Monthly Archives: May 2011

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Barack H. Obama …Fixing what’s broken


I went to El Paso, Texas, today to lay out a plan to do something big: fix America’s broken immigration system.

It’s an issue that affects you, whether you live in a border town like El Paso or not. Our immigration system reflects how we define ourselves as Americans — who we are, who we will be — and continued inaction poses serious costs for everyone.

Those costs are human, felt by millions of people here and abroad who endure years of separation or deferred dreams — and millions more hardworking families whose wages are depressed when employers wrongly exploit a cheap source of labor. That’s why immigration reform is also an economic imperative — an essential step needed to strengthen our middle class, create new industries and new jobs, and make sure America remains competitive in the global economy.

Because this is such a tough problem — one that politicians in Washington have been either exploiting or dodging, depending on the politics — this change has to be driven by people like you.

Washington won’t act unless you lead.

So if you’re willing to do something about this critical issue, join our call for immigration reform now. Those who do will be part of our campaign to educate people on this issue and build the critical mass needed to make Washington act:

http://my.barackobama.com     

In recent years, concerns about whether border security and enforcement were tough enough were among the greatest impediments to comprehensive reform. They are legitimate issues that needed to be addressed — and over the past two years, we have made great strides in enhancing security and enforcement.

We have more boots on the ground working to secure our southwest border than at any time in our history. We’re going after employers who knowingly break the law. And we are deporting those who are here illegally. I know the increase in deportations has been a source of controversy, but I want to emphasize that we are focusing our limited resources on violent offenders and people convicted of crimes — not families or people looking to scrape together an income.

So we’ve addressed the concerns raised by those who have stood in the way of progress in the past. And now that we have, it’s time to build an immigration system that meets our 21st-century economic needs and reflects our values both as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.

Today, we provide students from around the world with visas to get engineering and computer science degrees at our top universities. But then our laws discourage them from using those skills to start a business or a new industry here in the United States. That just doesn’t make sense.

We also need to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents — and pass the DREAM Act so they can pursue higher education or become military service members in the country they know as home. We already know enormous economic benefits from the steady stream of talented and hardworking people coming to America. More than a century and a half ago, U.S. Steel‘s Andrew Carnegie was a 13-year-old brought here from Scotland by his family in search of a better life. And in 1979, a Russian family seeking freedom from Communism brought a young Sergey Brin to America — where he would become a co-founder of Google.

Through immigration, we’ve become an engine of the global economy and a beacon of hope, ingenuity and entrepreneurship. We should make it easier for the best and brightest not only to study here, but also to start businesses and create jobs here. That’s how we’ll win the future.

Immigration is a complex issue that raises strong feelings. And as we push for long-overdue action, we’re going to hear the same sort of ugly rhetoric that has delayed reform for years — despite long and widespread recognition that our current system fails us all and hurts our economy.

So you and I need to be the ones talking about this issue in the language of hope, not fear — in terms of how we are made stronger by our differences, and can be made stronger still.

Take a moment now to watch my El Paso speech and join this campaign for change:

http://my.barackobama.com

Thank you,

Barack

Black History

Congress is in Session -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET May 11, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the next 30 minutes.

At 2:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #44, the nomination of Arenda Wright Allen to be a District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 3pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Allen nomination.

Votes:

69: Confirmation of the Wright Allen nomination; Confirmed: 96-0

Unanimous Consent:

S.Res.179, making minority committee appointments

~~~~~~~~

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 11, 2011

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 11, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

8:08 P.M. – Ms. Kaptur moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:39 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:31 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

H.R. 1231: to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes

6:30 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1231 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Pearce moved that the Committee rise.

6:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the Keating amendment Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 240 (Roll no. 314).

6:21 P.M. – On agreeing to the Markey amendment Failed by recorded vote: 189 – 238 (Roll no. 313).

6:13 P.M. – On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 228 (Roll no. 312).

5:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Inslee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Inslee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:35 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Inslee amendment.

5:34 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee. An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-74 to require the Washington state Governor and legislature approve any leasing of the Outer Continental Shelf off of Washington state.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Thompson (CA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Thompson (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Thompson (CA) amendment.

5:23 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Thompson (CA). An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-74 to clarify that the legislation does not allow for oil and gas drilling on the northern coast of California.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Brown(FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Brown (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brown amendment.

5:15 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Brown (FL). An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-74 to make permanent the current moratorium on drilling in the eastern gulf of Mexico that expires in 2022.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tsongas amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Tsongas demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:07 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tsongas amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Tsongas.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-74 to require that all applicants for a drilling permit under a lease issued under H.R. 1231 would have to submit a worst-case scenario oil spill containment and clean-up plan.

5:06 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Keating amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Keating demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:00 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Keating amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Keating.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-74 to require the Secretary to make public information about the lessee’s executive bonuses from the most recent quarter.

4:59 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

4:49 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment.

4:48 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Markey. An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-74 to require that new 5-year leasing plans require that companies bidding on new leases first renegotiate any royalty-free leases they own; thus raising more than $2 billion over 10 years.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

4:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 257, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-74 to clarify that new offshore drilling would not conflict with military operations.

4:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:37 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Young (AK). An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-74 to make technical numbering corrections to section 2 of the bill.

4:15 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole resumed general debate on H.R. 1231.

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

4:14 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

4:13 P.M. – Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 264.

H.R. 1231: to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes

4:12 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1231 as unfinished business.

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (AK) moved that the committee rise.

3:36 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1231.

3:35 P.M. – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 257, the amendment recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole.

3:34 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Candice S. Miller to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 257 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1231 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 257.

3:33 P.M. – FILING AUTHORITY – Mr. Miller of Florida asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs have until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011, to file reports on the following bills: H.R. 1407, H.R. 1484, H.R. 1627, H.R. 1383, H.R. 1657 and H.R. 802. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 673: to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the depreciation classification of motorsports entertainment complexes

Ms. Berkley asked unanimous consent to be the first sponsor of H.R. 673, and to have the authority to add co-sponsors. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 427: to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a 5-year recovery period for computer-based gambling machines

Ms. Berkley asked unanimous consent to be the first sponsor of H.R. 427, and to have the authority to add co-sponsors. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1800: to temporarily extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 relating to access to business records and roving wiretaps and to permanently extend expiring provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers

3:32 P.M. – Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Judiciary have until 5:00 p.m. on May 18 to file a report on H.R. 1800. Agreed to without objection.

H. Con. Res. 46: authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Denham asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H. Con. Res. 16: authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby

3:31 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered by unanimous consent.

Mr. Denham asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Fincher . Mr. Fincher submitted his resignation from the Committees on Agriculture and Transportation and Infra- structure. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H. Res. 263: electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

3:30 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:29 P.M. – On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 257: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1231) to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes

3:28 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 179 (Roll no. 311).

3:09 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 179 (Roll no. 310).

3:01 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

3:00 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of ordering the previous question and adoption of H.Res. 257, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 1229: to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of Mexico

2:58 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 263 – 163 (Roll no. 309).

2:52 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 239 (Roll no. 308).

2:33 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

2:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the Secretary of Interior from issuing a permit to any applicant that has been required to pay a civil penalty, criminal fine or monetary damages resulting from the applicant’s drilling activities on the Outer Continental Shelf, until the penalties have been paid in full, or the applicant has entered a formal agreement to pay the penalties in order to redress economic and environmental harm caused to the Gulf of Mexico Region.

2:23 P.M. – Mr. Connolly (VA) moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.

2:22 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

2:21 P.M. – The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1229.

On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 239 (Roll no. 307).

2:16 P.M. – On agreeing to the Deutch amendment Failed by recorded vote: 205 – 222 (Roll no. 306).

2:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 258 (Roll no. 305).

2:07 P.M. – On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 254 (Roll no. 304).

2:03 P.M. – On agreeing to the Holt amendment Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 247 (Roll no. 303).

1:56 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment Failed by recorded vote: 187 – 235 (Roll no. 302).

1:32 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

1:31 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 257: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1231) to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to require that each 5-year offshore oil and gas leasing program offer leasing in the areas with the most prospective oil and gas resources, to establish a domestic oil and natural gas production goal, and for other purposes

1:30 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 257, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

12:22 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 257.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 1540: to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes

12:21 P.M. – Mr. Reed asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services have until 5:00 p.m. on May 17 to file a report on H.R. 1540. Agreed to without objection.

12:03 P.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.

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Ellmers 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 Reverend Wallace Shepherd, Second Baptist Church, Santa Barbara, California.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 11.

10:45 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:08 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.

10:07 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 16.

10:01 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.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ Culture & History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

DOMA:The Sinking Ship


From: The Progress Report  …

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists have resigned themselves to not seeing any substantial legislative progress toward equality while Republicans control the House of Representatives. Nevertheless, it has never been more apparent how the times have changed in the two decades since laws like the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) passed, both of which were actually seen as progress at the time. DOMA, some argued, at least allowed for individual states to legalize marriage for same-sex couples (as some since have), and DADT at least allowed gays, lesbians, and bisexuals to serve in the military, just so long as nobody knew who they were. It’s now been 15 years since the DOMA boat set sail, but its titanic barriers to equality are slowly sinking. In the meantime, same-sex couples are still struggling to make due without the federal protections marriage provides, while conservatives try every trick they know to keep inequality on the books.

LOST AT SEA: Though DOMA blocks 1,138 federal marriage benefits from same-sex couples, there is one in particular that’s particularly hard on some couples: not having the right to sponsor a foreign-born partner for residency. Immigration Equality estimates there are 36,000 same-sex binational couples living in the U.S., 45 percent of whom are raising children. Because of DOMA, any couple not protected by employment sponsorship is at risk of being separated by deportation. The Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) legal group actually warns these couples not to get married (PDF) as doing so may expose the foreign-born partner’s status and lead to deportation. In the wake of the President’s decision that DOMA is unconstitutional and should not be defended, the Department of Justice has twice suggested it might halt deportations, only to then reassert that deportations will continue. The first occasion was in March, when Citizenship and Immigration Services announced they would suspend the cases of married gay couples, but announced the following day that nothing had changed. Then, last week, Attorny General Eric Holder vacated a case, asking the Board of Immigration Appeals to reconsider it outside the context of DOMA. Again, hopes were raised, and a judge in Newark, New Jersey actually adjourned in a different case on Friday to give that couple an extra six months. On Saturday, however, the DOJ reaffirmed that deportations are still underway. Two proposed bills, the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) and Reuniting Families Act (RFA), would protect same-sex couples from deportation, but the demise of DOMA would likely eliminate the disparities entirely.

PLUGGING THE LEAKS: As the DOJ chips away at DOMA and the military works toward certification of repeal of DADT, conservatives at both the state and federal levels are trying to halt the flow of equality in any way they can (in addition to the House’s radically expensive plan to defend DOMA). This week, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) will introduce an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act to prevent Navy bases from performing marriages for same-sex couples after DADT is lifted, even in states where those marriages are legal. He claims that “federal property and federal employees, like Navy chaplains, should not be used to perform marriages that are not recognized by federal law.” Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) is going a step further, introducing the second of many expected bills and amendments intended to derail the DADT repeal process. General George Casey opposed a similar move by Hunter in January. Meanwhile, Republican-controlled states like Pennsylvania and Minnesota are following Indiana’s lead by considering constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage even though both states already prohibit same-sex marriage by law. In fact, the religious right is ramping up an extensive new multi-million dollar campaign called “Ignite An Enduring Cultural Transformation” that will push for anti-LGBT measures in states up through the 2012 election. But times have changed even since 2004, and it’s unlikely conservatives will have the same success using same-sex marriage as a wedge issue as they did then.

THE RISING TIDE: For the first time ever, opposing LGBT equality is the unpopular position in American politics. Polls have been consistently showing majority support for marriage equality, just as they showed overwhelming support for repealing DADT last fall. Target and Chik-Fil-A have gotten incredible pressure from LGBT activists for their support of anti-gay candidates and groups. Law firm King & Spalding backed out of their defense of DOMA after clients and employees voiced their dissent. Olympic gold medalist Peter Vidmar had to step down from his appointment as chef de mission for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team because of his support for Proposition 8, California’s rollback of marriage equality. Graduates of the University of Michigan Law School walked out of their own commencement ceremony this weekend to protest the anti-gay voting record of the guest speaker, Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH). Despite the clear growing unpopularity of anti-gay positions, almost every GOP presidential candidate has towed the party line in maintaining them. Romney, Bachmann, Gingrich, Santorum, Pawlenty, Trump, Paul and others have all defended DOMA and come out against LGBT equality in other ways. The only exception is Fred Karger, who is actually making history as the first-ever openly gay presidential candidate, though the national stage has not given him much attention. Hopefully the history books look upon Karger kindly as the first Republican candidate to step out of the shadow of the religious right and join the Zeitgeist in embracing LGBT equality

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Greenpeace


One year later and Congress has learned nothing.

Instead of making it harder for oil companies like Shell to drill in the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, the House of Representatives just voted to make it easier. If this legislation becomes law, the oil industry will be even less regulated now than it was a year ago before the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

And to make matters worse, Shell already gets millions in subsidies every year from the U.S. government. In fact, last year Shell paid effectively no taxes at all to the U.S. government. Congress is giving them more incentive to take unacceptable risks with our national treasures. It’s time to put a end to this dangerous game. We have a chance to do just that.

As soon as tomorrow, Congress will be voting on a bill that would cut billions of dollars worth of subsidies to oil companies like Shell. But the industry and their friends in Washington are currently doing everything they can to stop that from happening. That’s why you need to speak up and send a message to your members of Congress.

www.greenpeaceusa.org

Congress needs to hear your voice. Ask your members of Congress to put an end to government subsidies to the oil industry now.

Shell just submitted plans to drill up to ten new wells in Alaska’s Arctic Ocean over the next two years using the same faulty technology that BP uses in the Gulf. But Shell’s plans in the shallow waters of the Arctic are even more dangerous than BP’s are in the Gulf and run a higher risk of blowouts, according to government data.

Shell isn’t prepared for a disaster in the Arctic Ocean. No one is. It’s a known fact that there’s no way to effectively clean up an oil spill in the Arctic’s harsh conditions. All they care about is their corporate bottom line.

Congress should be fighting for you. It’s your money and it’s our land. The vote could be happening as soon as tomorrow. Contact your members of Congress today and ask them to put an end to government subsidies to the oil industry before it’s too late.

www.greenpeaceusa.org

Sincerely,

Melanie Duchin

Greenpeace Arctic Campaigner

Black History

what’s going on in Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 10, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 5:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the next 30 minutes.

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

At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #61, the nomination of Edward Milton Chen, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of California.

There will be 3 hours of debate on the Chen nomination, with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 5:15pm), the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the Chen nomination.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Votes:

68: Confirmation of the nomination of Edward Milton Chen, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of California;

Confirmed: 56-42.

Unanimous Consent:

adopted S.Con.Res.16, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the CVC for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha

adopted S.Res.178, expressing support for the designation of May1, 2011, as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 10, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:52 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

H.R. 1229: to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of Mexico

7:51 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1229 as unfinished business.

7:50 P.M. – On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Lamborn moved that the Committee rise.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:44 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 11.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hastings (FL).

An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to strike section 207 of the bill which pertains to limitations on attorneys’ fees.

7:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:36 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 10.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hastings (FL).

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to amend bill to emphasize quality of court decisions instead of speed of court decisions.

7:35 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Deutch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Deutch demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

7:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Deutch amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Deutch.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to strike section 202 of H.R. 1229, so that states outside of the 5th Circuit can have their courts hear civil actions relating to energy projects in the Gulf of Mexico.

7:23 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

7:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment No. 8.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hastings (FL).

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to require a detailed description of the extent to which and by when any oil found on the leased property will decrease the price of crude oil and at the pump for hardworking Americans.

7:15 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

7:14 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

7:13 P.M. – Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 257.

H.R. 1229: to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of Mexico

7:12 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1229 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Bishop (UT) moved that the Committee rise.

7:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Markey amendment Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 237 (Roll no. 301).

7:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Garamendi amendment Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 240 (Roll no. 300).

6:56 P.M. – On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 245 (Roll no. 299).

6:34 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Polis (CO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

6:30 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment No. 7.

Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to lift timeline requirements if the agency lacks an adequate budget or lacks staff expertise to properly review permits.

6:29 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

6:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to strike a provision in the underlying bill that would “deem” drilling permits approved after 60 days even if the necessary safety and environmental reviews have not be completed. The amendment leaves in place a timeline for approving drilling permits, but prevents permits from being “deemed” approved before the safety review has been completed.

6:18 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hanabusa amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Ms. Hanabusa demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

6:07 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanabusa amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to state that the Secretary shall not issue an offshore drilling permit without certifying that the applicant has calculated a worst-case discharge scenario for the proposed drilling operations; and has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the applicant possesses the capability and technology to respond immediately and effectively to such worst-case discharge scenario.

6:06 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:54 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Markey.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to implement basic offshore drilling safety reforms recommended by the independent BP spill commission. The Commission found that the root causes of the BP spill were “systematic” and could have been prevented. The Markey amendment would set specific new minimum standards for blow-out preventers, cementing and well design.

5:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Garamendi amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Garamendi demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garamendi amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Garamendi.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to implement the Commission’s recommendation by requiring that in reviewing a drilling permit, the Secretary consult with an independent drilling safety organization not affiliated with the oil industry trade association.

5:45 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment no. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Mr. Polis (CO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

5:35 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 245, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment no. 1.

Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 112-73 to require safety review of permits to take into consideration all applicable safety, environmental and fisheries laws.

5:33 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

5:32 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1016: to measure the progress of relief, recovery, reconstruction, and development efforts in Haiti following the earthquake of January 12, 2010, and for other purposes

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 voice vote.

5:06 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1016.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

5:05 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

H.R. 1229: to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to facilitate the safe and timely production of American energy resources from the Gulf of Mexico

5:04 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1229 as unfinished business.

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Lamborn moved that the committee rise.

4:01 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1229.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 245 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1230. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1230 shall each be debatable for not to exceed one hour, equally divided and controlled. In each case, the previous question shall be considered as ordered and in each case, a motion to recommit, with or without instructions is allowed.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 245.

4:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 10.

2:14 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:01 P.M. – ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Nevada, Mr. Heller, the whole number of the House is 432.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 9, 2011 at 10:05 a.m.: That the Senate added an additional conferee to H.R. 658.

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 Reverend Jane Wood, Jerusalem-Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Rockville, Maryland.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 10.

12:06 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:01 P.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

12:00 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Tom Graves to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.