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Congress: the Republican led House uses Kucinich to embarrass -the Senate will be back on 6/6


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 3, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

3:27 P.M. – On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 7, 2011.

Mr. Burgess moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:07 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

1:55 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with further one minute speeches.The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 2702, the Clerk notified the House that she appointed Dr. Sharon Leon of Fairfax, Virginia, as a member of the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress.

1:52 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

1:49 P.M. – LAW REVISION COUNSEL – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 285c, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Ralph V. Seep as Law Revision Counsel for the House of Representatives, effective June 2, 2011.

1:48 P.M. – Mr. Kingston asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, June 9, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2011. Agreed to without objection.Mr. Kingston asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Kingston asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, June 3, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

1:47 P.M. – Mr. Kingston filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2112.

H. Con. Res. 51:
directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya 

1:46 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 148 – 265 (Roll no. 412).

1:39 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 292:
declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya, 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: 268 – 145, 1 Present (Roll no. 411).

1:16 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to H.Res. 292 and H.Con.Res. 51 which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 51:
directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya 

1:15 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 51, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the resolution until a time to be announced.The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

12:00 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Con. Res. 51.

11:59 A.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 292 and H. Con. Res. 51. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions. The resolution provides 1 hour of debate for H. Res. 292. It also provides for 1 hour for H. Con. Res. 51. It waives all points of order against consideration on both H. Res. 292 and H. Con. Res. 51. And, both shall be considered as read.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294.

H. Res. 292:
declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya, and for other purposes 

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 292, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McKeon demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

11:58 A.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

10:45 A.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 292.

10:42 A.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 292 and H. Con. Res. 51. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions. The resolution provides 1 hour of debate for H. Res. 292. It also provides for 1 hour of debate for H. Con. Res. 51. It waives all points of order against consideration on both H. Res. 292 and H. Con. Res. 51. And, both shall be considered as read.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 294.

H. Res. 294:
providing for consideration of the resolution ( H. Res. 292) declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution ( H. Con. Res. 51) directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya 

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 257 – 156 (Roll no. 410).

10:18 A.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

9:12 A.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 294.

9:10 A.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

9:03 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to five per side of the aisle.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Chu 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.

9:01 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

9:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

 

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The Senate Convenes: 10:30amET June 3, 2011 
Pro-forma session only, with no business conducted

Congress: the Repbulican led House back 5/23 -the Senate is in Session today 5/17


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET May 17, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #31, the nomination of Susan Carney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit. There will be up to 2 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination. As a result, Senators should expect a roll call vote on confirmation of the Carney nomination to begin shortly after 12:20pm.

Following the vote, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 2:15pm, the Senate will begin consideration of the motion to proceed to S.940, the Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act. There will be up to 4 hours for debate, equally divided and controlled in the usual form, prior to a vote on the motion to proceed to S.940. The vote on the motion to proceed is subject to a 60-affirmative vote. Senators should expect the vote on the motion to proceed to S.940 to begin at approximately 6:15pm.

This will be the last roll call vote of the day.

Votes:

71: Confirmation of Executive Calendar #31, the nomination of Susan Carney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit;

Confirmed: 71-28

72: The motion to proceed to S.940, the Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act (60-vote threshold); Not agreed to: 52-48

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.186, honoring the 100th anniversary of the School of Fire for the Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Adopted S.Res.187, supporting national minority health awareness in order to bring attention to the severe disparities faced by minority populations such as American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks, or Africans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

 

 

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on May 23, 2011.

Congress: the Republican led House …back May 23, 2011 -the Senate …back May 16, 2011


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET May 16, 2011

 Following any leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for debate only until 5pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes on Monday.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 9:00amET on May 13, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 13, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:19 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to H. Con. Res. 50. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on May 23, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Woolsey moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:18 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 13.

12:10 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

11:27 A.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

11:16 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 754: to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes

11:13 A.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. 754.

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 392 – 15 (Roll no. 329).

11:06 A.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 228, 1 Present (Roll no. 328).

10:49 A.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

10:41 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 16, H. Con. Res. 46, and H. Con. Res. 50.

10:40 A.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 498.

H.R. 754: to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nadler motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back the House with an amendment commending Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and the United States intelligence community for their successful operation in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. It also seeks to require the head of each element of the intelligence community to place the highest priority on funding activities that will contribute to the continued disruption, dismantlement and defeat of remaining al Qaeda terrorists and affiliated organizations that threaten the national security of the United States.

10:39 A.M. – Mr. Nadler moved to recommit with instructions to Intelligence (Permanent).

10:38 A.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.

10:37 A.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 754.

10:36 A.M. – On agreeing to the Reed amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 406 – 0, 4 Present (Roll no. 327).

10:27 A.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the police officers who serve and protect us each day.

10:26 A.M. – On agreeing to the Carney amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 189 (Roll no. 326).

10:18 A.M. – On agreeing to the Hinchey amendment Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 214 (Roll no. 325).

10:09 A.M. – On agreeing to the Gibson amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 278 – 123 (Roll no. 324).

10:02 A.M. – On agreeing to the Rogers (MI) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 224 – 174 (Roll no. 323).

9:31 A.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

9:30 A.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Reed amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Reed demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

9:15 A.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 264, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Reed amendment No. 9.

Amendment offered by Mr. Reed.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-75 to commend the United States intelligence community for their successful operation in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice and their continued efforts against al Qaeda. It is based on Senate Resolution 159, which passed the Senate 97 to 0.

9:14 A.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

9:02 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walsh of IL 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.

9:01 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, Associate Professor, The Catholic University of America, Washington DC.

9:00 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Bishop to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Immigrants For Sale … BraVenew Foundation


Enough is Enough.

Georgia is now the latest state to pass an anti-immigrant bill like Arizona SB1070, with Governor Nathan Deal expected to sign anytime soon. Georgia is also home to the largest private prison in the country. Like Georgia, other states with similar bills have fallen prey to the greedy hands of private prison corporations. Our immigrant communities are for sale in this country. They are being sold to private prison corporations who are locking them up for obscene profits. It is not only a very lucrative business but one that is putting our Latino community at risk.

WATCH the Video

Immigrants For Sale

http://act.bravenewfilms.org/go/653?akid=1618.1058794.jenNaS&t=3

Here are 3 facts you need know and share with friends and family about the Private Prison money scheme:

The victims: Private prisons don’t care about who they lock up. At a rate of $200 per immigrant a night at their prisons, this is a money making scheme that destroys families and lives.

The players: CCA (Corrections Corporation of America), The Geo Group and Management and Training corporations—combined these private prisons currently profit more than $5 billion a year.

The money: These private prisons have spent over $20 million lobbying state legislators to make sure they get state anti-immigrant laws approved and ensure access to more immigrant inmates.

How is all this possible? They profit from locking people up.

Will you stand with Cuéntame’s “Immigrants For Sale” campaign and become part of a nationwide network of Prison Watchers as we follow and expose the players, the money and the victims in this corrupt money making racket? YES, I WANT TO!

Yours,

Axel Caballero, Ofelia Yañez

and the rest of the Cuéntame team

Health Care:The GOP’s Health Care Flip Flop


In Oct. 2009, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) urged Congress to use the insurance program he created in Massachusetts as a model for nationwide health reform. This proved to be excellent advice, since President Obama signed a law that is based on Romney’s health plan several months later. Nevertheless, Romney plans to deliver a “major policy speech” later today disawowing the very advice he gave Congress less than two years ago — laying out a plan to repeal “Obamacare” and replace it with an unambitious array of minor health reforms. Moreover, Romney’s speech comes just two days after a federal court of appeals heard the first appellate case challenging the ACA on the grounds that it is unconstitutional to require someone to either carry insurance or pay slightly more income taxes. Even though the the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent both unambiguously establish that the ACA is constitutional, the GOP has nearly unanimously endorsed the meritless constitutional attack on the ACA. It wasn’t always this way, however.

THE MANY FACES OF MITT ROMNEY: Romney’s support for a health plan that provides life-saving, affordable health care to nearly every Massachusetts resident has not endeared him to the GOP primary electorate, which is why he’s tried to distance himself from his own single most significant accomplishment. Earlier this year, Romney tried to excuse his decision to sign the prototype for the ACA by explaining that it was just fine for him to sign a state health care plan, but absolutely unacceptable for Obama to sign an almost identical federal health care plan. Needless to say, this kind of hairsplitting did nothing to rescue Romney’s incipient campaign. Sixty-one percent of Republicans in the crucial state of Iowa indicate that they will not vote for someone who “supported a bill at the state level mandating that voters have health insurance.” More importantly, Romney’s bizarre state/federal distinction is at odds with his longstanding position on federal health reform. As far back as 1994, Romney indicated that he would support a Republican health plan that included an insurance coverage mandate. Today’s speech is Romney’s second attempt to wash away his proudest achievement. In it, Romney will recycle a discredited McCain-Palin proposal that would cost 20 million people their employer provided health care, he will embrace the GOP’s plan to gut Medicaid, and he supports a completely unworkable scheme that will allow patients to wait until they get sick to buy insurance, draining all the money out of an insurance plan that they have not previously paid into and leaving nothing left for the rest of the plan’s consumers.

THE GOP’S INDIVIDUAL MANDATE: In 1991, four conservative health policy scholars proposed requiring all Americans to carry health insurance in an effort to “persuade President George H.W. Bush and his administration to adopt a universal health-care proposal that would keep the government from eventually taking over the sector.” Two years later, Sen. John Chafee (R-RI) and 21 mostly Republican co-sponsors introduced a bill which took up this proposal for an individual insurance mandate. Five senators who opposed the ACA — Robert Bennett (R-UT), Kit Bond (R-MO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Richard Lugar (R-IN) — co-sponsored Chafee’s bill. In mid-2006, Romney became the first elected official to sign an individual insurance mandate into law. Two Republican Senators even voted for an insurance mandate before they voted against it. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) voted in support of a Senate Finance Committee proposal which included an insurance mandate, and Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) voted in support of Romney’s health plan as a member of the state legislature. In other words, for all their strident rhetoric against insurance coverage requirements, the truth is this requirement was invented, nurtured and supported for nearly two decades by the GOP.

TEARING UP THE CONSITUTION: Hypocrisy, incoherence, and unworkable plans are the least of the GOP’s sins. They are prepared to tear up the Constitution as well. In a series of lawsuits challenging the ACA, Republicans claim, falsely, that Congress has never before passed a law that imposes a consequence on people who don’t buy a product, and that this somehow makes the ACA unconstitutional. Yet, as a panel of federal judges pointed out on Tuesday, this claim has no basis in the actual text of the Constitution. Rather, the Constitution provides that Congress may “regulate Commerce…among the several states,” and the very first Supreme Court decision interpreting this language made clear that this power is “plenary,” meaning that Congress may choose whatever means it wishes to regulate interstate marketplaces so long as it does not violate another textual provision of the Constitution. Thankfully, it is very unlikely that the Supreme Court will take the GOP up on its offer to replace the actual Constitution with a tenther manifesto, but the fact that one of the nation’s two great political parties believes that they can rewrite the Constitution shows nothing less than utter contempt for the nation’s founding document.