Daily Archives: 04/25/2012

~ Live green Promote green Business/Political Action, ~ politics petitions pollution &pop culture

Earth: mobilized. Keep going!


Check  the world premiere of  Grammy-winner  Esperanza Spalding’s “Endangered Species” video – done especially for Earth  Day!

Your donations help power the movement.

Approximately one billion people in 192  countries took action for Earth Day 2012! From Cairo to Beijing, Melbourne  to Rome, Rio to St. Louis, communities everywhere stood united to Mobilize the  Earth™. The accomplishments are too numerous to name and pouring in every day.

Earth Day Network and its partners worked  together on events across Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and other countries  throughout the Middle East. Our office in Kolkata coordinated nearly 700 events in India alone. There  were massive rallies in New York, Montreal and Seoul, to name a few. The rally  in Washington, D.C., by the steps of the Capitol, was watched all over the  globe as it was streamed live on the web.

More than a day of  service, Earth Day 2012 has been weeks of mobilization that are growing and  galvanizing the environmental movement, making our leaders take notice, and  holding them accountable.

Through Earth Day Network’s Campaign for Communities,  the number of elected officials participating in Earth Day events around the  world was one of the highest we have ever seen. This Earth Day renewed the  work that local governments are doing not only to clean up their communities  and spread environmental awareness but to actually reduce global warming  pollution in the face of national and international inaction.

Thousands of  students from 291 universities in 6 continents, 49 countries, and 36 U.S.  states came together for MobilizeU. Tens of thousands of students have been activated through  MobilizeU, and more than 5.5 million students have been impacted as their  universities were mobilized.

In the U.S., our work led the White House to host its first  summit on environmental education, announce the creation of a special taskforce  on environmental education, and issue an official Earth Day proclamation on the  benefits of green schools. Moreover, the Department of Education announced the  first round of winners in the Green Ribbon Schools program – a monumental  accomplishment that has been years in the making for the entire movement.

And, after only two years…

We reached A Billion Acts of Green®!

A Billion Acts of Green is a global referendum on the  environment, and your pledges have made it the largest environmental service  campaign in the world. It shows the breadth of support for strong, coordinated  action to deal with our most pressing environmental challenges. And we’re going  to take this achievement to world leaders and demand just that.

But, the campaign isn’t over…

Continue to add your  commitments to A Billion Acts of Green as we make our way to the NEXT  billion!

To learn more about the amazing work inspired by Earth  Day 2012, go to www.earthday.org/2012.  To see photos of Earth Day 2012 events from all over the world, go here.

– The Earth Day Network Team

www.earthday.org

~ the Senate ~ Congress ~Republican led House

Congress: Republicans led House – the Senate considers S.1925,VAWA, S.1789,Postal Reform Bill


the Senate Convenes: 9:30am

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the time until 2:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.  The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes; the Majority will control the second 30 minutes.  Additionally, Republicans will control the time from 11:30am until 12:30pm and the Majority will control the time from 12:30pm until 1:30pm.
  • At 2:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  There will be several votes beginning at 2:00pm in order to complete action on the Postal Reform bill.
  • The following amendments are the only amendments remaining in order.  Upon disposition of the amendments, the Senate will vote on passage of S.1789, as amended.  The amendments with an asterisk following them are amendments we hope can be disposed of without a roll call vote.

2:12pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings); Not Agreed To: 43-53

Senator Paul asked unanimous consent to call up amendment #2023 (prohibit foreign assistance to Egypt) . Senator Lieberman objected.

2:46pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64

The following amendments are pending to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill:

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

3:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76

3:28pm  The Senate began a roll call vote on Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54

3:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed to: 46-53

4:29pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37

The Senate has adopted the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, with debate only for the remainder of the night and until 11:30am tomorrow.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings) to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Agreed To: 43-53

2)      Paul amendment #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64

3)      Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76

4)      Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54

5)      DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed To: 46-53

6)      Passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.437, congratulating the Boston College men’s ice hockey team on winning its fifth National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Hockey Championship.

Adopted S.Res.438,  to support the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.

By unanimous consent, read S.2366, a bill to extend student federal loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Alexander, McConnell, Enzi and others) twice and placed it on the calendar.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

At 11:30am tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, the Senate will turn to Executive Session with 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a series of 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

–          Cal. #509 Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas; and

–          Cal. #510 David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas.

As a result, senators should expect 2 roll call votes at approximately 12:00 noon tomorrow.

—————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 25, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION.

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2012.7:34:10 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.7:34:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 631.5:36:47 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:35:52 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with futher one minute speeches.5:31:56 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration of secs. 141 and 142 of the House bill, and secs. 1801, 40101, 40102, 40201, 40202, 40204, 40205, 40301-40307, 40309-40314, 100112-100114, and 100116 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Camp, Tiberi, and Blumenauer.5:31:45 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration of secs. 121, 123, 136, and 137 of the House bill, and sec. 1534, subtitle F of title I of Division A, secs. 20013, 20014, 20029, 31101, 31103, 31111, 31204, 31504, 32705, 33009, 34008, and Division E of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hall, Cravaack, and Johnson, E. B.5:31:30 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Natural Resources for consideration of secs. 123, 142, 204, and titles III and VI of the House bill, and sec. 1116, subtitles C, F, and G of title I of Division A, sec. 33009, titles VI and VII of Division C, sec. 40101, subtitles A and B of title I of Division F, and sec. 100301 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hastings (WA), Bishop (UT), and Markey.5:31:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration of sec. 142 and titles II and V of the House bill, and secs. 1113, 1201, 1202, subtitles B, C, D, and E of title I of Division C, secs. 32701-32705, 32710, 32713, 40101, and 40301 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Upton, Whitfield, and Waxman.5:31:12 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration of the House bill (except sec. 141) and the Senate amendment (except secs. 1801, 40102, 40201, 40202, 40204, 40205, 40305, 40307, 40309-40312, 100112-100114, and 100116), and modifications committed to conference: Mica, Young (AK), Duncan (TN), Shuster, Capito, Crawford, Herrera Beutler, Bucshon, Hanna, Southerland, Lankford, Ribble, Rahall, DeFazio, Costello, Norton, Nadler, Brown (FL), Cummings, Boswell, and Bishop (NY).5:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 1038Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 1038On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 1 (Roll no. 181).5:21:13 P.M. -H.R. 1038Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1038 — “To authorize the conveyance of two small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest containing private improvements that were developed based upon the reliance of the landowners in an erroneous survey conducted in May 1960.”5:20:59 P.M. -H.R. 3336Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:20:58 P.M. -H.R. 3336On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 312 – 111 (Roll no. 180).5:12:32 P.M. -H.R. 3336Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3336 — “To ensure the exclusion of small lenders from certain regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.”5:12:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:12:21 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 181 – 242 (Roll no. 179).4:45:32 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348 and adoption of motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.4:45:28 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25.3:24:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  4:45 P.M. today.3:23:21 P.M. -H.R. 4348POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, the Chair put the question on the motion and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.3:23:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question was ordered without objection.2:24:18 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House at conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4348 be instructed to recede from disagreement to the amendment of the Senate.2:23:57 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Rahall moved that the House instruct conferees.2:23:25 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection.2:23:03 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Mica asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.2:22:13 P.M. -H.R. 3336At 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.1:56:23 P.M. -H.R. 3336DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3336.1:56:22 P.M. -H.R. 3336Considered under suspension of the rules.1:56:07 P.M. -H.R. 3336Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3336 — “To ensure the exclusion of small lenders from certain regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.”1:55:32 P.M. -H.R. 2146Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:55:25 P.M. -H.R. 2146On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:30:52 P.M. -H.R. 2146DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2146.1:30:49 P.M. -H.R. 2146Considered under suspension of the rules.1:30:38 P.M. -H.R. 2146Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2146 — “To amend title 31, United States Code, to require accountability and transparency in Federal spending, and for other purposes.”1:29:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.1:08:36 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.1:02:10 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Stutzman to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:02:07 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:00:49 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Matthew Barnes, Capital Commission Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana1:00:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25.10:51:38 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  1:00 P.M. today.10:01:01 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 1:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.10:00:38 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven M. Palazzo to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:27 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.