All posts by Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, June 17, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
- Executive Calendar # #48 Luis Felipe Restrepo– to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and
- Executive Calendar #62 Kenneth John Gonzales – to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico.
There will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations.
Following the votes, the Senate will resume consideration of S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.
Executive Calendar #48, the nomination of Luis Felipe Restrepo, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, was confirmed by voice vote.
5:32pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #62, the nomination of Kenneth John Gonzales, of New Mexico, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico; Confirmed: 89-0

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in a series of up to 4 roll call votes at 3:00pm tomorrow.

When the Senate resumes consideration of S.744 on Tuesday, June 18^th, the time until 12:30pm and the time from 2:15-3pm will be equally divided, between the two Leaders, or their designees, for debate on the pending amendments. At 3pm, the Senate proceed to votes on the amendments listed below in the following order:

– Thune #1197; (permanent resident status after border completion);

– Landrieu #1222; (citizenship for internationally adopted children);

– Vitter #1228 (US-VISIT system); and

– Tester #1198 (modify Border Oversight Task Force to include tribal government officials).

No second degree amendments are in order prior to the votes. All the amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. There will be two minutes equally divided in between the votes. All after the first vote will be ten minute votes.

WRAP UP
ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #62 Kenneth John Gonzales to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico; Confirmed: 89-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.330, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish safeguards and standards of quality for research and transplantation of organs infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a Grassley amendment and a committee-reported substitute amendment.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar # #48 Luis Felipe Restrepo to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by voice vote.

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Last Floor Action:6/14/13
3:44:24 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 17, 2013.

12:00:38 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:46 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Kerry L. Bentivolio to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:54 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.
12:07:18 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

2:00:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 17.
2:01:10 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

2:02:21 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:24 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wenstrup to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:40 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:09:16 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 5:00 P.M. today.

5:00:42 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 17.
5:00:55 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:01:13 P.M.	H.R. 876	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 876 — “To authorize the continued use of certain water diversions located on National Forest System land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes.”
5:01:23 P.M.	H.R. 876	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:01:26 P.M.	H.R. 876	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 876.

5:06:41 P.M.	H.R. 876	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.
5:06:46 P.M.	H. Res. 264	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 264 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 588, with an amendment.”
5:07:59 P.M.	H. Res. 264	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:08:01 P.M.	H. Res. 264	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 264.
5:17:12 P.M.	H. Res. 264	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
5:17:15 P.M.	H. Res. 264	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:17:26 P.M.	H.R. 253	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 253 — “To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah to Brigham Young University, and for other purposes.”
5:17:38 P.M.	H.R. 253	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:17:40 P.M.	H.R. 253	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 253.
5:24:16 P.M.	H.R. 253	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.
5:24:44 P.M.	H.R. 674	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 674 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of designating prehistoric, historic, and limestone forest sites on Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.”
5:24:58 P.M.	H.R. 674	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:25:00 P.M.	H.R. 674	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 674.
5:32:04 P.M.	H.R. 674	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:32:11 P.M.	H.R. 674	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:32:23 P.M.	H.R. 862	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 862 — “To authorize the conveyance of two small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest containing private improvements that were developed based upon the reliance of the landowners in an erroneous survey conducted in May 1960.”
5:32:34 P.M.	H.R. 862	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:32:36 P.M.	H.R. 862	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 862.
5:39:47 P.M.	H.R. 862	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.
5:39:57 P.M.	H.R. 520	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 520 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of alternatives for commemorating and interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the early years of the National Parks, and for other purposes.”
5:40:12 P.M.	H.R. 520	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:40:13 P.M.	H.R. 520	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 520.
5:45:55 P.M.	H.R. 520	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:45:58 P.M.	H.R. 520	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:46:19 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans -referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-37).
5:48:32 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 17.
6:30:55 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:45 P.M.	H.R. 876	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 876 — “To authorize the continued use of certain water diversions located on National Forest System land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes.”
6:57:28 P.M.	H.R. 876	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 – 0 (Roll no. 245).
6:57:29 P.M.	H.R. 876	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:58:12 P.M.	H.R. 253	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 253 — “To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah to Brigham Young University, and for other purposes.”
7:04:23 P.M.	H.R. 253	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 397 – 1 (Roll no. 246).
7:04:24 P.M.	H.R. 253	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:04:28 P.M.	H.R. 253	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:04:47 P.M.	H.R. 862	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 862 — “To authorize the conveyance of two small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest containing private improvements that were developed based upon the reliance of the landowners in an erroneous survey conducted in May 1960.”
7:12:36 P.M.	H.R. 862	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 – 1 (Roll no. 247).
7:12:37 P.M.	H.R. 862	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:13:07 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 266.
7:14:16 P.M.		Mr. Frelinghuysen filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2397.
7:15:22 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:32:11 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

9:46:15 P.M.		Mr. Hultgren moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:46:20 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:46:30 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 18, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ThinkProgress

06/15/2013 Nativegrl77

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

There have been 14 mass shootings in the six months since Newtown.

Louisiana chemical plant that exploded hadn’t been inspected by OSHA in two decades.

Eight inspiring moments since Newtown.

Another terrible consequence of Britain’s failed austerity policies.

U.S. to arm Syrian rebels following confirmation that Assad regime used chemical weapons.

Congressman freaks out over office visit by DREAMers.

Another GOP senator says it’s OK to allow employers to fire people just because they are gay.

Report: undocumented immigrants can contribute more than $600 BILLION toward strengthening Social Security.

How clean energy and climate solutions can help us grow the economy.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fatima Goss Graves, National Women’s Law Center

06/15/2013 Nativegrl77

National Women's Law Center - Stop Discounting Women

The data are clear.
Women are still being paid less than men in almost every occupation. And fields dominated by women pay less than fields dominated by men. Here’s the part that really drives me crazy — women are even paid less in jobs that are dominated by women, such as nursing, teaching and waitressing.
Are you fired up?
Take a stand in support of equal pay by sharing this graphic today.

When our supporters share our graphics, it helps educate the public about the wage gap.
Here’s the problem: When women bring home smaller paychecks, families have less to pay for basic necessities. At a time when families are relying increasingly on women’s wages, addressing the wage gap is incredibly important.
But to do this, we need people to know about the wage gap. We have to reach beyond our core group of supporters — so that the broader public joins our efforts to close the wage gap once and for all. That’s why we need your help.
Please join us by sharing this graphic today. It’s one small thing you can do to help.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,

Fatima Goss Graves Vice President for Education and Employment National Women’s Law Center

P.S. Want to read more? Check out NWLC’s new report outlining the barriers to achieving fair pay and practical steps to close it. Also check out our new website at mywagegap.org.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

06/15/2013 Nativegrl77

MARCO RUBIO SAYS IT SHOULD BE LEGAL TO FIRE SOMEONE FOR BEING GAY

SPURS RESPOND TO RACISM AGAINST 11-YEAR-OLD SINGER

FIRED FOR BEING A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

~ Culture & History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Destroying a sacred city for a shopping mall?

06/14/2013 Nativegrl77

Help stop the destruction of my home, Lhasa, Tibet

By Ngawang S.

Boston, Massachusetts

www.Change.org

My name is Ngawang Sangdrol and I am a Tibetan born in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Today I live in exile, unable to return to my beloved homeland as a free person. I share my story with you now as my home, Lhasa, is under severe threat.

This magnificent city has stood on the top of the world for 1,500 years. It stands not only as the physical capital but also as the spiritual capital for Tibetan Buddhists. The old city of Lhasa has been the site of many freedom protests and is a symbol of the Tibetan resilience against China’s occupation. When I was 13 years old, I joined a peaceful protest in Lhasa calling for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for Tibetan independence. As a result, I served 11-years in prison for my political actions.

But right now, I am afraid this sacred city faces destruction, environmental risks, and forced evictions to make way for a shopping mall and parking garage.

Please help me defend my home. We must not let Lhasa, a city of immense cultural and historical importance, be destroyed.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee can help prevent China’s wilful destruction of the old city of Lhasa by designating the site as “World Heritage in Danger”. Lhasa’s status as a World Heritage Site is a huge source of pride for China. If Lhasa is listed as being in danger, China must either stop the construction or face losing a World Heritage Site, which would be a major embarrassment.

Don’t let the beauty and historic significance of Lhasa be destroyed!