the Senate Convenes at 2pmET July 18, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 3:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.
At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #82, the nomination of J. Paul Oetken, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York with 30 minutes of debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley.
Upon the use or yielding of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Oetken nomination.

The pending Johnson-Kirk amendment #556 (report on Arlington National Cemetery) to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill has been modified. The modification provides for additional Senate and House committees to receive the report.

At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of J. Paul Oetken, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

VOTES

5:32pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of J.Paul Oetken to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 80-13

Adopted S.Con.Res.25, welcoming the independence of the Republic of South Sudan, congratulating the people of South Sudan for freely and peacefully expressing their will through an internationally accepted referendum, and calling on the Governments and people of Sudan and South Sudan to peacefully resolve outstanding issues including the final status of Abyei.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 18, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 18, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:36 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.

7:35 P.M. – Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 355.

7:06 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:05 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

7:04 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 244 – 56, 1 Present (Roll no. 602).

H.R. 33:: to amend the Securities Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities issued in connection with church plans are treated as exempted securities for purposes of that Act

6:57 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): 310 – 1 (Roll no. 601).

6:30 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 33which had been debated earlier as well as the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

5:07 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 33:: to amend the Securities Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities issued in connection with church plans are treated as exempted securities for purposes of that Act

5:06 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.

5:03 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 33.Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:02 P.M. – Mrs. Biggert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

5:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

5:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

2:11 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:02 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.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Nugent demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Nugent objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00 P.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Addressing the Debt and Deficit will take Shared Sacrifices

07/15/2011 Nativegrl77

July 15, 2011

Addressing the Debt and Deficit will take Shared Sacrifices

As we work to put together a deal to raise the debt limit, reduce the deficit and debt, and stave off an economic crisis – I believe that the sacrifices required need to be shared. It wouldn’t be right to ask middle class families, students, and our seniors to bear this heavy burden alone, while the very wealthiest corporations and individuals get off scot-free. That’s why on Wednesday I delivered a speech on the Senate floor to push for a balanced approach that recognizes that we must make smart cuts while also protecting seniors and addressing our national jobs deficit.

I believe it’s time for all sides to embrace compromise and assure Americans that their benefits and financial safety won’t be jeopardized by petty partisanship or political games. Families, seniors, and businesses in Washington state and across America are counting on us to get this right, and I am proud to stand up for their priorities.

Bridging the Gaps in VA Mental Health Care

On Thursday, I chaired a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to address shortcomings in VA mental health care that have contributed to unacceptable waiting times for care, rising suicide levels, and a series of negative reports from VA watchdogs. At the hearing I heard from Daniel Williams, an Iraq veteran who described how an IED explosion during his 2003/2004 deployment to Iraq led to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) injuries. Williams told the committee how those experiences then led to a suicide attempt in 2004 that was broken up by his wife and local police. He also discussed how his PTSD was received by fellow soldiers, his concerns over the stigma attached to the mental wounds of war, and his frustrations with the mental health care administered by the VA.

I also heard testimony from Andrea Sawyer, wife and caregiver of Loyd Sawyer, who, after being deployed in Iraq, shared similar stories of frustration, including a failed suicide attempt. These two servicemembers, even after attempting to take their own lives, were met with red tape, wait times for initial appointments at the VA, and additional frustrations in seeking the mental health care they so desperately needed. These undue burdens are unacceptable and I will continue asking the tough questions until our service men and women have access to the quality of mental health care they deserve.

Helping Veterans Get off the Streets and Into Safe and Secure Housing

This week, I announced that public housing authorities in Washington state would receive a total of 175 housing vouchers to help local homeless veterans and their families get off the streets and into permanent housing. The vouchers, which can be used by eligible veterans for rental assistance in their local community, are a key reason why we are making real progress toward goals to finally end veterans homelessness. For some veterans, this support is long overdue, and I’m glad that homeless veterans across Washington state will have an opportunity to secure stable housing.

Commemorating Hanford’s Role in WWII and the Cold War

Earlier this week, I applauded the recommendation by the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and the National Park Service that Congress establish a national historic park to commemorate the Manhattan Project at three sites where much of the critical scientific activity associated with the project occurred, including Hanford, Washington. Hanford’s B Reactor played a critical role in the history of our nation, and establishing a national historical park will attract visitors from across the country and give them an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the contribution made by Hanford and the Tri-Cities during World War II and the Cold War.

“B Reactor recommended for national historical park” – Tri-City Herald

Ending Unfair Mexican Tariffs Once and For All

Last week, I applauded the agreement Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed with the Mexican government that will result in them dropping their tariffs on U.S. agricultural products by 50% in the next few days. Mexico has committed to eliminating the tariffs completely once the agreement becomes operational. This is great news for farmers and growers in Washington who have been suffering under these unfair and deeply damaging tariffs for far too long. Now that the agreement is signed, there is no reason why Washington farmers and growers should have to wait any longer. They have nothing to do with this dispute, and it is deeply unfair that they continue to be punished for it.

“Deal resolves dispute that needlessly hurt growers” – Yakima Herald

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Cement in Silicon Valley …Patrick Schmitt, Change.org

07/15/2011 Nativegrl77

California keeps a list of law-abiding quarries that are allowed to sell cement to government-funded projects. The list protects citizens by preventing quarries that violate state labor, mining, and environmental laws from getting any state funding.

Unfortunately, there’s one major, glaring exception: Lehigh Southwest Permanente Cement and Quarry in Santa Clara County has gotten away with ignoring state requirements since 2002 yet sells 85 percent of its cement to state-funded projects.

Lehigh is one of the top-polluting cement plants in the country — and the largest in an urban area. Their mining operation and manufacturing process pollute the air with mercury and send poisonous byproducts into rivers and creeks.

Cupertino City Councilman Barry Chang has had enough of Lehigh’s hazardous practices and blatant disregard for the law. He’s started a Change.org petition calling on the Office of Mine Reclamation and the State Mining and Geology Board to take over from Lehigh-influenced county officials and hold the quarry accountable. Click here to sign Councilman Chang’s petition.

All cement plants emit some mercury as well as carcinogens and asthma-inducing particulates, but Lehigh expels higher-than-average levels of all of these pollutants. Its limestone is especially high in mercury, which affects brain development.

If Lehigh isn’t put in check soon, they’ll have license to continue violating pollution laws — and move forward with plans to expand that will jeopardize more residents.

The community at large has already made major progress pressuring Lehigh – and local group No Toxic Air is suing the quarry for its extreme environmental violations. But residents need more public support to defeat Lehigh.

By holding Lehigh accountable, we can set a precedent for other communities in California and around the country facing industries that endanger communities and the environment.

Lehigh has been hurting the environment and its residents for more than 70 years. That’s far too long. Sign here to keep Lehigh from receiving any government funding until it cleans up its act — or shuts down:

http://www.change.org/petitions/remove-lehigh-permanente-quarry-and-cement-in-silicon-valley-from-the-ab-3098-list-immediately

Thanks for taking action,

– Patrick and the Change.org team

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The Macroeconomic and Budgetary Effects of an Illustrative Policy for Reducing the Federal Budget Deficit

07/15/2011 Nativegrl77

The Macroeconomic and Budgetary Effects of an Illustrative Policy for Reducing the Federal Budget Deficit
As requested by Senators Kent Conrad and Jeff Sessions, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee

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Obama: “I will not yield”

07/15/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

“I’ve reached my limit. This may bring my Presidency down, but I will not yield on this.”
– President Obama to Eric Cantor and Congressional Republicans
in a closed-door meeting at the White House.