The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET September 21, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 11:00am. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.

At 11:00am, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.3454, the Department of Defense Authorization bill, with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between Senators Levin and McCain or their designees.

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

At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3454, the Department of Defense Authorization bill. That will be the first vote of the day

Votes:
238: Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S.3454, Department of Defense Authorization;
Not Invoked: 56-43 (Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider the vote)

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.3717, a bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide for certain disclosures under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes.

Passed S.3814, a bill to extend the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2011.

Adopted S.Res.593, a resolution expressing support for disignation of October 7, 2010, as “Jumpstart’s Read for the Record Day”.

Adopted S.Res.362, a resolution honoring the work of the United Service Organizations (USO) and congratulating the USO on the sending of their two millionth troop care package.

Adopted S.Res.363, a resolution designating September 23, 2010, as “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.

Adopted S.Res.364, a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the St. Louis Zoo.

Adopted S.Res.365, a resolution designating the week beginning September 19, 2010, as “National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week”

Wednesday after all the morn business … The Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3454, the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00amET September 22, 2010

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When Republicans Attack

09/21/2010 Nativegrl77

Election Day is just 42 days from today and everything you and I care about is on the line.

A Republican victory would unleash an agenda so extreme that it would make George Bush blush. Well, that’s not going to happen.

I’ve reviewed the DCCC‘s campaign plan. They have a smart, aggressive battle plan for winning this election based upon a carefully targeted media strategy and a Get-Out-The-Vote plan using sophisticated voter turn-out models that even our opponents say is second to none.

But, this plan depends upon a secret ingredient: Committed grassroots supporters like you. To launch into action, we must raise $278,451 more before Friday’s deadline to get money to campaigns before their Day of Action this Saturday.

Every dollar you give can mean the difference between victory and defeat on Election Day.

Contribute $5, $10 or more to Democrats’ Early Voter Action Fund before Friday’s deadline when we have to finalize our field plans. Your contribution will be matched 2-to-1 by a group of committed Democrats to help in even more close races.

The fact is more than 75% of the DCCC’s funding comes from individual donors like you. The DCCC knows how to put those dollars to work exposing radical Republicans’ promises to privatize Social Security, repeal health care reform and gut Wall Street regulations.

I’m asking you to step up right now and provide the financial resources we need to get out our message and turn out our voters.

The stakes in this election could not be higher. Its outcome will determine whether we continue to move forward with President Obama or return to the failed Bush policies of the past. I’m asking you to stand up and be counted by supporting House Democrats with as generous a contribution as you can afford.

Thank you.

Wesley Clark
General, U.S. Army (ret.)

P.S. Mobilizing our voters and getting them to the polls is the key to victory on Election Day. We need the financial support from committed Democrats like you to help lead the way. Contribute before Friday’s deadline and your support will be matched 2-to-1 by a group of committed Democrats. Thank you.

*Map includes absentee voting.

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the Paycheck Fairness Act …Women are Not Worthless

09/20/2010 Nativegrl77

Women Are Not WorthLess

And neither are you! Donate today to help ensure a win for fair pay.

Thanks to your calls, e-mails and Facebook shares, the Paycheck Fairness Act may make it onto the Senate floor as early as this week, and we need your generous support to ensure that the Senate passes this important legislation, which will help close the wage gap that women face.

It’s a critical week for success on fair pay, and Lilly Ledbetter — whose courage to speak up and fight has made a difference for women across the country — is flying into town to make sure Congress hears our message loud and clear: Women are NOT WorthLess!™

Check out this inspiring video message from Lilly and donate today to help ensure a win for fair pay.

The Paycheck Fairness Act can make a real difference in women’s lives, and your support could make a difference in achieving this important victory. This legislation, already approved by the House, strengthens wage discrimination protections and provides tools to support women in their fight for fair pay. The Senate must act quickly to pass this bill, which is the key next step to achieving pay equity in the United States.

The Center’s I Am Not WorthLess campaign is gaining traction but we need your support today for the final push. As Lilly and the Center say: Women Are Not WorthLess, and neither are you! Please make a donation today in honor of our equal worth and make an important difference for women across the country.

Thank you for your generous support.

Sincerely,

Fatima Goss Graves
Vice President for Education and Employment
National Women’s Law Center

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Don’t Miss Celebrity Week on Millionaire, September 20th-24th!To benefit Alzheimers

09/20/2010 Nativegrl77

Celebrity Week! ON MILLIONAIRE

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fight for the DREAM Act

09/20/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate is about to vote on the DREAM Act — the legislation that offers undocumented children, who are American in every way but their papers, a fair chance at a future.

Young people who are willing to work for a college degree or serve in our armed forces would be able to contribute their talents to this country and earn the rights that come with being an American.

President Obama has supported this bipartisan bill for years — he even sponsored it when he was in the Senate — and he’s ready to go all in with us to see the DREAM Act passed.

But a group of Republican lawmakers is threatening to block this legislation. They’re led by people like Sen. Jon Kyl, who has called the proposal “a mistake,” and Rep. Lamar Smith, who has said, “The DREAM Act is a nightmare for the American people.”

Mitch McConnell — the GOP leader in the Senate — has the ability to ensure that the DREAM Act gets a vote. Will you ask Mitch McConnell to support the DREAM Act?

Call his office now: (202) 224-2541.

We know the immigration debate can be contentious, but this a point on which the American people agree: It’s time to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents. Those who are willing to work hard for an education or serve their country deserve a shot at earning American citizenship.

The DREAM Act has incredible support: I’ve seen research that shows 70 percent of the voters in this country would like to see it become law — and both parties have backed it in the past.

We can’t let a group of Republicans hijack this process now, and together, we can ensure they won’t.

Tell Sen. McConnell to support the DREAM Act: (202) 224-2541.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America