First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden speak to governors about the importance of offering more assistance for military spouses seeking to transfer their professional licenses or certifications when they move from state to state. February 25, 2013.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Working Together to Reignite America’s Economic Engine

02/26/2013 Nativegrl77

In a meeting with governors from across the country today at the White House, President Obama stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation, and pressed the leaders in attendance to work together with their partners in Washington to put the focus back on the next generation, rather than the next election.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks and participates in a Q&A during a meeting with the National Governors Association (NGA) in the State Dining Room of the White House, Feb. 25, 2013 (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) … recalls

02/26/2013 Nativegrl77

Olaax Corp. Issues a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of All Lots of Maxiloss Weight Advanced Softgels Dietary Supplement

02/25/2013 10:17 AM EST

Olaax Corp announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of the company’s dietary supplement sold under the brand name MAXILOSS WEIGHT ADVANCED softgels to the user level because they contain undeclared Sibutramine. Olaax Corp. is conducting a voluntary recall after being notified by the US FDA that testing found the MAXILOSS WEIGHT ADVANCED product, to contain Sibutramine

Affymax and Takeda Announce a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of All Lots of OMONTYS® (peginesatide) Injection

02/23/2013 10:30 PM EST

Affymax, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFY) and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) today have decided to voluntarily recall all lots of OMONTYS® (peginesatide) Injection to the user level as a result of new postmarketing reports regarding serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening or fatal. The companies have been working actively with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which has indicated its agreement with this decision.

King Arthur Flour Voluntarily Recalls Flour

02/22/2013 06:06 PM EST

February 22, 2013 – Norwich, Vt. – King Arthur Flour has initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of its bags of flour due to the possible presence of small (7-9 mm) blue polyurethane balls that are used in the sifting process. The balls have a smooth surface and no sharp edges and are made from food grade material.

Hy-Vee Issues VoluntaryRecall of Certain Dog Food Products

02/23/2013 09:22 AM EST

Hy-Vee, Inc. today issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn. Routine random tests conducted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture indicated higher-than-normal levels of aflatoxin in some samples of Hy-Vee dog food produced at a Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet, LLC.

Bruce Foods Corporation Expands Recall to Indiana of Food Club Red Enchilada Sauce Because of Possible Health Risk

02/23/2013 01:22 PM EST

Bruce Foods Corporation of New Iberia, LA is recalling mislabeled cans of 10 oz Food Club Red Enchilada Sauce with code GES 462449, Best Before Date: 12/3/2016 that could contain Green Enchilada Sauce instead of Red Enchilada Sauce. Only the Food Club Green Enchilada contains wheat and soy.

Herbalife Issues Allergy Alert due to Undeclared Milk Allergen in Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix Packets

02/22/2013 10:21 PM EST

Herbalife International of America announced the voluntary recall of certain lots of its niche Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix packets because the label identifies the product as dairy-free, when it may in fact contain trace amounts of milk proteins. Individuals with severe allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-

Voluntary Recall of Dakota Specialty Milling Select Flours and Grain Blends

02/22/2013 08:30 PM EST

Dakota Specialty Milling has initiated a voluntary recall of a limited number of its specialty flours and grain blends in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration due to the possible presence of fragments of thin metal wire from a defective screen on one of its manufacturing lines at a milling facility. This recall was initiated as a precaution to ensure consumer product safety.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Grand Theft Election II: Keystone State Stories

02/26/2013 Nativegrl77

By ThinkProgress War Room

GOP Plan to the Steal the White House is Back

Earlier this year, Republicans in several swing states unveiled sore loser plans to allocate their electoral college votes by congressional district or in some other proportional manner rather than the current winner-take-all system in place in 48 states. This would result in votes that would likely go to the Democratic nominee being pushed over into the GOP column. Tellingly, the GOP is not proposing to split the electoral votes of red states.

Had such a plan been in place in every swing state last year, Mitt Romney would most likely be president right now despite having lost the popular vote by nearly 5 MILLION votes.

Fortunately, massive outcry quickly killed this plan in Virginia, Florida, and other states where it reared its head.

Unfortunately, this GOP plan to steal the White House is now back in two key swing states:

Pennsylvania: 13 GOP state senators, including the senate majority leader, have formally introduced their electoral college rigging bill. Republicans need a total of 26 votes to pass the bill. They currently control the chamber and hold 27 seats total. As they also control the state house in Pennsylvania, the GOP could theoretically ram the bill through in as little as 4 days as soon as they have the votes to pass it.Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of recent efforts to rig the electoral college, with Republicans from Gov. Tom Corbett on down first considering this scheme way back in 2011.
Michigan: On Saturday, Republicans gathered for their state convention voted overwhelmingly (1370-132) to back a scheme to divide their state’s electoral votes by congressional district. For his part, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) has opposed the scheme, saying it’s not the “appropriate time” to consider it. This, however, is cold comfort, as Snyder once said the exact same thing about an anti-union bill that he later signed after it was rammed through the legislature with little debate.

BOTTOM LINE: If the GOP wants to win elections the old fashioned way — by winning more votes — then they should change their unpopular policies instead of trying to change the rules in the middle of the game.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

The sequester cuts will be painful for the home states of the Congressional GOP leadership.

The virtues of a financial transactions tax.

Shock election result leaves Italy in gridlock.

The GOP’s war on Planned Parenthood marches on.

The sequester will harm border security and our ability to stop a terrorist attack.

The Supreme Court made a good decision on campaign finance.

GOP senator with an “A” rating from the NRA is open to background checks.

POLL: voters prefer military spending cuts to reduce the deficit.

Why Seth MacFarlane and The Onion’s jokes about Quvenzhané Wallis are so gross.

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House :::::: Do the People’s Business :::::: the Senate led by Democrats

02/26/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel with the time until 12:00pm equally divided and controlled.
At 12:00pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Hagel nomination, upon reconsideration. (Cloture was not invoked on February 14, 2013 and Senator Reid entered a motion to reconsider.)
Following the vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
If cloture is invoked on the Hagel nomination, all time during recess, morning business and adjournment will count post-cloture on the Hagel nomination.
12:00 noon The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on
Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy
Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense;
Upon reconsideration, cloture on the Hagel nomination was invoked by a vote of 71-27.The Senate then reached an agreement to yield back remaining post-cloture debate time and at 4:30pm today vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense.
4:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense;
Hagel confirmed 58 – 41

The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to
speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call
votes during today’s session of the Senate.
WRAP UP
ROLL CALL VOTES1) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense, upon reconsideration; Invoked: 71-272) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #10, the nomination of Charles Timothy Hagel, of Nebraska, to be Secretary of Defense; Confirmed: 58-41
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.56, recognizing the significance of the 100^th anniversary of the death of Harriet Ross Tubman.

Adopted S.Res.57, designating February 28, 2013, as “Rare Disease Day”.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

This evening Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #18, S.388, American Family Economic Protection Act of 2013 and filed cloture on the motion. Senators should expect the cloture vote to occur on Thursday.The Senate also reached an agreement that the order with respect to the sequester legislation be modified to permit the Republican Leader to introduce a bill on Wednesday, February 27^th, consistent with the language that is at the desk and that all other provisions of the previous order remain in effect

**************************************************************

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 2/25
9:18:53 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 26, 2013.

10:00:00 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:38 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:02:04 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 298.
10:02:10 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.
11:09:52 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
11:59:59 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.
12:00:32 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:14 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Rogers (AL) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rogers (AL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
12:01:54 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:15 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.
12:29:47 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:29:58 P.M.	H. Res. 77	Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 77 — “Establishing an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students in Congressional districts.”
12:30:17 P.M.	H. Res. 77	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:30:19 P.M.	H. Res. 77	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 77.

12:56:31 P.M.	H. Res. 77	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
12:56:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

3:00:50 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.

3:00:56 P.M.

Mr. Massie moved that the House do now adjourn.

3:27:50 P.M.

On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 1 – 415 (Roll no. 48).

3:28:15 P.M.

HOUSE DECORUM – The Speaker assumed the Chair and addressed the Members on matters of decorum in the House. At the conclusion of his remarks, the Speaker announced that five-minute voting would resume without objection.

3:32:35 P.M.

H. Res. 77

Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 77 — “Establishing an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students in Congressional districts.”

3:42:08 P.M.

H. Res. 77

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 3 (Roll no. 49).

3:42:09 P.M.

H. Res. 77

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:49:22 P.M.

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 290 – 118, 1 Present (Roll no. 50).

3:50:05 P.M.

The House received a communication from the Honorable James B. Renacci. Mr. Renacci submitted his resignation from the Committees on the Budget and Financial Services. The resignation was accepted without objection.

3:50:05 P.M.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Andy Harris. Mr. Harris submitted his resignation from the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology. The resignation was accepted without objection.

3:50:05 P.M.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Steve Southerland II. Mr. Southerland submitted his resignation from the Committee on Agriculture. The resignation was accepted without objection.

3:52:24 P.M.

UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Jeff Miller (FL) asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.J. Res. 19, a measure originally introduced by Representative Emerson of Missouri, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of Rule 12.

3:52:56 P.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

4:08:58 P.M.

H. Res. 82

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 82 — “Electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”

4:09:11 P.M.

H. Res. 82

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

4:09:16 P.M.

H. Res. 82

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

4:09:47 P.M.

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

4:47:58 P.M.

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

7:13:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.
7:13:10 P.M.		Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 83.
7:14:00 P.M.		Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:14:03 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:14:10 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2013.