World AIDS Day 2012: Toward an AIDS-free Generation

11/30/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House hosts an event in observance of World AIDS Day to discuss the Administration’s efforts to move us toward an AIDS-free generation. November 30, 2012.

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House : the Dems in the Senate

11/30/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 9:15amET November 30, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3254, the DoD Authorization Act.
At approximately 9:30am, the Senate will conduct up to 4 roll call votes:

-Sessions amendment #3009 (Congressional review of bilateral security agreement with Afghanistan)
Cardin amendment #3025 (sufficient sizing of the civilian and contract services workforces
-Menendez amendment #3232 (Iran Sanctions)
-Nelson FL amendment #3073 (repeal requirement for reduction of survivor benefits plan survivor annuities by dependency and indemnity compensation)
There will be 2 minutes of debate between each vote.

9:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Cardin amendment #3025 (sufficient civilian and contract workforces); Not Agreed to: 41-53

10:14am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Menendez amendment #3232 (Iran Sanctions); Agreed to: 94-0

10:45 The Senate began a roll call vote on Nelson (FL) motion to waive Budget point of order with respect to Nelson (FL) amendment #3073 (repeal requirement for reduction of survivor benefits plan survivor annuities by dependency and indemnity compensation)

Not Waived: 58-34

The following amendments are pending to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill:

Kyl amendment #3123, as modified (US-Russia nuclear arms, missile defense, and long-range conventional strike system matters)

The following amendments have been considered to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill:

McCain amendment #3051 (additional Marine Corps personnel for US embassies, consulates and other diplomatic facilities abroad); Agreed to by voice vote
Udall amendment #2985 (biofuels); Agreed to: 62-37
Gillibrand amendment #3016 (sexual assault in the military); Agreed to by voice vote
Murray amendment #3099 (mental health); Agreed to by voice vote
Leahy amendment #2955 (Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvement); Agreed to: 85-11
Kohl amendment #2888 (Post-deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence Program payment); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Manchin amendment #2924 (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System report); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Webb amendment #2949 (temporary increase in accumulated leave carryover extension); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Wyden amendment #2960 (reintrigration into civilian life for National Guard and Reserves report); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Sessions amendment #2963 (Posthumous honorary promotion of Sgt Paschal Conley); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Heller amendment #2969 (TRICARE Prime report); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Hoeven amendment #2991 (SoS on maintenance by US of triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Barrasso amendment #3083 (readiness and flexibility of intercontinental ballistic missile force); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Cornyn amendment #3158 (vets backlog); Agreed to: 95-0
Hagan amendment #3095 (biofuel refinery); Agreed to: 54-41
Webb amendment #2948; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Sessions amendment #2962; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Inhofe amendment #2971; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Casey amendment #2986; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Murray amendment #2989; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Vitter amendment #3085; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Coburn amendment #3110; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Manchin amendment #3166; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Boxer amendment #2981; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Portman amendment #2995 (DoD Education); Agreed to by voice vote
Merkley amendment #3096, as modified (Afghanistan); Agreed to: 62-33
Blumenthal amendment #3124, as modified (human trafficking overseas); Agreed to by voice vote
Inhofe amendment #2972 (SoC – Taps as official military song of remembrance); Agreed to by voice vote
Gillibrand amendment #3058, as modified (Autism); Agreed to: 66-29
Portman amendment #2956 (Educational transcripts); Agreed to by voice vote
Whitehouse amendment #3180 (recalcitrant cancers); Agreed to by voice vote
Lieberman amendment #3090, as modified (Fire Grants); Agreed to by unanimous consent
McCaskill amendment #2929 (wartime contracting); Agreed to by unanimous consent
McCaskill amendment #2942 (whistleblower expansions); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Boxer amendment #3230 (public diplomacy); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Hatch amendment #2966 (reauthorize and expand pilot program promoting certified depot workers one grade level); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Inhofe amendment #2973 (mental health counselor training) ; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Boxer amendment #2980 (report on contractor compensation costs); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Casey amendment #2994 (analysis of feasibility of recycling rare earth elements from fluorescent bulbs); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Toomey amendment #3059 (report on the establishment of a joint Armed Forces historical storage and preservation facility); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Inhofe amendment #3072 (training cost-effectiveness); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Vitter amendment #3086 (Air Force assessments on Joint Readiness Training); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Shaheen amendment #3098 (report on delays in suspension & debarment process); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Coburn amendment #3186 (Study on small arms and ammunition acquisition); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Coons amendment #3201 (Joseph Kony); Agreed to by voice vote
Durbin amendment #3199, as modified (rebel group sanctions); Agreed to by voice vote
Ayotte amendment #3245 (Guantanamo); Agreed to: 54-41
Feinstein amendment #3018 (Detainees); Agreed to: 67-29
Blumenthal amendment #2940; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Brown (MA) amendment #3036; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Toomey amendment #3064; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Levin amendment #3114; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Casey amendment #3193; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Risch amendment #3213; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Wicker amendment #3220; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Johanns amendment #3222; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Coburn amendment #3237; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Levin amendment #3243; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Lieberman amendment #3256; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Cornyn amendment #3260; Agreed to by unanimous consent
McCain amendment #3261; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Kyl amendment #3271; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Webb amendment #3275; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Nelson (NE) amendment #3279; Agreed to by unanimous consent
Sessions amendment #3009 (Afghanistan); Agreed to by voice vote
Cardin amendment #3025 (civilian and contract workforce); Not Agreed to: 41-53
Menendez amendment #3232 (Iran Sanctions); Agreed to: Not Agreed to: 94-0
Nelson FL amendment #3073 (repeal requirement for reduction of survivor benefits plan survivor annuities by dependency and indemnity compensation); fell: Budget Act not waived: 58-34
McCain amendment #3052 (report on strategic posture in Asia Pacific); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Whitehouse amendment #3075 (SoS on DOD progress on implementing its Unique Identification initiative for tracking assets); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Snowe amendment #3133 (terminate authorization of National Veterans Business Development Corporation); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Sanders amendment #3182 (annual report on federal contracting fraud); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Sanders amendment #3183 (public database on DOD officials seeking defense contractor employment); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Warner amendment #3233 (report on the US-India defense trade relationship and SoS to encourage US-India defense trade activities); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Coburn amendment #3236 (info from departments and agencies to conduct defense business system investment reviews); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Sanders amendment #3248 (include geothermal heat pumps in federal renewable energy purchase requirements); Agreed to by unanimous consent
Rubio amendment #3283 (report on Bahrain Independent Committee of Inquiry); Agreed to by unanimous consent

The Senate has reached an agreement that there be no amendments in order to the Treaty or the resolution of ratification; that following Leader remarks on Tuesday, December 4th, the time until 12 noon be divided in the usual form; that at 12 noon, the Senate proceed to vote on the Resolution of Advise and Consent to Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; that if the resolution is adopted, the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate’s action; further, that if the resolution is not adopted, the treaty be returned to the calendar; and that there be no motions or points of order in order other than a motion to reconsider.

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider the nomination of Executive Calendar #676 Michael P. Shea, of Connecticut, to be US District Judge for the District of Connecticut. At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation of the Republican Leader, there will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

There will be a series of 2 roll call beginning at 5:30pm Monday, December 3. Those votes will be in relation to the following items:

– Confirmation of the nomination of Executive Calendar #760, Paul William Grimm, of Maryland, to be United States Judge for the District of Maryland, and
– Cloture on S.3254, National Defense Authorization Act.

Additional roll call votes are possible during Monday’s session of the Senate

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Cardin amendment #3025 (sufficient civilian and contract workforces) to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill; Not Agreed to: 41-53

2) Menendez amendment #3232 (Iran Sanctions); Agreed to: 94-0

3) Nelson (FL) motion to waive Budget point of order with respect to Nelson (FL) amendment #3073 (repeal requirement for reduction of survivor benefits plan survivor annuities by dependency and indemnity compensation); Not Waived: 58-34

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.2170, the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012 with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a committee-reported title amendment.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.518, Congratulating the Southern Baptist Convention for electing Reverend Fred Luter, Jr., as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, acknowledging Reverend Luter’s unique role as the first African American leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, and honoring the commitment of the Southern Baptist Convention to an inclusive faith-based community and society.

Adopted S.Res.605, designating the week beginning November 26, 2012, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.

Adopted S.Res.606, commemorating the 200^th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, on December 1, 1812.

Adopted S.Res.607, a resolution relative to the death of the Honorable George McGovern, former United States Senator and Congressman from the State of South Dakota.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Senate Floor Schedule for Monday, December 3, 2012

—————————————————————————————-

9:30 am

Hearing: Tapping America’s Energy Potential Through Research and DevelopmentCommittee on Science, Space, and Technology: Subcommittee on Energy and Environment

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on November 30, 2012

9:00:27 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:35 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:01:57 A.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Shimkus demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Shimkus objected to the voice vote and made a point of no quorum and the Speaker announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day. The point of order was considered as withdrawn.
9:02:18 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Quigley to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:02:46 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:16:08 A.M.	H.R. 6429	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 821. H.R. 6429 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote innovation, investment, and research in the United States, to eliminate the diversity immigrant program, and for other purposes.”
9:16:13 A.M.	H.R. 6429	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6429 with 1 hour and 30 minutes of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee print 112-34, as modified by the amendment printed in the Rules Committee report, shall be considered as adopted. The resolution provides suspension authority on Thursday, December 6, 2012.
9:16:58 A.M.	H.R. 6429	DEBATE – The House proceeded with ninety minutes of debate on H.R. 6429.
10:07:35 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3542 and agreed to S. Res. 604 .
10:07:36 A.M.	H.R. 6429	DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.R. 6429.

10:56:52 A.M.	H.R. 6429	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10:57:23 A.M.	H.R. 6429	Ms. Lofgren, Zoe moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.
10:59:51 A.M.	H.R. 6429	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to provide immigrant visas for certain advanced STEM graduates.
11:10:13 A.M.	H.R. 6429	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:35:12 A.M.	H.R. 6429	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 157 – 231 (Roll no. 612).
11:43:03 A.M.	H.R. 6429	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 – 139 (Roll no. 613).
11:43:04 A.M.	H.R. 6429	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:43:18 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:19:00 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, November 30, 2012, it adjourn to meet at noon on Monday, December 3, 2012, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
12:20:54 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
2:21:50 P.M.		Mr. Whitfield moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:21:54 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:21:58 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 3, 2012.

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First Lady Previews the 2012 White House Holiday Decorations.

11/29/2012 Nativegrl77

First Lady Previews the 2012 White House Holiday Decorations

bywhitehouse

First Lady Michelle Obama welcomes military families, including Gold Star and Blue Star parents, spouses and children, to the White House for the first viewing of the 2012 holiday decorations.

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What Does $2,000 Mean to You?

11/29/2012 Nativegrl77

Surrounded by Americans who had written into the White House in support of his plan, President Obama today renewed his call to prevent a tax increase on the middle class:

“If Congress does nothing, every family in America will see their taxes automatically go up at the beginning of next year,” the President said. “A typical middle-class family of four would see its income taxes go up by $2,200. That’s $2,200 out of people’s pockets. That means less money for buying groceries, less money for filling prescriptions, less money for buying diapers. It means a tougher choice between paying the rent and paying tuition. And middle-class families just can’t afford that right now.”

To help find an agreement President Obama pledged to keep up the pressure — meeting with lawmakers, labor leaders, and business executives. And he called on the American people to speak up and add their own voices to the debate.

Add your voice – tell us what $2,000 means to you and your family.

This debate is too important for Washington to get it wrong

11/29/2012 Nativegrl77

Today, I met a woman named Lyn Lyon. She’s a senior citizen from Virginia, and we invited her to the White House because she wrote in to explain why it is so important for all of us to make sure that taxes don’t go up on the middle class.

“Let’s show the rest of the world we are adults,” she said. “Living in a democracy, we can solve our problems by working together.”

All of us here in Washington have a little more than a month to find the kind of solution that Lyn describes. If Congress does nothing, every family in America will see their taxes automatically go up at the beginning of next year. A typical middle-class family of four would see its taxes rise by $2,200. That means less money to buy groceries or fill a prescription. It means a tougher choice between paying the rent and paying tuition.

So right now, I’m asking you to join Lyn and thousands of other Americans who are speaking out. Add your voice to this debate, and I’ll ask Congress to listen to the people who sent us here to serve.

Tell us why you think it’s important to keep taxes from going up on the middle class.

A year ago, during our last fight to protect middle-class families, tens of thousands of working Americans took action. They wrote in to us, and we put their stories on the front page of the White House website. They called, tweeted, and brought in their friends on Facebook — and sure enough, it worked. Congress listened.

The same thing happened earlier this year, when college students across the country stood up and demanded that Congress keep rates low on student loans. Lawmakers got that message loud and clear.

When enough people get involved, we have a pretty good track record. And that’s important, because this is our biggest challenge yet — and it’s one we can only meet together. I’m going to do my part — not just by sitting down with CEOs, labor leaders, and leaders in Congress — but by taking this to the American people.

I’ll go anywhere and do anything it takes until we get this done. But I can’t do it alone.

So I’m asking you to join me — and folks like Lyn. Add your voice to ours, and share your story. Because this debate is too important for Washington to get it wrong.

Will you tell us what $2,000 means to you?

http://www.whitehouse.gov/my2k

Thanks,

President Obama