Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Senator Patty Murray

05/28/2010 Nativegrl77

Thank you for contacting me regarding energy exploration off our nation’s coastlines.

Since the passage of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in 1952, the federal government has leased the underwater terrain extending for 200 miles beyond states’ jurisdiction. Due to environmental concerns, Congress limited energy exploitation of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to clearly-defined areas in the Gulf of Mexico and off Alaska’s coast, and affirmed a moratorium on the expansion of drilling outside those areas. In 2008, President George W. Bush removed the moratoria on offshore leasing for most areas of the OCS. In March 2010, President Obama approved new offshore oil and gas drilling in the waters of the mid and south Atlantic, the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico and certain waters surrounding Alaska. The waters that remain restricted to offshore oil and gas development are located off the West Coast and Bristol Bay in Alaska.

As you may know, after the explosion and heartbreaking deaths of 11 crewmembers of the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has temporarily halted all new offshore drilling permits. Additionally, a moratorium on new permits is in effect until a thorough federal investigation of this catastrophic incident can be completed. I believe the companies responsible for atrocities of this nature should be held financially accountable. I recently cosponsored the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Liability Act of 2010 (S. 3305) and the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Trust Fund Act of 2010 (S. 3306) to ensure taxpayers will not pay to clean up spills and oil companies are held accountable for all of the costs resulting from their accidents. Both of these bills are currently pending in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Throughout my Senate tenure, I have opposed efforts to expand offshore drilling. Additionally, I have long championed banning all offshore development along the West Coast. I recently became an original cosponsor of the West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2010 (S. 3358). This bill would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing leases for exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California. This bill is currently being considered in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Like you, I am deeply concerned about record-high energy prices and our continuing dependence on foreign oil. I firmly believe that we must move forward with policies that promote alternative energy, energy conservation and efficiency. As Congress continues to deal with energy and natural resource extraction issues, I will be working to ensure that we institute a sensible, comprehensive energy policy that focuses on renewable energy and decreases our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.

I appreciate hearing your comments and concerns with offshore oil and gas development. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my weekly updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Thank you for contacting me about this important issue, and please keep in touch.
Sincerely,

Patty Murray
United States Senator

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

follow Friday &Congress …

05/28/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 10:00am Et

Morning Business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

Unanimous Consent:
Confirmed the following Executive Calendar items:
#909-915, military promotions
#918, Gervin Miyamoto, US Marshal, HI
#919, Scott Parker, US Marshal, Eastern District NC
#920, Laura Duffy, US Attorney, Southern District CA
#921, Daryl McPherson, US Marshal, Northern District IL
#922, Stephanie Finley, US Attorney, Western District LA
All nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps and Navy

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 28, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:25 P.M. –

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

4:20 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 407:: expressing support for designation of May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month”

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

4:19 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 5136:: to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

4:18 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. 5136.Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 229 – 186 (Roll no. 336).

4:10 P.M. –

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

4:09 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment to prohibit the use of funds for the transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by recorded vote: 282 – 131 (Roll no. 335).

3:53 P.M. –

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

3:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Forbes motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the use of funds for the transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

3:46 P.M. –

Mr. Forbes moved to recommit with instructions to Armed Services.

3:45 P.M. –

On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 183 (Roll no. 334).

3:28 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chairMrs. Bachmann appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.

3:22 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr.Skelton stated that the motion was not germane to the bill Sustained by the Chair.Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.

3:21 P.M. –

Mrs. Bachmann moved to recommit with instructions to Armed Services.

3:20 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 House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5136.

On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by recorded vote: 416 – 1 (Roll no. 333).

3:03 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton asked unanimous consent that the demand for a recorded vote on the Shea-Porter amendment numbered 81 be withdrawn.

3:02 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of the Skelton en bloc amendment numbered 9 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

3:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5330, without amendment, and agreed to H.Con.Res. 282, without amendment. And, the Senate passed H.R. 4899, with amendments, and ask for a conference with the House and appointed conferees.

H.R. 5116:: to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 262 – 150 (Roll no. 332).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:54 P.M. –

On agreeing to ninth portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 706 Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 234 (Roll no. 331).

2:48 P.M. –

On agreeing to eighth portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 705 Agreed to by recorded vote: 348 – 68 (Roll no. 330).

2:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to seventh portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 704 Agreed to by recorded vote: 409 – 0 (Roll no. 329).

2:35 P.M. –

On agreeing to sixth portion of the divided question, proposing to amend section 702 Failed by recorded vote: 197 – 215 (Roll no. 328).

2:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to fifth portion of the divided question, proposing to strike subtitle C of title VI Failed by voice vote.On agreeing to fourth portion of the divided question, proposing to strike section 503 Failed by voice vote.

2:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to third portion of the diveded question, proposing to strike section 502 Failed by voice vote.

2:27 P.M. –

On agreeing to second portion of the divided question, proposing to strike sections 406(b) and (c) Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 244 (Roll no. 327).

2:20 P.M. –

On agreeing to the first portion of the divided question, proposing to strike section 228 Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 243 (Roll no. 326).

1:55 P.M. –

Mr. Gordon of Tennessee demanded the question of adoption on the amendment be divided into each 9 of its components. The Chair announced that the question would be divided and began putting the question of adoption on each portion.Amendment offered by Mr. Gordon (TN).

1:54 P.M. –

The Chair announced the unfinished business was the resumption of proceedings on H.R. 5116. At the time when proceedings had been postponed on May 13, 2010, the motion to recommit with instructions had been adopted and pursuant to the instructions contained in the motion, the amendment required to be reported back to the House had not yet been submitted. Pursuant to the instructions contained in the motion, the Chair recognized Mr. Gordon for the purpose of offering the amendment.

1:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4213:: to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes

1:52 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:51 P.M. –

On concurring in Senate amendment with portion of amendment comprising section 523 Agreed to by recorded vote: 245 – 171 (Roll no. 325).

1:38 P.M. –

On concurring in Senate amendment with amendment (except portion comprising section 523) Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 204 (Roll no. 324).

1:09 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

11:41 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1403, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4213 with an amendment. Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1403 and at the conclusion of debate on the motion, the Chair will put the question in divided portions.

11:40 A.M. –

Mr. Levin moved that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.The Chair put the question on consideration of the motion to concur in Senate amendment with an amendment. Agreed to by voice vote.

H. Res. 1415:: electing minority members to certain standing committees

11:37 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

11:36 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1392:: waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:35 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1403, H. Res. 1392 is laid on the table.

H. Res. 1403:: providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4213) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 199 (Roll no. 323).

11:27 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Slaughter amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 215 – 206 (Roll no. 322).

11:17 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 182 (Roll no. 321).

11:09 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1391:: congratulating Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 – 0 (Roll no. 320).

10:59 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 182, 1 Present (Roll no. 319).

10:33 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and on motions to suspend the rules which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H. Res. 1403:: providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4213) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes

10:32 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 860, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

10:28 A.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Slaughter.

9:21 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1403

9:19 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

9:06 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:05 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Ms. Tsongas 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. Ms. Tsongas demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

9:02 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

9:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable David R. Obey to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

9:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What BP doesn’t want you to see

05/27/2010 Nativegrl77

I just finished watching this video — and I hope every American sees it.

Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famous explorer Jacques Cousteau, went underwater off the Gulf Coast to see first-hand what the Deepwater Oil Disaster looks and feels like. And the answer he came back with: “This is a nightmare.”

Watch this video and share it with all your friends.

We’ve seen the oil start to wash up on shore, and we’ve seen satellite images of the slick. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg: Take a look at the underwater impact of the oil geyser and the dangerous chemicals BP is using to “disperse” it — effects that could last for decades, even if today’s risky “Top Kill” maneuver to plug the well works.

It’s never been clearer: The consequences of our dependence on oil, from the Deepwater Oil Disaster to the climate crisis, are completely unacceptable.

Sincerely,

David Boundy
Campaign Manager
Repower America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ThinkProgress.org

05/27/2010 Nativegrl77

ECONOMY — ANTI-STIMULUS CRUSADER GOV. RICK PERRY BALANCES HIS STATE’S BUDGET WITH STIMULUS FUNDS: Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) joined a handful of Republican governors last year in rejecting various portions of the economic recovery package. Perry explained his position: “[It] was pretty simple for us. …We can take care of ourselves.” The Texas state legislature eventually pushed Perry to accept the money but he still insisted he believes “there are better ways to reinvigorate our economy and believe [the stimulus] will burden future generations with unprecedented levels of debt.” However, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that “billions of dollars from that initiative helped Texas legislators balance the current budget.” Perry is not the only governor to rail against the stimulus while relying on it to balance his budget. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) called the stimulus “incoherent” and “largely wasted,” but still used it to fix one-third of his state’s budget hole. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office recently found that the Recovery Act not only prevented key state budget cuts around the country, but also raised GDP by up to 4 percent and created 2.8 million jobs.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

trending Thursday &some News …

05/27/2010 Nativegrl77

The President will hold a Press Conference at 12:45pm ET today …watch!

FYI … Elizabeth Birnbaum, now ex- head of MMS has stepped down… Republicans like Issa, Pence are trying to get out in front of the news with negative comments … the ex-head of MMS and others among the group were out of control and Republicans did nothing to stop it.

LIVE Feed of Underwater BP Oil Spill

It’s truly a We the People moment …Today we find out if the Top Kill is going to work, the President will announce a 6month moratorium on deep-well drilling/Arctic Ocean drilling until the commission investigations are finished the vote for DADT might happen today maybe Friday and while reports are that Senate Democrats have the 15 votes from Republicans for DADT… minus Scott Brown to pass the amendment; it still seems like the process by which it will be repealed is long…though it will be repealed; reports are that no soldier will be fired during the process. Senate Democrats are having problems getting the unemployment benefits extended, stopping a pay cut to Doctors who have Medicare patients so they have decided to scale it back hoping to get Republican votes … stay tuned …radio/online.

The DADT amendment will be signed into law but then it has to be certified but not implemented until December of 2010. It’s obvious the compromise was only accepted by Gates because of the long evaluating process involved with maybe the possibility of being pulled back and adjusted at any moment. That being said; the vote for DADT will be watched by many, at least 70% of Americans say it’s time to end it and hopefully Republicans will have compassion to see the positive aspects of repealing DADT. It’s hard to believe how long the repeal of DADT has taken, it seems like such a simple thing but discrimination is an emotional, nasty and all-encompassing feeling and in the hands of lawmakers abused. DADT will increase opportunities for people who want to serve the country and who have the skills needed to make positive outcomes in this War; this is just one of many votes that has Americans moving into the 21st Century.

President Obama is not only making strides to fix this economy but has kept his promises; and as we all look at the list of campaign promises expect to hear the Republican rhetoric from now until the November elections are over and you know what; political or not if something gets passed and it is for all Americans not just for the select few. i say bring it … people seem to think and say he’s the President …well, if we want things to stick, be laws then we need the Congress to create make and pass the laws …such as the current compromised DADT amendment.

Other News …

NKorea is making threats toward SKorea/the US is pressuring China to support efforts to change the situation

**the Dow closed at almost 300 up

**Company that had safety issues with Military Helmets has stopped production

**Feds gave partial okay to start partial dredging

C-SPAN …

Spkr. Pelosi Briefing weekly-5/27

Hearing on Children’s Tylenol Recall

Pres. Obama Press Conference

President Announces New Drilling Regulations; Chief Regulator Resigns

President Obama announced new drilling regulations hours after Elizabeth Birnbaum resigned under pressure as head of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the lead agency overseeing U.S. oil and gas drilling. The MMS has come under fire for lax inspections of the Deepwater Horizon rig prior to its April 20 explosion and an Inspector General’s report that identified inappropriate behavior and industry relationships by agency officials. Early reports indicate moderate success in the “top kill” effort to stem the Gulf oil leak, now classified by government estimates as the worst spill in U.S. history. Federal officials, BP and Transocean executives are testifying at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining how the spill will affect America’s offshore oil and gas policy.

Hearing NOW on c-span.org Pres. Obama: From Earlier Hearing: Morning Session LIVE Spill Cam

Pres. Obama Remarks on Economy

Hearing on Young Workers in Recession

Oil Spill Hearing: Morning Session Oil Spill Hearing: Afternoon Session
Interior Dept. Report

Sec. Clinton to Outline New National Security Strategy

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will today preview the Obama Administration’s first National Security Strategy (NSS), a report submitted to Congress by each President to outline the intended U.S. response to major national security concerns. Her remarks at the Brookings Institution are expected to define standards on the use of military force and diplomacy and to identify ways to prevent nuclear proliferation and combat terrorism, including targeting the al Qaeda network. Associated Press National Security Reporter Matt Apuzzo obtained an early copy of the NSS on Wednesday and will discuss its provisions on this morning’s Washington Journal. Wednesday, Counterterrorism Adviser John Brennan said in a speech to the Center for Strategic & International Studies that the Administration places homegrown threats among the nation’s top national security concerns.

Brookings: c-span.org at 1:30pm ET

AP’s Matt Apuzzo on WJ: Available Shortly

AP: Obama’s new security strategy …

Brennan at CSIS: Available Later

Officials Give Oil Spill Update as “Top Kill” Effort Continues

Federal officials and BP executives will today provide updates on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response as an attempt to stop the leak by blasting mud and cement into the breach through a so-called “top kill” maneuver continues. First, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) appears on the Washington Journal to give her opinion on efforts so far and potential federal aid for her state. Executives from BP and Transocean testify at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining how the spill will affect America’s offshore oil and gas policy. Later, President Obama is expected announce new offshore oil drilling regulations in advance of his trip to the region on Friday.

House Hearing: c-span.org at 10am ET
Pres. Obama: c-span.org at 12:45pm ET
Sen. Landrieu on WJ: Available Shortly
LIVE Spill Cam

Oil Rig Survivors Describe Moments Before Explosion

Two hearings today are expected to shed new light on the moments leading up to the April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil-drilling platform. The blast killed 11 workers and injured 17 others before triggering the massive oil spill which has blanketed parts of the Gulf of Mexico. In a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, survivors will share their experiences prior and during the disaster, and industry officials will discuss legal liability issues surrounding the accident. A joint investigation panel of the U.S. Coast Guard and Minerals Management Service will hear in New Orleans, La., from five survivors that were aboard the Deepwater Horizon at the time of the incident. Testimony yesterday included reports of an argument between rig managers debating the steps many investigators cite as possibly triggering the blast.

House Judiciary Hearing: C-SPAN3, 10am ET
Joint Panel: c-span.org at 9am ET