16 | July | 2014 | Be a Seed for Change

And The Crazy Things Conservatives Have Said This Week Are Piling Up

Is it just us, or does this week seem to already have a particularly large number of right-wing conservatives saying crazy things? Here are six of the most unfortunate:

1. Todd Akin Says He And Joe McCarthy Were Both Victims Of The Liberal Media. Remember Todd Akin? The failed Missouri Senate candidate has recently re-emerged in the public sphere to defend his claim in 2012 that women who were victims of “legitimate rape” could not get pregnant. In a phone interview with St. Louis Dispatch, the former congressman compared himself sympathetically to Sen. Joe McCarthy (R-WI), who spearheaded the infamous Communist witch hunt in the 1950s.

2. Rupert Murdoch Says Climate Change Should Be Approached With Great Skepticism. The chairman and CEO of News Corporation — one of the world’s largest media conglomerates, which includes Fox News and The Wall Street Journal — reflected candidly on climate change in a wide-ranging interview Sunday, saying he thought it should be approached with great skepticism. “At the moment the north pole is melting but the south pole is getting bigger,” he said. “Things are happening. How much of it are we doing, with emissions and so on? As far as Australia goes? Nothing in the overall picture.” Murdoch went on to argue that “we shouldn’t be building windmills and all that rubbish.”

3. Congresswoman Urges GOP To Bring Policy Discussion ‘Down To A Woman’s Level’. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) is a second-term Congresswoman and chair of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee. In a panel on women and the Republican Party, she suggested that the best way for the party to appeal to women is to talk down to them. “Men do tend to talk about things on a much higher level,” Ellmers said. “Many of my male colleagues, when they go to the House floor, you know, they’ve got some pie chart or graph behind them and they’re talking about trillions of dollars and how, you know, the debt is awful and, you know, we all agree with that.” But, she went on to say, “We need our male colleagues to understand that if you can bring it down to a woman’s level and what everything that she is balancing in her life — that’s the way to go.”

4. Congressional Candidate: Most Energy Problems ‘Are Caused By Environmentalists’. George Cicotte, a Republican candidate for Washington’s fourth congressional district, said at a candidate forum Saturday that if environmentalists hadn’t “stopped nuclear in its tracks” in the 1970s, there would be a lot less greenhouse gas pollution today. “Really, when we talk about energy problems, most of the energy problems are caused by environmentalists,” he said. “Wind energy? I’ll be honest — give me a break.”

5. GOP Congressman: Kids At Border “Gang Members” From Culture Of “Rape”. A Florida Republican congressman called undocumented immigrant children at the border not children at all but gang affiliated persons from a culture of thievery, murder, and violence.
“A lot of these children … quote-unquote … ya know, the first caller mentioned it, ya know, they’re gang members. They’re gang affiliated,” Florida Republican Rep. Rich Nugent said on WOCA radio Monday.

6. TX GOP Lawmaker: Teens He Saw At U.S. Border Looked Like ‘Threat’. The Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security went on “Fox News Sunday” this morning and told host Brit Hume that many of the teenagers he saw at the United States-Mexican border facilities looked like a “threat.” Representative Michael McCaul (TX) said that “it’s very heart-wrenching as a father to see that — mothers with their babies.” He then added, “I also saw some 17-year-olds that I thought looked more like a threat.” McCaul did acknowledge that these teenagers were “caught in the middle, between [administration] policy and what the drug traffickers are doing in Central America.”

SMH.

Republicans tell women Hobby Lobby is more important 56-43

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Wednesday, July 16, 2014.

Following Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and resume consideration of the White nomination until 10:15am. Senators Grassley, Cornyn, and Shaheen will control 10 minutes each of that time and Senator McCaskill will control any remaining time.

At 10:15am, there will be a cloture vote on Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri

If cloture is invoked, at 12:20pm the Senate will vote on confirmation of the White nomination.

Upon disposition of the White nomination, the Senate will resume Legislative Session and the motion to proceed to Calendar #459, S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014. The time until 2:10pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees, with each side controlling 5 minutes of the final 10 minutes.

At 2:10pm, the Senate proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014.

10:15am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Invoked: 54-43

Cloture was invoked on the White nomination by a vote of 54-43. As a result, at 12:20pm the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nomination.

At 2:10pm, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014.

12:21pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri;

Confirmed: 53-44

At 2:10pm, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014.

2:09pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014;

Not invoked: 57-43

Cloture was not invoked on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act, by a vote of 56-43. Senator Reid changed his vote to no (for procedural reasons) and entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote at a later time. The Senate continues to debate the motion to proceed.

The order with respect to the TRIA legislation has been modified as outlined below. The new agreement reduces the debate time and schedules the votes to begin at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Thursday, July 17.

At 12:00 noon tomorrow, there will be up to 5 votes in relation to the TRIA bill. We anticipate 3 roll call votes (Coburn and Flake amendments and on passage of the bill) and 2 voice votes (Vitter and Tester amendments). We also expect to lock in an agreement to vote in relation to a Circuit judge nomination at 2:00pm tomorrow.

The modification of the agreement is as follows:

Following Leader remarks on Thursday, July 17^th, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.2244 as provided under the previous order; that the debate time with respect to the bill and consideration of the amendments in order to the bill be modified as follows:

Coburn #3549 – 30 minutes equally divided;

Vitter #3550 – 20 minutes equally divided;

Flake #3551 – 10 minutes equally divided; and

Tester #3552 – 30 minutes equally divided.

Further, that any remaining time until 12 noon be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees; that at noon, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments as provided under the previous order; that upon disposition of the Tester amendment, the bill be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended; further, that there be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote and all after the first vote be ten minute votes; with all other provisions of the previous order remaining in effect.

This evening, Senator Reid filed cloture on the following nominations:

– Executive Calendar #849, Julie E. Carnes, Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit

– Executive Calendar #851, Andre Birotte, Jr., of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California

– Executive Calendar #852, Robin L. Rosenberg, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida

– Executive Calendar #854, John W. deGravelles, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana

We expect to reach an agreement to vote at 2:00pm tomorrow, Thursday, July 17 on the motion to invoke cloture on the Carnes nomination. Another message will be sent once that agreement is reached.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri; Invoked: 54-43
Confirmation of Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri; Confirmed: 53-44
Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act; Not Invoked: 56-43

Legislative Business

S.Res.503, designating September 2014 as “National Child Awareness Month” to promote awareness of charities benefitting children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States and recognizing efforts made by those charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the United States

S.Res.504, directing the Senate Legal Counsel to appear as amicus curiae in the name of the Senate in Menachem Binyamin Zivotofsky, By His Parents and Guardians, Ari Z. and Naomi Siegman Zivotofsky v. John Kerry, Secretary of State (S.Ct.).

Passed by voice vote Calendar #450, H.R.3212, Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2013

Passed Calendar #458, Passed H.R.1528, Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2014

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

Last Floor Action:
9:59:35 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 16, 2014.

10:00:25 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:30 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:47 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.
10:25:09 A.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 July 16, 2014 at 9:51 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 517.
10:25:52 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:13 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 16.
12:00:15 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:51 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. Messer 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. Messer made a point of no quorum 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.
12:02:33 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. McMorris Rodgers to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:41 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.
12:37:25 P.M.		UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST – Mr. Stivers asked unanimous consent that the proceedings during the former Members program be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the proceedings have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks. Agreed to without objection.
12:37:48 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5016 — “Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
12:38:00 P.M.	H.R. 5016	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
12:41:34 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Engel, to prohibit the use of funds to lease or purchase new light duty vehicles for any executive fleet, or for an agency’s fleet inventory, except in accordance with Presidential Memorandum-Federal Fleet Performance, dated May 24, 2011.
12:41:37 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Engel amendment.
12:45:04 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Engel amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
12:47:36 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett, to prohibit the use of funds to designate any nonbank financial company as “too big to fail” or as a “systemically important financial institution” or to make a determination that material financial distress at a nonbank financial company could pose a threat to U.S. financial stability.
12:48:02 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garrett amendment.
12:55:31 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
12:55:43 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gallego, to prohibit the use of funds to implement or enforce Revenue Ruling 2012-2018 (or any guidance of the same substance).
12:55:45 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gallego amendment, pending a reservation of a point or order.
1:00:26 P.M.	H.R. 5016	By unanimous consent, the Gallego amendment was withdrawn.
1:00:44 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Massie, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by any authority of the government of the District of Columbia to enforce any provision of the Firearms Registration Amendment Act of 2008, the Inoperable Pistol Amendment Act of 2008, the Firearms Amendment Act of 2012, or the Administrative Disposition for Weapons Offenses Amendment Act of 2012.
1:00:46 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Massie amendment.
1:13:01 P.M.	H.R. 5016	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Massie amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Massie demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:13:29 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Ellison, to reduce the amount made available for “Supreme Court of the United States-Salaries and Expenses”, and increasing the amount made available for “The White House-Salaries and Expenses”, by $2.13.
1:13:46 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Massie amendment.
1:19:00 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by voice vote.
1:20:09 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Rokita, to prohibit the use of funds to implement any rule issued after the date of enactment of this Act, that is issued pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code. The prohibition shall not apply with respect to rules excepted under section 553(a) of title 5, United States Code, or that are made on the record after opportunity for an agency hearing under sections 556 or 557 of such title.
1:20:11 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rokita amendment, pending a reservation of a point or order.
1:25:34 P.M.	H.R. 5016	By unanimous consent, the Rokita amendment was withdrawn.
1:25:39 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Crowley, to reduce the amount made available for “Supreme Court of the United States-Salaries and Expenses”, and increasing the amount made available for “The White House-Salaries and Expenses”, by $7.25.
1:25:41 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Crowley amendment.
1:32:15 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Crowley amendment; Failed by voice vote.
1:33:05 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Lankford, to prohibit the use of funds to study, promulgate, draft, review, implement, or enforce any rule pursuant to section 913 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or amendments made by such section.
1:33:08 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lankford amendment.
1:40:11 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Lankford amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
1:40:26 P.M.	H.R. 5016	An amendment, offered by Mr. Lankford, to prohibit the use of funds by the Federal Communications Commission to make any changes to its policies with respect to broadcast indecency.
1:40:29 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lankford amendment.
1:43:26 P.M.	H.R. 5016	By unanimous consent, the Lankford amendment was withdrawn.
1:43:51 P.M.	H.R. 5016	WITHDRAWN DEMAND FOR RECORDED VOTE – Mr. Serrano asked unanimous consent to withdraw his demand for a recorded vote on the Meehan amendment No. 2 debated earlier to the end that the amendment stand affirmed pursuant to the earlier voice vote on the amendment. Agreed to without objection.
1:43:52 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DISPOSITION OF MEEHAN AMENDMENT – The Chair announced that, without objection, the request for a recorded vote having been withdrawn, the Meehan amendment, stands affirmed in accordance with the previous voice vote thereon.
1:44:10 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Mr. Crenshaw moved that the Committee rise.
1:44:20 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
1:44:48 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5016 as unfinished business.
1:45:12 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
2:10:37 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 16.
2:10:40 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5016 — “Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
2:10:59 P.M.	H.R. 5016	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
2:12:41 P.M.	H.R. 5016	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:13:37 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Fleming amendment (A026) Roll Call 415 – Recorded vote pending.

2:47:32 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Fleming amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 236 (Roll no. 415).
2:53:00 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 282 – 138, 1 Present (Roll no. 416).
2:58:45 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 230 (Roll no. 417).
3:02:43 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Heck (WA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 – 192 (Roll no. 418).
3:06:31 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the DeSantis amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 351 – 71 (Roll no. 419).
3:10:19 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the DeSantis amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 264 – 157 (Roll no. 420).
3:14:12 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 256 (Roll no. 421).
3:18:39 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 239 – 184 (Roll no. 422).
3:21:52 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 200 (Roll no. 423).
3:25:51 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 229 – 194 (Roll no. 424).
3:29:19 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On agreeing to the Massie amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 181 (Roll no. 425).
3:29:45 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Mr. Crenshaw moved that the Committee of the Whole rise and report.
3:29:53 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On motion to rise and report Agreed to by voice vote.
3:30:03 P.M.	H.R. 5016	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5016.
3:30:04 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Pursuant to the rule the previous question was ordered.
3:30:45 P.M.	H.R. 5016	The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
3:31:25 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Mr. Nolan moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Appropriations.
3:31:44 P.M.	H.R. 5016	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nolan motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with amendments to increase the Consumer Product Safety Commission Salaries and Expenses account by a total of $5 million and increase the Small Business Administration Entrepreneurial Development Program account by $5 million. The motion is offset by decreasing the General Services Administration (GSA) Real Property Activities Federal Buildings Fund’s rental account by $10 million.
3:53:36 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 198 – 225 (Roll no. 426).
4:02:53 P.M.	H.R. 5016	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 195 (Roll no. 427).
4:02:54 P.M.	H.R. 5016	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:03:08 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which further proceedings had been postponed.
4:04:31 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
4:05:20 P.M.	H.R. 3230	NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT – Mr. Barber notified the House of his intent to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3230.
4:05:28 P.M.	H.R. 3230	Mr. Gallego moved that the House instruct conferees.
4:05:43 P.M.	H.R. 3230	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Gallego motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3230. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House to recede from disagreement with section 601 of the Senate amendment (relating to authorization of major medical facility leases).
4:49:26 P.M.	H.R. 3230	The previous question was ordered without objection.
4:49:51 P.M.	H.R. 3230	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gallego motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3230, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion to instruct conferees and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gallego demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
4:50:20 P.M.		Mr. Miller (FL) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on July 17. Agreed to without objection.
4:50:54 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.
4:52:19 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:12:40 P.M.		Mr. Davis, Danny moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:12:43 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:12:45 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on July 17, 2014.