JUSTICE — PRESIDENT OBAMA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EXPAND LGBT RIGHTS, HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS: During a White House reception yesterday celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, President Obama pledged “to push ahead with his gay rights agenda” and declared that “committed gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.” Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reaffirmed the Obama administration’s commitment to the LGBT community, stating, “Human rights are gay rights and gay rights are human rights.” Both Obama and Clinton highlighted the administration’s progress thus far to end discrimination against gay and lesbians at home and abroad. In addition to the pending repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, the Wonk Room’s Igor Volsky notes that in April, “Obama issued a memorandum instructing the Department of Health and Human Services to develop regulations requiring all hospitals that receive federal Medicare and Medicaid funding to end discrimination in hospital visitation.” Thereafter in June, the President released a memorandum directing agencies to “extend a host of benefits to their employees’ same-sex domestic partners as permitted by law.” The strides in other governmental agencies, while small, are important to note. In the State Department, it is now easier for transgender people to change their passports and the “agency’s ‘equal opportunity statement’ will include gender identity” for the first time. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) now requires “grant applicants seeking HUD funding to comply with state and local anti-discrimination laws that protect lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.” While advocates for gay rights groups consider these steps to be “significant,” several emphasize the need for the administration to do more, particularly on “big-ticket items” like the “repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and laws barring discrimination in employment and easing the path toward gay adoption.” While Obama pledged last night to move forward on repealing DOMA, under orders from the White House, the Labor Department is set today to “expand the rights of gay workers by allowing them to take family and medical leave to care for sick or newborn children of same-sex partners.”
Daily Archives: 06/23/2010
hump -day &some News
If not now -when
It is mid-week and while today is a big day for Americans… General McChrystal firing or not, US vs Algeria in soccer, financial regulation talks are drawing near an end and a bipartisan group will consider a comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation, the Senate will debate consider HR4213 with votes throughout the day. The question is will it be for We the People or for Corporations.
In addition, while talking heads stir up the public, stating the image of the President is at risk if he does not fire McChrystal. Some feel this President will need to weigh the odds against the needs for a good general in the war and or his image. The question is not how this President will look in the end it’s whether this general is that important to the mission of the war itself, though many feel this war is one we should be getting out of now.
The importance of the chain of command is definitely an element this guy forgot to consider and with all that being said the reporter stated something that was far more important to hear – that McChrystal had plans to ask for more soldiers, quite possibly wanting to stay in Afghanistan, which was not on the agenda. The war in Afghanistan is not going well, the way forward should change because as stated by some soldiers they have been restrained to fight in a certain way and begs the question is it worth the deaths of so many civilians and soldiers in what seems like an unending war? With what progress and for an area that has posers at any given day. maybe the location should change maybe admit that it’s Pakistan and yes we have to keep the people who committed 9/11 under fire and out of the business of terrorizing but when it seems Americans are doing all the work the true efforts just seems fruitless.
The end result- The general will resign instead of being fired because a true soldier would accept his punishment and move on and if reports are correct the general left the White House for good, which seems appropriate given the circumstances, comments and the lack of confidence in him after what happened.
Other News …
**5 hardest hit states to get more housing aid/the Obama administration approved Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will get help to bust the housing bust 1.5billion dollar effort.
**2 deaths have been reported -vessels of opportunity-
**Reports of strikes in China halt auto production in factories by parts suppliers
**Obama admin is making strides for gay rights though many feel it is too slow/progress is being made however slow &without violence
**Doctors are still refusing Medicare/Medicaid patients
C-SPAN …
COP Hearing: From Earlier 
COP Website
Admiral Allen Daily Oil Spill Update
Conf. Meeting: Part 1 Conf. Meeting: Part 2
c-span Today
Lawmakers Discuss Minerals Management Service Reorganization
Earlier in the week, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar swore in Michael Bromwich as the director of the new Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOE), formerly known as the Minerals Management Service. Secretary Salazar discusses the reorganization of the agency, the future of offshore oil drilling regulations and the impact on cleanup efforts in the Gulf of Mexico before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee.
Yesterday, a federal judge overturned the ban on deep water drilling imposed by the Obama administration following the oil spill in the Gulf. The case was brought by several companies that provide support services to oil rigs. In the filing, Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC claimed the suspension on drilling will result in lost jobs and wages in Louisiana. The White House said it planned to appeal the decision.
Senate Hearing on MMS on C-SPAN3 at 11am ET
NPR: Mineral Management Service Has New Name AP: Oil firms exploring new idea to capture oil WSJ: Obama’s Moratorium, Drilled
Gen. McChrystal in Washington to meet with gates and the President
General Stanley McChrystal is in Washington to meet with Sec. of Defense Gates and President Obama to explain his comments from a recently published interview. In the July issue of Rolling Stone, the General and his aides made critical remarks on various Obama administration officials including Afghanistan-Pakistan Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke and Vice President Joe Biden. On Monday, following a Cabinet meeting, President Obama said that Gen. McChrystal used “poor judgment” in his contributions to the article. “I also want to make sure that I talk to him directly before I make any final decisions,” added the President.
Conferees near end of conference as they vote on auto dealers exemption
The House and Senate conferees are moving ahead with financial regulation legislation introducing amendments to the base text under Title VI, which deals with rules for regulating institutions that hold consumer deposits and companies with ownership or controlling interest in banks. Conference Chairman Frank (D-MA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT), who are leading the talks, plan to wrap up debate on the consolidated bill by the end of the week. The leaders hope to have a bill approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Obama by July 4th.
Conferees: c-span.org at 1pm WSJ: Senate Reject Loan Risk-Retention Rule Bill text NYT: Auto Dealers Could Be Exempt Share this:
mid-week in Congress
The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET June 23, 2010
<<pollution of all kinds today
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 6:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
We expect to begin a series of 2 roll call votes at approximately 6pm.
Those votes would be on the following motions:
– Motion to table the DeMint motion to refer the House Message to accompany H.R.4213 (Tax Extenders) to the Committee on Finance with instructions to report the same back to the Senate with changes to include a permanent extension of the 15 percent income tax rate on capital gains and dividends under section 1(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and to include provisions which decrease spending or increase net revenues as appropriate to offset such permanent extension.
– Motion to table Baucus motion to concur with an amendment (Baucus II substitute).
Following the votes, we expect to recess subject to the call of the Chair. When the Senate reconvenes, Senator Reid will be recognized to make a motion to concur with an amendment.
This evening Senator Reid moved to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to HR4213, Tax Extenders, with an amendment (Baucus #4386, which is the new (III) substitute amendment). Senator Reid then filled the tree and filed cloture on the motion to concur with an amendment. The cloture vote would occur on Friday, June 25, 2010, unless an agreement can be reached to vote earlier.
Votes:
197: Reid Motion to table the DeMint motion to refer the House Message to accompany H.R.4213 (Tax Extenders) to the Committee on Finance with instructions to report the same back to the Senate with changes to include a permanent extension of the 15 percent income tax rate on capital gains and dividends under section 1(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and to include provisions which decrease spending or increase net revenues as appropriate to offset such permanent extension;
Tabled: 57-40
198: Reid Motion to Table Baucus Motion to Concur with an amendment (Baucus II substitute);
Tabled: 56-40
Unanimous Consent:
Passed H.R.725, Indian Arts and Crafts, with Dorgan substitute amendment, which is the text of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010
Passed S.1508, Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2009
Adopted S. Res541, a resolution designating June 27, 2010, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day”, with Conrad amendment to the preamble.
Adopted S.Res.552, a resolution designating June 23, 2010, as “Olympic Day”.
The Senate confirmed the following Executive nominations
#782, Michael Huerta to be Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
#953 Malcolm D. Jackson to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
#954 Christopher A. Masingill to be Federal Cochairperson, Delta Regional Authority.
#955 Rafael Moure-Eraso to be Chairperson of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
#956 Mark A. Griffon to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
#957 Rafael Moure-Eraso to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 23, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
5:20 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:19 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 30: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 29.
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 25.
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Paulsen be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 24.
5:12 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.
requesting return of official papers on H.R. 5136
5:11 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:10 P.M. –
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
5:09 P.M. –
Mr. Owens asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.
Considered by unanimous consent.
supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week
5:08 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 419 – 0 (Roll no. 384).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:00 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
to require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services
4:59 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 381 – 41 (Roll no. 383).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:52 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
4:50 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.
to give subpoena power to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
4:48 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): 420 – 1, 2 Present (Roll no. 382).
4:19 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
4:17 P.M. –
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 23.
3:25 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
3:24 P.M. –
Mr. Rahall filed a report from the Committee on Natural Resources on H. Res. 1406.
to give subpoena power to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
3:23 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.
2:44 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5481.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Rahall moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the one-year anniversary of the Government of Iran’s fraudulent manipulation of Iranian elections, the Government of Iran’s continued denial of human rights and democracy to the people of Iran, and the Government of Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability
2:43 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Costa 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.
2:16 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1457.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Costa moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held captive by Hamas, and for other purposes
2:14 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Ackerman 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.
1:58 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1359.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Ackerman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
reaffirming the longstanding friendship and alliance between the United States and Colombia
1:57 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.
1:38 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1465.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
recognizing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and expressing appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Asia-Pacific region
1:37 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Watson 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.
1:27 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1464.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance
1:26 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
1:13 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S.J. Res. 32.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.
recognizing June 20, 2010, as World Refugee Day
1:12 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.
1:03 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1350.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the emissions of formaldehyde from composite wood products, and for other purposes
1:02 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.
12:50 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1660.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Matsui moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to require accurate and reasonable disclosure of the terms and conditions of prepaid telephone calling cards and services
12:48 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.
12:36 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3993.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Matsui moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
12:34 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
12:33 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): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 381).
12:27 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States
12:26 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): 405 – 6 (Roll no. 380).
12:18 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
12:16 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.
to require the Secretary of the Treasury to make a certification when making purchases under the Small Business Lending Fund Program
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): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 379).
11:50 A.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
expressing support for designation of the week beginning May 2, 2010, as “National Physical Education and Sport Week”
11:48 A.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Payne 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.
11:39 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1373.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
expressing support for designation of July 2010 as “Braille Literacy Month”
11:38 A.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.
11:29 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1034.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
recognizing the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children and families and supporting the goals and ideals of designating 2010 as the Year of the Father
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.
11:23 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 285.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to reauthorize the Congressional Award Act (2 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), and for other purposes
11:22 A.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.
11:16 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2865.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Payne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to extend the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010
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.
10:58 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5569.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Kosmas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States
10:57 A.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.
10:46 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1434.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Kosmas moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to require the Secretary of the Treasury to make a certification when making purchases under the Small Business Lending Fund Program
10:45 A.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.
10:28 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5551.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Kosmas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
10:27 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
10:04 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
10:01 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Welch 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.
10:00 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Steven Boes, National Executive Director, Boys Town, Nebraska.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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Tell the President and Senate Leaders to Stand up for Clean Energy!
Hi —
On Wednesday, June 23, President Obama is meeting with a bipartisan group of Senate energy leaders to decide what kind of legislation to pursue in response to the Deepwater Oil Disaster. I just co-signed a letter to President Obama and Senate leaders, urging them to pass comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation.
Could you please join me?
http://cpaf.repoweramerica.org/obamaletter-thanks
Please help build public pressure for our leaders to do the right thing.
Thanks!
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Stand against unconstitutional attacks
PS. For those of you living in New York City, we’re inviting you to attend the Thursday hearing with me and other allies. Click here for more information about the hearing and the entire ACORN v USA case prepared by the Center for Constitutional Rights. |
Be a Seed for Change 
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