Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — a right-wing political group representing large corporations — proposed what it’s calling an economic recovery plan. Take a look:

• Privatize Social Security
• Cut taxes for the rich
• Log the national forests
• Expand offshore gas and oil drilling
• Privatize highways and waterways

Look familiar? That’s what the agenda of a Republican Congress looks like and the Chamber of Commerce plans to spend more than $50 million to make it a reality.

Only people-powered campaigns can compete against that sort of money — they’re the only thing that ever have.

The Chamber can run ads now through Election Day, but nothing is more effective than committed volunteers talking to their family, friends and neighbors — and that’s exactly why DFA is launching Dean Corps. We’ll organize people on the ground to talk to voters and get out the vote.

BEAT BACK A REPUBLICAN CONGRESS — CONTRIBUTE NOW

With Dean Corps, we’re placing trained staff on the ground in campaigns across the country. These organizers will recruit and train volunteers to make phone calls, knock on doors and get out the vote through Election Day.

DFA members have long been the boots on the ground — putting grassroots campaigns over the top — for candidates up and down the ballot in all 50 states. This week, DFA members contributed the resources to put an organizer on the ground in Texas to beat George Bush’s hand-picked successor for Governor, Rick Perry.

Now, it’s up to you to decide how many congressional campaigns we back up with staff on the ground — Elaine Marshall in North Carolina? Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania? Ann McLane Kuster in New Hampshire? House races in California, Washington, Florida?

CONTRIBUTE RIGHT NOW TO FUEL OUR PEOPLE-POWERED CAMPAIGN AND BEAT BACK BIG CORPORATIONS

Grassroots people-power can beat big money. Support Dean Corps today to make it happen.

Thank you for everything you do.

-Levana

Levana Layendecker, Communications Director
Democracy for America

Here is what will happen in November. Democrats will keep control of the House. Period.

While some Washington pundits are claiming that Republicans have the momentum, I remain more confident in our chances for victory as long as we have our secret weapon — you.

Next Sunday, July 25th, marks 100 days from the fall elections. I have set a goal of raising $1 Million in grassroots contributions to send a powerful message to the media and to the world that we will keep control of the House and we will continue America’s New Direction!

Please stand with me to send an overwhelming message of grassroots strength. If you contribute $5, $10 or more today, you will receive a special invitation to join me on our National Campaign Kickoff Conference Call.

Your grassroots support has provided our margin of victory in House races since 2006 and continuing through our triumphant special election victories this year.

Ninety percent of your grassroots dollars are sent right back out the door to help our Democratic campaigns (only 10 percent is used for administrative costs). Your dollars help our great Democrats fight back against Republican attacks, place strategic early media buys to get their messages out, and most of all, work to turn out every Democratic voter on Election Day.

Let us take this opportunity to come together for progress.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

P.S. Help us meet our goal before the final 100 days of this election season. Contribute today and receive a special invitation to join me on our National Campaign Kickoff Conference Call.

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET July, 15 2010

Updates when needed today

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the conference report to accompany HR4173, Wall Street Reform. At approximately 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Wall Street Reform conference report. That will be the first vote of the day. Additional votes are expected during Today session of the Senate.

The vote for cloture 60-38 moves the Wall Street bill forward …i might be cynical but i will get excited about finally moving beyond Wall Street to get Every Street fixed with this somewhat watered down bill Wall Street has let the People down and needs to be reform repaired and reintroduced so that it functions correctly not corruptly.  The official record is below…

The Senate completed action on the Wall Street Reform conference report.

Senator Reid announced that the new senator from West Virginia will be sworn in at 2:15pm on Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

After that, at approximately 2:30pm on Tuesday, we’ll have a vote on extending Unemployment benefits. The Leaders are working on a way to move forward on Small Business. After we finish Small Business, the Majority Leader intends to consider the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill. It appears we’re going to have to have a cloture vote on the supplemental.

Votes:
206: Cloture on the conference report to accompany HR4173, Wall Street Reform:
Invoked: 60-38

207: Dodd motion to waive Budget Act with respect to the Conference Report to accompany HR4173, Wall Street Reform; Waived: 60-39

208: Adoption of the conference report to accompany HR4173, Wall Street Reform;
Adopted: 60-39

-Harry Reid says President Obama will sign HR4173 Wall Street Reform bill today

There will be no further roll call votes today.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Unanimous Consent:
Ratified Treaty Document 111-1, TAx Convention with Malta.

Ratified Treaty Document 111-3, Protocal Amending Tax Convention with New Zealand.

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

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10amET July 15, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 15, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:22 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on July 19, 2010. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

4:01 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.

4:00 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the conference report accompanying H.R. 4173.

2:59 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:58 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on July 22: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on July 21: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on July 20.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on July 19.

2:53 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Monday, July 19, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

2:52 P.M. –

Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, July 15, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

2:38 P.M. –

Mr. Conyers filed a report from the Committee on Judiciary on H. Res. 1455.

2:37 P.M. –

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER – Pursuant to the provision of section 208(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, the Chair appointed Daniel J. Strodel of the District of Columbia to act as and to exercise temporarily the duties of Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, effective July 18, 2010.

2:36 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Daniel P. Beard wherein he resigns as the Chief Administrative Officer effective July 18, 2010.

H.R. 5114:

to extend the authorization for the national flood insurance program, to identify priorities essential to reform and ongoing stable functioning of the program, and for other purposes

2:35 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5114. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 329 – 90 (Roll no. 447).

2:25 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 229 (Roll no. 446).

2:06 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

1:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hensarling motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment striking section 18 (relating to flood insurance outreach).

1:55 P.M. –

Mr. Hensarling moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

1:54 P.M. –

The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:53 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5114.

1:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Murphy (NY) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 421 – 0 (Roll no. 445).

1:44 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 423 – 3 (Roll no. 444).

1:13 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Murphy (NY) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Murphy (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

1:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (NY) amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (NY).

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 111-537 to require all funds authorized under the Act to be expended in a manner consistent with the manual on Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.

On agreeing to the McMahon amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

1:02 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McMahon amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. McMahon.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 111-537 to (1) permit federal grants to educate local real estate agents in communities participating in the NFIP regarding the program and the availability of coverage under the program for owners and renters of properties and (2) establish coordination and liaisons with such agents to facilitate purchase of coverage and increase awareness of flood risk reduction.

On agreeing to the Loebsack amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loebsack amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Loebsack.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 111-537 to require FEMA to notify a local television and radio station of proposed flood elevation determinations in addition to the current requirement of publication in a prominent local newspaper. Would also require FEMA to make such notifications for communities that have not yet been issued a Letter of Final Determination through the flood insurance map modernization process at the time of enactment.

12:57 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Hill amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hill amendment.

12:51 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Hill.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 111-537 to include `identifying ways to assist communities in efforts to fund the accreditation of flood protection systems’ as a function of the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate.

On agreeing to the Boswell amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boswell amendment.

12:47 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Boswell.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 111-537 to ensure occupants have relevant information on appropriate evacuation routes, and ensure the outreach program under the bill includes relevant information on where to obtain coverage.

On agreeing to the Miller (MI) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Miller (MI) amendment. Amendment offered by Mrs. Miller (MI).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 111-537 to require that the Government Accountability Office conduct a study on ways the private insurance market can contribute to insuring against flood damage; the impact on the National Flood Insurance Program if communities were to opt out; and the feasibility of regionalizing the National Flood Insurance Program so there is no cross-subsidization between regions.

12:40 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Taylor amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Taylor amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Taylor.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 111-537 to prohibit the Write Your Own insurance companies that contract with NFIP from excluding coverage of wind damage under their own policies solely because flooding also caused damage to the property. It would establish requirements for adjustment by WYO insurers when there are claims on the same property, from the same event, for flood damage covered by NFIP and for wind damage covered by the WYO insurer.

12:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

12:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment.

12:27 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 111-537 to prohibit funds made available for grants from being used for earmarks.

On agreeing to the Driehaus amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Driehaus amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Driehaus.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 111-537 to provide that if the owner of any property located in an area described in section 102(i)(1) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 obtains a letter of map amendment during the 5-year period for such area referred to in such section, FEMA shall reimburse such owner, or such entity or jurisdiction acting on such owners behalf, for any costs incurred in obtaining such letter.

On agreeing to the Putnam amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Putnam amendment. Amendment offered by Mr. Putnam.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 111-537 to require the FEMA to annually submit a report (no later than December 31 of each calendar year) to Congress on the effectiveness of grants awarded to local government agencies, the activities conducted and the effect of such activities on the retention or acquisition of flood insurance coverage.

On agreeing to the Waters amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1517, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment.

12:06 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-537 to (1) Phase out subsidized premiums for severe repetitive loss prope rties, substantially damaged or improved properties and policy holders who voluntarily allow flood coverage to lapse. (2) Clarify application of actuarial rate phase-in for pre-FIRM properties sold after enactment. (3) Provide preferred rate premium for properties participating in NFIP during newly established, 5-year delay in mandatory flood insurance purchase requirement. (4) Expand availability of installment premium payment program to all policyholders. (5) Clarify that the FEMA Director may work directly with property owners to make mitigation grants for certain repetitive loss properties where States or communities are either unable or unwilling to address repetitive loss issues with a property owner. (6) Allow commercial properties with swimming pools located below the base flood level to enclose those pools with breakaway walls outside of hurricane season. (7) Require FEMA to review mapping of surrounding properties following successful appeal of hazard designation in newly mapped areas. (8) Clarify ability of FEMA Administrator to use demolition and rebuilding as mitigation techniques. (9) Require study of the impact of working waterfronts on storm and flood risk. (10) Establish relevant flood insurance related studies. (11) Conform rule writing and implementation of various provisions of bill. (12) Include other technical improvements.

11:29 A.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5114.

11:27 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Chairman of the Committee. House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1517 and Rule XVIII.

11:26 A.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5114 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1517.

H. Res. 1517:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5114) to extend the authorization for the national flood insurance program, to identify priorities essential to reform and ongoing stable functioning of the program, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 182 (Roll no. 443).

10:57 A.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:29 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1517

10:26 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

10:07 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair would be limited to ten per side of the aisle.

10:06 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4861, H.R. 5051, H.R. 5099, S. 1288, and S. 3372.

10:05 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:04 A.M. –

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. John Cross, South Biscayne Church, North Port, Florida.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.