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CONGRESS: the Republicans : the Democratic : CONGRESS

11/28/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET November 28, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized. The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
We hope to begin consideration of S.3254, the Defense Authorization Act of 2012 during Wednesday’s session.
Additionally, we continue to work on an agreement on amendments to Executive Calendar #6, Treaty Document 112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The following amendments are pending to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill:

Kyl amendment #3123 (US-Russia nuclear arms, missile defense, and long-range conventional strike system matters)

The following amendments have been considered to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill:

McCain amendment #3051 (additional Marine Corps personnel for US embassies, consulates and other diplomatic facilities abroad); Agreed to by voice vote
Udall amendment #2985 (biofuels); Agreed to: 62-37
Gillibrand amendment #3016 (sexual assault in the military); Agreed to by voice vote
Murray amendment #3099 (mental health); Agreed to by voice vote

The Senate has adopted the motion to proceed to S.3254, National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Reid then called up Udall (CO) amendment #2985 (strikes section 313 in the bill relating to a limitation on the availability of funds for the procurement of alternative fuels

By consent, at 2pm the Senate will proceed to a vote in relation to Udall amendment #2985 (biofuels). No amendments to the amendment are in order prior to the vote.

Senator McCain amendment #3051 (to authorize additional Marine Corps personnel for the performance of security functions for U.S. embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic facilities abroad) was agreed to by voice vote

The Senate is in a period of debate only on the Defense Authorization bill (S.3254) until 2pm today.

2:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Udall (CO) amendment #2985 (biofuels);

Agreed To: 62-37

The Gillibrand amendment #3016 (sexual assault) was agreed to by voice vote

Senator Kyl offered amendment #3123 (requires regular updates on military implications of US-Russia negotiations under consideration on nuclear arms, missile defense, and long-range conventional strike system matters).

The Senator Murray amendment #3099 (improves mental health care programs and activities for members of the armed Forces and veterans) was agreed to by voice vote.

Additional roll call votes are possible during today’s session as we work through amendments to the Defense Authorization bill.

Senator Levin announced on the floor that following the remarks of Senators Feinstein and Paul, it is his intention to turn to the Leahy amendment #2955 (Dale Long Public Safety Officer’s Benefits Program) and proceed to a vote on the amendment today. At this point, we expect there to be a roll call vote on the amendment.

At 6pm today, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the Leahy amendment #2955 (to improve the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program). No amendments are in order to the Leahy amendment prior to the vote.

Senators Levin and McCain would like to continue to consider amendments to the bill this evening.

6:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Leahy amendment #2955 (Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvement) to S.3254, the DoD Authorization Act;

Agreed To: 85-11

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

The following amendments are pending to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill:

Kyl amendment #3123 (US-Russia nuclear arms, missile defense, and long-range conventional strike system matters)

The following amendments have been considered to S.3254, the DoD Authorization bill:

McCain amendment #3051 (additional Marine Corps personnel for US embassies, consulates and other diplomatic facilities abroad); Agreed to by voice vote
Udall amendment #2985 (biofuels); Agreed to: 62-37
Gillibrand amendment #3016 (sexual assault in the military); Agreed to by voice vote
Murray amendment #3099 (mental health); Agreed to by voice vote
Leahy amendment #2955 (Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Improvement); Agreed to: 85-11

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Udall (CO) amendment #2985 (biofuels) to S.3254, the DoD Authorization Act; Agreed to: 62-37

2) Leahy amendment #2955 (Dale Long Public Safety Officers’ Improvement); Agreed to: 85-11

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1998, the DHS Audit Requirement Target Act of 2012 with a committee-reported substitute amendment.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 28, 2012.

12:00:28 P.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

12:01:35 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Kenneth Johnson, Seaman United Methodist Church, Seaman, Ohio.

12:03:17 P.M.

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

12:03:22 P.M.

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

12:04:23 P.M.

The Speaker recognized Ms. Schmidt for one minute for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.

12:05:04 P.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:28:24 P.M.

The House received a communication from The Honorable John Garamendi. Mr. Garamendi notified the House that he accepted a position on the Agriculture Committee and tendered his resignation from the Natural Resources Committee, effective immediately. The resignation was accepted without objection.

12:29:19 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

12:55:11 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 28.

12:56:20 P.M.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

12:56:42 P.M.

H.R. 6604

Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6604 — “To designate the federal building currently known as Federal Office Building 8, located at 200 C Street Southwest in the District of Columbia, as the “Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Federal Building”.”

12:57:05 P.M.

H.R. 6604

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:57:06 P.M.

H.R. 6604

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6604.

1:21:28 P.M.

H.R. 6604

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:21:34 P.M.

H.R. 6604

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

1:22:17 P.M.

H.R. 6374

Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6374 — “To designate the facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 180 Martin Drive in Carrollton, Georgia, as the “Trinka Davis Veterans Village”.”

1:22:38 P.M.

H.R. 6374

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:22:41 P.M.

H.R. 6374

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6374.

1:32:28 P.M.

H.R. 6374

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:32:31 P.M.

H.R. 6374

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

1:32:47 P.M.

H.R. 5788

Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5788 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 Center Street West in Eatonville, Washington, as the “National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson Post Office”.”

1:34:00 P.M.

H.R. 5788

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:34:04 P.M.

H.R. 5788

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5788.

1:42:02 P.M.

H.R. 5788

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:42:08 P.M.

H.R. 5788

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

1:42:11 P.M.

H.R. 5738

Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5738 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15285 Samohin Drive in Macomb, Michigan, as the “Lance Cpl. Anthony A. DiLisio Clinton-Macomb Carrier Annex”.”

1:42:27 P.M.

H.R. 5738

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:42:35 P.M.

H.R. 5738

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5738.

1:49:34 P.M.

H.R. 5738

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:49:40 P.M.

H.R. 5738

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

1:49:41 P.M.

H.R. 3892

Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3892 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 8771 Auburn Folsom Road in Roseville, California, as the “Private First Class Victor A. Dew Post Office”.”

1:50:43 P.M.

H.R. 3892

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:50:44 P.M.

H.R. 3892

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3892.

2:03:06 P.M.

H.R. 3892

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:03:10 P.M.

H.R. 3892

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

2:03:13 P.M.

H.R. 3892

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

2:03:17 P.M.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3642.

2:03:18 P.M.

H.R. 2338

Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2338 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, as the “Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office”.”

2:03:37 P.M.

H.R. 2338

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:03:40 P.M.

H.R. 2338

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2338.

2:12:47 P.M.

H.R. 2338

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:12:51 P.M.

H.R. 2338

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

2:13:00 P.M.

H.R. 3912

Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3912 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 Mastic Road in Mastic Beach, New York, as the “Brigadier General Nathaniel Woodhull Post Office Building”.”

2:13:09 P.M.

H.R. 3912

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:13:11 P.M.

H.R. 3912

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3912.

2:19:08 P.M.

H.R. 3912

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:19:11 P.M.

H.R. 3912

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

2:19:15 P.M.

H.R. 5954

Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5954 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 7th Street in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, as the “Sergeant Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. Post Office Building”.”

2:19:33 P.M.

H.R. 5954

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:19:35 P.M.

H.R. 5954

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5954.

2:28:09 P.M.

H.R. 5954

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:28:13 P.M.

H.R. 5954

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

2:29:17 P.M.

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

5:17:27 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
5:39:10 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 28.
5:39:34 P.M.		Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 821.
5:40:19 P.M.		Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:40:30 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:40:41 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 29, 2012.

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Congress: the Republicans : the Democrats

11/26/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET November 26, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
It will be in order for Senator Sessions or his designee to recognized to make a Budget Act point of order with respect to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Subsequently, it will be order for Senator Reid or his designee to move to waive the point of order.
At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 will be considered expired. The Senate will then proceed to up to two roll call votes:

Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to S.3525 (if a point of order and motion to waive are raised)
Passage of S.3525, as amended by the Tester substitute amendment #2875

Senators should expect up to 2 roll call votes to begin at approximately 5:30pm today. Those votes would be in relation to the following items:

– Motion to waive Budget Act point of order with respect to Tester amendment #2875 (substitute) (if point of order is raised as expected);

– Then, if the motion to waive the Budget Act is agreed to, passage of S.3525, Sportsmen’s Act of 2012, as amended.

During his opening remarks on the floor this afternoon, Senator Reid announced that while the Republicans discuss among themselves on what they want to do on the Defense Authorization bill, he intends to move to proceed to S.676, a bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian tribes (commonly referred to as the “Carcieri Fix”), and will file cloture on the motion to proceed for a Wednesday cloture vote.

On Tuesday, he intends to turn to Executive Session to consider Treaty document #112-7, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will seek an agreement to consider a reasonable number of amendments to the treaty.

If cloture is not invoked on the motion to proceed to the Carcieri Fix legislation on Wednesday, Senator Reid will continue to work, with the help of Senators Levin and McCain, on a reasonable agreement to move forward on the Defense Authorization bill.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Tester motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Tester substitute amendment #2875 to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012; Not Waived: 50-44

The motion to waive the Budget point of order was not agreed to 50-44. The point of order was well taken and the Tester substitute amendment fell. The Senate then reached an agreement that the Reid amendment #2878 (technical) was withdrawn, the vote on passage of the bill was vitiated, and the bill was returned to the Calendar status quo. Further, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader after consultation with the Republican Leader, it be in order for the Majority Leader to resume consideration of the bill.

Senator Reid then moved to proceed to S.3254, National Department of Defense Authorization.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Tester motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Tester substitute amendment #2875 to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act; Not Waived: 50-44

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Judiciary committee and passed H.R.6063, the Child Protection Act of 2012.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3637, FDIC TAG Extension bill. (Reid)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on November 27, 2012.

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11/23/2012 Nativegrl77

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Thank you from Zimbabwe – and around the world

11/22/2012 Nativegrl77

Thanksgiving has always been a day of gratitude — a time to remind ourselves what we are thankful for, and to remember those less fortunate.

This year, I’d like to pass along a letter of thanks from a young girl in Zimbabwe named Eunice. Her school was one of 50 that received hundreds of donated textbooks from Mercy Corps — 21,000 books in all.

Helping children learn is one of many important things we do to make life better for families in need. And it’s only possible because of you.

This Thanksgiving, I’m as grateful as ever for the support and generosity of all of you. Working together, we can change lives.
Click here to see the full letter ▸

On behalf of Eunice in Zimbabwe, and all of the people whose lives you touch, my deepest appreciation. Thank you.

Click here to see the rest of Eunice’s letter ▸

Sincerely,

Dan O'Neill, Mercy Corps Founder

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A Historic Trip to Asia

11/20/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House

Since taking office, President Obama has noted that the United States is a Pacific nation — and that Asia will play an increasingly important role in the future of world events. On a historic trip, his fifth to the region, President Obama is making the first-ever visit by a U.S. President to Burma and Cambodia.

Before the trip, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes put together a video to give us an overview of President Obama’s trip to Thailand, Burma, and Cambodia.

Watch the video to find out more about the President’s trip to Asia.