2011

12/02/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate will not be in session on Friday, December 2, 2011.

the Senate will convenes at 2:00pmET December 5, 2011

On 12/1/2011 Roll Call Vote on Reid motion to proceed to S.1917, the Middle Class Tax Cut of 2011 >> Vote break down http://t.co/RVsf93Qa

Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nominations listed below. There will be up to 1 hour for debate on the nominations.

#363 Edgardo Ramos – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York

#364 Andrew L. Carter, Jr. – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York

#365 James Rodney Gilstrap – to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

#406 Dana L. Christensen – to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

At 5:30pm there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of one of the judicial nominations. We expect the remaining three judges to be confirmed by consent. As a reminder, cloture was filed on the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia. That cloture vote will occur at noon on Tuesday.

——————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 2, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 5, 2011.3:10:18 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.3:10:05 P.M. -Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.2:11:56 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.2:11:28 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2192, without amendment.1:12:41 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.1:12:13 P.M. -Mr. Woodall asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, December 2, 2011, it adjourn to meet on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 12 p.m. for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.1:11:34 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.12:22:48 P.M. -COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Cantor on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.12:21:47 P.M. -H.R. 3010Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.12:21:46 P.M. -H.R. 3010On passage Passed by recorded vote: 253 – 167 (Roll no. 888).12:11:49 P.M. -H.R. 3010On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 233 (Roll no. 887).11:55:27 A.M. -H.R. 3010The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.11:43:11 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boswell 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 that stipulates the provisions in this Act shall not apply to new regulations or the revision of existing regulations that reduce costs or increase coverage for pharmaceuticals and other health services for seniors, or efforts by the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Veterans Administration, and Defense to negotiate lower prescription drug prices.11:42:57 A.M. -H.R. 3010Mr. Boswell moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.11:42:44 A.M. -H.R. 3010The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.11:42:35 A.M. -H.R. 3010The 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.11:41:43 A.M. -H.R. 3010The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3010.11:41:02 A.M. -H.R. 3010On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 247 (Roll no. 886).11:37:16 A.M. -H.R. 3010On agreeing to the Nadler amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 247 (Roll no. 885).11:32:23 A.M. -H.R. 3010On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 171 – 242 (Roll no. 884).11:29:23 A.M. -H.R. 3010On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 162 – 250 (Roll no. 883).11:25:15 A.M. -H.R. 3010On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 187 – 232 (Roll no. 882).10:57:32 A.M. -H.R. 3010POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 7, 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 further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.10:51:05 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – Pursuant to the the provisions of H. Res. 477, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 7.10:50:41 A.M. -H.R. 3010An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-296 to exempt all rules promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security.10:50:22 A.M. -H.R. 3010POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Nadler amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.10:42:49 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – Pursuant to the the provisions of H. Res. 477, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nadler amendment.10:42:24 A.M. -H.R. 3010An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler, numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-296 to exempt from the Act actions by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the Atomic Energy Act.10:42:04 A.M. -H.R. 3010POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.10:35:33 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – Pursuant to the the provisions of H. Res. 477, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment.10:34:41 A.M. -H.R. 3010An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly (VA), numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-296 to clarify that regulations to protect public health and safety would not be blocked or repealed by H.R. 3010.10:34:09 A.M. -H.R. 3010POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.10:26:42 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – Pursuant to the the provisions of H. Res. 477, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 3.10:26:16 A.M. -H.R. 3010An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-296 to clarify that the agency would retain the discretion to determine whether to provide advanced notice, not later than 90 days, of a proposed rule prior to it being published in the Federal Register.10:25:59 A.M. -H.R. 3010On agreeing to the Olson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.10:21:19 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – Pursuant to the the provisions of H. Res. 477, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Olson amendment.10:20:52 A.M. -H.R. 3010An amendment, offered by Mr. Olson, numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 112-296 to clarify that cumulative costs and benefits and estimated impacts on jobs shall include an estimate of the net gain or loss in domestic jobs.10:20:31 A.M. -H.R. 3010POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moore amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Moore demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.10:14:06 A.M. -H.R. 3010DEBATE – Pursuant to the the provisions of H. Res. 477, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment.10:13:46 A.M. -H.R. 3010An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore, numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-296 to clarify that an agency shall take into account whether a problem disproportionately impacts certain vulnerable subpopulations (including veterans, low-income individuals and families, and the elderly), and whether such an impact would be mitigated by new agency action.9:15:25 A.M. -H.R. 3010GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3010.9:14:58 A.M. -H.R. 3010The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.9:14:57 A.M. -H.R. 3010House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 477 and Rule XVIII.9:14:26 A.M. -H.R. 3010Measure provides for consideration of H.R. 3463 with one hour of general debate, equally divided and controlled; bill is closed to amendments. Provides for consideration of H.R. 527 with one hour of general debate, equally divided and controlled; specified amendments are in order. Provides for consideration of H.R. 3010 with one hour of general debate, equally divided and controlled; specified amendments are in order.9:14:21 A.M. -H.R. 3010Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 477. H.R. 3010 — “To reform the process by which Federal agencies analyze and formulate new regulations and guidance documents.”9:02:05 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.9:01:57 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Nunnelee to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:01:49 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:00:45 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:33 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Further to the right on immigration

12/01/2011 Nativegrl77

It seems the longer the GOP race drags on, the more extreme the candidates get.

In fact, at a debate last week Mitt Romney placed himself further to the right on immigration than any presidential candidate in recent history.

He said he would deport all undocumented immigrants — including grandparents and families who have been in the United States for over 25 years, belong to local churches, pay their taxes, and in some cases have even defended our country in the military.

I’m sure it won’t be the first or last time the GOP candidates use immigration and Hispanic families as political props to score points with the far-right base.

That’s why we need to stand up and fight back every time they do. Don’t forget, we’re all in this together — and we prosper when we stand united.

Join us and say you’ll stand up for Hispanic families in this election and fight for sensible immigration reform.

The thing that makes Mitt’s statement even more troubling is that a mere five years ago — when the politics of immigration among GOP voters were quite different from today — he was singing a different tune, saying that the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country “are not going to be rounded up and box-carred out.”

In an interview yesterday he was reminded of his old talking points, but rather than attempting to moderate his stance, he actually doubled down on his current position.

So why the change of heart? It’s simple, according to Mitt’s 2008 Iowa State Director, Doug Gross. Gross said that while campaigning in Iowa before the caucuses, Mitt began to realize the so-called “political implications” of his stance and switched his position as a result.

“Political implications” shouldn’t be the determining factor in the lives of 11 million people.

But now Newt Gingrich — on the heels of being accused by the right of being compassionate — came out this week in support of a new South Carolina law, similar to the one passed in Arizona, that allows police to demand the immigration status of anyone they pull over.

And Rick Perry recently trotted out the endorsement of Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, self-titled “America’s toughest sheriff,” who’s been known to organize armed, volunteer posses in his county to round up undocumented immigrants to deport.

As the primaries get closer, there’s no way of knowing where the GOP candidates will stop in trying to out-extreme each other when it comes to illegal immigration.

But I can tell you this: We’re going to fight back every time one of them sells out Hispanic families to try to improve their standing in the polls.

Join us today:

http://my.democrats.org/Stand-up-for-Hispanic-Families

Thanks,

Juan

Juan Sepulveda
Senior Advisor for Hispanic Affairs
Democratic National Committee

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Two men trapped in one body

12/01/2011 Nativegrl77

Friend —

I’d like to tell you a story. It’s about two men, trapped in one body.

One man: a Republican politician whose positions on the issues made him palatable even to Massachusetts voters. The other: a Tea Party Republican taking one extreme position after another on the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and more.

The only thing they agree on? They both want to be president, and there’s not much they wouldn’t do or say to get there.

You’ve probably guessed it — the body they’re fighting over is Mitt Romney’s.

And if you want to watch the struggle in full detail, we’ve put a video together on a new site to chronicle it.

Visit MittvMitt.com to take a look for yourself, and then sign up to find out how you can hold him accountable.

A lot of undecided voters out there are just starting to ask themselves: Who is this guy? Where does he really stand?

They’re not the only ones trying to figure that out.

Even Conan O’Brien’s noticed, saying “Experts are predicting kind of a tough fight between Romney and his biggest ideological opponent: Mitt Romney from four years ago. Those guys don’t agree on anything.”

There might be something behind that. The Mitt who was governor of Massachusetts had to appeal to a pretty progressive crowd to get elected, and the Mitt who’s running for president needs the Republican base to clinch the GOP nomination.

All we know is Mitt wants to get to the White House. And you know what that means: The battle of Mitt v. Mitt rumbles on.

The results so far have already been pretty frightening, so that’s why we need your help spreading the word on every flip-flop, backtrack, and refusal to take a clear stance.

Americans deserve to know what they’d get from a President Romney.

Be part of the team that tells the truth about Mitt. Watch the video and sign up today:

MittvMitt.com

Thanks,

Patrick

Patrick Gaspard
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Is Congress about to put you out of work?

12/01/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Watch the Video | Send Our Video to Your Elected Officials

Now that the deficit committee failed, war profiteers are scrambling to undo automatic cuts to their profit margins. They’ve re-launched their propaganda campaign focusing on jobs, but our new video exposes the truth: military spending is a job killer. If Washington, D.C. stops automatic cuts to the military budget at the expense of other programs, it will be a disaster for the economy.Send our video to your elected officials and make sure they understand the consequences of failing to make real cuts to the military budget.Super-wealthy war profiteer CEOs rely on massive Pentagon budgets for their wealthy lifestyles. They and their allies in the Pentagon are using huge lobbying budgets in an unprecedented economic fear campaign to convince Congress that war spending is some kind of grotesque jobs program. Nothing could be further from the truth.As our video shows, military spending costs jobs compared to other ways of spending the money. Protecting war budgets at the expense of other job-creating programs will mean more jobless people than virtually any other possible budget plan.Help us put the truth in your elected officials’ hands. Our toolwill let you push your senators and congressmen to do the right thing, despite the war industry’s propaganda push.This is an uphill battle, and we need your help. Please send our latest video to your elected officials now so they understand that military spending costs jobs.

Sincerely,

Derrick Crowe, Robert Greenwald
and the Brave New Foundation team

P.S. We continue to fight the war profiteers’ propaganda, but doing so with hard-hitting videos like this is expensive. After you send the video to Congress, please consider making a donation to support War Costs.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Washington State don’t let AG Mckenna keep HCR away from the people in Washington State- A reminder to Voters

12/01/2011 Nativegrl77

On March 22nd McKenna announced he will join the HCR lawsuit to protect Washington citizens against new health care mandates, he will probably do this by using tax payers dollars.

Please Call his office to tell him to STOP blocking health care reform

CALL Main Office (360) 753-6200

OLYMPIA — Attorney General Rob McKenna today issued the following statement about joining a multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the recently-approved federal health care measure, once it is signed into law.

“I believe this new federal health care measure unconstitutionally imposes new requirements on our state and on its citizens. This unprecedented federal mandate, requiring all Washingtonians to purchase health insurance, violates the Commerce Clause and the 10th amendment of the US Constitution.

“I’m concerned that the measure unconstitutionally requires all Washingtonians to purchase health insurance and places an extraordinary burden on our state budget by requiring Washington to expand its Medicaid eligibility standards in violation of our state’s rights guaranteed under the10th amendment.”

–30 —

Contacts:
Janelle Guthrie, AGO Communications Director, (360) 586-0725
Dan Sytman, AGO Media Relations Manager, (360) 586-7842

360) 753-6200