IMMIGRATION: Obstructing Dreams


IN MEMORIAM: Yesterday, our dear friend and colleague Elizabeth Edwards passed away, after waging a courageous struggle against breast cancer. With her trademark courage, activism, and strong sense of justice, Elizabeth directly confronted the inequalities of the American health care system and the politicians who perpetuated them. Writing on our ThinkProgress blog in 2008, Elizabeth — who was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress —  challenged conservatives for releasing a health care plan that would have excluded millions of Americans who suffered from pre-existing or chronic conditions. “Why are people like me left out of your health care proposal,” Elizabeth asked Republicans. Through congressional testimonies, public speeches, blog posts, and countless television appearances, Elizabeth emphasized the human and moral dimension of the health care debate. We’ll miss her greatly, but we won’t forget her wonderful legacy. CAP President and CEO John Podesta said, “Her legacy is the passion, resolve, and optimism that she brought to her work, and it will give us the sense of renewed purpose to keep fighting for fairness.”
On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)  filed cloture on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, setting the stage for a vote to take place as early as today. Last Thursday, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) announced that the House of Representatives would  be moving on the DREAM Act later this week. The House is also expected to vote today. Gutierrez went as far to say that “the bill has enough support to pass through the lower chamber,” according to  The Hill. However, getting the 60 votes needed in the Senate is proving to be an uphill battle. Politico predicts that “[w]hen the Senate roll-call vote comes up Wednesday, there may be few, if any, GOP supporters.” Rather than debating the DREAM Act on its merits, many Republicans are resorting to lies and misinformation to justify their opposition to a bill that would allow young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. by their parents from becoming productive members of society. As Michael Gerson, a former Bush aide,  explained in the Washington Post, “The Dream Act would be a potent incentive for assimilation. But for some, assimilation clearly is not the goal. They have no intention of sharing the honor of citizenship with anyone called illegal — even those who came as children, have grown up as neighbors and would be willing to give their lives in the nation’s cause.”

POLITICS OF FEAR: Ever since Reid indicated that he would introduce the DREAM Act, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), together with Reps. Steve King (R-IA) and Lamar Smith (R-TX), have been leading the GOP’s attack against it. According to  Sessions and many of his Republican colleagues, the DREAM Act would give preference to “illegal aliens,” create loopholes for terrorists, destroy the economy, and encourage more illegal immigration. “The arguments mustered in opposition to the DREAM Act have never been particularly persuasive,”   writes the Center for American Progress’ Marshall Fitz in a piece exposing the flaws in DREAM Act opponents’ most common arguments. Now that Reid recently introduced a modified version of the DREAM Act that specifically addresses just about every criticism of the original bill, these arguments simply don’t hold any water. DREAM Act applicants must go through a rigorous process of background checks, in addition to paying taxes, learning English, and either serving in the military or attending college. The new version does not confer permanent immigrant status to anyone for at least ten years. Instead, it grants “conditional nonimmigrant status” and specifically excludes nonimmigrants from the health insurance exchanges, Medicaid, food stamps, in-state tuition or Pell and other federal grants. DREAM Act individuals would have very limited ability to sponsor family members for a U.S. visa and would have to wait at least a decade before they would even be able to do so. The new bill also lowers the age cap for eligibility from 35 to 29 on the date of enactment.

ECONOMIC BOON: Even after Reid introduced a modified DREAM Act last week, Sessions and his fellow Republicans continued  demanding that it be put on hold because lawmakers haven’t been given the opportunity to “properly review and consider the legislation prior to a vote.” One of his primary complaints was that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) had not yet scored the costs associated with enacting the legislation. On Friday, the CBO released its  results. The CBO found that putting thousands of young, undocumented immigrants on a path to legalization would increase revenues by $2.3 billion over ten years and reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over the same time period. The CBO score didn’t come as a surprise to those who had already studied the issue. Rather than working in the underground economy, DREAM Act students who receive a bachelor’s degree would have the opportunity to actually use their college education to boost their income which results in increased tax revenue. A recent   study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center showed that the total earnings of DREAM Act beneficiaries over the course of their working lives would generate approximately $1.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion over a 40-year period. Arizona State University   found that people who obtain a bachelor’s degree earn approximately $750,000 more over the course of their lifetime than those who only have high-school diploma. Though the CBO did note that “the bill would increase projected deficits by more than $5 billion in at least one of the four consecutive 10-year periods starting in 2021,” it did not provide a complementary estimate of how much money legalized youth would continue to pay into the system after 2020. It’s reasonable to expect that if they contribute $2.8 billion during their first ten years working in the U.S. with a “conditional nonimmigrant” status, this number will continue to grow as they progress in their careers and eventually qualify for legal permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship.

A COSTLY ALTERNATIVE: Unfortunately, neither the revised version of the DREAM Act nor the positive CBO score seem to have had a significant impact on the Republican mindset. In fact, even Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) — who co-sponsored the DREAM Act in 2009 — is  saying he “doesn’t like the political games being played” and is exploring his options. Yet, the alternatives the GOP proposes would cost billions more than even the most  far-fetched estimates put forth on the DREAM Act so far. The Center for American Progress recently found that a successful policy of mass deportation would total approximately  $285 billion within five years alone. It would also cost each American man, woman, and child $922 in new taxes. Mass deportation would amount to a $2.6 trillion in cumulative lost GDP over ten years, not including the actual cost of deportation. Since it costs approximately $23,148 for each person to be apprehended, detained, legally processed, and finally transported it would cost about $25.5 billion to deport the 1.1 million undocumented immigrants who would actually receive legal permanent resident status as a result of the DREAM Act. Of course, these costs don’t even take into account the lives enforcement-only immigration policies destroys and the communities it tears apart. Meanwhile, it is projected that by 2025, our nation will be short  16 million college-educated workers. To retake that top spot in educational attainment, the U.S. would have to add 1 million college degrees per year through 2025. Put simply, passing the DREAM Act could help abate a national crisis. Deporting talent will only make a bad situation worse.

Bankrate.com


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5 car-buying tips for Frosty the Snowman | 2010-12-07
If you’re willing to brave the elements to car shop, these tips will help you get the best deal.

to Senate: Vacation can wait


Human Rights Campaign

Tell your senators: Our troops are more important than a holiday vacation.

It takes two minutes. It’s their job to take your call – and you could help make history.

Unless we speak out right now, the Senate could put their holiday vacations before fairness and national security.

A group of pro-equality senators is calling on the Senate to stay in session until “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is repealed. But too many others want to go home before the holidays instead of staying to finish the job.

So now, it’s up to us. We’ve got to pressure wavering senators and give those supporting repeal the public backing they need to keep the Senate in business.

We can’t let the Senate close up shop without repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” But we’re running out of time – please call your senators now.

It only takes two minutes to call your senator‘s office and every senator has staff on hand to answer the phones and speak to constituents. Call your senators now:

Sen. Patty Murray at (202) 224-2621 and Sen. Maria Cantwell at (202) 224-3441.

If you don’t get through right away, try again – the phones may be overwhelmed by hateful calls from right-wing activists, but it’s crucial that your voice is heard.

  1. Call one senator’s office, and tell the staff person who answers where you live so they know you’re a real constituent.
  2. Tell them you want the senator to support staying in session for as long as it takes to pass the defense bill, which includes repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year – and that you’ll remember how they vote when they’re next up for election.
       

    • If your senator is opposed to repeal, remind them that the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff believe that if the Senate fails to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” it would leave the military at the mercy of the courts – and potentially in a state of great confusion from the law being suddenly struck down.
    •  

  • Thank them, hang up, and make your second call to the other senator.
  • Click here to let us know you made a call – we use this information to guide our lobbying efforts, so please don’t skip it.
  • You’re not done: Save the Congressional Switchboard number – (202) 224-3121 – in your cell phone right now. Then hand it to a friend, then a co-worker, and ask them to make two calls. While you’re at it, tell your family and your Facebook friends to call as well.

    We need as many calls as possible in order to make repeal happen in 2010.

    The time for debate is over. Let’s end the discrimination and prejudice once and for all.

    I’ll be making calls too,

    Eric Alva
    Joe Solmonese
    President

    P.S. Years of work, thousands of volunteer hours, hundreds of thousands of phone calls, emails, lobby visits and town halls come down to this. Please call now, and tell everyone you know to call!

    The Obameter: Tracking Obama’s Campaign Promises …from PolitiFact


    PolitiFact has compiled about 500 promises that Barack Obama made during the campaign and is tracking their progress on our Obameter. We rate their status as No Action, In the Works or Stalled. Once we find action is completed, we rate them Promise Kept, Compromise or Promise Broken.

    In the Works

    No. 1: Increase the capital gains and dividends taxes for higher-income taxpayers

    Increase capital gains and dividends taxes from 15 to 20 percent for those making more than $250,000 (couples) or $200,000 (single)

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 2: Eliminate all oil and gas tax loopholes

    “Eliminating special tax breaks for oil and gas companies: including repealing special expensing rules, foreign tax credit benefits, and manufacturing deductions for oil and gas firms.”

    >>More

    Compromise

    No. 3: Eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses and start-ups

    “Barack Obama understands that small businesses are the engines of our economy, and he will eliminate all capital gains taxes on investments in small and start-up firms.”

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 4: Extend child tax credits and marriage-penalty fixes

    Will extend aspects of the Bush tax cuts such as child credit expansions and changes to marriage bonuses and penalties.

    >>More

    Compromise

    No. 5: Expand the earned income tax credit

    Expand the earned income tax credit for workers without children and taxpayers with more than three children. Equalize threshholds for married filers and head of household filers.

    >>More

    Promise Kept

    No. 6: Create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to invest in peer-reviewed manufacturing processes

    “Will create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to identify and invest in the most compelling advanced manufacturing strategies. The Fund will have a peer-review selection and award process based on the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund, a state-level initiative that has awarded over $125 million to Michigan businesses with the most innovative proposals to create new products and new jobs in the state.”

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 7: Double funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a program that encourages manufacturing efficiency

    “The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with manufacturers across the country to improve efficiency, implement new technology and strengthen company growth. This highly-successful program has engaged in more than 350,000 projects across the country and in 2006 alone, helped create and protect over 50,000 jobs. But despite this success, funding for MEP has been slashed by the Bush administration. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will double funding for the MEP so its training centers can continue to bolster the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.”

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 8: Include environmental and labor standards in trade agreements

    “He will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world”

    >>More

    Stalled

    No. 10: Expand the child and dependent care credit

    Expand and make refundable the child and dependent care credit.

    >>More

    Stalled

    No. 11: Require publicly traded financial partnerships to pay the corporate income tax

    Require publicly traded financial partnerships to pay the corporate income tax.

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 12: Create an international tax haven watch list

    Create an international tax haven watch list of countries that do not share information returns with the United States.

    >>More

    Stalled

    No. 14: Close loopholes in the corporate tax deductibility of CEO pay

    Congress has set rules regarding the tax deductibility of the salaries of CEOs, but forms of non-salary compensation have become popular. Obama would look at revamping definitions of compensation.

    >>More

    Compromise

    No. 15: Create a foreclosure prevention fund for homeowners

    Create a $10 billion fund to help homeowners refinance or sell their homes. “The Fund will not help speculators, people who bought vacation homes or people who falsely represented their incomes.”

    >>More

    Promise Kept

    No. 16: Increase minority access to capital

    “Strengthen Small Business Administration programs that provide capital to minority-owned businesses, support outreach programs that help minority business owners apply for loans, and work to encourage the growth and capacity of minority firms.”

    >>More

    Promise Kept

    No. 17: Require economic justification for tax changes

    Adopt the economic substance doctrine, a policy that states that tax changes must have significant economic justification, as a federal law.

    >>More

    Stalled

    No. 18: Provide option for a pre-filled-out tax form

    Will direct the Internal Revenue Service to “give taxpayers the option of a pre-filled tax form to verify, sign and return to the IRS or online. This will eliminate the need for Americans to hire expensive tax preparers and to gather information that the federal government already has on file.”

    >>More

    Stalled

    No. 19: Create a mortgage interest tax credit for non-itemizers

    Create a refundable tax credit equal to 10 percent of mortgage interest for nonitemizers, up to a maximum credit of $800.

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 20: Make permanent the Research & Development tax credit

    The Research & Development tax credit and the renewable energy production tax credit are intended to spur innovation in the private sector, but the tax credits have expiration dates under current law. Obama would make them permanent.

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 21: Require automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans

    Automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans for workers whose employers offer retirement plans.

    >>More

    In the Works

    No. 22: Require automatic enrollment in IRA plans

    Require employers who do not offer retirement plans to offer their workers access to automatic IRAs and contribute via payroll deduction.

    >>More

    Page 1 of 26 next

    what is going on in Congress -it’s in Session -lame duck


    The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET on December 8, 2010

    Following any Leader remarks, there will be a live quorum to resume the court of impeachment of Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. Once a quorum is established, the Senate will proceed to a series of up to 5 roll call votes in relation to the impeachment motions and articles.

    Motion that the Articles are improperly aggregated.
    • Article I (improperly denied a motion to recuse based on a corrupt financial relationship)
    Article II (alleges a pattern of corrupt conduct based on improper structuring of bail bonds)
    Article III (intentionally made material false statements in a personal bankruptcy filing)
    Article IV (knowingly made false statements to the Senate and FBI during his confirmation process)
    Senators will be voting from their desks and they are encouraged to remain seated until all votes have been completed.
    Upon conclusion of the court of impeachment, the Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair in order to clear the chamber. Upon reconvening, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar #661, S.3991, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009, with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the Leaders or their designees.

    The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:30pm to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.

    At 3:30pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3391. There will then be an additional 30 minutes of debate equally divided between the Leaders or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a series of up to 4 roll call votes.

    – Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #662, S.3991, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 (commonly known as Firefighters Collective Bargaining);
    – Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #655, S.3985, the Emergency Senior Citizens relief Act of 2010;
    – Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #663, S.3992, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 (DREAM Act); and
    – Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #641, H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.

    If cloture is invoked on a motion to proceed, there would then be up to 30 hours for debate.

    If cloture fails on all 4 motions, there is a possibility that Senator Reid would reconsider the failed cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.3454, DoD Authorization.

    Votes:
    260: Motion that notwithstanding Impeachment Rule 23, the Senate shall disaggregate the articles of impeachment by holding preliminary votes on individual allegations in the articles;
    Not Agreed To: 0-94.

    261: Article I (improperly denied a motion to recuse based on a corrupt financial relationship);
    Guilty: 96-0

    262: Article II (alleges a pattern of corrupt conduct based on improper structuring of bail bonds)
    Guilty: 69-27

    263: Article III (intentionally made material false statements in a personal bankruptcy filing);
    Guilty: 88-8

    264: Article IV (knowingly made false statements to the Senate and FBI during his confirmation process)
    Guilty: 90-6

    265: Reid motion that Judge Porteous be disqualified from holding office at any time in the future of the United States;
    Agreed To: 94-2

    266: Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S.3991, Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009;
    Not Invoked: 55-43

    267: Now voting on Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #655, S.3985, the Emergency Senior Citizens relief Act of 2010;
    Not Invoked: 53-45

    Not Invoked: 53-45

    Unanimous Consent:
    Passed H.R.4994, Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010 (with a substitute amendment and an amendment to the title)

    Passed H.R.4337, the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act (with a Bingaman substitute amendment)

    Passed S.3167, the Census Oversight Efficiency and Management Reform Act (with a Carper amendment)

    Passed S.3036, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act

    Adopted S.Res.697, a resolution recognizing the 15th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords

    (((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))0(((((((((((((((((((((((((()

    The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET on December 8, 2010

    CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
    LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 8, 2010
    111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION


    . 9:18 P.M. –

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

    9:17 P.M. –

    Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 15: himself for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

    9:10 P.M. –

    ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

    H.R. 3353:

    to provide for American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas to be treated as States for certain criminal justice programs

    9:02 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 voice vote.

    Considered as unfinished business.

    9:01 P.M. –

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

    H.R. 5281:

    to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

    9:00 P.M. –

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

    On motion to to agree to the Senate amendments numbered 1 and 2, and that the House agree to the Senate amendment numbered 3 with an amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 216 – 198 (Roll no. 625).

    8:34 P.M. –

    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

    7:45 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.R. 5281.

    The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4994 amended, and S. 3036.

    H.R. 5281:

    to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

    6:55 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 5281.

    6:54 P.M. –

    Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1756, the House moved to agree to the Senate amendments numbered 1 and 2, and that the House agree to the Senate amendment numbered 3 with an amendment.

    Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1756, the Chair recognized Mr. Conyers for a motion.

    S. 3998:

    to extend the Child Safety Pilot Program

    6:51 P.M. –

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 401 – 2 (Roll No. 624).

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

    6:44 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business is on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

    H. Res. 1756:

    providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 5281) to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

    6:43 P.M. –

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

    On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 211 – 208 (Roll no. 623).

    6:34 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H.R. 3082:

    making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes

    6:33 P.M. –

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

    On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 212 – 206 (Roll no. 622).

    6:05 P.M. –

    The previous question was ordered without objection.

    H. Res. 1756:

    providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 5281) to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

    6:03 P.M. –

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.

    The previous question was ordered without objection.

    5:26 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1756

    5:24 P.M. –

    Considered as privileged matter.

    5:22 P.M. –

    Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1756.

    H.R. 3082:

    making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment with an amendment to H.R. 3082, the Chair announced that further proceedings would be postponed.

    4:18 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment with an amendment to H.R. 3082.

    4:17 P.M. –

    Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1755, the House moved to agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.

    H. Res. 1746:

    recognizing and supporting the efforts of Welcome Back Veterans to augment the services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs in providing timely and world-class care for veterans and members of the Armed Forces suffering from PTSD and related psychiatric disorders

    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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 409 – 0 (Roll no. 621).

    4:09 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H.R. 4501:

    to require certain return policies from businesses that purchase precious metals from consumers and solicit such transactions through an Internet website

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 324 – 81 (Roll no. 620).

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

    4:02 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    4:01 P.M. –

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

    H. Res. 1755:

    providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 3082) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, 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: 207 – 206 (Roll no. 619).

    3:28 P.M. –

    The previous question was ordered without objection.

    2:58 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1755

    Considered as privileged matter.

    2:57 P.M. –

    Mr. McGovern filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1755.

    H. Res. 1704:

    honoring the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon

    2:56 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 359 – 44, 5 Present (Roll no. 618).

    2:49 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H. Res. 1402:

    recognizing the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors, and expressing support for designation of February 16, 2011, as “Citizen Diplomacy Day”

    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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 394 – 13, 1 Present (Roll no. 617).

    2:41 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H.R. 6495:

    to improve compliance with mine safety and health laws, empower miners to raise safety concerns, prevent future mine tragedies, and for other purposes

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 214 – 193 (Roll no. 616).

    2:33 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H. Res. 1752:

    waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

    2:32 P.M. –

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

    On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 194 (Roll no. 615).

    2:02 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 1752 and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings has been postponed.

    H.R. 6495:

    to improve compliance with mine safety and health laws, empower miners to raise safety concerns, prevent future mine tragedies, and for other purposes

    2:01 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.

    1:28 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6495.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Miller, George moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

    S. 3817:

    to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978, and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988 to reauthorize the Acts, and for other purposes

    1:27 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 voice vote.

    1:06 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3817.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

    H.R. 5012:

    to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch to establish a weekend and holiday feeding program to provide nutritious food to at-risk school children on weekends and during extended school holidays during the school year

    1:05 P.M. –

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

    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 voice vote.

    12:52 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5012.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

    12:51 P.M. –

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

    H. Res. 1752:

    waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

    12:49 P.M. –

    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.

    The previous question was ordered without objection.

    12:34 P.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1752

    12:33 P.M. –

    Considered as privileged matter.

    H. Res. 1531:

    expressing support for designation of 2011 as “World Veterinary Year” to bring attention to and show appreciation for the veterinary profession on its 250th anniversary

    12:31 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): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 614).

    12:23 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H. Res. 1540:

    supporting the goal of eradicating illicit marijuana cultivation on Federal lands and calling on the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop a coordinated strategy to permanently dismantle Mexican drug trafficking organizations operating on Federal lands

    12:22 P.M. –

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

    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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 – 4 (Roll no. 613).

    12:14 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H. Res. 1717:

    congratulating imprisoned Chinese democracy advocate Liu Xiaobo on the award of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize

    12:13 P.M. –

    On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 1 (Roll no. 612).

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

    12:07 P.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    H.R. 5987:

    to ensure that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who receive Social Security and certain other Federal benefits receive a one-time $250 payment in the event that no cost-of-living adjustment is payable in 2011

    12:06 P.M. –

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 254 – 153 (Roll no. 611).

    11:32 A.M. –

    Considered as unfinished business.

    11:31 A.M. –

    UNFINISHED BUSINSESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings has been postponed.

    H.R. 4501:

    to require certain return policies from businesses that purchase precious metals from consumers and solicit such transactions through an Internet website

    11:30 A.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.

    11:23 A.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4501.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Weiner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

    H.R. 5470:

    to exclude an external power supply for certain security or life safety alarms and surveillance system components from the application of certain energy efficiency standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act

    11:22 A.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 voice vote.

    11:16 A.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5470.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

    H. Res. 1746:

    recognizing and supporting the efforts of Welcome Back Veterans to augment the services provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs in providing timely and world-class care for veterans and members of the Armed Forces suffering from PTSD and related psychiatric disorders

    11:15 A.M. –

    At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Donnelly (IN) 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.

    11:05 A.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1746.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Donnelly (IN) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

    S. 3789:

    to limit access to social security account numbers

    11:04 A.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 voice vote.

    10:53 A.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3789.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Pomeroy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

    H.R. 5987:

    to ensure that seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who receive Social Security and certain other Federal benefits receive a one-time $250 payment in the event that no cost-of-living adjustment is payable in 2011

    10:51 A.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.

    10:29 A.M. –

    DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5987.

    Considered under suspension of the rules.

    Mr. Pomeroy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

    10:27 A.M. –

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

    10:05 A.M. –

    ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with further one minute speeches.

    10:04 A.M. –

    The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3199, S. 3984, H.R. 2480, and H.R. 6184.

    10:02 A.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.

    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kagen 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.

    10:01 A.M. –

    Today’s prayer was offered by Lieutenant Christilene Whalen, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, Patuxent River, Maryland

    The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

    10:00 A.M. –

    The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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