Your voice and the debt ceiling …Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange.org


Since Sunday, more than 36,000 ColorOfChange.org members have called on Congress not to balance the budget on the backs of the poor and working class without asking the wealthy to pay their fair share. Will you help us get to 50,000 signatures? Click here to sign the petition:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

The good news is that it looks like the bill that Sen. Harry Reid proposed on Monday won’t include cuts to Social Security or Medicare. But the details of the plan are still unclear — we don’t yet know what important programs it would cut. And just as important as what’s in the bill is what’s not in it: Reid’s bill doesn’t ask anything from the wealthiest Americans, who are paying lower taxes than they have for decades.

Congress and the White House need to hear from us, loud and clear. Please help us send them a powerful message, and ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

For more background, you can read the email we sent you on Sunday (attached below).

— Rashad, James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
    July 26th, 2011

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Medicare, Social Security and college financial aid are on the cutting block.
 Tell Congress and the White House: “Don’t balance the budget on the back of the poor and working class.”

 Republicans are trying to push forward a plan that would gut America’s social safety net — and unless we act now, they may get their way.

Congress needs to raise the debt ceiling before August 2nd so that the government doesn’t default on its debts, which would wreak havoc on the economy. But Republicans are refusing to vote to raise the debt ceiling unless they can also pass massive cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, student aid, and other important programs that create opportunity and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Democrats in Congress are holding the line, saying that they won’t accept any cuts to these programs without asking huge corporations, millionaires and billionaires to contribute their fair share.

But as the deadline approaches, Congressional Democrats will be under immense pressure to compromise their principles, even if it means giveaways for the rich while most Americans suffer.

Please join us in calling on the White House and Congress to say NO to any deal that asks people who are already struggling in this economy to sacrifice even more, without asking corporations and the rich to pay their fair share. And please ask your friends and family to join us as well:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

The moral line is clear: the budget must not be balanced on the backs of poor and working folks while millionaires and billionaires pay lower taxes than ever. Americans oppose cuts to Medicare and Social Security by a 2-to-1 margin, and a large majority thinks that keeping benefit levels the same is a bigger priority than short-term deficit reduction.1 And an amazing 72% of Americans are united behind the idea of asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes.2

By speaking out, we can help give the President and Congressional Democrats the political space they need to stand strong against the GOP‘s dangerous demands. It’s especially important that we deliver this message to the House of Representatives, because it’s likely that any budget deal will have to happen with the blessing of Democrats there. If they stand strong, we can avoid the worst of the cuts.

Why do we need to raise the debt ceiling?

Congress sets the maximum amount the federal government can borrow to pay its bills on time. If our debt rises above the limit, the government will begin to default on its commitments. And when that happens, there will be far-reaching consequences for everyone, but especially poor and working folks.

If the government doesn’t pay its bills, it’s a lot like when you or I don’t pay our bills — it ruins our credit, and makes buying goods and services more expensive. Worse, it makes even having debt more expensive, which means that money the government will have to pay higher interest rates — money that won’t go to economic stimulus or preserving the social safety net.

Most reputable economists say that a government default would wreck the nation’s economy, halting the already-weak recovery and possibly taking the world’s economy down with it.3

That fact hardly matters to most Republicans in Washington, who are treating the prospect of default like a high-stakes game of chicken. Many see an opportunity to gut programs that they never could otherwise, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. It’s a disgusting, cynical strategy.

If enough of us speak out, we can help save the social safety net and force corporations and the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. Please join us now:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/debt

Thanks and Peace,

— Rashad, James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
    July 24th, 2011

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU–your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/205?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=7

1. GOP Divided Over Benefit Reductions: Public Wants Changes in Entitlements, Not Changes in Benefit,” Pew Research Center for People and the Press, 7-7-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/908?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=9

2. “Poll: Taxing the rich favored over Medicare cuts,” Politico, 4-20-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/909?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=11

3. “To the limit,” New York Times, 7-1-2011
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/910?akid=2076.1174326.2KTTPr&t=13

 —
 You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.

The World is watching …Steve Israel


President Obama is right: We cannot allow Republicans’ political game-playing to jeopardize the full faith and credit of America’s economy.

Time is nearly up. We must send an immediate, forceful message to Speaker Boehner and Tea Party Republicans — we stand with President Obama and against Republicans’ childish games.

Can we count on your support?

Contribute $3 or more right now to show your support for President Obama and to hold Speaker Boehner and the Republicans accountable >>

Today, Speaker Boehner was caught groveling to Rush Limbaugh in private, asking for permission to try his latest political scheme before even telling his own Republican caucus about it.

The fact is, right-wing special interests, radio hosts, and Tea Party extremists have taken over the Republican Party. And these radical Republicans are just days away from plunging our economy off a cliff in order to slash Social Security and Medicare while protecting tax breaks for billionaires and big oil.

Now, with our entire economy at stake, it’s critical that we stand strong and united against Republicans’ all-out assault on the middle class.

Contribute $3 or more today to show your support for President Obama and to hold Speaker Boehner and the Republicans accountable for pushing our economy to the brink in order to score points with the Tea Party >>

Thanks for your immediate support.

Rep. Steve Israel
DCCC Chairman

P.S. Your dollars are being put to work immediately. Our “We Don’t Quit” campaign is launching in 60 Republican districts but we need your support to keep up the pressure. Contribute today.

Patty Murray … Working for Washington State … and more


Time for Slogans to End, Work to Begin on Safeguarding Our Economic Future

Murray to Republicans: Stop Playing Political Games with Economic Future

As we continue to work to forge compromise and avoid a default on our nation’s debts, I was deeply upset that Republicans continued to waste the little time we have left by introducing a plan that balances the budget on the backs of the people who can least afford it. The clock is ticking for families across America. It is time for Republicans to step up and join us in the job of governing. Too much is on the line for average families to allow partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. to once again endanger the livelihoods of millions.

That is why I gave a speech on the Senate Floor this week urging Republicans to stop playing political games with this country’s economic future. With less than two weeks to go before the August 2 nd deadline, Democrats and Republicans need to come to the table for serious negotiations that involve shared sacrifices.

Read more


Preserving Benefits for Veterans Suffering from Agent Orange Exposure

Speaking Out Against Amendment to Block Compensation for Agent Orange Exposure

On Thursday, I helped defeat an amendment introduced by Senator Tom Coburn that would have created a nearly impossible standard for Vietnam Veterans to receive compensation for certain types of exposure to Agent Orange. Before the vote on Coburn’s amendment, I went to the Senate Floor and called out the amendment for what it was: another hurdle Vietnam veterans would have to overcome in their 40 plus year struggle for compensation and care. The amendment ultimately failed to be included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill after I successfully asked that the amendment be tabled – which it was – by a vote of 69-30. Soon after the tabling of the amendment, the Senate passed the Military Constructions and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill which will ensure that veterans across the country get the support they deserve.

Read more

“Military Construction-VA Spending Bill Easily Passes Senate” – CQ

“Military funding bill clears Senate” – The Hill


Supporting Women’s Health

On Wednesday, the Institute of Medicine released their recommendation that critical preventive health care services for women and girls, including a full range of FDA-approved contraceptive methods, be fully covered by insurance companies at no additional cost. I believe that implementing these recommendations is the right thing to do and will end unnecessary and burdensome costs for millions of American women who currently struggle to afford the contraceptive coverage and other preventive health care services they need and deserve.

Read more

 

Congresssional Budget Office


Cost Estimate for S. 277, Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act of 2011
Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on June 29, 2011

Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET July 26, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 12:15pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Sessionto consider the following nominations en bloc:
  • 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.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, the legislative vehicle for the debt limit increase.

At approximately 12:15pm, the Senate will be in Executive Session to consider the nominations of Paul Engelmayer to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York and Ramona Manglona to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands with 2 minutes of debate.

VOTES

At approximately 12:17pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Engelmayer nomination. The Manglona nomination is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

12:17pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Paul Engelmayer to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 98-0

Passed S.846 a bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 80 Lafayette Street in Jefferson City, Missouri, as the Christopher S. Bond United States Courthouse.

Discharged EPW and passed S.1406, a bill to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 510 19th Street, Bakersfield, California, as the Myron Donovan Crocker United States Courthouse.

Discharged the Banking Committee of H.R.1309, Flood Insurance and returned it to the House pursuant to their message on July 25, 2011 requesting its return.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 26, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

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 

8:38 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole continued with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:37 P.M. – Mr. Scott (SC) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 372.

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 

8:35 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved that the Committee rise.

8:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike the proviso relating to funding limitations in the Endangered Species Act.

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

8:13 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Tipton.

An amendment to increase funding for land acquisition by $2.5 million and to increase funding for acquisition of lands for national forests special acts by $2.5 million offset by a reduction in funds of $5 million from environmental programs and management accounts.

8:12 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lamborn amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:54 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lamborn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lamborn.

An amendment to zero out land acquisition accounts of BLM, FWS, NPS, and FS.

7:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Bass (NH) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:41 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bass (NH) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Bass (NH).

An amendment to increase land acquisition accounts of BLM by $1 million, FWS by $4 million , NPS by $4 million, and FS by $4 million, offset by the Office of the Secretary.

7:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Clarke (MI) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Clarke (MI).

An amendment to increase EPA/EPM by $10,000,000, offset by BLM/MLR (Asian carp).

7:15 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.R. 2056:
to instruct the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to study the impact of insured depository institution failures, and for other purposes 

7:14 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Westmoreland objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:57 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2056.Mr. Westmoreland moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

H.R. 2608:
to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 

6:56 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:46 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2608.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Hanna moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

6:45 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 1938:
to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

6:44 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by recorded vote: 279 – 147, 1 Present (Roll no. 650).

6:37 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 248 (Roll no. 649).

6:22 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

6:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sutton motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to require that the President take all necessary actions to ensure that the Keystone pipeline does not result in unfair increases in gas price and that eminent domain is not used to seize farmland to build the pipeline.

6:09 P.M. – Ms. Sutton moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

Ms. Sutton moved to recommit the bill H.R. 1938 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith, with the following amendments: � Page 6, after line 24, insert the following new paragraphs: ***

6:08 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.

6:07 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1938.

6:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kucinich amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 261 (Roll no. 648).

6:03 P.M. – On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 263 (Roll no. 647).

5:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 260 (Roll no. 646).

5:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 265 (Roll no. 645).

5:49 P.M. – On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 152 – 275 (Roll no. 644).

5:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Cohen amendment Failed by recorded vote: 155 – 272 (Roll no. 643).

5:41 P.M. – On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 264 (Roll no. 642).

5:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 261, 1 Present (Roll no. 641).

5:31 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the men and women serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

H.R. 1938:
to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

5:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 260 (Roll no. 640).

5:04 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.

5:03 P.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 11.Amendment offered by Mr. Kucinich.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-181 to require an analysis of the effect of the proposed pipeline on manipulation of oil markets and increased gas prices for American consumers.

4:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 10.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-181 to add a sense of Congress that the United States must decrease its dependence on oil from countries that are hostile to the interests of the United States of America and that Canada has long been a strong trading partner and increasing access to their energy resources will create jobs in the United States.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Johnson (Ga) amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson (GA) 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. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson (GA) amendment No. 9.

4:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Johnson (GA).

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-181 to require a study on the health impacts of increased air pollution in communities surrounding the refineries that will transport diluted bitumen through the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hanabusa amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:29 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanabusa amendment No. 8.Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-181 to require that a Presidential Permit approving the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline will not be issued unless the Secretary of Energy in consultation with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), certify that the applicant has calculated a worst-case oil spill scenario for the proposed pipeline; and has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary and the PHMSA that the applicant possesses the capability and technology to respond immediately and effectively to such a worst-case scenario.

4:28 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush 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. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment No. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-181 to extend the deadline for permit decision to 120 days after final environmental impact statement or until January 1, 2012.

4:16 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment No. 6.

4:05 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (CT).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-181 to add findings language noting that construction of the pipeline would permit a new source of oil exports to China and other nations.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cohen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-181 to strike finding 16 and replaces it with language that outlines TransCanada’s recent pipeline safety issues with the Keystone pipeline.

3:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Christensen amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:47 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Christensen amendment.Amendment offered by Mrs. Christensen.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-181 to include a finding stating that the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement estimates that the Keystone XL pipeline would increase carbon pollution associated with United States fuel use by up to 23,000,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo 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. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment.Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-181 to include a finding stating the PHMSA Administrator testified at a Congressional hearing and stated that the PHMSA had not done a study analyzing the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen. Amendment would also require PHMSA to complete a review of the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen, and whether current pipeline regulations are sufficient.

3:38 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-181 to strike paragraph 15 of the findings section.

3:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Welch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:18 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Welch.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-181 to add language to the findings section that states that the Keystone XL pipeline would run through the Ogallala Aquifer and explains the risk involved with this route.

2:03 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1938.

2:02 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson 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. 370and Rule XVIII.

2:01 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1938with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without installowed. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. All points of order against the amendments printed in this report are waived. The waiver of all points of order is prophylactic.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370.

1:55 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

1:50 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

1:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess pursuant to H.Res. 299. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 313 – 111, 2 Present (Roll no. 639).

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 

1:43 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 638).

H. Res. 370:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

1:35 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 246 – 171 (Roll no. 637).

1:11 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 370, a motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1383and approval of the Speaker’s journal all of which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

1:02 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 370:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

1:01 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 370, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings(FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the resolution until a time to be announced.The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:33 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 370.

12:31 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. Pitts to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Brooks demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Brooks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair 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.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Miroslaus Stelmaszczyk, Holy Family Church, Creighton, PennsylvaniaThe House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

11:07 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.

10:00 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Dennis A. Ross to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.