The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, July 18, 2013. Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.

Following the remarks of the two Leaders, there will be a period of morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Session to consider the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of MD, to be Secretary of Labor, post-cloture.
All time during adjournment, morning business, legislative session and recess will count post-cloture on the Perez nomination.
Upon disposition of the Perez nomination, there will be a cloture vote on Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. If cloture is invoked on the McCarthy nomination, there will be up to 8 hours of debate on the nomination. We hope to confirm both the Perez and McCarthy nominations during Thursday’s session of the Senate.

Senator Reid moved to proceed to Calendar #99, S.1243, the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill. The motion to proceed is a debatable motion and we will work with senators on an agreement to adopt the motion early next week.

The Senate is in a period of morning business for 1 hour, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority controls the first 30 minutes and the Republicans control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume Executive session to consider Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Perez, of Maryland, to be Secretary of Labor, post-cloture. We would like to vote on confirmation of the Perez nomination and cloture on the McCarthy nomination this morning and on confirmation of the McCarthy nomination early after the lunches. We will continue to work with the Republicans on an agreement to set those votes. Senators will be notified when the votes are scheduled.

Senator Reid also announced that there is also an agreement among Senators Harkin, Durbin, King, Manchin, Alexander, Coburn and Burr on the student loan interest rate legislation. We will work with senators on a path forward that could result in a couple votes. I suspect the process of reaching an agreement for floor consideration will take a bit of time and it would slip into next week, but Senator Reid has said he would like to consider it as soon as possible.

By consent, the vote on confirmation of the Perez nomination will occur at 12:15pm today. Following disposition of the Perez nomination, the time until 2:30pm will be equally divided in the usual form prior to the cloture vote on the McCarthy nomination. If cloture is invoked on McCarthy, there would be up to 8 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation. However, we hope to be able to yield a good portion of that time back.

12:15pm vote:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of Maryland, to be Secretary of Labor

2:30pm vote:

Cloture on Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

TBD vote:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

12:16pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of Maryland, to be Secretary of Labor;

Confirmed: 54-46

2:31pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;

Invoked: 69-31

Cloture was invoked on the McCarthy nomination by a vote of 69-31. There will now be up to 8 hours for debate. We hope to yield back a substantial amount of time, and we could potentially vote within the hour. However, that takes consent and we’re still working on it.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1243, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014. By consent, the vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed will occur at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 23^rd. If cloture is invoked, all post cloture time will be yielded back and the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to proceed. If the motion to proceed to Calendar #99, S.1243 is adopted, the text of H.R.2610, as reported by the House Appropriations, be deemed House passed text for the purposes of rule 16.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of MD, to be Secretary of Labor; Confirmed: 54-46

2) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; Invoked: 69-31

3) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; Confirmed: 59-40

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Completed Rule 14 process of S.1315, Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act. (Cornyn)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1316, Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act. (Cornyn)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.1911, Smarter Solutions for Students Act.

Read the following bills twice and placed them on the Calendar:

S.1334, Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act. (Manchin)

S.1335, Sportsmen Act. (Murkowski)

S.1336, Voter Registration – Proof of Citizenship. (Cruz)

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

____________________________________________

July 2013
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

_______________________________________________________

Last Floor Action:
12:02:16 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –
The Chair designated Mrs. Hartzler to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.

10:00:41 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:49 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Doug LaMalfa to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:08 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.
10:35:00 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:04 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.
12:00:16 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Chaplain Major Howard Bell, 932nd Airlift Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
12:01:41 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. Holding 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. Holding demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
12:02:16 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Hartzler to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:17 P.M.		The Chair recognized Mr. Shimkus for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.
12:04:17 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.

12:42:23 P.M.	H. Res. 303	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 303 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to support State and local accountability for public education, protect State and local authority, inform parents of the performance of their children’s schools, and for other purposes.”
12:45:02 P.M.	H. Res. 303	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 303.
2:18:08 P.M.	H. Res. 303	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 192 (Roll no. 364).
2:26:12 P.M.	H. Res. 303	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 – 190 (Roll no. 365).
2:26:12 P.M.	H. Res. 303	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:33:45 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 278 – 143, 1 Present (Roll no. 366).
2:33:54 P.M.	H.R. 5	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 303. H.R. 5 — “To support State and local accountability for public education, protect State and local authority, inform parents of the performance of their children’s schools, and for other purposes.”
2:33:59 P.M.	H.R. 5	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5 with 1 hour 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution makes in order as original text for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-18.
2:34:22 P.M.	H.R. 5	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 303 and Rule XVIII.
2:34:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	The Speaker designated the Honorable Doc Hastings to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:34:33 P.M.	H.R. 5	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5.
3:43:25 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Kline, numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-158 to clarify that a state opting not to receive funds for a program under the Act shall not be required to carry out any of the requirements of such program and that states and school districts can support civics education efforts, and makes other technical improvements.
3:44:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kline amendment No. 1.
3:47:05 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Kline amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:47:34 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-158 to make policy improvements to, educational support programs for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students which are currently authorized under Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and would be diminished by H.R. 5, the Student Success Act.
3:47:37 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young (AK) amendment No. 2.
3:56:02 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Young (AK) amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Young (AK) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
3:56:42 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cardenas, numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-158 to increase the authorized funding level to $775,000,000 until FY 2019.
3:57:03 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cardenas amendment No. 3.
4:02:24 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Cardenas amendment was withdrawn.
4:02:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	Amendment offered by Mr. Luetkemeyer.
4:02:33 P.M.	H.R. 5	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Luetkemeyer amendment No. 3.

4:11:52 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Luetkemeyer amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Luetkemeyer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:12:41 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-158 to state that if funding for awards to states is not sufficient then funding will be targeted to schools serving neglected, delinquent, migrant students, English learners, at-risk students, and Native Americans, to increase academic achievements of such students.
4:12:43 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 5.
4:21:10 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:21:46 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bentivolio, numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-158 to require State educational agencies to consult with private sector employers and entrepreneurs as part of its education plan. It would also require the Secretary to have representatives from private sector employers appointed to the peer-review process by reducing practitioners from 75 percent to 65 percent.
4:21:48 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bentivolio amendment No. 6.
4:28:57 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Bentivolio amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:29:22 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mrs. McMorris Rodgers, numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-158 to reinstate the 1 percent cap as it relates to students with the most significant cognizant disabilities participating in the alternate assessments; ensure alternate assessments are tied to academic content standards for grade in which student enrolled; and ensure parents are involved in the development of assessments as it relates to the student’s individualized education program.
4:29:24 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McMorris Rodgers amendment No. 7.
4:39:37 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the McMorris Rodgers amendment was withdrawn.
4:39:50 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Reed, numbered 8 printed in House Report 113-158 to clarify that LEA’s and SEA’s are able to use multiple measures when identifying academic performance measurements instead of the current one-size-fits-all testing assessments.
4:39:52 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Reed amendment No. 8.
4:47:06 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Reed amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:47:48 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Benishek, numbered 9 printed in House Report 113-158 to encourage states to include the number of students attaining career and technical education proficiencies enrolled in public secondary schools, in its annual State report card. This information is already required to be collected by the Perkins Act, and would simply streamline access to information to the public.
4:47:50 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Benishek amendment No. 9.
4:52:25 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Benishek amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:54:22 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Heck (NV), numbered 10 printed in House Report 113-158 to provides LEAs with the option of entering into partnerships or contracts with other entities to implement programs that serve youth in, or transitioning out of, institutions and correctional facilities, and youth at-risk of dropping out of school. This would provide LEAs with the option to partner with organizations that have the existing experience and resources to enhance the effectiveness of services provided by school districts to vulnerable populations through the Neglected/Delinquent program in an integrated fashion.
4:54:24 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Heck (NV) amendment No. 10.
4:57:21 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Heck (NV) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:58:26 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Meehan, numbered 11 printed in House Report 113-158 to ensure that greater authority and governance are restored to local educational agencies as delegated by their States. It would also ensure that the Secretary of Education does not impose any additional requirements or burdens on local educational agencies unless explicitly authorized by federal law.
4:58:28 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Meehan amendment No. 11.
5:08:06 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Meehan amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. George Miller (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:08:34 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Scalise, numbered 12 printed in House Report 113-158 to state that under Title II in H.R. 5 there would be no federal mandate for States to conduct teacher evaluations.
5:08:36 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Scalise amendment No. 12.
5:19:55 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Scalise amendment No. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. George Miller (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
5:20:19 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore, numbered 13 printed in House Report 113-158 to delay implementation of new Title II formula until the Secretary of Education determines that the implementation will not reduce funding for schools serving high percentages of students in poverty.
5:20:21 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment No. 13.
5:29:27 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:29:52 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bishop (UT), numbered 14 printed in House Report 113-158 to eliminate Subsection C of Section 2111, which allows grant money to bypass states and go directly from the Department of Education to local districts.
5:29:53 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (UT) amendment No. 14.
5:37:03 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Bishop (UT) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:38:35 P.M.	H.R. 5	UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST – Mr. George Miller (CA) asked unanimous consent to vacate his request for a recorded vote on the Scalise amendment No. 12 and that the Chair put the question de novo. Agreed to without objection.
5:38:59 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Scalise amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:39:30 P.M.	H.R. 5	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:07:38 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 263 – 161 (Roll no. 367).
6:13:03 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Luetkemeyer amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 182 (Roll no. 368).
6:18:12 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Meehan amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 239 – 187 (Roll no. 369).
6:20:37 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Tonko, numbered 15 printed in House Report 113-158 to reserve 10% of existing grant funding under the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund for competitive subgrants that would allow organizations with STEM expertise to provide STEM professional development and instructional materials throughout the state for elementary and secondary education.
6:20:40 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tonko amendment No. 15.
6:25:46 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Tonko amendment was withdrawn.
6:26:06 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Brooks (IN), numbered 16 printed in House Report 113-158 to clarify that federal funds may be used for computer science education.
6:26:08 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brooks (IN) amendment No. 16.
6:34:09 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Brooks (IN) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:34:30 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, numbered 17 printed in House Report 113-158 to allow charter schools to use grant funds for teacher preparation, professional development, and improving school conditions. The amendment ensures that charter schools expand outreach to low-income and underserved populations.
6:34:32 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment No. 17.
6:43:17 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:43:28 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Velazquez, numbered 18 printed in House Report 113-158 to require that applicants consider how to target their services to low-income students and parents, including low-income students and parents who are not proficient in English.
6:43:32 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Velazquez amendment No. 18.
6:50:13 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Velazquez amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:50:44 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Mullin, numbered 19 printed in House Report 113-158 to strike language in the bill that allows consolidated districts to be eligible for payment if they do not qualify after consolidation; strikes language allowing for mid-year adjustment for student counts; makes the 8007 Construction Program a competitive grant program.
6:50:49 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mullin amendment No. 19.
6:52:58 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Mullin amendment was withdrawn.
6:53:53 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett, numbered 20 printed in House Report 113-158 to clarify that states that opt out of receiving funds, or are not awarded funds, under this Act are not required to carry out any of the requirements of the programs under this Act. The amendment also clarifies that states are not required to participate in any program under this Act.
6:53:55 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garrett amendment No. 20.
6:55:10 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Garrett amendment was withdrawn.
6:55:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	<An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), numbered 21 printed in House Report 113-158 to require the Secretary of Education to include in their report to Congress the average salary of employees who were determined to be associated with eliminated or consolidated programs or projects by the underlying legislation and a report on the average salaries of the employees of the Department according to their job function.
6:55:22 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 303, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 21.
7:07:04 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:07:28 P.M.	H.R. 5	Mr. Rokita moved that the Committee rise.
7:07:51 P.M.	H.R. 5	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
7:08:00 P.M.	H.R. 5	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.
7:08:34 P.M.		Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276h, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group: Mr. McCaul and Mr. Duffy.
7:08:58 P.M.		Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276d and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group: Mr. Huizenga of MI and Mrs. Miller of MI.
7:09:46 P.M.		Mr. Rokita moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:09:48 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:09:51 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on July 19, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Say NO to oil drilling

07/17/2013 Nativegrl77

President Obama is deciding whether or not to open up even more of the Arctic for drilling with a new round of lease sales.

This lease sale will start any day now. Tell the president to follow through on the climate promise he delivered in his speech and cancel the sale.

Right now, President Obama is considering whether or not to open up more of the Alaskan Arctic for oil drilling by launching a new round of lease sales for the Chukchi Sea.
Despite Shell’s failures last summer, oil companies are desperate to secure the rights to drill in the Arctic. What’s at stake here isn’t just one of the most beautiful, unspoiled places on earth. But the future of our climate.
We have a real chance to throw a wrench in this Arctic lease sale process before it even begins. It’s expected to start any day, so the time is now to flood the White House with messages telling them to cancel the sale. It’s the perfect opportunity for the President to make good on the climate speech he made just a few weeks ago.
This Arctic lease sale will start any day now. Send an urgent message to President Obama right now telling him to cancel plans for the upcoming Arctic lease sale.
Last year Shell confirmed what experts have been saying all along — that drilling for oil in the Arctic will never be safe. A series of equipment, permit and weather related mishaps along with general incompetence caused the company to pack up and postpone its plans to drill.
There’s more at stake here than just the Arctic. Allowing companies like Shell to drill in the Arctic only deepens our dependence on fossil fuels and speeds up dangerous global climate change.
If the President is truly committed to limiting US carbon emissions, he will cancel this lease sale. This is his chance to back up his inspiring promise to address climate change with real action on the issue.
Tell President Obama that we can’t stop global climate change by opening up more of the Arctic for oil drilling.
A few weeks ago President Obama made a promise to the American people: “I refuse to condemn your generation and future generations to a planet that’s beyond fixing”.
We do not need to drill for Arctic oil. Wind and solar energy are becoming cheaper and more viable than fossil fuels by the day. And the people who are living in the polluted shadow of coal fired power plants and other dangerous fossil fuel projects are fighting back. Our climate movement is stronger than ever.
We need to make sure President Obama keeps his climate promise by opposing this lease sale and every other fossil fuel project including the Keystone XL pipeline that will only make this problem worse.
I want to be part of the generation that acted. I want our kids and grandkids to look back and be proud of all we accomplished. Fossil fuels played their part in helping to build our society, but their time is over.
Clean energy is here right now. We don’t need this oil. The climate can’t afford it. Join me today in opposing this new round of Arctic lease sales by taking action.
The clean energy revolution has started. We can do this. Our movement is stronger than ever before, and now we have the President on our side.
Sincerely,
Nicky Davies Greenpeace Campaigns Director
P.S. The Arctic lease sale could start any day now. Send President Obama your message today!

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

NMAAHC Brings “Treasures” to Brooklyn on July 20

07/17/2013 Nativegrl77

Brooklyn Museum and Smithsonian Present “Save Our African American Treasures”

Saturday, July 20, 2013 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Brooklyn Museum Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion and Lobby 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238 Free and open to the public

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Brooklyn Museum will co-host “Save Our African American Treasures: A National Collections Initiative of Discovery and Preservation,” a daylong program to help New York-area residents identify and preserve items of historical and cultural significance.

Participants are invited to bring up to three personal items for a 15-minute, professional consultation with experts on how to care for them. The specialists will serve as reviewers, not appraisers, and will not determine an item’s monetary value. Objects such as books, photographs, ceramics, metalwork and textiles no larger than a shopping bag (furniture, carpets, firearms and paintings are excluded) can be reviewed.

“We are extremely proud to bring ‘Save Our African American Treasures’ to New York City and of our partnership with the Brooklyn Museum,” said Lonnie Bunch, director of the Smithsonian museum. “Whether it’s Weeksville, Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers or the Harlem Renaissance, New York City has been steeped in African American history from before the Emancipation. We encourage people to become aware of what they have, to protect it and to preserve it so the story of the African diaspora in this country can be told.”

The “Treasures” program also includes the following activities throughout the day:

Gallery Tour: Kevin Stayton, the Brooklyn Museum’s chief curator, will offer a tour of selected galleries in the building.
Preservation Presentations: learn how to preserve clothing and textiles, family photographs and papers. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Hands-on Preservation: participants will learn how to properly store letters, pack garments and prepare photographs for preservation storage and presentation.

For more Treasures event information, visit nmaahc.si.edu/Programs/NYTreasures, email treasures@si.edu or call (877) 733-9599.

“Save Our African American Treasures” is made possible with support from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ThinkProgress

07/17/2013 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

GOP Blockade of Nominees Collapses

Today was supposed to be D-Day when it came to the so-called nuclear option in the Senate — a relatively minor change in the Senate rules to stop a minority of senators from using the filibuster as a means of nullifying democratically created government agencies and functions that they object to purely for ideological reasons.

After a three and a half hour meeting last night and ongoing negotiations through this morning, senators announced a deal to avert changing the Senate rules. Nevertheless, the deal represents a huge victory for Democrats and an almost unconditional surrender on the part of Senate Republicans.

Here’s the main elements of the deal:

The president’s nominees to head the Department of Labor, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Export-Import Bank, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will be confirmed without delay.
Two of the president’s current nominees to the National Labor Relations Board will be withdrawn; however, Republicans agree in advance to confirm any two nominees of the president’s choosing before the Senate recesses in August.
Democrats retain the right to revisit changing the filibuster rules on executive branch nominees at any time should Republicans once again begin a blockade.

Interestingly, Senate Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY) had offered a deal last night that would have also confirmed the current group of seven nominees, but would’ve required Democrats to promise to never again threaten to change the rules. Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) wisely rejected this offer in favor of the offer outlined above made by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and a group of breakaway Republicans.

Real progress has already been made as a result of this deal. CFPB nominee Richard Cordray had been prevented from receiving an up-or-down vote by Senate Republicans for 730 days. Following today’s deal, a cloture motion on his nomination passed 71-29 and a final confirmation vote is expected later today.

Hopefully this new spirit of cooperation from Senate Republicans will also extend to other areas. The president deserves up-or-down votes on his judicial nominations, which have also faced unprecedented levels of obstruction and delay from some Senate Republicans. In particular, we look forward to timely votes on the president’s three nominations to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

BOTTOM LINE: Today’s deal does not fix all of the problems with the Senate, but it represents a huge victory for consumers, workers, and anyone who cares about clean air and water. In addition, the deal underscores that a unified Democrat caucus can stand up to unprecedented Republican obstructionism and get results.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Seven mind-blowing moments from the first interview with Zimmerman juror B37.

GOP attacks on abortion rights likely to backfire.

The real reason why GOP leaders are terrified of filibuster reform.

The death and life of the party?

Reuters exposed: wire service is openly hostile to climate reporting, top editor doubts climate science.

The mundane, yet potent weapons of today’s anti-abortion movement.

House Republicans will vote tomorrow to leave an extra 13 MILLION people without health insurance.

Latest abomination in North Carolina: GOP plan to cut taxes on the rich, raise them on the poor.

Stevie Wonder to stop performing in Florida and other states with shoot first Stand Your Ground laws.

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the Senate considers Executive Calendar CONGRESS the House ?

07/17/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
Following the remarks of the two Leaders, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of NY, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The time until 10:00am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. At 10:00am, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Hochberg nomination. If cloture is invoked on the nomination, there will be up to 8 hours of post-cloture debate on the nomination.
Cloture was also filed on the following items:
- Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of MD, to be Secretary of Labor; and
- Executive Calendar #98, the nomination of Regina McCarthy, of MA, to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
If cloture is invoked on the Hochberg nomination, following disposition of the Hochberg nomination, there would immediately be a cloture vote on the Perez nomination. If cloture is invoked on the Perez nomination, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate on the nomination. Following disposition of the Perez nomination, there would be a cloture vote on the McCarthy nomination. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 8 hours of post-cloture debate on the McCarthy nomination. If cloture is not invoked on a nomination, the Senate would proceed to vote on cloture on the next nomination.

10:01am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of New York, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States;

Invoked: 82-18

There will now to be up to 8 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of New York, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Upon disposition of the nomination we will proceed immediately to a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Perez nomination. We hope to yield back some of that time and have those votes early this afternoon. Senators will be notified when any votes are schedule.

We expect to have a series of 2 roll call votes as early as 3:30pm. Those votes would be on the following items:

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of New York, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States; and

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of Maryland, to be Secretary of Labor.

3:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Confirmation of Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of New York, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States;

Confirmed: 82-17

4:09pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of Maryland, to be Secretary of Labor;

Invoked: 60-40

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Senator Murray asked unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #33, H.Con.Res.25; the amendment at the desk, which is the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; and that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to. Further, that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate; and that following the authorization, two motions to instruct conferees be in order from each side:

– Motion to instruct relative to the debt limit; and

– Motion to instruct relative to taxes/revenue;

That there be two hours of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the motions; further, that no amendments be in order to either of the motions prior to the votes; all of the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Lee asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator Murray objected to Senator Lee’s modification because she offered the Senator to vote on motions to instruct conferees on the debt limit. Finally, Senator Lee objected to Senator Murray’s original request.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of NY, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States; Invoked: 82-18

2) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #178, the nomination of Fred P. Hochberg, of NY, to be President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Confirmed: 82-17

3) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #99, the nomination of Thomas Edward Perez, of MD, to be Secretary of Labor; Invoked: 60-40

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.183, commemorating the relaunching of 172-year-old Charles W. Morgan by Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1315, Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act. (Cornyn)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1316, Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act. (Cornyn)

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.1911, Smarter Solutions for Students Act.

No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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July 2013
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28	29	30	31

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

Last Floor Action:
4:59:09 P.M. -H.R. 2668
WORDS TAKEN
DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used
and a demand was made to have words taken down. Mr. Price (GA) asked unanimous
consent to withdraw the words. Without objection the words were withdrawn. The
House resumed with debate on H.R. 2668.

10:00:19 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:35 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas Massie to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:52 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.
10:40:05 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:21 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 17.
12:00:25 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Robert Wagenseil, Calvary Episcopal Church, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
12:01:56 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. Wilson (SC) 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. Wilson (SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:34 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Beatty to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:08 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.
12:40:00 P.M.	H. Res. 300	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 300 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2668) to delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2667) to delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate, and for other purposes.”
12:41:14 P.M.	H. Res. 300	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 300.
1:36:31 P.M.	H. Res. 300	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 300, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until a time to be announced.
1:36:41 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
2:16:31 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 17.
2:16:41 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 300, which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:17:23 P.M.	H. Res. 300	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 300 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2668) to delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2667) to delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate, and for other purposes.”
2:44:10 P.M.	H. Res. 300	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 192 (Roll no. 357).
2:51:05 P.M.	H. Res. 300	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 183 (Roll no. 358).
2:51:06 P.M.	H. Res. 300	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:52:16 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
2:55:59 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 17.
2:57:09 P.M.		Mr. Polis moved that the House do now adjourn.
3:13:13 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Failed by recorded vote: 10 – 409 (Roll no. 359).
3:13:56 P.M.	H.R. 2667	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 300. H.R. 2667 — “To delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate, and for other purposes.”
3:14:01 P.M.	H.R. 2667	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit in each instance.
3:14:32 P.M.	H.R. 2667	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2667.
4:29:58 P.M.	H.R. 2667	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
4:30:21 P.M.	H.R. 2667	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair postponed further proceedings on H.R. 2667 until a time to be announced.
4:30:49 P.M.	H.R. 2668	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 300. H.R. 2668 — “To delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate.”
4:30:54 P.M.	H.R. 2668	The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2667 and H.R. 2668 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit in each instance.
4:31:06 P.M.	H.R. 2668	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2668.
4:59:09 P.M.	H.R. 2668	WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used and a demand was made to have words taken down. Mr. Price (GA) asked unanimous consent to withdraw the words. Without objection the words were withdrawn. The House resumed with debate on H.R. 2668.

4:59:09 P.M.	H.R. 2668	WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken to certain words used and a demand was made to have words taken down. Mr. Price (GA) asked unanimous consent to withdraw the words. Without objection the words were withdrawn. The House resumed with debate on H.R. 2668.
5:55:26 P.M.	H.R. 2668	The previous question was ordered without objection.
5:55:39 P.M.	H.R. 2668	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that further proceedings on the consideration of H.R. 2668 would be postponed.
5:56:30 P.M.	H.R. 2667	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2667 — “To delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate, and for other purposes.”
5:56:45 P.M.	H.R. 2667	Mr. Andrews moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
5:57:13 P.M.	H.R. 2667	DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Andrews motion to recommit with instructions pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment providing that nothing in the Act shall be construed to allow employers to reduce insurance coverage for individuals and families who currently receive job-based health benefits. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was withdrawn.
6:03:46 P.M.	H.R. 2667	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:28:35 P.M.	H.R. 2667	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 188 – 230 (Roll no. 360).
6:36:23 P.M.	H.R. 2667	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 264 – 161 (Roll no. 361).
6:36:24 P.M.	H.R. 2667	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:37:03 P.M.	H.R. 2668	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2668 — “To delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate.”
6:37:22 P.M.	H.R. 2668	Mr. Andrews moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
6:37:38 P.M.	H.R. 2668	DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Andrews motion to recommit with instructions pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment which prohibits anything in the Act from being construed to alter, delay, or weaken: 1) Section 1402 of the Affordable Care Act (which reduces out-of-pocket costs and cost-sharing for individuals and families); 2) Sections 1001 and 1401 of the Affordable Care Act (which provide tax credits and rebates for health insurance); or 3) Section 1201 of the Affordable Care Act (which prohibits discrimination on the basis of pre-existing conditions and gender). Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was withdrawn.
6:46:10 P.M.	H.R. 2668	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:53:19 P.M.	H.R. 2668	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 193 – 230 (Roll no. 362).
7:00:05 P.M.	H.R. 2668	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 251 – 174 (Roll no. 363).
7:00:06 P.M.	H.R. 2668	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:00:17 P.M.	H.R. 2668	Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, in the engrossment of H.R. 2668, the text of H.R. 2667, as passed by the House, was appended as new matter at the end of H.R. 2668.
7:01:59 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed from earlier in the legislative day.
7:02:38 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
7:03:09 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader. Pursuant to Section 4(b) of the World War I Centennial Commission act (Pub. L. 112-272), Ms. Pelosi notified the House that she appointed Mr. Robert Dalessandro of Alexandria, Virginia, to the World War I Centennial Commission.
7:04:10 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a communication with respect to the national emergency with respect to Liberia – referred to theCommittee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-47).
7:04:11 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:19:51 P.M.	H.R. 2667	Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 300, H.R. 2667 is laid on the table.
7:20:44 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:09:00 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 303.
9:10:00 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.