooperation in finishing work on measures to help create jobs and improve our economy. “The president told the conference that the Gulf oil disaster should heighten our sense of urgency to hasten the development of new, clean energy sources that will promote energy independence and good-paying American jobs,” the White House said in a statement after Obama’s luncheon.

GOP Leaders: From Earlier

White House Briefing 5/24

Gulf Oil Spill Press Conference 5/24

Lawrence Summers: From Earlier 5/24

Hearing Probes Oil Spill Liability

While oil giant BP attempts a new technique – called the “kill method” – to stop the flow of oil and gas from the month-old Deepwater Horizon leak in the Gulf of Mexico, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today reviews financial responsibility issues stemming from the spill. Last week, BP announced that it intends to cover economic damages in excess of the present $75 million liability cap. This morning on the Washington Journal, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) discusses the federal government and BP response to the spill.

Sen. Cardin on WJ: LIVE on C-SPAN
Oil Spill Hearing: c-span.org at 10am ET

Fmr. Sec. of State Kissinger Urges Nuclear Treaty Ratification

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger provides his historical perspective on nuclear disarmament and U.S.-Russia relations in testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. The committee is reviewing the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) signed last month by President Obama and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.
Kissinger served as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser at the height of the Cold War, during the Nixon and Ford administrations, and has publicy supported the treaty. The new accord builds upon nonproliferation and arms reduction measures in the 1991 START and 2002 Moscow treaties and, after approval by this committee, requires ratification by the full Senate.

Hearing: LIVE on C-SPAN3

Secs. Clinton & Gates on START Treaty (5/18)

START Signing Ceremony (4/8)

Kissinger on Nuclear Reduction (2/28/92)

Statement by Henry Kissinger, et al on Treaty

Queen Presents Agenda for Coalition Government

Following tradition, Queen Elizabeth II presented the government’s agenda for the year at the State Opening of the British Parliament. The speech was drawn up by British Prime Minister David Cameron, in agreement with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, after the May 6th general election led to a coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Queen’s Address: Ceremony & Speech
UK Parliament Website

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tuesday talk&votes in Congress …

05/25/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET May 25, 2010

Senate cmte vote on DADT possible on Thursday. Today the President announced he will be going to the Gulf Coast to see the current damage/get updates and he stated: “I’m calling on Congress to pass (the) small business jobs package as soon as possible,” Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery at the White House. “I urge both chambers to act on these proposals as soon as possible. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”

Resume consideration of HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations.

Recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the committee reported substitute amendment and HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. As a result of cloture being filed, there is a 1pm tomorrow filing deadline for first degree amendments.

Unanimous Consent:

– S.2874, “Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building,” in New Orleans, LA

– S.3200, “Zachary Smith Post Office Building,” in Hornell, NY

– H.R.3250, “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building,” in Riverhead, NY

– H.R.3634, “George Kell Post Office,” in Swifton, AR

– H.R.3892, “E.V. Wilkins Post Office,” in Roper, NC

– H.R.4017, “Ann Marie Blute Post Office,” in Shrewbury, MA

– H.R.4095, “Congresswoman Jan Meyers Post Office Building,” in Overland Park, KS

– H.R.4139, “Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram Post Office,” in Hickory, MS

– H.R.4214, “Roy Wilson Post Office,” in Palm Desert, CA

– H.R.4238, “W.D. Farr Post Office Building,” in Greeley, CO

– H.R.4425, “Martin G. ‘Marty’ Mahar Post Office,” in North Troy, NY

– H.R.4547, “Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office,” in Cheyney, PA

– H.R.4628, “Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building,” in Westwood, NJ

– HR4840, “Clarence D. Lumpkin Post Office,” in Columbus, OH, with an amendment and an amendment to the title

– Passed H.R.5128, a bill to designate the US Department of Interior Building in Washington, DC, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of Interior Building”

– Adopted S.Con.Res.211, a concurrent resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the East Bay Regional Park District of California

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

#894 Kerry Joseph Forestal to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana for a term of four years.

#895 John Dale Foster to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.

#896 Gary Michael Gaskins to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.

#897 Dallas Stephen Neville to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin for the term of four years.

#898 R. Booth Goodwin II, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

The next meeting in the House: 10:30amET May 25, 2010

An anti-fraud bill to protect Seniors, currently voting on care for Veterans (413 yea – 2 nay)

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 25, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:33 P.M. –: SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:32 P.M. –: Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 29. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 28.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 27.
6:26 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1172:

recognizing the life and achievements of Will Keith Kellogg
6:25 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 301).
6:17 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1189:

commending Lance Mackey on winning a record 4th straight Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
6:16 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): 411 – 0, 3 Present (Roll no. 300).
6:09 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2711:

to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties
6:08 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 0 (Roll no. 299).

H.R. 3885:

to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy
6:00 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): 403 – 4 (Roll no. 298).
5:32 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
5:31 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.
5:30 P.M. –: National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity – the Speaker appointed (upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader): Dr. Carolyn Williams, Bronx, NY; Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan, Adelphi, MD; and Dr. Benjamin J. Allen, Cedar Falls, IA; (and upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader): Dr. Art Keiser, Parkland, FL; Mr. Arthur Rothkopf, Washington, DC;and Dr. William Pepicello, Phoenix, AZ .

H. Res. 407:

expressing support for designation of May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Castor (FL) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
5:16 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 407. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Castor (FL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1372:

honoring the University of Georgia Graduate School on the occasion of its centennial
5:15 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
5:08 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1372. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1161:

honoring the Centennial Celebration of Women at Marquette University, the first Catholic university in the world to offer co-education as part of its regular undergraduate program
5:07 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:56 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1161. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1169:

honoring the 125th anniversary of Rollins College
4:55 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:48 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1169. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1353:

supporting the goals and ideals of Student Financial Aid Awareness Month to raise awareness of student financial aid
4:47 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.
4:41 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1353. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1385:

recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes
4:40 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.
4:20 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1385. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Skelton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1316:

celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
4:18 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lynch objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:09 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1316. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1189:

commending Lance Mackey on winning a record 4th straight Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
4:08 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.
4:05 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1189. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1172:

recognizing the life and achievements of Will Keith Kellogg
4:04 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lynch objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:52 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1172. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 2711:

to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties

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.
3:50 P.M. –: The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3200, S. 2874, H.R. 4840 amended, H.R. 4547, H.R. 4425, H.R. 4238, H.R. 4214, H.R. 4139, H.R. 4095, H.R. 4017, H.R. 3892, H.R. 3634, H.R. 3250, and H.R. 4628.

H.R. 2711:

to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties
3:43 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2711.
3:42 P.M. –: Mr. Lynch moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
3:41 P.M. –: The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 584:

recognizing the importance of manufactured and modular housing in the United States
3:40 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): 408 – 4, 1 Present (Roll no. 297).
3:32 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1382:

expressing sympathy to the families of those killed by North Korea in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident
3:31 P.M. –: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 411 – 3 (Roll no. 296). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:23 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
3:20 P.M. –: ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from Hawaii, the whole number of the House is 432.
3:08 P.M. –: OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Charles Djou, First District, State of Hawaii, presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House. The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Scott T. Nago, Chief Election Officer, Office of Elections, State of Hawaii, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held May 22, 2010, the Honorable Charles Djou was elected representative to Congress of the First Congressional District, State of Hawaii.

H. Res. 1258:

expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 – 1 (Roll no. 295). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:02 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5145:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the continuing professional education reimbursement provided to health professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs
3:01 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): 413 – 2 (Roll no. 294).
2:30 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
2:29 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.
12:11 P.M. –: The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 707, S. 2868, and H.R. 4173 amended.
12:04 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
12:03 P.M. –: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC 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.
12:01 P.M. –: Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.
12:00 P.M. –: The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 25.
10:40 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
10:31 A.M. –: MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:30 A.M. –: The Speaker designated the Honorable John A. Yarmuth to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.