Daily Archives: 12/06/2016

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tell the Louisiana DA to file charges — Justice for Joe McNight

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We can’t let Joe McKnight’s killer go free.

“This isn’t about race,” said Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand after he released the killer of former NFL star Joe McKnight with no charges.1

In 2016, when a white man chases down a Black man in his car and shoots him, it’s hard toWe can't let Joe McKnight's killer off the hook. imagine it had nothing to do with race.  And if one thing IS clear, it’s that the decision to let Ronald Gasser–previously arrested in 2006 for beating someone in another road rage incident–go free of charges is about protecting yet another white murderer.2

Today, we’ll see the NFL honor Joe McKnight’s life during today’s games, while the systems that were supposed to protect him make it clear that his Black life didn’t matter to them. It’s enraging. But if the Sheriff’s department won’t file charges and arrest Gasser, the District Attorney’s office must. In 2012, when people stood up to demand the arrest of George Zimmerman after he killed Trayvon Martin, we won.3 At a time when Donald Trump’s election has increased racist attacks, local officials have to make it clear that Black lives matter.4 Will you sign the petition to make sure Ronald Gasser doesn’t get away scot-free?

Tell Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick Jr.: Don’t let Joe McKnight’s killer walk free. Press charges now.

The decision to let Ronald Gasser go has everything to do with race. Louisiana has the highest arrest rate in the country–there’s absolutely no reason McKnight’s killer would’ve usually been let free.5Police don’t need to provide enough evidence to convict a suspect, just a probable cause that they committed a crime. At the very least, evidence allows the Sheriff to charge Gasser with unlawful discharge of a weapon–which includes shooting most guns within 5,500 feet of a road or highway.6 Yet, he was charged with absolutely nothing. This case is eerily similar to an incident in which NFL star Will Smith was killed in a road rage incident, and the killer, Cardell Hayes, was immediately arrested on charges of second-degree murder.7 The only difference is Hayes is Black, and Gasser is white.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Normand hinted that consideration of Louisiana’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law could be a factor in this case.8 And we know, from the cases of George Zimmerman and Marissa Alexander, that Stand Your Ground too often falls apart in court when used to protect Black people and stands as firm as the pillars of white supremacy when used to protect white killers. Research shows that in ‘Stand Your Ground’ states, white people who kill Black people are 354 percent more likely to be justified in court than white people who kill other white people.9 We can’t allow police to hold up a law like ‘Stand Your Ground’ as an excuse to let Joe McKnight’s killer walk free.

Right now, there’s nothing legally stopping Ronald Gasser from fleeing the country. Tell the Jefferson Parish DA to indict Gasser now.

Until justice is real,

–Arisha, Rashad, Scott, Clarise, and the rest of the Color Of Change team

References:

1. “Should JPSO have arrested Joe McKnight’s shooter? Experts disagree,” The Times-Picayune, December 2, 2016

2. “Joe McKnight’s shooter was cited in 2006 road rage incident, beating at same Terrytown spot: JPSO,”The Times-Picayune, December 2, 2016

3. “Trayvon Martin shooting: A timeline of events,” CBS News, July 12, 2013

4. “Racist Incidents Are Up Since Donald Trump’s Election. These Are Just a Few of Them,” TIME, November 13, 2016

5. “Joe McKnight’s killer went free in an area with the highest arrest rate in the country,” Think Progress, December 3, 2016

6. “Should JPSO have arrested Joe McKnight’s shooter? Experts disagree,” The Times-Picayune, December 2, 2016

7. “One went straight to jail after killing NFL star; one went home,” The Times-Picayune, December 2, 2016

8. “Joe McKnight’s shooting: What we know Sunday morning,” The Times-Picayune, December 4, 2016

9. “5 Disturbing Facts About The State Of Stand Your Ground On The Second Anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s Death,” Think Progress, February 26, 2014

 

 

If Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand won’t file charges, the District Attorney must.

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the senate ** December CONGRESS ** 5,6, 2016 the house


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Wrap Up for Monday, December 5, 2016

Dec 5, ’16 2:01 PM

Roll Call Votes Motion to invoke cloture on motion to concur to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.34, Cures Act; invoked: 85-13.   Legislative Business Agreed to H.Con.Res.174, directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R.34.   No Executive Business

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Wrap Up for Thursday, December 1, 2016

Dec 1, ’16 1:11 PM

Roll Call Votes Passage of H.R.6297, Iran Sanctions Extension Act; passed: 99-0.   Legislative Business Passed S.10 – to provide for the consideration of a definition of anti-Semitism for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities.   Concurred in the House Message on S.2577 – Justice for All Reauthorization Act.  …

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House floor activities Nov. 6, 2016

10:00:16 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:20 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable David G. Valadao to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:30 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.
10:43:00 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:15 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 6.
12:00:20 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:53 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:55 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Kuster to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:16 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.
12:19:48 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 December 6, 2016 at 11:29 a.m.: that the Senate passed with an amendment H. Con. Res. 174.
12:21:32 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:22:16 P.M. H.R. 756 Mr. Olson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 756 — “To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the dissemination of information regarding available Federal programs relating to energy efficiency projects for schools, and for other purposes.”
12:22:59 P.M. H.R. 756 Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:23:00 P.M. H.R. 756 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 756.
12:33:15 P.M. H.R. 756 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
12:33:17 P.M. H.R. 756 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:33:42 P.M. H.R. 6375 Mr. Olson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6375 — “To provide for consideration of the extension under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of nonapplication of No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards to certain security or life safety alarms or surveillance systems.”
12:33:51 P.M. H.R. 6375 Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:33:53 P.M. H.R. 6375 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6375.
12:40:00 P.M. H.R. 6375 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
12:40:02 P.M. H.R. 6375 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:40:28 P.M. H.R. 3381 Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3381 — “To maximize discovery, and accelerate development and availability, of promising childhood cancer treatments, and for other purposes.”
12:40:40 P.M. H.R. 3381 Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:40:43 P.M. H.R. 3381 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3381.
12:55:04 P.M. H.R. 3381 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
12:55:06 P.M. H.R. 3381 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:55:37 P.M. S. 2873 Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 2873 — “To require studies and reports examining the use of, and opportunities to use, technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models to improve programs of the Department of Health and Human Services, and for other purposes.”
12:55:49 P.M. S. 2873 Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:55:51 P.M. S. 2873 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2873.
1:03:04 P.M. S. 2873 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:03:06 P.M. S. 2873 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:04:01 P.M. H.R. 6394 Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6394 — “To require the Federal Communications Commission to submit to Congress a report on promoting broadband Internet access service for veterans.”
1:04:04 P.M. H.R. 6394 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:04:05 P.M. H.R. 6394 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6394.
1:10:18 P.M. H.R. 6394 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:11:25 P.M. H. Res. 939 Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 939 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that access to digital communications tools and connectivity is necessary to prepare youth in the United States to compete in the 21st century economy.”
1:11:42 P.M. H. Res. 939 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:11:44 P.M. H. Res. 939 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 939.
1:16:09 P.M. H. Res. 939 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:16:23 P.M. H. Res. 932 Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 932 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to third-party charges on consumer telephone bills.”
1:16:40 P.M. H. Res. 932 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:16:41 P.M. H. Res. 932 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 932.
1:24:53 P.M. H. Res. 932 On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
1:25:00 P.M. H. Res. 932 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:26:01 P.M. H.R. 4680 Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4680 — “To prepare the National Park Service for its Centennial in 2016 and for a second century of promoting and protecting the natural, historic, and cultural resources of our National Parks for the enjoyment of present and future generations, and for other purposes.”
1:26:11 P.M. H.R. 4680 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:26:12 P.M. H.R. 4680 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4680.
1:42:27 P.M. H.R. 4680 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:42:29 P.M. H.R. 4680 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:43:01 P.M. H.R. 1219 Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1219 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land and appurtenances of the Arbuckle Project, Oklahoma, to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, and for other purposes.”
1:43:04 P.M. H.R. 1219 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:43:06 P.M. H.R. 1219 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1219.
1:48:43 P.M. H.R. 1219 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:49:01 P.M. H.R. 6401 Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6401 — “To amend Public Law 94-241 with respect to the Northern Mariana Islands.”
1:49:11 P.M. H.R. 6401 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:49:12 P.M. H.R. 6401 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6401.
1:53:00 P.M. H.R. 6401 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:53:02 P.M. H.R. 6401 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:53:25 P.M. S. 817 Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 817 — “To provide for the addition of certain real property to the reservation of the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon.”
1:53:37 P.M. S. 817 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:53:38 P.M. S. 817 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 817.
1:56:03 P.M. S. 817 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:56:05 P.M. S. 817 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:56:27 P.M. S. 818 Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 818 — “To amend the Grand Ronde Reservation Act to make technical corrections, and for other purposes.”
1:56:42 P.M. S. 818 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:56:43 P.M. S. 818 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 818.
1:58:44 P.M. S. 818 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:58:45 P.M. S. 818 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:59:08 P.M. S. 3028 Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3028 — “To redesignate the Olympic Wilderness as the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness.”
1:59:17 P.M. S. 3028 Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:59:18 P.M. S. 3028 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3028.
2:01:55 P.M. S. 3028 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2:06:00 P.M. H.R. 875 Mr. Boustany moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 875 — “To provide for alternative financing arrangements for the provision of certain services and the construction and maintenance of infrastructure at land border ports of entry, and for other purposes.”
2:06:21 P.M. H.R. 875 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:06:22 P.M. H.R. 875 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 875.
2:26:56 P.M. H.R. 875 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2:26:58 P.M. H.R. 875 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:27:00 P.M. H.R. 6438 Mr. Boustany asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
2:27:05 P.M. H.R. 6438 Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 6438 — “To extend the waiver of limitations with respect to excluding from gross income amounts received by wrongfully incarcerated individuals.”
2:27:19 P.M. H.R. 6438 On passage Passed without objection.
2:27:38 P.M. H.R. 6438 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:28:27 P.M. H.R. 6416 Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6416 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
2:28:39 P.M. H.R. 6416 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:28:40 P.M. H.R. 6416 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6416.
3:07:33 P.M. H.R. 6416 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
3:08:12 P.M. H.R. 5399 Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5399 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that physicians of the Department of Veterans Affairs fulfill the ethical duty to report to State licensing authorities impaired, incompetent, and unethical health care activities.”
3:08:15 P.M. H.R. 5399 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:08:17 P.M. H.R. 5399 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5399.
3:14:36 P.M. H.R. 5399 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:14:38 P.M. H.R. 5399 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:15:16 P.M. H.R. 4352 Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4352 — “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program establishing a patient self-scheduling appointment system, and for other purposes.”
3:15:27 P.M. H.R. 4352 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:15:29 P.M. H.R. 4352 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4352.
3:33:19 P.M. H.R. 4352 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:33:20 P.M. H.R. 4352 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:33:32 P.M. S. 3492 Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3492 — “To designate the Traverse City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as the “Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic”.”
3:33:43 P.M. S. 3492 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:33:44 P.M. S. 3492 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3492.
3:44:21 P.M. S. 3492 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:44:22 P.M. S. 3492 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:45:00 P.M. S. 3076 Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3076 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish caskets and urns for burial in cemeteries of States and tribal organizations of veterans without next of kin or sufficient resources to provide for caskets or urns, and for other purposes.”
3:45:02 P.M. S. 3076 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:45:04 P.M. S. 3076 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3076.
3:52:53 P.M. S. 3076 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:52:54 P.M. S. 3076 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:53:19 P.M. Mr. Byrne filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 944.
3:54:24 P.M. H.R. 4150 Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4150 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to modify the hours of employment of physicians and physician assistants employed on a full-time basis by the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
3:54:33 P.M. H.R. 4150 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:54:37 P.M. H.R. 4150 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4150.
4:06:12 P.M. H.R. 4150 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:06:14 P.M. H.R. 4150 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:06:22 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
4:07:01 P.M. H.R. 6394 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6394 — “To require the Federal Communications Commission to submit to Congress a report on promoting broadband Internet access service for veterans.”
4:31:12 P.M. H.R. 6394 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 604).
4:31:12 P.M. H.R. 6394 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:31:16 P.M. H. Res. 939 Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 939 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that access to digital communications tools and connectivity is necessary to prepare youth in the United States to compete in the 21st century economy.”
4:38:49 P.M. H. Res. 939 On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 605).
4:38:55 P.M. H.R. 6416 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6416 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.”
4:47:10 P.M. H.R. 6416 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 606).
4:47:10 P.M. H.R. 6416 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:48:10 P.M. A QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE – Mr. Jordan rose to a question of the privileges of the House and submitted a privileged resolution. Upon examination of the resolution, the Chair determined that the resolution did consitute a question of the privileges of the House.
4:56:27 P.M. H. Res. 828 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 828 — “Impeaching John Andrew Koskinen, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, for high crimes and misdemeanors.”
5:03:56 P.M. H. Res. 828 Ms. Pelosi moved to table the measure.
5:20:32 P.M. H. Res. 828 On motion to table the measure Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 607).
5:20:54 P.M. H. Res. 828 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:20:55 P.M. H. Res. 828 Mr. Goodlatte moved to refer the resolution.
5:21:55 P.M. H. Res. 828 The previous question on the motion to refer the resolution was ordered without objection.
5:22:55 P.M. H. Res. 828 On motion to refer the resolution Roll Call 608 – Recorded vote pending.

House floor activities Nov. 5,2016

12:00:00 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:00 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:17 P.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:05:59 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:40 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 5.
2:00:56 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:36 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:39 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Joe Wilson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:02:05 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:06:13 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 December 2, 2016, at 1:35 p.m.: That the Senate passed with an amendment H.R. 1561 and that the Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 2577.
2:06:42 P.M. ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Hahn, the whole number of the House is 434.
2:07:23 P.M. The House received a communication from Representative Miller (MI) wherein she resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at 12:00 a.m. on December 31, 2016.
2:07:24 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. today.
4:30:36 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 5.
4:30:42 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:31:01 P.M. S. 795 Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 795 — “To enhance whistleblower protection for contractor and grantee employees.”
4:31:11 P.M. S. 795 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:31:14 P.M. S. 795 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 795.
4:39:16 P.M. S. 795 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:39:18 P.M. S. 795 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:39:38 P.M. H.R. 2726 Mr. Posey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2726 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first manned landing on the moon.”
4:39:56 P.M. H.R. 2726 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:39:59 P.M. H.R. 2726 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2726.
4:53:41 P.M. H.R. 2726 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:53:43 P.M. H.R. 2726 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:54:12 P.M. H.R. 6427 Mr. Garrett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6427 — “To improve the operation of United States capital markets, and for other purposes.”
4:54:23 P.M. H.R. 6427 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:54:28 P.M. H.R. 6427 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6427.
5:14:14 P.M. H.R. 6427 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:15:10 P.M. H.R. 5015 Mr. Brady (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5015 — “To restore amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes from severance payments to individuals who retired or separated from service in the Armed Forces for combat-related injuries, and for other purposes.”
5:15:24 P.M. H.R. 5015 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:15:37 P.M. H.R. 5015 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5015.
5:28:13 P.M. H.R. 5015 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
5:29:12 P.M. S. 3395 Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3395 — “To require limitations on prescribed burns.”
5:29:22 P.M. S. 3395 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:29:32 P.M. S. 3395 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3395.
5:37:04 P.M. S. 3395 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:37:05 P.M. S. 3395 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:37:34 P.M. S. 1635 Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. S. 1635 — “To authorize the Department of State for fiscal year 2016, and for other purposes.”
5:37:46 P.M. S. 1635 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:37:47 P.M. S. 1635 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1635.
6:08:28 P.M. S. 1635 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
6:08:42 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:42 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 5.
6:30:48 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:22 P.M. H.R. 5015 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5015 — “To restore amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes from severance payments to individuals who retired or separated from service in the Armed Forces for combat-related injuries, and for other purposes.”
6:52:46 P.M. H.R. 5015 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 – 0 (Roll no. 601).
6:52:47 P.M. H.R. 5015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:52:56 P.M. H.R. 6427 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6427 — “To improve the operation of United States capital markets, and for other purposes.”
7:02:37 P.M. H.R. 6427 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 2 (Roll no. 602).
7:02:38 P.M. H.R. 6427 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:02:59 P.M. S. 1635 Considered as unfinished business. S. 1635 — “To authorize the Department of State for fiscal year 2016, and for other purposes.”
7:10:33 P.M. S. 1635 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 374 – 16 (Roll no. 603).
7:10:34 P.M. S. 1635 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:10:41 P.M. H.R. 1777 ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Chaffetz asked unanimous consent, notwithstanding the order of the House of September 22, 2016, that the veto message of the President on the bill, H.R. 1777, together with the accompanying bill, be referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Agreed to without objection.
7:11:43 P.M. H.R. 6415 Mr. Davis, Rodney asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
7:12:05 P.M. H.R. 6415 Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 6415 — “To provide for the appointment of members of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance to replace members whose terms expire during 2017, and for other purposes.”
7:12:12 P.M. H.R. 6415 On passage Passed without objection.
7:12:16 P.M. H.R. 6415 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:12:16 P.M. H. Con. Res. 179 Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 179 — “Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make certain corrections in the enrollment of S. 2943.”
7:12:41 P.M. H. Con. Res. 179 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
7:12:45 P.M. H. Con. Res. 179 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:13:04 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:19:34 P.M. Mr. Thompson (PA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:19:43 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:19:44 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2016.
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This still happens? by Emily J. Martin

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reposted … from 2013

This still happens?
It’s true — some pregnant women are still forced to make terrible choice between losing their jobs and endangering their pregnancies.
Too many pregnant women who need a temporary workplace accommodation to continue working safely are being shown the door. Employers know they can’t get away with this if a worker with a disability needs an accommodation — but they think it is fine to treat a pregnant worker like a second-class citizen.
We’re talking about adjustments like a temporary schedule change, permission to carry a water bottle, or sitting on a stool instead of standing all day at a cash register. Too often, employers say no to these simple requests. To make matters worse, the women most likely to be in this impossible position are often in jobs that pay the lowest wages.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - Pregnant women have been fired for drinking water, using the bathroom too frequently, and being unable to lift heavy objects.

Over the next several months, we’re turning the pressure up — to raise awareness and take action in support of pregnant workers. Thirty-five years ago this month, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act became law, but we obviously still have a lot more work to do to make sure pregnant women are treated fairly.

That’s why we need to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bill that would require employers to make the same types of accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions that they do for disabilities.

No pregnant woman should be forced to choose between her health and her job.