Call today: Stop the Senate from giving nuclear power a blank check


The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is poised to create a so-called clean energy bank that would funnel billions of dollars in loan guarantees to the nuclear and coal industries instead of supporting truly clean and less risky renewable energy technologies that will reduce global warming emissions at the lowest cost.

This Thursday, May 26, senators will vote on legislation that would create a huge new government loan program called the Clean Energy Deployment Administration (CEDA). As drafted, CEDA would put taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of billions of dollars in loans to established industries that are too risky for the private sector to finance while doing little to finance clean energy technologies.

Although CEDA is intended to support the commercialization of innovative clean energy technologies like renewable energy and energy efficiency, the nuclear industry sees it as a permanent financing mechanism for conventional nuclear reactors. CEDA would disproportionately favor large, costly projects over many other cost-effective, low-carbon options, thus giving large-scale conventional energy technologies an advantage at the expense of truly clean innovative alternatives.

The Senate vote on this risky loan program will happen this Thursday. Please call IMMEDIATELY and urge your senator not to support a CEDA that can give out unlimited loan guarantees and does not have strong congressional oversight.

Please Call –  http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=5SoGsDDgou0iXy0q3NOhEQ..  

Sincerely,

Megan Rising

National Field Organizer

UCS Climate and Energy Program

Breaking News: Victory in NY-26 …a word from dem leader Nancy Pelosi


It is my great pleasure to report that tonight, thanks to you, Democrat Kathy Hochul has won a triumphant grassroots victory in the special election in NY-26.

Victories like this are what happen when we fight together to protect our core Democratic values.

Congresswoman-elect Hochul’s victory in a staunchly-Republican district has shocked the political world and sent an unmistakable sign that the American people will not stand for the Republicans’ reckless and extreme agenda to end Medicare.

This is our third straight special election victory in New York — and it is truly one for the ages. All of the Republicans’ right-wing outside groups with their secret money and dishonest attacks were no match for the combined strength of grassroots Democrats.

Thank you again for fighting to protect and defend Medicare and bringing us one step closer to regaining our Democratic House Majority.

Nancy Pelosi

Democratic Leader

was it something you said …wily Wednesday & some News


Today, the weather here is kind of ominous and though it definitely is not at all like what is going on in the SE part of our Country it still is kind of important to experience Spring maybe in a string of days not one day a week … sigh. I will survive make no mistake but sunshine no rain is lovely. I have had some negative interactions  … the doubter’s haters and those who fear the unknown or who keep engaging in typical fear mongering via the interwebs

My response …

i respect your opinion, I may not agree but i will not call you names or think less of you. i do not know you, however i did vote for Obama and will again because Republicans/Conservatives have honestly proved themselves useless… they have no one in charge and those who call themselves leaders are proving they are not qualified to lead let alone the fact that they have no solutions only complaints. The solutions they do have would give advantages to the top 2% and that 2% has been getting breaks for far too long. If we had fair and balanced in Congress they would all work for the greater good but in our need and financial crisis the Republican Tea Party felt a new tone and moved toward race as a tool which they felt would divided and conquer causing or continuing the attack by ex-Governor Sarah Palin. In my opinion Bush, Cheney and Paulson all f’d us and because of that, i personally am subscribing to what works and that is the Government right now. We all need reminders every now and then about what happened in 2007 leading up to the 2008 Presidential elections. In some parts of the U.S., folks believe that the financial abyss or ditch we suddenly found ourselves in started slightly before the 2008 elections the fact is it started in 2007, maybe earlier. In addition, as Americans prepared themselves to vote for the next President of the United States. The idea that we needed the government to work for All Americans not bicker, fight or have tantrums was a no brainer right. However, our two party Political systems was failing to work as well and in the long run after some bold and nasty comments and or votes the Republican Tea Party decided this was their moment to possibly change American into something it is not and continue to do daily. I find it quite amusing and yes offensive that even today as the Political Party of No is clearly being rejected by their own constituents. It is becoming clear that they do not seem to be hearing the obvious buyer’s remorse being voiced with shades of a new possible dip or as they say double dip into that ditch, which scares me and pushes the need to be vocal about the financial web of deceit by the next generation of crooks and liars. Now, after a couple of years of suggesting people watch the House of Cards, a film created by CNBC’s David Faber. I will no longer do so because for one; the original was pulled and was replaced with what I think are fabrications, my take and it is truly sad because it was a film that was definitely worth the time. The original film definitely could have helped those still wondering, help you understand why Wall Street types, those capitalists like Bernie Madoff and others like him engaged in creative accounting, why AIG created a monster and the pay out by AIG to various Banks was big and how it worked its way overseas to become something too big to fail. Republicans want to continue on this same path of less regulation and people need to see it as it is. I wonder why after all that has happened since the mid-term elections would anyone with common sense feel this is the kind of Capitalism you want and if you are still expecting Republicans to solve our problems with every American in mind… I have to say you are foolish…

Capitalism does not mean firms should engage in cooking the books, secret transactions and or becoming bigger than their sum value or investing in schemes … that — is what happened …

We the People need capitalism with a small c and more regulation … with a huge R

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Other News

Mo. woman dies when told of dad’s tornado death

What lessons will GOP take from losing New York-26 House seat?

Obama, Cameron unite on Libya, differ on Palestinian UN effort

German airports reopen as ash cloud diminishes

Floodwaters in South falling, but misery remains

Yemenis flee sporadic gunbattles in capital

Kim Kardashian Is Engaged!

Heat Vs. Bulls, Game 4: Mike Miller Comes Up Big For Miami In Fourth Quarter

CSPAN

Vice President Biden hosted another deficit reduction meeting with members of Congress & White House officials at the U.S. Capitol. Following the meeting, the Vice President made brief remarks. President Obama first appointed Biden to lead these negotiations back in April.

http://c-span.org/Events/Vice-President-Biden-Remarks-on-Debt-Reduction-Meeting/10737421781/

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

Geithner Discusses Debt Limit, Deficit Reduction

Bill Clinton, Senators attend Fiscal Summit

http://c-span.org/Events/Geithner-Discusses-Debt-Limit-Deficit-Reduction/10737421779/

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

House Debates Military Operations in Libya

War Powers Act called up in committee http://c-span.org/Events/House-Debates-Military-Operations-in-Libya/10737421748/

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

what’s going on in Congress: the Republican let House – the Senate deals with S.990


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 25, 2011

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

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.990, the legislative vehicle for the PATRIOT Act extension.

Prior to adjournment on Tuesday, the Majority Leader filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.990. Under the rule, the cloture vote on the motion to concur in the House message will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, May 26th.

At 2pm, Senator Paul will be recognized for up to one hour for debate only. Following Senator Paul’s remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 5pm for debate only, with the time equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, with the final 5 minutes controlled by the Majority Leader or his designee.

Unless further agreement is reached, at approximately 5pm, we anticipate Senator Reid to make a motion to proceed to Calendar #36, H.Con.Res.34 (House-passed budget) and ask for the yeas and nays.

Once this motion is disposed of, additional motions to proceed to other budget resolutions are possible.

Therefore, Senators should expect at least one and up to 4 roll call votes at approximately 5pm.

The other budget resolutions currently on the calendar are:

– Calendar #61, S.Con.Res.18 (Sessions)

– Calendar #65, S.Con.Res.21 (Toomey)

– Calendar #63, S.Con.Res.20 (Paul)

The Senate is in a period of morning business for up to 2 hours for debate only with Senator Sessions controlling the first hour and Senator Conrad controlling the final hour.

Votes:

77: the motion to proceed to Calendar #36, H.Con.Res.34 (House-passed budget); Not Agreed to: 40-57

78: McConnell motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.18 (Sessions); Not Agreed to: 0-97

79: the McConnell motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.21 (Toomey); Not Agreed to: 42-55

80: the McConnell motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.20 (Paul); not agreed to: 7-90

There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session.

Unanimous Consent:

Discharged Armed Services of and adopted S.Con.Res.13, A concurrent resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn and added all Senators as cosponsors.

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 25, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

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

9:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Campbell amendment No. 54.

Amendment offered by Mr. Campbell.

An amendment numbered 54 printed in House Report 112-88 to reduce the baseline number of civilian employees at the Department of Defense by 1% every year for the next five years.

9:19 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Campbell amendment No. 53, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Campbell demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Campbell amendment No. 53.

Amendment offered by Mr. Campbell.

An amendment numbered 53 printed in House Report 112-88 to terminate the Human, Social, and Culture Behavior (HSCB) Modeling program at the Department of Defense.

9:08 P.M. –

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

8:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – By unanimous consent, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Amash amendment, equally divided and controlled.

Amendment offered by Mr. Amash.

An amendment numbered 50 printed in House Report 112-88 to strike section 1034 of the bill, relating to the authorization for use of military force.

8:41 P.M. –

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

8:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Langevin.

An amendment numbered 49 printed in House Report 112-88 to coordinate federal information security policy through the creation of a National Office for Cyberspace, updating information security management practices, and establishing measures for the protection of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

8:31 P.M. –

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

8:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mack amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Mack.

An amendment numbered 48 printed in House Report 112-88 to make changes to the language of the Sunken Military Craft Act of H.R. 1540, (the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012)by clarifying the language of the Sunken Military Craft Act to restore its original intent, and would specify that a sunken military craft would be defined as a vessel only when on military noncommercial service when it sank.

8:24 P.M. –

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

8:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney (NY) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 47 printed in House Report 112-88 to clarify that the exemption from Freedom of Information Act for Data Files of the Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance Systems of the Military Departments is for “information contained in data files of the military flight operations quality assurance system of a military department that would reveal flight patterns or tactical techniques or tactical procedures from disclosure under section.”

8:16 P.M. –

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

8:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Buchanan amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Buchanan.

An amendment numbered 43 printed in House Report 112-88 to require all foreign terrorists, with links to terrorist networks, who attack the U.S. or the Government be considered enemy combatants to be tried by military tribunals, not in the civilian court system.

8:07 P.M. –

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

7:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – By unanimous consent, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment, equally divided and controlled.

Amendment offered by Mr. Smith (WA).

An amendment numbered 42 printed in House Report 112-88 to amend Section 1039 to allow transfer of detainees to the US to testify in federal court. The amendment strikes language barring transfer of detainees held abroad to the US. The amendment requires certification by the Attorney General prior to transfer.

7:42 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Schakowsky amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schakowsky amendment no. 41.

Amendment offered by Ms. Schakowsky.

An amendment numbered 41 printed in House Report 112-88 to freeze Department of Defense funding at current levels until the Pentagon can successfully pass an audit. The amendment contains a national security waiver and exceptions for overseas contingency operations, defense personnel, and wounded warrior accounts.

7:33 P.M. –

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

7:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment no. 40.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 40 printed in House Report 112-88 to repeal the establishment of the National Drug Intelligence Center.

7:21 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment no. 39.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 39 printed in House Report 112-88 to add a Sense of Congress indicating that the deployment of National Guard personnel along the southwestern border should continue through the end of fiscal year 2011.

7:15 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Richmond amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 353).

7:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Andrews amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 352).

7:07 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 351).

7:03 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Himes amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 350).

6:56 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 349).

6:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Garamendi amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 348).

6:47 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Cole amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 347).

6:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 346).

6:37 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Sarbanes amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 345).

6:33 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Hunter amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 344).

6:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Woolsey amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 343).

6:04 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.

6:02 P.M. –

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

5:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mica amendment no. 38.

Amendment offered by Mr. Mica.

An amendment numbered 38 printed in House Report 112-88 to require that the rules of engagement allow any military service personnel assigned to duty in a designated hostile fire area to have rules of engagement that fully protects their right to proactively defend themselves from hostile actions.

5:55 P.M. –

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

5:45 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richmond amendment no. 37.

Amendment offered by Mr. Richmond.

An amendment numbered 37 printed in House Report 112-88 to prevent the payment of certain incentives with respect to a Navy shipyard in Avondale, Louisiana, saving the Department of Defense up to $310 million.

5:44 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Lee (CA) amendment was withdrawn.

5:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lee amendment no. 33.

Amendment offered by Ms. Lee (CA).

An amendment numbered 33 printed in House Report 112-88 to return Defense Department spending to 2008 level, with exemptions for personnel and health accounts.

5:38 P.M. –

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

5:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Andrews amendment no. 32.

Amendment offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment numbered 32 printed in House Report 112-88 to temporarily suspend the implementation and enforcement of workforce management and sourcing policies pursuant to the DODs efficiency initiative.

5:30 P.M. –

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

5:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee(TX) amendment no. 31.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 31 printed in House Report 112-88 to require the Secretary of Defense, prior to awarding of defense contracts to private contractors, to conduct an outreach program to benefit minority and women-owned businesses.

5:21 P.M. –

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

5:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Himes amendment no. 30.

Amendment offered by Mr. Himes.

An amendment numbered 30 printed in House Report 112-88 to require any savings as a result of shifting to civilian employees from contractors within the Department of Defense be directed towards deficit reduction.

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:02 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment no. 26.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 26 printed in House Report 112-88 to require public disclosure of information submitted under Section 847 of this act.

5:01 P.M. –

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

Considered as unfinished business.

5:00 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. McKeon asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 1540 pursuant to H.Res. 276, amendment number 26 printed in House Report 112-88 may be considered out of order. Agreed to without objection.

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

4:59 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1540 as unfinished business.

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

Mr. McKeon moved that the Committee rise.

4:58 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 had prevailed. Mr. Garamendi demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garamendi amendment no. 28.

Amendment offered by Mr. Garamendi.

An amendment numbered 28 printed in House Report 112-88 to require the Secretary to ensure that each contractor of the Department of Defense performing a prime contract at a military installation in the United States to set aside 40 percent, by dollar value, of its subcontracting work under the contract for local qualified subcontractors. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a subcontractor shall be considered local if its headquarters is within 60 miles of the military installation.

4:46 P.M. –

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

4:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cole amendment no. 27.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cole.

An amendment numbered 27 printed in House Report 112-88 to preclude an executive agency from requiring an entity submitting an offer for a Federal contract to disclose political contributions as a condition of participation.

4:36 P.M. –

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

4:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy(CT) amendment no. 25.

Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (CT).

An amendment numbered 25 printed in House Report 112-88 to give manufacturers the opportunity to provide information to DoD regarding how their bid for a contract will affect domestic employment. It allows DoD to take this information into consideration, but does not mandate that DoD consider this information when awarding the contract.

4:27 P.M. –

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

4:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sarbanes amendment no. 24.

Amendment offered by Mr. Sarbanes.

An amendment numbered 24 printed in House Report 112-88 to strike Section 937 of the bill relating to Modification of Temporary Suspension of Public-Private Competitions for Conversion of Department of Defense Functions to Contractor Performance.

4:16 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McKeon amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

4:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon en bloc #2 amendments as modified.

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. McKeon.

An amendment comprised of the following amdnements printed in House Report 112-88 offerd as en bloc #2: Nos. 44, 45, 51, 52, 58, 68, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 98, and 99 with appropriate modifications submitted to the desk.

4:07 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Carson (IN) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carson amendment no. 19.

Amendment offered by Mr. Carson (IN).

An amendment numbered 19 printed in House Report 112-88 to direct the Department of Defense to provide mental health assessments to service members during deployment. When possible, these assessments would include review of all past health records originated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

4:00 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hunter amendment no. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith(WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hunter amendment no. 12.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hunter.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in House Report 112-88 to create a five-year pilot program to provide opportunity scholarships to dependent children with special education needs. Opportunity scholarships are set at $7,500 a year and would be available to approximately 250 children under the pilot program for the purpose of attending a private, public or charter school of choice. The Department of Defense would administer the program, in coordination with the Secretary of Education

3:48 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Carter amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:38 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carter amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Carter.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-88 to expand existing military whistleblower protections, from retaliatory personnel actions, to include communications by Armed Forces Members of ideologically based threats or actions of another Member that the reporting Member reasonably believes could be counterproductive or detrimental to United States interests or security.

3:37 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McKeon amendments as modified Agreed to by voice vote.

3:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon en bloc #1 amendments as modified.

McKeon amendment modified by unanimous consent. Various amendments contained in the en bloc were modified by unanimous consent.

3:22 P.M. –

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. McKeon.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments printed in House Report 112-88 offered as en bloc # 1: Nos. 3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13, 14,15,17,29,34,35, and 36 with appropriate modifications submitted to the desk.

3:21 P.M. –

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

3:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Woolsey amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Woolsey.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-88 to eliminate the availability of funds for procurement of the Navy and Air Force V-22 Osprey aircraft.

On agreeing to the Wittman amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wittman amendment.

3:05 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Wittman.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-88 to allow the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for the start of major construction of the Ford-class aircraft carriers designated CVN 79 and CVN 80 and for the construction of major components, modules, or other structures related to such carriers subject to appropriations. Allows the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for the construction of FORD Class Carriers CVN 79 and CVN 80 to be funded on a five year centers.

3:03 P.M. –

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

3:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:01 P.M. –

Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on May 26. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 276:

providing for further consideration of the bill ( 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

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 170 (Roll no. 342).

2:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Bishop (UT) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:50 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 181 (Roll no. 341).

2:38 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1216:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 234 – 185 (Roll no. 340).

2:31 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 236 (Roll no. 339).

2:11 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

2:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clyburn motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to require that the Secretary prioritize qualified teaching health centers in underserved areas, when determining the amounts payable to such centers in a given fiscal year.

Mr. Clyburn moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

1:59 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:50 P.M. –

The Speaker and Democratic leader were recognized for one minute to introduce Father Patrick J. Conroy as the new Chaplin of the House of Representatives.

1:49 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1216.

On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 182 (Roll no. 338).

1:25 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

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

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 278:

electing Chaplain of the House of Representatives

1:24 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

1:23 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Father Daniel Coughlin wherein he resigns as the Chaplin of the House of Representative effective at 6:00 p.m. April 30, 2011.

H. Res. 276:

providing for further consideration of the bill ( 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

1:21 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and on ordering the previous question on the resolution, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded a recored vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment and order the previous question until later in the legislative day.

1:18 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (UT).

An amendment to provide that the amendment specified in section 6 shall be in order in lieu of amendment number 5 in House Report 112-88.

12:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 276.

12:38 P.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Garamendi on the content of the measure. Mr. Garamendi made point of order against the measure and the Chair announced that the disposition of the point of order would be resolved by the question of consideration on H.Res. 276. The House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the point of order, and if necessary, the Chair will put the question on consideration. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

12:28 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 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.

12:03 P.M. –

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

12:02 P.M. –

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 Gene Mills, Louisiana Family Forum, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 25.

11:08 A.M. –

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

10:02 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.

10:01 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 1893.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Wisconsin update -Kristina Powell, Democracy for America


Wisconsin Republicans know they went too far in their attacks on unions and middle class families — so they’re changing election laws to protect themselves.

With six Republican State Senators facing recall, the right-wing Republican majority forced through a new voter ID law that would disenfranchise students, the poor, and the elderly — all groups who vote Democratic — ahead of this summer’s elections.

This is just another Republican attack in their war on working families. That’s why we’re building a people-powered campaign to beat them. We’re putting staff on the ground to organize volunteers, knock on doors, make phone calls and run radio and TV ads featuring real Wisconsin families.

Their campaign is fueled by big corporate money. But our campaign is fueled by grassroots volunteers and small contributions from thousands of DFA members. We can’t afford to wait any longer to start building our campaign. We need to hit the ground running and we can’t do it without you.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/769?akid=851.1480546.vsV5iY&t=1

This Republican attack on their constituents’ right to vote is shameful not just because it’s wrong, but also because it’s so blatant.

They’re not only requiring college students to bring a photo ID — they’re requiring them to bring recent tuition receipts if they’re using a college ID.

They’re not only imposing new residency requirements on voters — they’re also not providing any time or money to local offices to educate voters on the new laws.

Republicans are scared — that’s why they’re launching this attack on people’s voting rights. They know that they crossed a line and that they’re in for a tough fight this summer. Please contribute today and help send a clear message to right-wing Republicans in Wisconsin and across the country — attack the middle class and you lose.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/769?akid=851.1480546.vsV5iY&t=1

Thank you for everything you do.

-Kristina

Kristina Powell, Finance Director

Democracy for America