Provisional Balloting

1- 866- Our – VOTE

www.866ourvote.org

A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there is some question about a voter’s eligibility. Provisional ballots may be utilized when the voter’s name is not on the voter list, the voter’s eligibility is challenged pursuant to state law, the voter is in the wrong polling place, or the voter cannot provide the ID required by federal or state law.

The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (“HAVA”) guarantees that any voter who shows up at the polling place, anywhere in the country, who is not able to cast a regular ballot is given a provisional ballot. After the election, the appropriate state or local election entity will determine if the voter was eligible using the information on the provisional ballot envelope, voter registration records and any other available source. If the election entity determines the voter was eligible, it will count the vote and notify the voter of the outcome. Additionally, under HAVA, any time polling hours are extended, voters are required to vote using provisional ballots.¹

In the 2004 election, 1.9 million U.S. voters cast provisional ballots. However, only 1.2 million (64.5%) of these provisional ballots were counted.²

Provisional balloting allows voters to meaningfully exercise their right to vote on Election Day, but there are problems. First, many poll workers are not trained properly with regards to provisional balloting. They frequently fail to inform voters of their right to cast a provisional ballot give voters incorrect ballots and misinform voters about how to use provisional ballots or whether and under what circumstances their provisional ballot will count. Second, there is a lack of clear and uniform standards for counting provisional ballots, especially on the issue of whether or not to count provisional ballots cast outside a voter’s assigned precinct. Twenty-seven states do not count provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct, while seventeen states count provisional ballots as long as they are cast in the correct county. The issue of whether to count provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct has a tremendous effect on election results. A study conducted after the 2004 election indicates that jurisdictions that count provisional ballots cast in the wrong precinct count almost 72% of provisional ballots cast in the jurisdiction, while jurisdictions that only count provisional ballots cast in the right precinct count only half of all provisional ballots cast.³

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House / the Senate considers S.1940,Flood Ins ,S.2343,Student Loan & Transportation bills

06/27/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 27, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized. The Senate will continue to debate S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill on Wednesday’s session.
The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on the flood insurance bill. We will also consider the transportation bill and the student loan extension prior to the recess.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.511, commending the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes Softball Team for winning the 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Softball Championship.

Adopted S.Res.512, recognizing the 100^th anniversary of Rice University.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3342, a bill to improve information security and for other purposes. (McCain and others)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————————————————

5:24:45 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.aspx

10:00:42 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:58 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Richard B. Nugent to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:32 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.
11:21:05 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:18 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 27.
12:00:32 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:52 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:56 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Coffman of CO to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:16 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.
12:26:17 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
12:27:39 P.M.	H.R. 4018	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4018 — “To improve the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.”
12:28:06 P.M.	H.R. 4018	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
12:28:11 P.M.	H.R. 4018	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:28:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5972 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”
12:28:54 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
12:29:51 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the Public and Indian Housing account by $6,500,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:30:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sixth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
12:35:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sixth 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.
12:36:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the salaries and expenses account for the Office of Community Planning and Development by $3,500,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:36:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Seventh Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
12:43:02 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Seventh 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.
12:43:57 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funds for the Office of Housing salaries and expenses account by $5,000,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:44:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Eighth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
12:50:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eighth 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.
12:50:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the salaries and expenses account for the Office of Policy Development and Research by $115,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:51:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Ninth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:02:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ninth 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.
1:02:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), reduce the salaries and expenses account for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity by $304,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:02:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tenth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:09:09 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tenth 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.
1:10:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler, numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funds for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program under the Public and Indian Housing section by $460,000,000.
1:10:05 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Nadler amendment No. 3 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
1:15:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Nadler amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment sought a net increase of funding in the bill and was in violation of the Rules of the House. The Chair sustained the point of order.
1:17:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce Public Housing Capital Fund by $11,000,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:17:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Eleventh Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:26:20 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eleventh 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.
1:27:43 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the Public Housing Operating fund by $56,215,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:27:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Twelth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:34:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Twelth 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.
1:35:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Ms. Hanabusa, to increase funds for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants program by $13,000,000.
1:35:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hanabusa amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
1:38:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Hanabusa amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment proposes to increase funds for a program which had not been authorized. The Chair sustained the point of order.
1:43:43 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Chaffetz, to return the funding level for the Community Development Fund to the FY 2012 levels.
1:43:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chaffetz amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:54:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Chaffetz amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:55:48 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock, to zero out the funding for the Community Development Fund including the CDBG program and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:55:52 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:05:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:05:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart, numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that unless explicitly provided, not to exceed 25 percent of any grant made with funds appropriated by the bill may be expended for public services as defined by law.
2:06:12 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Diaz-Balart amendment No. 4 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:13:45 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Diaz-Balart amendment was withdrawn.
2:17:18 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock, numbered 11 printed in the Congressional Record to zero out the funding for the Community Development Loan Guarantees Program Account and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
2:17:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment No. 11 under the five-minute rule.
2:26:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:27:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake, to reduce funding for the Home Investment Partnership Program by $200 million and to apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
2:27:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the first Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:42:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:43:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bachus, numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that up to $200 million shall be for necessary expenses authorized under the HOME Investment Partnerships Act related to disaster relief.
2:43:58 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bachus amendment No. 5 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:49:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Diaz-Balart raised a point of order against the Bachus amendment. Mr. Diaz-Balart stated that the provisions of the Bachus amendment sought to impart new direction and as such, constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
2:51:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Clarke (MI), to increase Homeless Assistance Grants by $5 million, offset by a reduction in funds for the Working Capital Fund account by a similar amount.
2:51:35 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:54:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:55:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. LaTourette, to expand the percentage of NSP 2 and NSP 3 funds that can be used for demolition projects to 75%.
2:55:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the LaTourette amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:07:12 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the LaTourette amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the LaTourette amendment sought to change existing law and as such constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
3:09:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Price (NC), to allow Public Housing Authorities to merge Operating and Capital Funds.
3:09:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Price (NC) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:12:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Price (NC) amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the Price (NC) amendment sought to change existing law and as such, constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
3:31:39 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for the Federal Maritime Commission Salaries and Expenses by $900,000 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:31:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the thirteenth Broun (GA) amendment.
3:33:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	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.
3:34:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation by $12.3 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:34:39 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the fourteenth Broun (GA) amendment.
3:46:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	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.
3:52:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garamendi, to change Section 412 regarding the Buy American Act to ensure that domestic content makes up 85% of all steel, iron and manufacturing goods, including rolling stock.
3:52:58 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garamendi amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:59:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Garamendi amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the Garamendi amendment sought to change existing law and as such, constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
4:04:20 P.M.	H.R. 5972	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.
4:37:22 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 256 (Roll no. 424).
4:41:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 240 (Roll no. 425).
4:45:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 248 (Roll no. 426).
4:49:08 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 229 (Roll no. 427).
4:53:01 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 247 (Roll no. 428).
4:56:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 250 (Roll no. 429).
4:59:52 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 264 (Roll no. 430).
5:03:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 249 (Roll no. 431).
5:06:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 250 (Roll no. 432).
5:11:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Chaffetz amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 157 – 267 (Roll no. 433).
5:14:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the McClintock amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 80 – 342 (Roll no. 434).
5:18:16 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the McClintock amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 123 – 300 (Roll no. 435).
5:21:49 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 242 (Roll no. 436).
5:22:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham moved to rise.
5:22:23 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
5:22:33 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5972 as unfinished business.
5:24:45 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
8:15:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 27.
8:16:27 P.M.		Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 708.
8:17:20 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5972 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”
8:17:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
8:18:55 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, to reduce the amount of this Act by 1 percent.
8:18:59 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:31:58 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Blackburn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:32:54 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock, to prohibit the use of funds for the Third Street Light Rail Phase 2 Central Subway project in San Francisco, California.
8:32:57 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment No. 13 under the five-minute rule.
8:41:22 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Olver demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:42:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cravaack, to prohibit the use of funds from being used to implement Vehicle Miles Traveled or a distance-based user fee.
8:42:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cravaack amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:59:02 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Cravaack amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:59:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cravaack, to prohibit the use of funds for furtherance of the implementation of the European Union greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme for aviation activities established by European Union Directive 2008/101/EC.
8:59:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Second Cravaack amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:06:15 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Cravaack amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:06:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Price (GA), to prohibit the use of funds to be used by PHMSA to require placement of line markers, other than at public road and railroad crossings.
9:06:29 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Price (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:11:09 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Price (GA) amendment was withdrawn.
9:11:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Posey, numbered 8 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for the International Highway Technology Scanning Program.
9:11:18 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Posey amendment No. 8 under the five-minute rule.
9:14:21 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Posey amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:17:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Griffith (VA), to prohibit funds to be transfered to issue new grants as it pertains to the sustainable/livable communities grant program.
9:17:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Griffith amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:27:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Griffith (VA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:27:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
9:27:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:32:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:32:32 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Burgess, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a person to operate an unmanned aircraft system in the national airspace system, or to manufacture, sell, or distribute an unmanned aircraft system as a weapon.
9:32:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burgess amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
9:40:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Burgess amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the amendment sought to change existing law and as such constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
9:41:23 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Turner (OH), numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to address HUD/VA rules regarding veterans preference on VA 202 Properties.
9:42:26 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Turner (OH) amendment No. 7 under the five-minute rule.
9:45:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Turner (OH) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:45:48 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by HUD to finalize new rule to establish disparate impact standards.
9:45:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garrett amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:57:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:58:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cassidy, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to make any transfer under the last proviso under the heading “Department of Transportation-Office of the Secretary–Payments to Air Carriers”.
9:58:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cassidy amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:05:52 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Cassidy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:06:01 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Chabot, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to design, construct, or operate a fixed guideway project located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
10:06:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chabot amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:10:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Chabot amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:15:02 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Lankford, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to implement, administer, or enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Executive Order No. 13186.
10:15:05 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lankford amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:20:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lankford amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Olver demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:21:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Denham, numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used for high-speed rail in the State of California or for the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
10:21:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Denham amendment No. 9 under the five-minute rule.
10:32:59 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Denham amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Denham demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:33:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to promulgate or implement any regulations that would mandate global positioning system (GPS) tracking, electronic on-board recording devices, or event data recorders in passenger or commercial motor vehicles.
10:33:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Landry amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:41:26 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Landry amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Olver demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:42:18 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Scalise, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to implement any rule or regulation that expressly prohibits an owner or landlord of housing from using a criminal conviction to deny housing to an applicant for such housing.
10:42:22 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Scalise amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:46:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Scalise amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:46:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Ms. Herrera Beutler, to prohibit the use of funds to build flood protection walls for Interstate 5 between mile posts 72-82 in Lewis County, Washington.
10:46:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Herrera Beutler amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:49:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Herrera Beutler amendment was withdrawn.
10:52:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham moved that the Committee now rise.
10:52:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:53:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5972 as unfinished business.
10:55:29 P.M.	H.R. 4348	Ms. Hahn moved that the House instruct conferees.
10:55:46 P.M.	H.R. 4348	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Hahn motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348. The instructions contained in the motion seek to direct the managers on the part of the House to agree to the freight policy provisions in Sec. 1115, Sec. 33002, Sec. 33003, and Sec. 33005 of the Senate amendment.
11:10:50 P.M.	H.R. 4348	The previous question was ordered without objection.
11:11:15 P.M.	H.R. 4348	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hahn motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hahn demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the motion until a time to be announced.
11:12:07 P.M.		Mr. Denham moved that the House do now adjourn.
11:12:16 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
11:12:37 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 28, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Here’s how to know if you’d qualify for refinancing

06/26/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House, Washington

Hello —President Obama’s plan to give mortgage relief to responsible homeowners boils down to one important principle. He wants to simplify the refinancingprocess.And the very first step is to let people know if they would benefit from the President’s proposal — so we’ve built a tool to help answer that question.Just enter a few basic facts about your mortgage, and this tool will help you figure out if you currently qualify for easy, low-cost refinancing — or whether, like millions of families, you need Congress to act to help you lower your interest rate.

Get started now.

As tens of thousands of people have spoken up and written in to the White House, we’ve heard one message loud and clear: The refinancing process is anything but easy to navigate.

Even homeowners who have done everything right and made all their payments on time are getting caught up in unnecessary red tape. Sitting down and reading through some of these stories is a powerful reminder of why it’s so important that we get this done right away.

One mom in Maryland, raising two teenage boys by herself, wrote in to say that she’s working 15 hour days to make her mortgage payments and keep current on her bills. Another family from Illinois is hoping to lower their mortgage payments so they can help pay for college for their kids. One woman in Arkansas called the President’s plan a “no brainer” and talked about how much good it would do for the broader economy.

So if you are like these people and think that both you and our economy could stand to benefit from the President’s refinancing plan, give the tool a try, then take a moment to share it with your friends:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/refi

Thanks,

Brian

Brian Deese
Deputy Director
National Economic Council

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

BREAKING: Supreme Court rules on SB1070 …Gabe Gonzalez, Reform Immigration FOR America

06/26/2012 Nativegrl77

Our next steps: Educate, mobilize, vote

Today, the Supreme Court has let stand the despicable “Papers, please” provision of Arizona’s SB 1070 that allows police to profile individuals based on the color of their skin.
The ruling follows last week’s courageous announcement on administrative relief for DREAMers. While the Obama administration endorses positive reform for our families, the Supreme Court decision supports discrimination over equality.
It’s time for us to hand down our decision. Now is the time to use the power of our movement to stand up for the only real solution for our broken system: comprehensive immigration reform.
How do we do that? Today we are kicking off the RI4A Organizing Project, a national initiative to educate, mobilize, and get out the vote.

Read the blog post -> http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/1423?t=7&akid=906.164689.Ea5FBW
We must use our voices and our votes to educate our friends and families about key policies, mobilize our communities, and vote for pro-reform champions like never before.

If we do this, we can secure more victories and make comprehensive immigration reform a reality.

www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org

We have ambitious goals to push back against the national assault on immigrant communities — and your support will be critical to ensuring reform and justice for our families is a front and center priority, in 2012 and beyond.
Get involved today. The futures of our communities depend on it.

www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org
Forward,
Gabe Gonzalez Reform Immigration FOR America
PS: For more analysis on the Supreme Court’s ruling, read and share our latest blog post . We will keep it updated as we learn more about the decision.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Nearly 2million public comments in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Carbon Pollution Standard

06/26/2012 Nativegrl77

Center for American Progress Action Fund

First Posted on 6/15Friends,

	Make Your Voice Heard!

An unprecedented event has occurred in the fight for cleaner air. This week, a broad coalition of environmental public health, and progressive organizations supporting clean air safeguards announced that they have collected nearly two million public comments in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Carbon Pollution Standard, which limits industrial carbon pollution from new power plants.
Make your voice heard! Join us and say “yes” to a healthier future for our children and our planet.Never before in history have so many Americans voiced their support for a healthier, cleaner future – but we still need your voice to make sure that the final version of the rule is as strong as possible, and that the attacks from corporate polluters are drowned out.
Every year, coal-fired power plants spew over two billion tons of carbon carbon and other toxic pollutants into the air —nearly 13,000 pounds for every man, woman, and child in the United States.
Carbon dioxide pollution is a greenhouse gas that leads to climate change. One of the consequences of climate change is more smog, which harms human health. Smog irritates the lungs, spurring respiratory ailments and sparking asthma attacks. Children, seniors, and those with respiratory diseases are most vulnerable to harm from smog. A National Research Council study placed the health costs from coal-electricity generation, including a rise in respiratory illnesses, at $62 billion annually.
With the proposed standard, though, a typical new coal-fired power plant would have to reduce its carbon pollution by 40 percent to 60 percent.
Now is the time for action! Send the EPA a public comment and let them know that you support cleaner power and cleaner air.
Thank you for taking action!
Daniel J. Weiss Senior Fellow and Director of Climate Strategy Center for American Progress Action Fund
P.S. Thank you if you have already sent the EPA your comments in support of the carbon pollution standard. Please forward this to friends and family to urge that they join you.