Daily Archives: 07/25/2011

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

DADT … Jim Messina, BarackObama.com


 President Obama and our military service chiefs certified the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

In 60 days, it will be done.

This is huge and welcome news for every one of us who opposes discrimination of any kind. But now, the fight for equal rights moves on.

Here’s the next front: This week the President endorsed a bill to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, a discriminatory law that forces the federal government to ignore the rights of those in same-sex marriages, even those performed in states where gay marriage is legal. The New York Times has said it “ranks with the most overtly discriminatory laws in the nation’s history.”

President Obama sees repeal as a moral and legal necessity, while the Republican candidates oppose it. But millions of people — gay and straight — are watching what they’re doing, want this law gone, and will make their voices heard.

Can you be one of them? We’re putting together the group of people who want to be at the forefront of our efforts on this issue as the campaign develops over the next 16 months — the first to know when news breaks, and the first to help spread the word to your friends and in your community. Join us for what’s next:

BARACKOBAMA.COM

Under DOMA, rights afforded to straight married couples — such as receiving Social Security benefits for spouses or filing joint federal income-tax returns — do not apply to same-sex married couples.

It’s no secret that the President has long opposed this law. In February, he directed the Justice Department to stop defending a key portion of it in court. And this week, he endorsed the first Senate bill that would repeal the law in its entirety.

We can already see the direction the other side is headed in response. They called a witness at the Senate hearings this week to testify that repealing DOMA would “pave the way for polygamous and other polyamorous unions.” That’s the type of rhetoric we should be prepared to hear in the run-up to the next election.

But the broad American consensus is on our side. We’ve all seen that change in Washington doesn’t come overnight, and fighting for it can carry significant political risks. When opportunities to make real progress come up, it’s critical to show Washington that millions of voters have President Obama’s back.

This is a defining issue for many of us in this movement, and for this President. Join this fight today:

Thanks for your help,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

DFA … Huge new poll from Wisconsin – Charles Chamberlain, Democracy for America


This is huge — A new poll from Wisconsin shows Democrat Fred Clark beating Republican Sen. Luther Olsen for the first time since the campaign began.

This is a must-win district for progressives. We need to win at least three of the six Republican recall races to take back the Senate and end the Republican war on working families in Wisconsin.

We’re already on the air with a new TV ad showing how Olsen’s votes to give huge tax breaks to millionaires and shut down small town schools has hurt communities across the state

We have never been closer to winning these recall elections and finally ending the Republican war on middle class Wisconsin families than we are right now.

That’s why national media outlets — CNN, The Atlantic, Talking Points Memo — have picked up our new ad taking on Olsen for his vote to destroy unions and middle class families. We were the first ones on the air, on the ground and on the phones, but Karl Rove and the Koch brothers are scrambling to catch up and we need to be ready for when they strike back.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director

Democracy for America

~ my 2cents ...

mashup Monday &some News


just another rant …

A Gallup Poll done in April reported that if a vote were taken from We the People for the current members of Congress it would result in 32% voting for Democrats and 31% Republicans. If this is true, folks we definitely need to prepare for Election 2012. I gotta say given the number of folks who stayed home or voted right of center for the Midterms, it is important that those living in states engaging in voter suppression get the ID that will enable you to make your voice count. We all know there is so much more work to do, so much at stake and to be honest the thought of living under a Republican ruler makes me sick. I voted for and know that President Obama is the right one for the position of commander in chief and while my support continues beyond 2012. I do not always agree with what President Obama does and I still have questions about NAFTA, the Public Option and some other things that remain a mystery. I do know that the Democratic members of Congress have  either not wanted or are not able to go big or bold enough to move us into the 21st Century but given a choice for 2012 and fact is there is no option; we have to get Democrats back in control. The process of changing the way things get done on the Hill, policy and or making laws are not easy or pleasant but it should not be the reason for changing your attitude or your vote because of it.

Two years ago the HCR Bill, HR3962/HR3590 considered an impossible dream is surrounded by a lot of misinformation as well as being just one of several pieces of legislation that President Obama has presented, urged, and finally passed after much push back from the Republican Tea Party and some Conservadems. I wonder, do people remember the contentious dividing issues like that 15 Dems said they would oppose the HCR bill, that Senator Ben Nelson’s amendment to add abortion language like the stupak-pitts amendment, which, would probably block public or federal funds to women.  Thus blocking women the right to buy and or pay for their own insurance that may cover abortions and it may also penalize companies that include it in their HC plans; luckily, Congress tabled it. We also know that Lieberman wanted a Medicare buy in and HCR before he didn’t; and ended up showing how Politicians can easily put aside the rights of their constituents and fellow Americans by voting no, or that in the end the House passed HCR with the issue and problem being in the Senate

It is obvious the new HCR bill will improve the lives of many rather than a select few or keep the status quo. The fact is our President has done more to improve out state here in the US and the journey has been tough and quite long but what President Obama did in his 1st term is historic and a moment that everyone cannot possibly forget, unless you have been living under a rock or listening to the naysayers. The Media continues to speculate or re-enforce the negative impact on voting yes for good faith legislation that no doubt would be good but impacts all Americans; mocking President Obama’s so-called improbable agenda that includes climate change, immigration overhaul as well as stating that Democrats keep wavering on a votes.

This is a moment that the Democratic Party should be willing to create change that has been needed for quite some time and as the President has stated many times …if not now when -because we may never get this chance for a long time if ever.

CSPAN …

 

Congress Has Full Week of Hearings Ahead

 

Joint Chiefs nominee, tax code among the topics

 

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

 

Greek Minister Speaks on Financial Crisis

 

Comes to Washington to meet with head of the IMF

 

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

 

Speaker Boehner Calls GOP Members Back to Washington

 

No deal with President Obama possible.

 

&&&&&&&&&&

 

Other News …

 

Amy Winehouse Died in Bed with No Sign of Drugs Nearby

 

Somalia: U.N. Hosts Emergency Meeting

 
Sources: NFL, players reach deal to end lockout

 

 

Amanda Knox Appeal: No DNA Evidence Found on Murder Weapon

 

 

 

Split Personality Disorder

 

 

 

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET July 25, 2011

  •  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • At 3:40pm, the Senate will observe a moment of silence in memory of Officer Jacob J. Chesnut and Detective John M. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police who were killed 13 years ago defending this Capitol against an armed intruder.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Sessionto consider the following nominations, en bloc:
  • With one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote

At 4:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations en bloc:

– Calendar #83 Paul A. Engelmayer, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York and

– Calendar #84 Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be District Judge for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years.

With one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

Senator Reid also announced additional roll call votes are possible during today’s session

By unanimous consent, the previous order with respect to the roll call vote scheduled for 5:30pm today has been vitiated and re-scheduled until 12:15pm on Tuesday.

At 12:15pm on Tuesday, July 26th, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations en bloc:

– Calendar #83 Paul A. Engelmayer, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York and

– Calendar #84 Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be District Judge for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years.

With 2 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.

Therefore at approximately 12:17pm on Tuesday, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

  • ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 25, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
 

7:28 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 1383:
to temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees for programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning pursued by individuals enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs before the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, and for other purposes 

7:25 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

7:17 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to supend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1383.Mr. Miller (FL) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 1103:
to extend the term of the incumbent Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

7:16 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

7:06 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1103.Considered under suspension of the rules.

7:05 P.M. – Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

7:04 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

7:03 P.M. – Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 370.

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

7:02 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved to rise.

On agreeing to the Hochul amendment Failed by recorded vote: 141 – 271 (Roll no. 636).

6:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richmond amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 192 (Roll no. 635).

6:49 P.M. – On agreeing to the Cleaver amendment Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 248 (Roll no. 634).

6:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Huelskamp amendment Failed by recorded vote: 126 – 284 (Roll no. 633).

6:36 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moran amendment Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 237 (Roll no. 632).

6:10 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.

6:09 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hochul amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hochul demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:05 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hochul amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Hochul.

An amendment to reduce the amount in the Bureau of Land Management account available for the processing of applications for drilling permits by $4,452,000.

6:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richmond amendment Failed by voice vote.

5:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richmond amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Richmond.

An amendment to reduce the Management of Lands and Resources account by $10,617,000 and increase the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund account by the same amount.

5:58 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.

5:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richmond amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Richmond.

An amendment to reduce the Management of Lands and Resources account by $6,000,000 and increase the Regulation and Enforcement, Ocean Energy Managment account by $5,000,000.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cleaver amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Moran demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cleaver amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:38 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House in the Committee of the Whole observed a moment of silence in memory of Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police.

3:37 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Cleaver.

An amendment to reduce the Management of Lands and Resources account by $3,000,000 and increase the Environmental Programs and Management account by $3,000,000.

3:36 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Huelskamp amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Huelskamp demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Huelskamp amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:18 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Huelskamp.

An amendment to reduce the various accounts by $3,000,231,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

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

3:08 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moran amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:06 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment to reduce the funds in the Management of Lands and Resources account by $18,663,000 and increase the Indian Health Facilities account by $18,663,000.

2:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Simpson amendment Agreed to by voice vote.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Simpson.

An amendment to make technical and conforming changes to the bill.

2:12 P.M. – Subsequently, the Committee resumed it’s sitting.

2:11 P.M. – The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the President.

1:48 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2584.The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell 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. 363and Rule XVIII.

1:47 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2584with 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. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The Chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 363.

1:46 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 108, 2 Present (Roll no. 631).

H.R. 1309:
to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes 

1:36 P.M. – House requested return of papers pursuant to H.Res. 368

H. Res. 363:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2584) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 205 – 131 (Roll no. 630).

1:05 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

1:04 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 363and on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, both of which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 368:
requesting return of official papers on H.R. 1309 

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.

H. Res. 363:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2584) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

1:03 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 363, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (UT) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

1:02 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:18 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 363.Considered as privileged matter.

12:16 P.M. – 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 July 22, 2011 at 3:28 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. Res. 234 and S. 300.

12:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Clay to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:02 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe (TX) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Poe (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Speaker announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 25.

10:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

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 John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

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