~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

General Mills needs to hear from you

02/26/2015 Nativegrl77

Defend the science on added sugar.

Defend the Science
on Added Sugar

Overconsumption of sugar is killing us, so why does General Mills support hiding extra sugar in the foods we eat? Tell General Mills: stop supporting industry groups that twist the facts on added sugar.

Take Action Today!

ACTION ALERT
Tell General Mills: Stop Supporting Industry Groups That Twist the Facts on Added Sugar

There’s a new scientific consensus emerging: eating too much sugar leads to debilitating health problems like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Yet major food companies like General Mills continue to add—and hide—sugar in their products, even the ones they market as healthy. A Nature Valley bar, cup of Yoplait yogurt, and one bowl of FiberOne Protein cereal, together have more added sugar than the government advises we eat in an entire day!

General Mills sits on the board of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), an industry group that distorts sugar science and lobbies against sugar caps and added sugar labeling. General Mills and the GMA have sent letters to federal agencies attempting to cast doubt on legitimate science that links overconsumption of added sugar to major health problems plaguing Americans and have questioned the integrity of scientists who advise the government on dietary guidelines.

General Mills has the power to push GMA to stop attacking science and we, as consumers, have the power to make General Mills act. Tell General Mills: stop twisting the facts, attacking scientists, and putting our health at risk.

Companies like General Mills often use industry groups to lobby for policies that their customers would not support—policies that put corporate profits ahead of customers’ heath. And that’s where public safeguards are supposed to protect us. Any day now, we’re expecting the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to release recommendations calling for less sugar intake and added sugar labeling on foods we buy at the grocery store.

Don’t let industry groups undermine these important safeguards before they even come out! Let General Mills knows we’re watching—and we want to buy products from companies that project our health—not those that twist the facts and attack science. Send your letter to General Mills now.

Sincerely,

Danielle Fox
Outreach Coordinator
Center for Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists

P.S. How can we protect the role of science and public health in food policy decisions? We’ll be joining the Center for Science in the Public Interest for a TweetChat on how to stand up for healthy food policy—and we want to hear from you! Follow the #FoodDayChat hashtag on Twitter on February 25 at 2:00 p.m. EST to join the conversation.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

We want to know what you think!

02/26/2015 Nativegrl77

Excitement is mounting as the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s building takes shape on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

And with the Museum’s 2016 opening quickly approaching, I’m asking for guidance from supporters like you to help us make important decisions about our exhibitions, performances, special events, educational programs, and more.

Carmen, please share your insights and opinions by taking a few moments now to complete our brief Supporter Survey.

Your responses will let the Museum’s staff of curators, educators and historians know what YOU want to see in the Museum you’re helping to build:

The periods and areas of African American history that interest you most;

The kinds of exhibitions and other programming that will bring you to the Museum;

Your suggestions about how to make the Museum a place for dialogue and healing; and

Your thoughts on how to generate public interest in the Museum and enlist more Americans to support its mission.

Once you’ve completed the survey, please consider making a special gift to put your ideas into action — because we’re still working to achieve our goal of $250 million that we must raise from private sources to match the $250 million in funds Congress has approved to build the Museum.

Together, we’ve come a long way toward realizing our dream of a living, breathing museum that will bring the ENTIRE African American experience to life — from the painful history of slavery and the Jim Crow era, to the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement and the election of our first black president.

Now I hope you’ll help to ensure a successful launch for the National Museum of African American History and Culture by completing your Supporter Survey.

Thank you for your opinions, your insights and your continued personal commitment as a supporter.

All the best,

Lonnie Bunch
Founding Director

P.S. As someone who has played a key role in bringing the Museum this far, your ideas and suggestions are critical to ensuring our successful opening in 2016. Take advantage of this important opportunity to make your voice heard by completing the Supporter Survey now!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 2/26 the House

02/26/2015 Nativegrl77

Schedule Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Senate stands adjourned until 11:00am on Thursday, February 26, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to H.R.240, DHS appropriations, post-cloture.

The Senate continues to debate the motion to proceed to H.R.240, DHS appropriations, post-cloture. The Senate will recess from 12:45pm until 1:45pm today. The post-cloture debate time expires around 9:15pm tonight. However, we hope to reach an agreement to expedite its consideration. Another message will be sent when votes are scheduled.

By unanimous consent, the Senate adopted S.Res.88, a resolution celebrating Black History Month.

The Senate continues to consider the motion to proceed to H.R.240, DHS appropriations, post-cloture. The Republicans control the time from 3:15 until 4:15 and the Democrats control the time from 4:15 until 5:15.

Negotiations continue on a path forward to complete action on the DHS appropriations bill. Another message will be sent when any votes are scheduled.

By unanimous consent at approximately 3:30pm today, the Senate passed S.527, A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Foot Soldiers who participated in Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, or in the final Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March in March of 1965, which served as a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

By unanimous consent, the Senate adopted S.Res.76, a resolution welcoming the Prime Minister of Israel to the United States for his address to a joint session of Congress, with amendments to the resolution and the title.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.88, celebrating Black History Month.

Adopted S.Res.76, welcoming the Prime Minister of Israel to the United States for his address to a joint session of Congress, with amendments to the resolution and the title.

Adopted S.Res.89, congratulating the Oregon Shakespeare Festival on its 80^th year.

Adopted S.Res.90, designating February 2015 as “American Heart Month” and February 6, 2015, as “National Wear Red Day”.

Adopted S.Res.91, designating March 2, 2015, as “Read Across America Day”.

Passed Calendar #24, S.527, to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Foot Soldiers who participated in Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, or in the final Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March in March 1965, which served as a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

No Executive Business

=====================================================

Last Floor Action:
5:03:20 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

Last Floor Action:
10:00:46 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.

10:00:19 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:37 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Dan Newhouse to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:46 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.

11:06:16 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:01:21 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.
12:02:14 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Bruce Miroglio, St. Helena Catholic Church, St. Helena, California.
12:03:18 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Hultgren demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hultgren 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.
12:03:31 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cicilline to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:38 P.M.		INTRODUCTION OF GUEST CHAPLAIN – The Chair recognized Mr. Thompson (CA) for the purpose of introducing Reverend Bruce Miroglio as today’s Guest Chaplain.
12:04:59 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.
12:42:39 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 26, 2015 at 11:35 a.m.: Appointments made to Senate National Security Working Group for the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress; Congressional Award Board; Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Republic of China.
12:43:12 P.M.	H. Res. 125	By direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Foxx called up H. Res. 125 and asked for its immediate consideration.
12:46:13 P.M.	H. Res. 125	POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Polis made a point of order against consideration of H. Res. 125 on the grounds that it violated section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. The Chair announced that the point of order met the threshold burden under the rule and recognized Mr. Polis and a Member opposed for up to twenty minutes of debate, equally divided and controlled, on the question of consideration. Following debate, the Chair would then put the question of consideration as the statutory means of disposing of the point of order.
1:21:54 P.M.	H. Res. 125	On consideration of the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 – 167 (Roll no. 91).
1:22:11 P.M.	H. Res. 125	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 125 — “Providing for further 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.”
1:23:52 P.M.	H. Res. 125	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 125.
3:04:01 P.M.	H. Res. 125	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 177 (Roll no. 92).
3:12:07 P.M.	H. Res. 125	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 184 (Roll no. 93).
3:12:07 P.M.	H. Res. 125	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:12:12 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.
3:18:46 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 168, 1 Present (Roll no. 94).
3:19:13 P.M.		Mr. Kline asked unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in Joint Meeting His Excellency Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. Agreed to without objection.
3:21:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	Considered as unfinished business. 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.”
3:21:49 P.M.	H.R. 5	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
3:22:49 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Kennedy, numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to authorize the STEM Gateways grant program as an allowable use of flexible funding received by state educational agencies. States could award grants to LEAs and qualified partner organizations to support the success of women, minorities, and low-income students in rigorous STEM academics.
3:22:51 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kennedy Part B Amendment No. 1.
3:31:00 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kennedy amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kennedy demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
3:31:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grothman, numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to shorten authorization from 2021 to 2018.
3:31:32 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grothman Part B Amendment No. 2.
3:41:30 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grothman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grothman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
3:41:53 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Meeks, numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to require that the annual, statewide assessments measure student growth and require that student growth be a component of achievement within the accountability system established by a given state.
3:41:55 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Meeks Part B Amendment No. 3.
3:48:51 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Meeks amendment was withdrawn.
3:49:15 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Lawrence, numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to require that the Secretary of Education disapprove of any State plan that fails to, in consultation with State and local education agencies to demonstrate that there is a separate reporting of academic assessments for foster youth.
3:49:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lawrence Part B Amendment No. 4.
3:54:39 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Lawrence amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:54:56 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Goodlatte, numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to provide flexibility to localities by providing States with the authority to allow local educational agencies to administer their own, locally designed academic assessment system, in place of the State-designed academic system. The same requirements as laid out by this Act for State-designed academic assessments would also apply to any locally designed academic assessment.
3:55:00 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Goodlatte Part B Amendment No. 5.
4:04:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Goodlatte amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:04:31 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Castro (TX), numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to appoint a neutral Ombudsman within the Department of Education to ensure K-12 textbooks are held to high academic standards.
4:04:36 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castro (TX) Part B Amendment No. 6.
4:11:04 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Castro (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Castro (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
4:11:27 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Langevin, numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to require states applying for funds under title I to show how they would use the funds to provide apprenticeships that offer academic credit, and how they would use the funds to provide comprehensive career counseling to the students
4:11:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin Part B Amendment No. 7.
4:16:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Langevin amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
4:16:58 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Barletta, numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 stating that if school districts use Title I money for after school, before school, or summer school activities, it would require them to describe those activities in their local plans.
4:17:01 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Barletta Part B Amendment No. 8.
4:24:44 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Barletta amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:25:08 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Quigley, numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to restore the paraprofessional qualifications that are in place under current law, which helped stop school districts from hiring paraprofessionals with little experience in education and no professional training. Since all districts are in compliance, and have been since 2006, this amendment would present no new burden.
4:25:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley Part B Amendment No. 9.
4:31:49 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Quigley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Quigley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
4:32:22 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Fudge, numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to ensure continued state investment in educating students by requiring states to demonstrate that the level of state and local funding remains constant from year to year.
4:32:24 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fudge Part B Amendment No. 10.
4:38:28 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Fudge amendment was withdrawn.
4:39:06 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSaulnier, numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to require LEAs to develop agreements with Head Start and other agencies to carry out early childhood education activities.
4:39:08 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeSaulnier Part B Amendment No. 11.
4:42:25 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the DeSaulnier amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:43:00 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Davis, Rodney, numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to provide that nothing in this title shall be construed to alter or otherwise affect the rights, remedies, and procedures afforded to school or local educational agency employees under Federal, State, or local laws (including applicable regulations or court orders) or under the terms of collective bargaining agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other agreements between such employers and their employees.
4:43:04 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Davis, Rodney (IL) Part B Amendment No. 12.
4:51:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Davis, Rodney amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:51:36 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore, numbered 13 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 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.
4:51:39 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore Part B Amendment No. 13.
4:58:27 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moore amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Moore demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
4:59:07 P.M.	H.R. 5	Amendment offered by Mr. McKinley.
4:59:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley Part B Amendment No. 14.
5:02:10 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:02:54 P.M.	H.R. 5	Mr. Rokita moved that the Committee now rise.
5:02:58 P.M.	H.R. 5	On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
5:03:10 P.M.	H.R. 5	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.
5:03:20 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

6:47:24 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 26.
6:47:26 P.M.	H.R. 5	Considered as unfinished business. 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.”
6:47:45 P.M.	H.R. 5	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
7:12:10 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Kennedy amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 204 – 217 (Roll no. 95).
7:17:13 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Grothman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 114 – 311 (Roll no. 96).
7:25:20 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Castro (TX) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 243 (Roll no. 97).
7:29:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Quigley amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 201 (Roll no. 98).
7:34:07 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 185 – 239 (Roll no. 99).
7:36:55 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Delaney, numbered 15 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to “Makes Pay For Success” initiatives an allowable use of funds for States and Local Educational Agencies to improve outcomes and save money by training and supporting teachers.
7:36:57 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Delaney Part B Amendment No. 15.
7:47:57 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Delaney amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:48:15 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Jeffries, numbered 16 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to ensure that teachers, parents and other educational professionals receive education on the harms of copyright piracy in order to further educate students to that end.
7:48:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jeffries Part B Amendment No. 16.
7:55:42 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Jeffries amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:56:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Clark (MA), numbered 17 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to clarify that early childhood education-focused professional development is an acceptable use of funds.
7:56:13 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clark(MA) Part B Amendment No. 17.
8:01:00 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Clark (MA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:01:35 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cohen, No. 18 printed in Part B of House Report 114-29 to allow for Title II funds to be used for restorative justice and conflict resolution training.
8:01:41 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen Part B amendment No. 18.
8:07:46 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:08:38 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Wilson (FL), No. 19 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to require school districts to be transparent in providing information to parents at the beginning of the school year on mandated assessments the student will have to take during the school year and any school district policy on assessment participation.
8:09:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wilson (FL) part B amendment No. 19.
8:12:00 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Wilson (FL) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:12:28 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, No. 20 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to express the sense of Congress that charter schools are a critical part of our education system in this Nation and that Congress must support opening more quality charter schools to help students succeed in their future.
8:12:31 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis part B amendment No. 20.
8:18:01 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:18:13 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, No. 21 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to encourage collaboration and sharing of best practices between charter schools and local education agencies.
8:18:47 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis part B amendment No. 21.
8:23:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:23:47 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Kelly (IL), No. 22 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to require Statewide Family Engagement Centers to conduct training programs in the community to improve adult literacy, including financial literacy.
8:23:49 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kelly (IL) part B amendment No. 22.
8:27:27 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Kelly (IL) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:28:15 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Bonamici, No. 23 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to allow State educational agencies and eligible entities to use Local Academic Flexible Grant funds to audit and streamline assessment systems, eliminates unnecessary assessments, and improves the use of assessments.
8:28:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bonamici part B amendment No. 23.
8:38:40 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Bonamici amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:39:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, No. 24 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to allows grants to be used for the creation and distribution of open access textbooks and open educational resources.
8:39:34 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis part B amendment No. 24.
8:44:20 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:46:32 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to support accountability-based programs and activities that are designed to enhance school safety, which may include research-based bullying prevention, cyberbullying prevention, disruption of recruitment activity by groups or individuals involved in violent extremism, and gang prevention programs as well as intervention programs regarding bullying.
8:46:34 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee part B amendment No. 25.
8:48:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:48:59 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Wilson (FL), No. 26 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to provide for Intensive Care Reading Labs and for specialization of school staffing for the purposes of basic skills in language arts, mathematics, and science in grades 1-3 as allowable uses in block grant funding.
8:49:02 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wilson (FL) part B amendment No. 26.
8:54:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Wilson (FL) amendment; Failed by voice vote.
8:55:30 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Courtney, No. 27 printed in part B of House Report 114-25 to amend 20 U.S.C. 7703 to increase weight of non-connected children residing in public-private venture (PPV) housing located on military property for the purposes of Impact Aid basic support payment calculations.
8:55:34 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Courtney part B amendment No. 27.
8:57:12 P.M.	H.R. 5	By unanimous consent, the Courtney amendment was withdrawn.
8:57:39 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Nolan, No. 28 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to amend the current stated policy of the United States with respect to the education of Indian children to ensure that Indian children do not attend school in buildings that are dilapidated or deteriorating, as part of the unique and continuing trust relationship with, and responsibility to, the Indian people.
8:57:43 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nolan part B amendment No. 28.
9:04:44 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Nolan amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:05:25 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Davis (CA), No. 29 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to clarify the definition of “school leader” such that it explicitly refers to a school principal as opposed to an off-site administrator.
9:05:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Davis (CA) part B amendment No. 29.
9:09:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Davis (CA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:10:57 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Zeldin, No. 30 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to allow a State to withdraw from the Common Core Standards or any other specific standards.
9:10:59 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Zeldin part B amendment No. 30.
9:19:20 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Zeldin amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Scott (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
9:19:54 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Hurd (TX), No. 31 printed in part B of House Report 113-29 to express the sense of Congress that students’ personally identifiable information is important to protect as applied to current law and this act.
9:19:57 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hurd part B amendment No. 31.
9:19:58 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hurd amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hurd demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
9:24:22 P.M.	H.R. 5	Mr. Kline moved that the Committee rise.
9:24:38 P.M.	H.R. 5	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
9:24:49 P.M.	H.R. 5	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.
9:24:59 P.M.		Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 129.
9:25:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	Considered as unfinished business. 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.”
9:25:35 P.M.	H.R. 5	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:26:03 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, No. 32 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to require the Secretary of Education to conduct an assessment of the impact of school start times on student health, well-being, and performance.
9:26:05 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson part B amendment No. 32.
9:32:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grayson (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grayson (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
9:33:42 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Wilson (FL), No. 33 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to provide for school dropout prevention and reentry and provides grants to raise academic achievement levels for all students.
9:33:45 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wilson (FL) part B amendment.
9:37:52 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Wilson (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Wilson (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
9:38:30 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Castro (TX), No. 34 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to improve college and career readiness for homeless youth by requiring the State to include in the State Plan a description of how such youth would receive assistance from counselors to advise, prepare, and improve college readiness.
9:38:37 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castro part B amendment No. 34.
9:43:02 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Castro (TX) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:43:44 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Carson (IN), No. 35 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to advance assessments of student achievement and instructional practices, effective teacher preparation and continuing professional development, education administration, and international comparisons. The amendment supports development of a national research strategy to ensure that students, particularly at risk students, have effective teachers and are being prepared for the future.
9:43:47 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carson part B amendment No. 35.
9:50:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Carson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Carson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
9:51:11 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Collins (GA), No. 36 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to improve accountability and ensures proper oversight of taxpayer funds authorized by this legislation.
9:51:13 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Collins (GA) part B amendment No. 36.
9:54:44 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Collins (GA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:55:21 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Dold, No. 37 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to ensure that federal education dollars go toward their intended use for student benefit in the classroom by clarifying that funds received under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act shall not be diverted by the states to fill prior unfunded liability shortfalls in teacher pension programs. When a state receives funds under ESEA and distributes those funds to LEAs, the amendment prohibits the state from requiring LEAs to make a contribution to a pension program that is in excess of the “normal cost” of that teacher’s participation in the pension program.
9:55:24 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Dold part B amendment No. 37.
9:59:46 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Dold amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:00:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores, No. 38 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to reaffirm students’, teachers’ and school administrators’ right to exercise religion. Amendment also expresses the sense of Congress that schools should examine their policies to ensure students and teachers are fully able to participate in activities on school grounds related to their religious freedom.
10:00:20 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flores part B amendment No. 38.
10:10:31 P.M.	H.R. 5	On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:11:20 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Ms. Brownley (CA), No. 39 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to create a grant program for states to create or expand biliteracy seal programs to recognize student proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and a second language for graduating high school seniors.
10:11:23 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brownley part B amendment No. 39.
10:18:27 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Brownley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Brownley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
10:19:16 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Loebsack, No. 40 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to support the expansion of the use of digital learning through competitive grants to partnerships to implement and evaluate the results of technology-based learning practices, strategies, tools, or programs at rural schools.
10:19:18 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loebsack part B amendment No. 40.
10:25:05 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Loebsack amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Loebsack demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
10:26:26 P.M.	H.R. 5	An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, No. 41 printed in part B of House Report 114-29 to authorize funds for the Secretary of Education to provide grants for early-childhood education scholarships, professional development and licensing credentials, or increased compensation for educators who have attained specific qualifications. Amendment also requires each state that desires a grant to include a description of its comprehensive early childhood professional development system in its application, and grant recipients must maintain their fiscal effort for the activities supported by the grant funds for a fiscal year at levels equal to or greater than their fiscal effort for such activities during the preceding fiscal year.
10:26:28 P.M.	H.R. 5	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 125, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis part B amendment No. 41.
10:33:36 P.M.	H.R. 5	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.
10:34:01 P.M.	H.R. 5	Mr. Kline moved that the Committee rise.
10:34:19 P.M.	H.R. 5	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:34:29 P.M.	H.R. 5	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5 as unfinished business.
10:35:30 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Bud Shuster. Pursuant to section 3307 of Title 40, United States Code, Mr. Shuster notified the House that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider resolutions to authorize 12 prospectuses, including three alteration projects and nine leases included in the General Services Administration’s FY 2015 Capital Investment Leasing Program. Copies of the resolutions adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastucture on February 12, 2015 are enclosed.
10:36:35 P.M.		Mr. Kline moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:36:47 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:36:48 P.M.		The House adjourned.