At every rally, in each blog post, in every comment we’ve made to the press or email we’ve sent you, HCAN has talked about how Obamacare expands coverage to more than 30 million people and eliminates the worst insurance company abuses.

We don’t talk about the so-called “mandate” because it’s a means to an end – it’s one of the ways everyone gets health care and it’s how we stop the big insurance companies from discriminating against people who are sick.

But the mandate isn’t what Obamacare is all about, even if that’s what the right-wing says to stir up anger against the Affordable Care Act.

Please take a moment to read our latest blog post in the Huffington Post about what’s at stake with the Supreme Court’s ruling. Help us spread the truth.

Please share it on Facebook and Tweet about it.

HCAN will keep you updated on how the Supreme Court’s ruling will affect everyone’s access to health care.

Thanks,

Will O’Neill
Health Care for America Now

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House / the Senate considers S.3187,the FDA bill & 3.5yrs later Judicial nominees

06/26/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET June 26, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.3187, the FDA bill, post-cloture.
The first hour of debate will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
At 11:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #652, the nomination of Robin S. Rosenbaum, of FL, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of Rosenbaum nomination.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
At 2:15pm, there will be 6 hours and 15 minutes of debate remaining on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.3187, the FDA bill with 2 hours under the control of Senator Harkin, 4 hours under the control of Senator Burr and 15 minutes under the control of Senator Paul.

12:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #652, the nomination of Robin Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida; Confirmed: 92-3

4:45pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House Amendment to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act; Agreed To: 92-4

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #652, the nomination of Robin S. Rosenbaum, of FL, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida; Confirmed: 92-3

2) Adoption of the motion to concur in the House amendment to S.3187, the FDA user fees bill; Adopted: 92-4

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Foreign Relations Committee and adopted S.Res.473, commending Rotary International and others for their efforts to prevent and eradicate polio.

Adopted S.Res.506, to authorize legal counsel representation in Bilbrey v. Tyler.

Adopted S.Res.507, congratulating the Miami Heat for winning the National Basketball Association Championship.

Adopted S.Res.508, a resolution recognizing the teams and players of Negro League Baseball for their achievements, dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to baseball and the Nation.

Adopted S.Res.509, honoring Kansas City, Missouri, as the host city of the 83^rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Adopted S.Res.510, designating the month of June 2012 as “National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month”.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————————————————

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 26, 2012.

Office of the Clerk <- click on the link for live coverage …

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00:09 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:25 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:02 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:01:57 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 25, 2012 at 2:51 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. 3240.
12:02:18 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:11 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 26.
2:00:22 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:42 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:49 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:00 P.M.		Mrs. Emerson filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 6020.
2:04:13 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:09:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 2:45 P.M. today.
2:48:23 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 26.
2:48:30 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:48:40 P.M.	H.R. 4850	Mr. Whitfield moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4850 — “To allow for innovations and alternative technologies that meet or exceed desired energy efficiency goals.”
2:48:49 P.M.	H.R. 4850	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:48:51 P.M.	H.R. 4850	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4850.
2:54:29 P.M.	H.R. 4850	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:54:32 P.M.	H.R. 4850	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:54:37 P.M.	H.R. 5625	Mr. Whitfield moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5625 — “To reinstate and transfer certain hydroelectric licenses and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects.”
2:54:59 P.M.	H.R. 5625	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:55:01 P.M.	H.R. 5625	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5625.
2:59:15 P.M.	H.R. 5625	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:59:17 P.M.	H.R. 5625	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:00:43 P.M.	H.R. 5889	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5889 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for protection of maritime navigation and prevention of nuclear terrorism, and for other purposes.”
3:01:00 P.M.	H.R. 5889	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:01:02 P.M.	H.R. 5889	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5889.
3:07:58 P.M.	H.R. 5889	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Johnson (GA) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:08:33 P.M.	H.R. 4223	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4223 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit theft of medical products, and for other purposes.”
3:08:49 P.M.	H.R. 4223	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:08:52 P.M.	H.R. 4223	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4223.
3:20:13 P.M.	H.R. 4223	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:20:16 P.M.	H.R. 4223	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:21:02 P.M.	H.R. 4018	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4018 — “To improve the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.”
3:21:19 P.M.	H.R. 4018	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:21:23 P.M.	H.R. 4018	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4018.
3:31:59 P.M.	H.R. 4018	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Johnson (GA) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:32:09 P.M.	H.R. 3412	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1421 Veterans Memorial Drive in Abbeville, Louisiana, as the “Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire Post Office Building”.”
3:32:44 P.M.	H.R. 3412	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:32:57 P.M.	H.R. 3412	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3412.
3:42:47 P.M.	H.R. 3412	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Clay objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:43:16 P.M.	H.R. 3501	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3501 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the “SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office”.”
3:43:37 P.M.	H.R. 3501	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:43:41 P.M.	H.R. 3501	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3501.
3:52:04 P.M.	H.R. 3501	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Clay objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:53:01 P.M.	H.R. 3772	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3772 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 150 South Union Street in Canton, Mississippi, as the “First Sergeant Landres Cheeks Post Office Building”.”
3:53:07 P.M.	H.R. 3772	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:53:10 P.M.	H.R. 3772	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3772.
4:00:33 P.M.	H.R. 3772	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Clay objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:01:06 P.M.	H.R. 3276	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3276 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2810 East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, Florida, as the “Reverend Abe Brown Post Office Building”.”
4:01:22 P.M.	H.R. 3276	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:01:25 P.M.	H.R. 3276	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3276.
4:08:25 P.M.	H.R. 3276	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Clay objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:09:27 P.M.	H.R. 2297	Mr. Farenthold moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
4:09:44 P.M.	H.R. 2297	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2297.
4:16:34 P.M.	H.R. 2297	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
4:16:35 P.M.	H.R. 2297	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:17:16 P.M.	H.R. 4251	Mr. King (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4251 — “To authorize, enhance, and reform certain port security programs through increased efficiency and risk-based coordination within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.”
4:17:50 P.M.	H.R. 4251	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:17:56 P.M.	H.R. 4251	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4251.
4:33:29 P.M.	H.R. 4251	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Thompson (MS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:34:09 P.M.	H.R. 4005	Mr. King (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4005 — “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a study and report to Congress on gaps in port security in the United States and a plan to address them.”
4:34:31 P.M.	H.R. 4005	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:34:34 P.M.	H.R. 4005	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4005.
4:49:39 P.M.	H.R. 4005	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. King (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
4:50:18 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Mr. King (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1447 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and for other purposes.”
4:50:37 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:50:42 P.M.	H.R. 1447	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1447.
5:01:10 P.M.	H.R. 1447	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. King (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
5:02:03 P.M.	H.R. 5843	Mr. King (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5843 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to permit use of certain grant funds for training conducted in conjunction with a national laboratory or research facility.”
5:02:12 P.M.	H.R. 5843	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:02:25 P.M.	H.R. 5843	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5843.
5:14:28 P.M.	H.R. 5843	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Thompson (MS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
5:15:09 P.M.	H.R. 3173	Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3173 — “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to reform the process for the enrollment, activation, issuance, and renewal of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to require, in total, not more than one in-person visit to a designated enrollment center.”
5:15:38 P.M.	H.R. 3173	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:15:41 P.M.	H.R. 3173	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3173.
5:25:24 P.M.	H.R. 3173	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Thompson (MS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
5:26:23 P.M.	H. Res. 697	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 697 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5973) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (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.”
5:30:10 P.M.	H. Res. 697	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 697.
6:57:32 P.M.	H. Res. 697	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 168 (Roll no. 412).
7:03:59 P.M.	H. Res. 697	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 229 – 166 (Roll no. 413).
7:04:00 P.M.	H. Res. 697	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:05:00 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of the Hoyer motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, and the Black motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348.
7:10:50 P.M.	H.R. 4348	On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 172 – 225, 1 Present (Roll no. 414).
7:10:51 P.M.	H.R. 4348	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:17:37 P.M.	H.R. 4348	On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 201 – 194 (Roll no. 415).
7:17:38 P.M.	H.R. 4348	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:17:41 P.M.	H. Res. 707	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 707 — “Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”
7:18:15 P.M.	H. Res. 707	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
7:18:25 P.M.	H. Res. 707	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:19:00 P.M.	H.R. 4348	NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT – Ms. Hahn notified the House of her intention to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348.
7:20:00 P.M.	H.R. 4348	NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT – Mr. Critz notified the House of his intention to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348.
7:21:23 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 697. 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.”
7:21:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Resolution provides for the consideration of H.R. 5973 and H.R. 5972. In both instances, each bill shall be debatable for one hour, equally divided and controlled. Each bill shall be read by paragraph and shall be open to amendments. The resolution also provides for consideration of a concurrent resolution providing for an adjournment during the month of July.
7:22:05 P.M.	H.R. 5972	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 697 and Rule XVIII.
7:22:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The Speaker designated the Honorable Doc Hastings to act as Chairman of the Committee.
7:22:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5972.
7:57:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX), to strike “not to exceed” for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
7:57:33 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:03:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:04:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly (VA), to reduce the funds for Financial Management Capital by $5,000,00, and redirect it to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operations and research account.
8:04:09 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:14:11 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:14:45 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funds for the Department of Transportation’s Office of Civil Rights by $389,000.
8:14:49 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:24:01 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Broun (GA) amendment was withdrawn.
8:25:11 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Ms. Waters, to provide $500,000,000 for TIGER grants.
8:25:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Waters amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
8:30:49 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Waters amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment seeks to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
8:31:17 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock, to eliminate funding for Essential Air Service.
8:31:20 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.
8:46:27 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.
8:49:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Clarke (MI), to help provide services for the elderly.
8:49:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
8:54:55 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Clarke (MI) amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment sought to amend portions of the bill not yet read. The Chair sustained the point of order.
8:55:06 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 5972.
9:01:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Braley (IA), to provide funds for school bus safety.
9:01:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Braley (IA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:06:21 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Braley (IA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:07:49 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the funds for administrative expenses for the Federal Railroad Administration by $5,404,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:07:51 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 Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:11:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the First 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.
9:12:39 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 5972.
9:16:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the funds for administrative expenses for the Federal Transit Administration by $1,287,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:16:56 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 Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:23:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Second 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.
9:26:21 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett, to zero out the funds available for grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:26:23 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 (NJ) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:45:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Garrett (NJ) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Garrett (NJ) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:47:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Duncan (TN) raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Mr. Duncan (TN) stated that Section 169C violated clause 2(b) of rule XXI by seeking to change existing law which constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
9:50:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the funds for administrative expenses for the Maritime Administration by $10,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:50:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Third Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:52:05 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:52:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funds available for operational expenses for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration by $1,670,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:52:32 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fourth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:57:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	PROCEEDINGS POSTPONED – At the conclusion of debate on the Fourth 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.
9:58:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the funds for administrative expenses for the Surface Transportation Board by $1,940,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:58:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fifth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:01:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:03:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capps, to reduce funds for the salaries and expenses for the Department of Housing and Urban Development by $10 million and increase the funds available for Housing Counselor Programs by the same amount.
10:04:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Capps amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:13:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDIINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Capps demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:14:26 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to reduce funds available for administrative and operational expenses to FY 2008 levels and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
10:14:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:19:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:19:43 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler, numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds for the salaries and expenses for the Department of Housing and Urban Development by $2 million and increase the funds available for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program by the same amount.
10:19:45 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 under the five-minute rule.
10:20:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Nadler amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:22:34 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.
10:47:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 222 (Roll no. 416).
10:52:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the McClintock amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 238 (Roll no. 417).
10:56:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 243 (Roll no. 418).
11:00:19 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Capps amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 218 (Roll no. 419).
11:04:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 224 (Roll no. 420).
11:08:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 230 (Roll no. 421).
11:12:17 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 215 (Roll no. 422).
11:16:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 138 – 265 (Roll no. 423).
11:16:17 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham moved to rise.
11:16:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
11:16:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5972 as unfinished business.
11:18:34 P.M.		Mr. Latham moved that the House do now adjourn.
11:18:55 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
11:18:56 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 27, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

“Pioneers” of outsourcing … Stephanie Cutter, BarackObama.com

06/25/2012 Nativegrl77 2 Comments

The Washington Post reported that “Mitt Romney‘s financial company, Bain Capital, invested in a series of firms that specialized in relocating jobs done by American workers to new facilities in low-wage countries like China and India.”

This is the same guy that goes around the campaign trail talking a huge game about being able to protect American jobs by standing up to foreign countries like China. But now we know that Romney and his partners made millions while sending American jobs overseas.

This is a critical point, and we need to make sure everyone knows it. Check out this video I recorded today, and share it far and wide:

Romney’s support of outsourcing didn’t just happen in the private sector. As governor of Massachusetts, he vetoed legislation that would have banned companies from shipping state jobs overseas — and he actually outsourced state jobs to a call center in India.

In contrast, President Obama has a jobs plan that could put up to a million people back to work — including teachers, cops, firefighters, construction workers, and veterans — help small businesses create jobs right now, and help to put an end to American jobs being shipped overseas. He’s also fighting for tax breaks for companies that bring jobs back to America.

Mitt Romney is fighting for tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas — the type of companies he ran in the private sector.

This isn’t just a policy position for Romney, it’s his economic philosophy — and it’s his record.

Read the article, watch the video, and share them both far and wide — doesn’t get a lot more important than this one:

Thanks,

Stephanie

P.S. — Chip in $5 or more today, and help make sure we have the resources to spread the truth about Romney’s record.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

sign the “MY BOSS IS NOT MY DOCTOR” petition … Al Franken

06/25/2012 Nativegrl77

Al Franken - U.S. Senator, Minnesota

Here’s a handy way to tell the difference between your boss and your doctor: Ask to see a stethoscope (doctors usually have those handy). If the person who’s trying to control your access to health care can’t produce one, that’s your boss — and you shouldn’t let him or her decide what care you can get.

This is pretty simple: Bosses aren’t doctors. And Republicans shouldn’t put them in charge of your health care. No wonder 26,545 people have already signed our “MY BOSS IS NOT MY DOCTOR” petition.

That’s 26,545 people whose bosses are not their doctors, and don’t want their bosses deciding what health care they can and can’t get.

So if you haven’t signed our petition — and your boss is not, in fact, your doctor — don’t wait another minute. Click here, sign now.

Thanks for reading — and remember: If it walks like a boss, talks like a boss, and can’t produce a stethoscope on demand, it isn’t a doctor.

P.S.: It took hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of research to develop the stethoscope test. Okay, no, it didn’t. But a grassroots campaign like this one does cost money. And it would be great if you could chip in a few dollars to help us keep it going.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Extinction doesn’t get a second chance … Ashley Schaeffer, Rainforest Action Network

06/25/2012 Nativegrl77

Click on the photo above for even more info

Extinction doesn’t get a second chance.

Endangered orangutans are hovering on the very edge of extinction. Palm oil companies have deforested so much of the forests orangutans depend on for survival, they literally have nowhere left to go.
Mankind’s closest relative urgently needs our help.
Wild orangutans are nearly extinct and need us to take a stand. You can help this important work by chipping in just $10 today.
The footage below, which I filmed in Borneo, shows a pregnant orangutan trapped inside an area of active palm oil development on the border of Tanjng Puting National Park. Because orangutans cannot swim, she cannot reach the protected lands on the other side of this river, condemning her to inevitable death by starvation or at the hands of plantation workers.

Watching her broke my heart.

Palm oil companies prioritize profit over life. Horrific scenes like the one captured above must come to an end.

RAN is pushing big industry buyers like Cargill to take responsibility for the very real impacts of their supply chains, their role in land conflicts affecting Indigenous communities, and the role palm oil is playing in species extinction.
By donating just $10 today, you are joining with hundreds of other donors to make sure that we are saving orangutans, like the one above, from extinction.
Deforestation in Indonesia has reached crisis proportions — but a narrow window of time remains to stop this historic tragedy before it is too late. During the past decade orangutan populations have decreased by about 50% in the wild. This means that without drastic intervention, orangutans may soon be extinct as biologically viable populations in the wild.

RAN is working hard to pressure the Indonesian government and palm oil industry giants like Cargill to end this tragedy once and for all.

Please be generous. Extinct orangutans don’t get a second chance.