Bank of America foreclosin​g on Seattle Nursery


From her home in Seattle, Vera Johnson owns and operates the Village Green Perennial Nursery. A single mother of two kids, she opens her doors to teach her community about plants, composting, sustainability, and more.

Bank of America wants to put a stop to that: The bailed-out bank is trying to foreclose on Vera’s home and business. When Vera’s family fell on hard times, she asked Bank of America for a loan modification, which she is qualified to receive under federal law. For 17 months, Vera has provided endless copies of paperwork, and has been repeatedly told to resubmit lost or misplaced forms.

Despite Vera’s persistence, and Bank of America’s carelessness, the bank is proceeding with foreclosure.

Bank of America didn’t care to help Vera on her own. So Vera stared a petition on Change.org asking Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan to stop the foreclosure and modify her mortgage payments. Can you join Vera and sign the petition to help save her home and business?

Vera’s nursery provides classes and tours for schools and camps, and internships and training programs for local college students. One person who knows Vera and signed her petition said that her business “is a beautiful oasis that is an amazing blessing to the community.” Another of her supporters said simply, “I’d rather have one Vera Johnson in my community than a thousand Bank of Americas.”

Vera started her petition after signing the Change.org petition about Chase Bank foreclosing on a soldier’s home in Oregon, despite every effort by the homeowner to save the house. “Oh my God,” Vera said when she saw the petition. “The same thing is happening to me. I’m going to launch my own campaign.”

Within days of launching her petition, she received a call from the office of Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan. The bank promised to look into Vera’s case, but has yet to help her.

Vera has Bank of America’s attention. If enough people sign her petition, Bank of America will be forced to take action and work with Vera to save her home and business.

Please sign Vera’s petition to Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan to stop the foreclosure and modify mortgage payments for Vera’s home and business:

 

http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-bofas-foreclosure-on-vera-johnsons-home-business

Thank you for taking action.

– Jess and the Change.org team

Feds investigate Minn. school district after civil rights complaint (via Anderson Cooper 360)


Editor’s note: For more on this story, watch AC360 tonight at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. For a full investigation into the Anoka-Hennepin student suicides, watch “CNN Presents” on Sunday, July 24, at 8 p.m. ET. (CNN) — Federal authorities are investigating “incidents involving harassment and bullying” in Minnesota’s largest school district, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed in an email to CNN. The civil rights investigation is currently underway … Read More

via Anderson Cooper 360

Congress at work ? the Republican led House -the Senate


 The Senate Convened at 9:30amET July 21, 2011
  • Following Leader remarks, Senator Reid will to move to proceed to H.R.2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. The time until 2:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the next 30 minutes.
  • Senator Reid announced he intends to allow for a full debate on H.R.2560 over the next few days.
 VOTES

At this point, it is likely a roll call vote on the motion to table the motion to proceed to H.R.2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act will occur around 10:30am on Friday, July 22nd.

However, this is subject to change. Once a vote is set, another message will be posted.

The Senate has passed S.1103, a bill to extend the term of the incumbent Director of the FBI with a Coburn amendment, which is at the desk and the committee-reported substitute amendment by voice vote and entered into the following consent agreement with respect to the expected nomination of Robert Mueller.

If Robert S. Mueller, III, is nominated to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the nomination will be placed directly on the Executive Calendar; and at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination with 2 hours for debate equally divded in the usual form; upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nomination.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 21, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on July 22, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the House do now adjourn.

H.R. 2551:
making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

9:40 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2551as unfinished business.On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the committee rise.

 

9:39 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

9:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

 

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit use of funds by Members, committees, and leadership for purchase of online ads that link to a website maintained by Members, committees, and leadership offices.

 

9:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

9:22 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

 

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-173 to require all mail funded by the Members’ representational allowance and from funds for official mail for committees and leadership offices of the House bear the official letterhead of the Member, committee, or office involved.

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

 

9:21 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

 

9:20 P.M. – ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Crenshaw asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 2551 pursuant to H. Res. 359, the following amendments be permitted to be offered out of the specified order: Amendment No. 10 by Mr. Flake; Amendment No. 11 by Mr. Flake. Agreed to without objection.Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2551as unfinished business.

 

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

Mr. Crenshaw moved that the Committee rise.

 

9:19 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hanna amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

9:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanna amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Hanna.

 

An amendment numbered 16 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit use of funds by the Chief Administrative Officer to make any payments from any MRA for the leasing of a vehicle in an amount that exceeds $1,000 in any month.

 

9:14 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Thompson (PA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Honda demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

9:03 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Thompson (PA) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Thompson (PA).

 

An amendment numbered 15 printed in House Report 112-173 to prohibit use of funds to purchase, acquire, install, or use any medium screw base compact fluorescent lamp or light bulb (CFL).

 

9:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

8:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

 

An amendment numbered 14 printed in House Report 112-173 to prevent use of funds to distribute printed copies of the Congressional Record to Member offices.

 

8:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Paulsen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

8:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

 

An amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 112-173 to prevent the distribution of printed legislation to Member offices unless a Member requests the legislation.

 

8:55 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Stutzman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Crenshaw demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

8:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Stutzman amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Stutzman.

 

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce the GPO funding by $4,946,140.80 by transferring $3,414,150.29 from GPO, Congressional Printing and Binding and $1,531,990.51 from GPO, Office of Superintendent of Documents, to the spending reduction account.

 

8:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Altmire amendment as modified Agreed to by voice vote.

 

8:40 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Altmire amendment, as modified.Altmire amendment modified by unanimous consent.

 

Amendment offered by Mr. Altmire.

An amendment numbered 7, as modified, printed in House Report 112-173 to restore $1 million in funding to the Thirty-Year Mass Deacidification Program with the Library of Congress’ Salaries and Expenses Account.

 

8:39 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (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.

 

8:33 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceed with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

 

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Botanic Garden to the FY 2008 level (a $3,192,000 reduction) and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

 

8:30 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hayworth amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hayworth demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

8:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hayworth amendment.Amendment offered by Ms. Hayworth.

 

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Botanic Garden by $632,780 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

 

8:23 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

8:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

 

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Office of Compliance to the FY 2008 level ($467,000 reduction) and transfers the savings to the spending reduction account.

 

8:18 P.M. – On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

8:13 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment.

 

8:12 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Joint Economic Committee by $1,050,750 (25%) and transfers those dollars to the spending reduction account.

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

 

 

8:00 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Watt (NC) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Watt.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-173 to reduce funding for the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) by 40% ($619,200) and transfer the funds to the Spending Reduction Account.

 

7:59 P.M. – On agreeing to the Honda amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

7:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 359, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Honda amendment.

 

7:57 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Honda.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-173 to transfer Member Transition Activities funds to increase the Capitol Police fund by $1,000,000 in order to establish a Security Fund for Member’s District Office Security Upgrades.

 

7:29 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2551.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 359and Rule XVIII.

 

The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Woodall to act as Chairman of the Committee.

 

7:28 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2551with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 359.

 

7:27 P.M. – ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Crenshaw asked unanimous consent that during consideration of H.R. 2551, pursuant to House Resolution 359, the following amendments be permitted to be offered out of the specified order: Amendment No. 9 by Mr. Moran and Amendment No. 12 by Mr. Holt. Agreed to without objection.Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 363.

H.R. 1315:
to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection 

7:26 P.M. – The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1315.The text of H.R. 830, as passed by the House, was appended to the end of H.R. 1315as new matter.

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 – 173 (Roll no. 621).

 

7:18 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 232 (Roll no. 620).

 

7:01 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

 

6:49 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Michaud motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section retaining the current two-thirds majority vote requirement for the Financial Stability Oversight Council to set aside a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation designed to safeguard seniors from fraud relating to their Social Security and Medicare benefits, foreclosure, robosigning, reverse mortgages, and pensions or other retirement savings. Subsequently, the point of order was withdrawn.

 

6:48 P.M. – Mr. Michaud moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

 

6:47 P.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1103.

 

H.R. 1315:
to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection 

6:46 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

 

6:45 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1315.

 

6:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rigell amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 167 (Roll no. 619).

 

6:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 244 (Roll no. 618).

 

6:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 240 (Roll no. 617).

 

6:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Miller (NC) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 238 (Roll no. 616).

 

6:28 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 239 (Roll no. 615).

 

6:03 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

 

6:02 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rigell amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

5:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rigell amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Rigell.

 

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-172 to require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to (1) submit an analysis on the impact of its proposed rule or regulation on the financial industry, and (2) an analysis of consumers and small businesses’ access to credit as a result of the regulation, to the Financial Stability Oversight Council for the purposes of public review.

 

5:54 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lankford amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

 

5:47 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lankford amendment.

 

5:46 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-172 to require the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System/CFPB to submit an annual report to Congress no later than February 1, 2012, and every year thereafter, which identifies (1) all new guidance/regulation/ru es prescribed by the Bureau, (2) any Bureau authority which overlaps with other federal agencies/departments, (3) Bureau administrative expenses, and (4) Bureau unobligated balances. Would require that the report be posted online and published using existing funds.

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

 

 

5:45 P.M. – VACATING PROCEEDINGS – Mr. DeFazio asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which a recorded vote was ordered on the adoption of amendment no. 3 to the end that the amendment be agreed to by the voice vote.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 ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Capito demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

5:37 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment.

 

5:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-172 to transfer all authority that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would receive to the Secretary of the Treasury if no Commission Chair is in place by July 21st until such time as a Chair has been confirmed by the Senate.

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

 

 

5:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Chu amendment.

 

5:30 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Chu.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-172 to give additional responsibility to the Commissioner responsible for oversight of the Bureau’s activities pertaining to the protection of older consumers, minorities, youth, and veterans. The commissioner would be required to research how language barriers can lead to unfair and abusive lending practices, and report to full Commission ways to protect consumers from these unfair and deceptive practices.

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

 

 

5:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley amendment.

 

5:27 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Quigley.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-172 to require the Financial Stability Oversight Council to provide live online streaming or broadcasting of Council meetings pertaining to review of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulations.

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

 

 

5:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 6.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-172 to restore time limits in which the Financial Stability Oversight Council must review and make a determination on regulations issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

5:18 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

5:10 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Miller (NC).

 

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-172 to require specific disclosure of information related to filing agency petitions to the Financial Stability Oversight Council to overturn Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rulemaking.

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

 

5:05 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Paulsen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Paulsen.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-172 to clarify that the nonvoting members of the council are allowed to petition against any rule made by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), even if they represent an industry the CFPB is not permitted to regulate.

 

5:02 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

4:54 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

 

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-172 to eliminate potential conflicts of interest by providing that no Member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council may participate in a vote to issue a stay of, or set aside, a regulation issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection if said regulation would affect an institution for which that individual was employed in the preceding 2 years.

 

4:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

 

4:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment.

 

4:45 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-172 to restore a 2/3 majority vote in order for the Financial Stability Oversight Council to overrule Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation.

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by voice vote.

 

 

4:36 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 358, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment.Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-172 to strike Section 1023 of the Dodd-Frank Act giving the Financial Stability Oversight Council the ability to override Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules.

 

3:21 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1315.The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe 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. 358and Rule XVIII.

 

3:20 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1315with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of the Rules Committee Print dated July 14, 2011.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 358.

H. Res. 358:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1315) to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, 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: 238 – 177 (Roll no. 614).

 

3:12 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 358, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 359:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2551) making appropriations for the Legislative Branch 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: 239 – 172 (Roll no. 613).

 

2:47 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

 

2:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 359.Considered as privileged matter.

 

H. Res. 358:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1315) to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes 

2:10 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 358, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nay, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

 

1:07 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 358.

 

1:06 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.On question of consideration of the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 173 (Roll no. 612).

 

 

12:42 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate on the Fudge point of order, the Chair put the question on consideraton of the resolution.

 

12:24 P.M. – POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Ms. Fudge stated that the provisions of H.Res. 358 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by imposing an unfunded mandate and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?

 

12:23 P.M. – By direction of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Sessions called up the resolution, H.Res. 358, and asked for its immediate consideration.

 

12:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz of MN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

 

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 21.

 

11:40 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

 

11:23 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.

 

11:22 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2055amended. The Senate insisted on its amendment, requested a conference with the House, and appointed conferees.

 

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 Eric A. “Rick” Crawford to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 


Issa’s witch hunt flops – demand accountabi​lity …Ben Betz, People For the American Way


House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Darrel Issa has led one partisan witch hunt after another since his party became the majority and he became committee chair. But his latest grasping-at-straws attempt to shame Democrats has blown up in his face.

Rep. Issa accused Democratic appointees on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) — the independent commission established in 2009 to investigate the causes of the financial crisis — of financial mismanagement, disclosing confidential information, conflicts of interest and unethically pursuing a partisan agenda. But the documents produced in this investigation not only failed to substantiate these claims, they actually demonstrated improprieties by some of the Republicans on the Commission.

Now, Chairman Issa wants to brush it all under the rug and look the other way. We can’t let him!

Join PFAW‘s petition to the Government Reform and Oversight Committee now demanding that they investigate improprieties by Republican members of the FCIC.

Outrageously, upon canceling a committee hearing on the FCIC accusations, an Issa staffer was quoted as saying, “they had found some documents at the last minute that didn’t fit the narrative.” A report by committee Democrats, based on 400,000 internal FCIC emails, memos and other documents, shows that those documents didn’t just “not fit” Issa’s narrative, they outright refuted them!

Issa’s allegations of financial mismanagement, inappropriate disclosure and partisan conflicts of interest on the part of Democratic commissioners all turned out to be bogus — frivolous charges not based on evidence of any impropriety. HOWEVER, the same could not be said of Republican members of the Commission.

There is evidence that Republican FCIC Commissioners Peter Wallison and Bill Thomas violated ethics guidelines and shared confidential information about the commission’s work with political insiders and Republican consultants. And contrary to the FCIC’s mission, Republican Commissioner Wallison repeatedly urged his GOP colleagues on the FCIC to use their positions on the Commission to help Republicans in their efforts to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill.

Don’t let Chairman Darrel Issa get away with this blatant hypocrisy. His witch hunt failed, but now he, and his committee, MUST investigate evidence of improprieties and conflicts of interest by Republicans on the FCIC.

Thanks for standing up for justice and accountability — the American Way.

— Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

P.S. It’s hardly a surprise that partisan and corporate conflicts of interest have been found among Republican FCIC members — these are the same people who insisted on issuing a minority report of the Commission’s findings that whitewashed the findings of phrases like “Wall Street” and “deregulation” in an attempt to rewrite the history of the financial meltdown. But Chairman Issa decided to open this can of worms with his own ideologically driven attacks on the Commission’s Democratic members. Now, it’s his responsibility to do the right thing and hold the real culprits accountable.

New Wisconsin TV Ad …Charles Chamberlain, Democracy for America


Which would you vote for — tax breaks for millionaires or essential funding for schools?

 Luther Olsen voted for the millionaires and now he’s one of six Wisconsin Republicans being recalled for his attacks on working families.

 We just finished a new TV ad showing how Olsen’s votes to cut school funding and support tax breaks for the rich has devastated communities across Wisconsin. Take a look and please contribute $10 to keep it on the air.

Last night, the first recall election was a big win for progressives. Republicans tried recalling Democratic State Senator Dave Hansen for standing up to their radical right-wing agenda — and he crushed their Tea Party candidate by a two-to-one margin.

 That’s a win for the defense, but we need to recall at least three Republicans next month to take back the State Senate and end the right-wing war on working families. Here’s what we’re doing to win:

 Right now, DFA Wisconsin Field Director Nick Passanante is on the ground leading our largest field program ever. So far, we’ve knocked on 20,262 doors in Republican State Senate Districts 8, 10 and 32.

 Thousands of DFA and PCCC volunteers nationwide have teamed up to make over 70,000 calls to Wisconsin voters as part of our Call Out The Vote program.

 Now, we’re expanding our campaign into District 14 with our first television ad.

 Our TV ads earlier this year got massive media attention for featuring real Wisconsinites. We don’t make cookie-cutter ads — we feature real people hurt by Scott Walker and his right-wing Republican war on working families.

Please contribute $10 now to keep our new TV ad on the air.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/935?akid=1100.1480546.d-DVKr&t=3

 We’re not taking anything for granted. We’re going to keep hitting Republicans for their attacks on middle class Wisconsin families — on the air, on the ground and on the phone — until we win.

 Thank you for everything you do.

 -Charles

 Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
 Democracy for America