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Congress: – the Republican led House – the Senate – H.R.2112 passes 69-30, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.

11/01/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10AM ET November 1, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.
At approximately 10:15am, there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:

Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
Paul #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold);
DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
Following disposition of H.R.2112, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

ROLL CALL

10:16am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency) Not Agreed To: 13-85

10:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on Paul amendment #821 (TIGER Grants); Not Agreed to: 38-60

11:04am The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54

11:25am The Crapo amendment #814 (WSR-derivatives) was withdrawn

11:27am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air service Development Program) Not Agreed To: 41-57

11:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on the Lee motion to recommit (FY11 levels) Not Agreed To: 39-60

12:00 noon The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on passage of HR 2112, as amended (Agriculture/Commerce, Justice, Science/Transportation-HUD) Passed: 69-30

12:20pm LONG VERSION of HR2112 -votes

The following amendments have been considered to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission) Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency); Not Agreed to: 13-85
Paul amendment #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 38-60
DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54
Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank); withdrawn
Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program); Not Agreed to: 41-57
Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels); Not Agreed to: 39-60
DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding); fell on point of order
Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report); withdrawn
Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers); withdrawn
Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation); withdrawn
Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program); withdrawn
Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program); withdrawn

The Senate will recess from 3:30-4:30pm for a members only briefing on national security issues.

2012 Calendar – 112^th Congress, Second Session

Convene – January 23, 2012 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 16)

4 weeks

February 20 – 24 State Work Period (Presidents’ Day February 20)

5 weeks

March 5- NO VOTE (Monday)

March 12 – NO VOTE (Monday)

March 19 – NO VOTE (Monday)

April 2 – April 13 State Work Period (Passover April 6-7; Good Friday April 6; Easter April 8)

2 weeks

April 30 – May 4 State Work Period

3 weeks

May 28 – June 1 State Work Period (Memorial Day May 28)

4 weeks

July 2 – July 6 State Work Period (Independence Day July 4)

4 weeks

August 6 – September 7 State Work Period (Labor Day September 3)

Target adjournment – TBD

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.1769, the Rebuild America Jobs Act. Unless an agreement is reached, this vote will occur Thursday morning.

WRAP UP

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.308, designating November 27, 2011 as “Drive Safer Sunday”.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

#412 Patricia M. Loui – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2015

#414 Larry W. Walther – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2013

———————————————–

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 1, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:05:57 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:00:51 P.M. -S. 1280Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:00:50 P.M. -S. 1280On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 817).6:54:23 P.M. -S. 1280Considered as unfinished business. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 9, 2 Present (Roll no. 816).6:30:45 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”6:30:35 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:22 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.6:06:24 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.6:05:54 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:05:39 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.6:05:30 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 31 — “Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of S. 1280.”6:05:29 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.6:05:09 P.M. -S. 1280At 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.5:41:18 P.M. -S. 1280DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1280.5:41:16 P.M. -S. 1280Considered under suspension of the rules.5:41:01 P.M. -S. 1280Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”5:40:37 P.M. -H.R. 1002Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:40:33 P.M. -H.R. 1002On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:25:34 P.M. -H.R. 1002DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1002.5:25:32 P.M. -H.R. 1002Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:14 P.M. -H.R. 1002Mr. Franks (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1002 — “To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property.”5:24:33 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13At 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.4:48:52 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 13.4:48:50 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered under suspension of the rules.4:48:07 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Mr. Forbes moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”4:47:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:47:48 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.2:12:28 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximatley 4:45 p.m. today.2:11:50 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Sudan – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-69).2:10:41 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on November 1, 2011, at 12:19 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of the notice filed earlier with the Federal Register on the national emergency with respect to Sudan.2:09:00 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 1, 2011, at 9:44 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 394, with amendments, H.R. 368 and S. 1637.2:02:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:16 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schilling to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:12 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:40 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.12:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.12:01:50 P.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.12:01:37 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Victory against big bank fees! …

10/31/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Watch ABC News’ report on your victory over big bank debit card fees

“Score one for a customer rebellion!” — that’s how Diane Sawyer announced on ABC Nightly News Friday night that big banks are backing off debit card fees after 300,000 people signed Molly Katchpole’s Change.org petition against Bank of America’s $5 debit card fee.

Not only is Bank of America revising its $5 debit card fee, but big banks like Chase and Wells Fargo are publicly canceling their plans to charge their customers for debit cards.

You must watch this segment from ABC Nightly News about Molly’s Change.org petition. It’s a truly inspiring story about what’s possible when we organize together.

Molly’s fight against Bank of America isn’t over. While BofA is revising its fee, many customers, including Molly, would still have to pay $5 for a debit card fee even after the bank’s revisions. But, as the Wall Street Journal put it, the “big banks blinked.”

Here’s what else the media is saying about Molly’s Change.org petition against big bank fees:

ABC: “Banks Back Down from Fees”
CBS: “Bank of America Backs Down After Consumer Backlash”
Mother Jones: “Banks Surrender on Debit Card Fees”
Daily Mail: “Victory for customers as big banks back down from debit card fees”
Time Magazine: “Banks Back Off Unpopular Debit Card Fees”
NY Daily News: “After outcry, Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America back off on debit card fees”

Dan Rather covered Molly’s petition too, saying that Change.org has become a “nerve-center for social justice the world over.”

But here’s what’s most exciting: If a 22-year-old from Washington can best the biggest bank in America with a Change.org petition, think about what else is possible.

Watch ABC Nightly News’ report on how banks backed down because of Molly Katchpole’s petition on Change.org, then share with people you know.

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Jess and the Change.org team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Support Senator AL Franken

10/31/2011 Nativegrl77

With so much at stake in 2012, I’m doing everything I can to help Democrats win across Minnesota and around the country. But every time someone asks me if Midwest Values PAC (MVP) can help out another great candidate, the answer is the same: “I’ll have to ask my team.” By which I mean you.

After all, it’s your support that has made it possible for MVP to get involved in some of 2012’s most important races, supporting progressive heroes like Sherrod Brown and Kirsten Gillibrand. And, of course, we’re standing with Minnesota’s own Amy Klobuchar, Keith Ellison, and Tim Walz.

But I want MVP to be able to support even more great candidates in 2012 — which is why I’m asking you to help me help them by making a contribution of $5 or more today!

I’ll give you a perfect example: Elizabeth Warren. This progressive champion and consumer crusader is running for Senate in Massachusetts, and she’d be a powerful voice standing up to the special interests in Washington.

I’m proud to give her my endorsement — but I want to be able to do more. Your contribution to Midwest Values PAC will make it possible for me to stand with even more great candidates like Elizabeth when they need it most — so click here to donate today!

I wish I could help every single one of our party’s great candidates stand up for Medicare and Social Security, fight for good jobs and clean energy, and take on the right-wing special interests. And with the Senate majority at stake — and the House in play — there are lots of races to choose from.

I’ll keep fighting to support progressive candidates around the country no matter what. But MVP can only help if MVP members like you are there with me.

So, on behalf of all the progressives hoping MVP will be there for them: How about it? Can you contribute a few dollars to help me elect great Democrats in 2012?

Thanks for all you to do support me — and all the other great progressives out there.

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a message from Nancy Pelosi

10/31/2011 Nativegrl77

If we continue to stand together, I believe this moment will mark the turning point on the road to a Democratic victory in 2012.

The American people are rejecting the Tea Party Republican agenda that puts tax breaks for the wealthiest people in our country ahead of creating jobs.

Now, it is up to us to seize this moment.

That’s why the looming October 31st FEC fundraising deadline is so critical. This is the last fundraising deadline before the one year out to Election Day marker and House Democrats must have a strong showing.

Please contribute $3 or more to our Million Dollar Match Campaign before October 31st and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a group of House Democrats.

The world will be watching to see if Democrats can maintain the momentum and exceed our million dollar goal. Our results will be closely scrutinized by the media and political pundits as an indication of our strength and determination to take the fight to the Republicans.

With just 25 seats standing between us and a new Democratic Majority, we can’t wait for tomorrow.

Contribute $3 or more to our Million Dollar Match Campaign before Midnight Monday >>

Let’s stand together for a new direction that places creating jobs over reckless tax breaks for billionaires and Big Oil.

Thank you for your support,

Nancy Pelosi

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A small fish with a big problem

10/31/2011 Nativegrl77

Menhaden. It’s a small fish that makes its home along the Atlantic coast and that other fish love to eat. Unfortunately, humans love it too.

Help us collect 40,000 comments before the Nov. 2nd deadline by taking action now.

We like to grind it up, put in pet food and stick it in fish oil supplements. So much so, that this once abundant fish is in serious trouble. If something isn’t done soon to stop the overfishing of menhaden, the entire Atlantic coastal ecosystem could be in danger.

That’s why right now the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is considering changing the way they manage menhaden. As part of the process, they have opened up public comments. They don’t often hear from the public on this issue. Which is why we are hoping to overwhelm them with support by generating 40,000 comments before the deadline.

This is our chance to show broad public support for ending the overfishing of menhaden and preserving the Atlantic ecosystem. But the comment period closes in just 48 hours.

Tell the ASMFC to protect the menhaden and protect the Atlantic ecosystem by taking action right now. WWW.GREENPEACEUSA.ORG

Menhaden have been called “the most important fish in the sea.” They are critical to the Atlantic marine ecosystem as prey for other fish and wildlife such as striped bass and ospreys. Millions of recreational anglers depend on a healthy coastal ecosystem to support the populations of striped bass, bluefish, and other species recreational fishermen love to catch. Without menhaden the Atlantic fishing industry—and the 63,000 jobs it supports—could collapse.

Unfortunately, that’s a real possibility. Overfishing of Atlantic menhaden has been going on for over 25 years and the population is on the brink. Scientists estimate that only 8% of the original menhaden population exists today. We have to act now to protect the menhaden and the entire Atlantic ecosystem.

Don’t wait. There are just 48 hours left to submit a comment to the ASMFC and protect the Atlantic ecosystem.

Greenpeace has been working on overfishing around the globe for twenty years, and we’ve been working on protecting the menhaden now for almost a decade. I attended a public hearing in Virginia this month, and delivered my comment in person. The hearings are stacked with industry insiders, so your voice is crucial for us to successfully reform menhaden management.

This is our chance to finally protect the species once and for all. If the menhaden population collapses, our entire Atlantic ecosystem and the fish and birds of prey that depend up on it will collapse as well. We can’t let that happen.

Submit your comments now before it is too late.

For the Oceans,

Phil Kline
Greenpeace Senior Oceans Campaigner

P.S. Forward this email to anyone in your address book who cares about the fate of the world’s oceans. The more comments we can generate in the next 48 hours, the better the chance we can protect the menhaden and the entire Atlantic ecosystem.