Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Tuesday talk&votes in Congress …


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET May 25, 2010

Senate cmte vote on DADT possible on Thursday.  Today the President announced he will be going to the Gulf Coast to see the current damage/get updates and he stated: “I’m calling on Congress to pass (the) small business jobs package as soon as possible,” Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery at the White House. “I urge both chambers to act on these proposals as soon as possible. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”

Resume consideration of HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations.

Recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the committee reported substitute amendment and HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. As a result of cloture being filed, there is a 1pm tomorrow filing deadline for first degree amendments.

Unanimous Consent:

S.2874, “Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building,” in New Orleans, LA

S.3200, “Zachary Smith Post Office Building,” in Hornell, NY

H.R.3250, “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building,” in Riverhead, NY

H.R.3634, “George Kell Post Office,” in Swifton, AR

H.R.3892, “E.V. Wilkins Post Office,” in Roper, NC

H.R.4017, “Ann Marie Blute Post Office,” in Shrewbury, MA

H.R.4095, “Congresswoman Jan Meyers Post Office Building,” in Overland Park, KS

H.R.4139, “Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram Post Office,” in Hickory, MS

H.R.4214, “Roy Wilson Post Office,” in Palm Desert, CA

H.R.4238, “W.D. Farr Post Office Building,” in Greeley, CO

H.R.4425, “Martin G. ‘Marty’ Mahar Post Office,” in North Troy, NY

H.R.4547, “Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office,” in Cheyney, PA

H.R.4628, “Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building,” in Westwood, NJ

HR4840, “Clarence D. Lumpkin Post Office,” in Columbus, OH, with an amendment and an amendment to the title

– Passed H.R.5128, a bill to designate the US Department of Interior Building in Washington, DC, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of Interior Building”

– Adopted S.Con.Res.211, a concurrent resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the East Bay Regional Park District of California

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

#894 Kerry Joseph Forestal to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana for a term of four years.

#895 John Dale Foster to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.

#896 Gary Michael Gaskins to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.

#897 Dallas Stephen Neville to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin for the term of four years.

#898 R. Booth Goodwin II, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years.

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The next meeting in the House: 10:30amET May 25, 2010

An anti-fraud bill to protect Seniors, currently voting on care for Veterans (413 yea – 2 nay)

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 25, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:33 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:32 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 29. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 28.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 27.

6:26 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1172:

recognizing the life and achievements of Will Keith Kellogg

6:25 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 301).

6:17 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1189:

commending Lance Mackey on winning a record 4th straight Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

6:16 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 0, 3 Present (Roll no. 300).

6:09 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2711:

to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties

6:08 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 0 (Roll no. 299).

H.R. 3885:

to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy

6:00 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 403 – 4 (Roll no. 298).

5:32 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

5:31 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.

5:30 P.M. –
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity – the Speaker appointed (upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader): Dr. Carolyn Williams, Bronx, NY; Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan, Adelphi, MD; and Dr. Benjamin J. Allen, Cedar Falls, IA; (and upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader): Dr. Art Keiser, Parkland, FL; Mr. Arthur Rothkopf, Washington, DC;and Dr. William Pepicello, Phoenix, AZ .

H. Res. 407:

expressing support for designation of May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Castor (FL) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

5:16 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 407. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Castor (FL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1372:

honoring the University of Georgia Graduate School on the occasion of its centennial

5:15 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

5:08 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1372. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1161:

honoring the Centennial Celebration of Women at Marquette University, the first Catholic university in the world to offer co-education as part of its regular undergraduate program

5:07 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

4:56 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1161. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1169:

honoring the 125th anniversary of Rollins College

4:55 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bishop (NY) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

4:48 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1169. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1353:

supporting the goals and ideals of Student Financial Aid Awareness Month to raise awareness of student financial aid

4:47 P.M. –
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.

4:41 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1353. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1385:

recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes

4:40 P.M. –
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.

4:20 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1385. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Skelton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1316:

celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

4:18 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lynch objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

4:09 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1316. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1189:

commending Lance Mackey on winning a record 4th straight Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

4:08 P.M. –
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.

4:05 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1189. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1172:

recognizing the life and achievements of Will Keith Kellogg

4:04 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lynch objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

3:52 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1172. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 2711:

to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties

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.

3:50 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3200, S. 2874, H.R. 4840 amended, H.R. 4547, H.R. 4425, H.R. 4238, H.R. 4214, H.R. 4139, H.R. 4095, H.R. 4017, H.R. 3892, H.R. 3634, H.R. 3250, and H.R. 4628.

H.R. 2711:

to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties

3:43 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2711.

3:42 P.M. –
Mr. Lynch moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

3:41 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 584:

recognizing the importance of manufactured and modular housing in the United States

3:40 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 4, 1 Present (Roll no. 297).

3:32 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1382:

expressing sympathy to the families of those killed by North Korea in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident

3:31 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 411 – 3 (Roll no. 296). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:23 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

3:20 P.M. –
ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from Hawaii, the whole number of the House is 432.

3:08 P.M. –
OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Charles Djou, First District, State of Hawaii, presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House. The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Scott T. Nago, Chief Election Officer, Office of Elections, State of Hawaii, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held May 22, 2010, the Honorable Charles Djou was elected representative to Congress of the First Congressional District, State of Hawaii.

H. Res. 1258:

expressing support for designation of May 2010 as Mental Health Month

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 – 1 (Roll no. 295). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:02 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5145:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the continuing professional education reimbursement provided to health professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs

3:01 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 – 2 (Roll no. 294).

2:30 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

2:29 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.

12:11 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 707, S. 2868, and H.R. 4173 amended.

12:04 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

12:03 P.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:01 P.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

12:00 P.M. –
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 25.

10:40 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:31 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.

10:30 A.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable John A. Yarmuth to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

ThinkProgress…


UNDER THE RADAR

RADICAL RIGHT — ARIZONA SENATOR WHO PUSHED RADICAL IMMIGRATION LAW PLANS ON GOING AFTER ‘ANCHOR BABIES’ NEXT: Arizona news station KPHO is reporting that the state senator behind Arizona’s new radical immigration law, Russell Pierce (R), intends to push for an “anchor baby” bill that would essentially overturn the 14th Amendment by no longer granting citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants born on U.S. soil. According to e-mails obtained by KPHO, Pierce writes that he intends “to push for an Arizona bill that would refuse to accept or issue a birth certificate that recognizes citizenship to those born to illegal aliens, unless one parent is a citizen.” However, Pierce’s legislation is simply outright unconstitutional. As the Center for American Progress report “Immigration Nation: Reversing Birthright Citizenship Would Reverse A Unique American Achievement” writes, “Eleven years and a bloody Civil War later, when the framers of the 14th Amendment composed its text, they explicitly rejected the notion that America is a country club.” The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed in United States v. Wong Kim Ark that anyone born in the United States would be a citizen regardless of his or her parents’ nationality. “This is why the hard right’s assault on birthright citizenship — claiming that the Constitution does not in fact grant citizenship to the children of immigrants to the United States — does not survive the text of the Constitution itself,” write the CAP authors. Unfortunately, Pierce isn’t the first lawmaker to go after the children of immigrants. Since taking office, Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA) has tried and failed to pass seven pieces of legislation that would either repeal or reinterpret the 14th Amendment’s definition of citizenship.

A message from our President Obama


On Thursday, the Senate passed historic Wall Street reform. This movement proved again that the strongest special interests, who for so long have called the shots in Washington, can be beat.

When opponents in Congress tried to block the legislation altogether, you stood up — and they backed down. When the lobbyists pushed for loopholes and exemptions just before a final vote, you did not relent — and we fought them off.

Your support brought us to this day — and, because of that, we’re poised to implement sensible reforms that will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth.

Now, the House and Senate must iron out their differences before I can sign it into law. But the financial industry will not give up. They have already spent more than $1 million per member of Congress, lobbying on this issue. And in the coming days, they will go all in. This is their last shot to stall, weaken, or kill reform, and they are not accustomed to losing.

But this movement has you — and together, we have beaten the special interests before.

Can you donate $5 or more today to help Organizing for America continue to mobilize thousands — to counter the special interests’ attacks and get strong Wall Street reform to my desk?

Every American has a stake in this bill.

If you have ever been treated unfairly by a credit card company, this reform works for you — never again will Americans be duped by fine print or hidden fees.

If you ever try to take out a home loan or student loan, this reform works for you — putting an end to predatory and deceptive lending practices.

And, if you or your small business relies on credit from community banks that are being punished for playing by the rules while their competitors do not, this reform works for you — reining in the big banks and making sure all our lenders are subject to tough oversight.

These reforms would put in place the strongest consumer financial protections in history. And, by helping safeguard our economy from recklessness on Wall Street, it would ensure that a crisis like the one that caused this recession never happens again.

This is not a zero-sum game where Wall Street loses and Main Street wins. As we have learned, in today’s economy, we are all connected. When the economy prospers, we all win. Senators of both parties recognize that fact, and that is why lawmakers stood up to the lobbyists and worked across the aisle to ensure that Wall Street reform passed.

But this fight is not yet over. And it is up to us to overcome this final test and pass reform into law. When we do, the power of this movement to make change in Washington — despite the best efforts of the special interests — will no longer be up for debate.

Please donate $5 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/WSRSenateVictory

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary



______________________________________________________
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
______________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           May 19, 2009
President Obama Announces National Fuel Efficiency Policy

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama today – for the first time in history – set in motion a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The new standards, covering model years 2012-2016, and ultimately requiring an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016, are projected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program with a fuel economy gain averaging more than 5 percent per year and a reduction of approximately 900 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.

“In the past, an agreement such as this would have been considered impossible,” said President Obama. “That is why this announcement is so important, for it represents not only a change in policy in Washington, but the harbinger of a change in the way business is done in Washington. As a result of this agreement, we will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles sold in the next five years. And at a time of historic crisis in our auto industry, this rule provides the clear certainty that will allow these companies to plan for a future in which they are building the cars of the 21st century.”

This groundbreaking policy delivers on the President’s commitment to enact more stringent fuel economy standards and represents an unprecedented collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the world’s largest auto manufacturers, the United Auto Workers, leaders in the environmental community, the State of California, and other state governments.

“The President brought all stakeholders to the table and came up with a plan to help the auto industry, safeguard consumers, and protect human health and the environment for all Americans,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “A supposedly ‘unsolvable’ problem was solved by unprecedented partnerships. As a result, we will keep Americans healthier, cut tons of pollution from the air we breathe, and make a lasting down payment on cutting our greenhouse gas emissions.”

“A clear and uniform national policy is not only good news for consumers who will save money at the pump, but this policy is also good news for the auto industry which will no longer be subject to a costly patchwork of differing rules and regulations,” said Carol M. Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change. “This an incredible step forward for our country and another way for Americans to become more energy independent and reduce air pollution.”,

A national policy on fuel economy standards and greenhouse gas emissions is welcomed by the auto manufacturers because it provides regulatory certainty and predictability and includes flexibilities that will significantly reduce the cost of compliance. The collaboration of federal agencies also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA and a state standard).

“President Obama is uniting federal and state governments, the auto industry, labor unions and the environmental community behind a program that will provide for the biggest leap in history to make automobiles more fuel efficient,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This program lessens our dependence on oil and is good for America and the planet.”

ThinkProgress.org


UNDER THE RADAR

ENVIRONMENT — DESPITE THOUSANDS OF SAFETY VIOLATIONS, MASSEY CEO DON BLANKENSHIP CLAIMS THAT HE ‘NEVER’ PUTS PROFITS ABOVE SAFETY: In his first Capitol Hill appearance since the Upper Big Branch mine explosion last month, Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship told a Senate committee yesterday that “we never have, and never will” put profits above safety in any of his company’s mines. “From the day I became a member of Massey’s leadership team 20 years ago, I have made safety my number one priority,” Blankenship said. But the truth is that Blankenship’s Big Branch mine alone was “cited for safety violations 515 times in 2009 and 124 times in 2010 before the blast,” citations which Assistant Secretary of Labor Joseph Main said were “not only more numerous than average, but also more serious.”  The Big Branch violations are part of Massey’s long record of egregious environmental and health violations. In 2000, a Massey subsidiary was responsible for what was at that time the “nation’s largest man-made environmental disaster east of the Mississippi.”  In 2007, the EPA sued Massey for violating the Clean Water Act “more than 4,500 times from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2006.” And in 2006, Massey’s Aracoma Coal Co. pled “guilty to 10 criminal charges, including one felony, and pay $2.5 million in criminal fines” after two workers died in a fire at the Aracoma Alma No. 1 Mine in Melville, West Virginia. Massey failed to notify authorities of the fire until two hours after the disaster, and Blankenship later called the incident “statistically insignificant.” Though the company has been charged with tens of thousands of violations (10,653 in 2009), Massey continues to escape full responsibility by constantly appealing the penalties, and by leveraging connections with former employees of Blankenship who had been placed at the highest levels of the federal mine safety system. Blankenship’s attitude toward worker safety is best embodied in a memo he sent to mine superintendents just two months before the Aracoma fire. “If any of you have been asked by your group presidents, your supervisors, engineers or anyone else to do anything other than run coal (i.e. build overcasts, do construction jobs, or whatever),” he wrote, “you need to ignore them and run coal. This memo is necessary only because we seem not to understand that the coal pays the bills.”