Congress in Session …Thursday debates/votes HR5297 small biz&jobs bill


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET July 29, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5297, Small Business Jobs bill. There will then be 1 hour for debate prior to a cloture vote on substitute amendment. The time prior to the vote will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the final 10 minutes reserved for the two Leaders or their designees, with the Majority Leader controlling the final 5 minutes.

At approximately 10:45am (depending on how much Leader time is used), the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Baucus-Landrieu amendment #4519 (Substitute) to HR5297, Small Business Jobs.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments to Baucus-Landrieu amendment #4519 (Substitute) and the underlying bill is 10:00am tomorrow, Thursday, July 29.


221: Vote expected shortly on Cloture vote on the Baucus-Landrieu amendment #4519: (Substitute) to HR5297, Small Business Jobs. The filing deadline for second degree amendments to Baucus-Landrieu amendment #4519 (Substitute) and the underlying bill is 10:00am tomorrow, Thursday, July 29.

In a vote of 58-42 Republicans and a conservadem who say they want to help people get back to work, give small business the means to create jobs have again said one thing and voted against the People of the United States. They say small business needs to be helped because small business creates jobs … but Republicans lie and this is yet another example and now evidence of just what they have in mind for us … as Americans we should not only be outraged but use our voice to keep Republicans out of office. We need to vote for Politicians who have Americans best interest in mind and clearly it is not …NOT  Republicans.

Tell your friends this Small biz/Jobs bill was paid for, not an addition to the deficit…this the Media failed to tell the public !!!!!

Votes:
221: Cloture vote on the Baucus-Landrieu amendment #4519: (Substitute) to HR5297, Small Business Jobs;
Not Invoked: 58-42

222: Motion to instruct the Sergeant at Arms to request the presence of absent senators; Agreed to: 70-23

Unanimous Consent:
S.258, the Saving Kids from Dangerous Drugs Act

H.R.1454, the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act

H.R.5874, the US Patent and Trademark Office Supplemental Appropriations Act

S.Res.592, a resolution designating the week of September 13-19, 2010, as “Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Week”

S.Res.601, a resolution to authorize testimony of Senate employees in a grand jury proceeding in the District of Columbia

H.Con.Res.308, conditional adjournment of the House

Confirmed Executive Calendar #1000, Sandra L. Storz, Director, Coast Guard Reserve

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 29, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

..

11:10 A.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on July 30, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Ms. Chu moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1527:

congratulating the United States Men’s National Soccer Team for its inspiring performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup

1:09 A.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 voice vote.

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1527.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.J. Res. 90:

expressing support for designation of September 2010 as “Gospel Music Heritage Month” and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States

1:08 A.M. –

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

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

12:51 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 90.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.

H.R. 2476:

to amend the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to clarify the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture regarding additional recreational uses of National Forest System land that are subject to ski area permits, and for other purposes

12:50 A.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.

12:43 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2476.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5414:

to provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina, and for other purposes

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.

12:40 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5414.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1566:

recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the pioneering of college students whose determination and nonviolent resistance led to the desegregation of lunch counters and places of public accommodation over a 5-year period

12:39 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.

12:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H. Res. 1566.

12:24 A.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1574.

H. Res. 1566:

recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the pioneering of college students whose determination and nonviolent resistance led to the desegregation of lunch counters and places of public accommodation over a 5-year period

12:16 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1566.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5320:

to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to increase assistance for States, water systems, and disadvantaged communities; to encourage good financial and environmental management of water systems; to strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to enforce the requirements of the Act; to reduce lead in drinking water; to strengthen the endocrine disruptor screening program; and for other purposes

12:15 A.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.

12:01 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5320.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Markey (MA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5901:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain stock of real estate investment trusts from the tax on foreign investment in United States real property interests, and for other purposes

11:59 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.

11:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5901.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3372:

to modify the date on which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and applicable States may require permits for discharges from certain vessels

11:49 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.

11:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3372.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5900:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend airport improvement program project grant authority and to improve airline safety, and for other purposes

11:45 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.

11:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5900.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

11:04 P.M. –

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

H. Con. Res. 266:

expressing the sense of Congress that Taiwan should be accorded observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

11:01 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 voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5850:

making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 251 – 167 (Roll no. 499).

10:44 P.M. –

The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

10:43 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5850.

10:42 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 159 – 264 (Roll no. 498).

10:36 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 258 (Roll no. 497).

10:30 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 157 – 267 (Roll no. 496).

10:23 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 260 (Roll no. 495).

10:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 129 – 293 (Roll no. 494).

10:11 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jordan (OH) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 159 – 265 (Roll no. 493).

10:03 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Neugebauer amendment Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 247 (Roll no. 492).

9:46 P.M. –

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

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 847:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes

9:45 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 Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 255 – 159 (Roll no. 491).

8:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 847.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

8:10 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

H.R. 5850:

making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5850 as unfinished business.

8:09 P.M. –

On motion that the Committee now rise. Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Olver moved that the Committee now rise.

8:08 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

8:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake part B amendment No. 11.

7:59 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in part B of House Report 111-578 to prohibit $150,000 from being made available for the construction of a children’s playground in the Municipality of Yauco, Puerto Rico and reduce the overall cost of the bill by the same amount.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment No. 10, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

7:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake part B amendment No. 10.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in part B of House Report 111-578 to prohibit $1,000,000 from being made available for the restoration and improvements to the historical Darwin Martin House Home and complex in New York and reduce the overall cost of the bill by the same amount.

7:48 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

7:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake part B amendment No. 4.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in part B of House Report 111-578 to prohibit $1,000,000 from being made available for the downtown Tacoma streetscapes improvement project in Washington and reduce the overall cost of the bill by the same amount.

7:39 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

7:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake part B amendment No. 2

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in part B of House Report 111-578 to prohibit $1,000,000 from being made available for the Blackstone River Bikeway in Rhode Island and reduce the overall cost of the bill by the same amount.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment No. 20, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

7:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment No. 20.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 20 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce funding for Capital and Debt Service Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for capital investments by $1,203,500,000.

7:20 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jordan (OH) amendment No. 18, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Jordan (OH) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

7:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jordan (OH) amendment No. 18.

Amendment offered by Mr. Jordan (OH).

An amendment numbered 18 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce spending by $18,579,000,000 in order to reflect FY 2008 levels.

7:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Kirkpatrick (AZ) amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kirkpatrick (AZ) amendment No. 17.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Kirkpatrick (AZ).

An amendment numbered 17 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to make an across the board cut of 5% from the base text of the bill. It would reduce the cost of the bill by $3.37 billion, bringing the total cost of the bill down to $64.03 billion.

7:02 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Turner amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Turner amendment No. 16.

Amendment offered by Mr. Turner.

An amendment numbered 16 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to prevent funds in the bill from being used to prohibit the establishment of any occupancy preference for veterans in supporting housing for the elderly that is assistance by HUD and is located on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) property or is subject to an enhanced use lease with the VA.

7:00 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Braley (IA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

6:57 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Braley (IA) amendment No. 15.

Amendment offered by Mr. Braley (IA).

An amendment numbered 15 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to increase funding to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) by $20 million and would offset this increase with a decrease of $20 million for non-personnel expenses within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of the CDBG funding increase is to provide CDBG disaster relief and recovery funds to assist communities in the Midwest affected by the flooding that occurred during July of 2010.

6:56 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Neugebauer amendment No. 14, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Barton (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Neugebauer amendment No. 14.

Amendment offered by Mr. Neugebauer.

An amendment numbered 14 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce spending in the bill by $10.52 billion. This amount represents the uncommitted funds from the $61.7 billion in 2009 stimulus funds that were appropriated for transportation and housing related program.

6:45 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Moore (WI) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

6:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore (WI) amendment No. 13.

Amendment offered by Ms. Moore (WI).

An amendment numbered 13 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to increase funding for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization by $100,000 and increase funding for the Minority Business Research Center’s outreach activities by $225,000 to help ensure that the small and disadvantaged business policies and goals of the Department are developed and implemented.

6:42 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Graves (MO) amendment Failed by voice vote.

6:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1569, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Graves (MO) amendment No. 12.

Amendment offered by Mr. Graves (MO).

An amendment numbered 12 printed in part A of House Report 111-578 to prohibit the Federal Aviation Administration from using funds in the Act to require a sponsor of a public general aviation airport to terminate existing residential through-the-fence agreements. or otherwise withhold funds from a sponsor of a general aviation airport, solely because the sponsor enters into a residential through-the-fence agreement.

6:26 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Culberson amendment Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 252 (Roll no. 490).

6:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Latham amendment Failed by recorded vote: 197 – 225 (Roll no. 489).

6:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Boehner amendment Failed by recorded vote: 206 – 217 (Roll no. 488).

5:40 P.M. –

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

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5893:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create jobs through increased investment in infrastructure, to eliminate loopholes which encourage companies to move operations offshore, and for other purposes

5:39 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 2c of rule 19, the Chair postponed further proccedings on H.R. 5893 until a time to be announced.

5:38 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

4:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5893.

4:23 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5893 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1568.

4:22 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of certain persons to undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon or its democratic processes and institutions is to continue in effect beyond August 1, 2010. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-136).

4:07 P.M. –

NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER A RESOLUTION – Mr. Price (GA) notified the House of his intent to rise to a question of the privileges of the House and to offer a resolution. Mr. Price (GA) was recognized to notice the form of his proposed resolution.

H.R. 5850:

making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

On motion that the Committee rise. Agreed to by voice vote.

4:06 P.M. –

Mr. Olver moved that the Committee rise.

On agreeing to the Johnson, E. B. amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the E.B Johnson (TX) amendment No. 11.

Amendment offered by Ms. Johnson, E. B..

An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to increase by $10 million activities under Section 107, under the Community Development Grant program at HUD. Specifically additional funding would be requested for the HBCU Community Development Grant Program. Subsequently, reverse mortgages would be decreased by $10 million.

3:59 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Culberson amendment No. 10, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Culberson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Culberson amendment No. 10.

3:48 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Culberson.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce the bill’s funding level by $12.4 billion dollars, returning the bill to the FY2009 funding level. This is an 18% cut in the bill’s spending.

On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio amendment No. 9.

3:43 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to prohibit any funds under the Act from being used to reallocate Federal highway formula funding for the livable communities program unless the program is first authorized by Congress.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Latham amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Latham demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Latham amendment No. 8.

Amendment offered by Mr. Latham.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to cut $1.8 billion from specific accounts that were increased over and above the President’s request.

3:32 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Perlmutter amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perlmutter amendment No. 7.

Amendment offered by Mr. Perlmutter.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to strike $50 million in incentive grants to states to enact laws to make it a primary traffic violation for occupants to not use a seat belt.

On agreeing to the Arcuri amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Arcuri amendment No. 6.

Amendment offered by Mr. Arcuri.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce funding for the Office of Policy Development and Research within HUD by $2,978,450–resulting in a 2.5% reduction in funding below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2010.

3:16 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Kaptur amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kaptur (OH) amendment No. 5.

Amendment offered by Ms. Kaptur.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to eliminate all travel funds for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

3:01 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Boehner amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boehner amendment No. 4.

Amendment offered by Mr. Boehner.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs, Office of the Secretary, Salaries and Expenses, within the Department of Transportation by $1.6 million.

2:58 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Boehner amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Boehner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2:53 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boehner amendment No. 2.

Amendment offered by Mr. Boehner.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to reduce HUD’s Transformation Initiative (technical assistance and capacity building) by $40 million.

On agreeing to the Boehner amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1569, the Committee on the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boehner amendment No. 1.

2:49 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Boehner.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 111-578 to terminate the HUD program for doctoral dissertation research grants on housing and urban development issues.

1:55 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5850.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Vic Snyder to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1569 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5850 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1569.

H.R. 3040:

to prevent mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud targeting seniors in the United States, to promote efforts to increase public awareness of the enormous impact that mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud have on seniors, to educate the public, seniors, their families, and their caregivers about how to identify and combat fraudulent activity, and for other purposes

1:54 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): 335 – 81 (Roll no. 487).

1:47 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1568:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5893) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create jobs through increased investment in infrastructure, to eliminate loopholes which encourage companies to move operations offshore, and for other purposes

1:46 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: 233 – 182 (Roll no. 486).

1:39 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1569:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5850) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 – 185 (Roll no. 485).

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

1:32 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 179 (Roll no. 484).

1:24 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:23 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on ordering the previous question and adoption of H.Res. 1569, adoption of H.Res. 1568, and a motion to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 308:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 189 (Roll no. 483).

12:52 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Con. Res. 307:

providing for a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

12:51 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1568:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5893) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create jobs through increased investment in infrastructure, to eliminate loopholes which encourage companies to move operations offshore, and for other purposes

12:50 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1568, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

11:45 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1568

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1569:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5850) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

11:43 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of the debate on H. Res. 1569, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by 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 ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

10:48 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1569

Considered as privileged matter.

10:47 A.M. –

On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

10:46 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate on the Flake point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.

10:31 A.M. –

POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Flake stated that the provisions of H. Res. 1569 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by imposing an unfunded mandate and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?

10:30 A.M. –

By direction of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Arcuri called up the resolution H. Res. 1569, and asked for its immediate consideration.

10:29 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1749.

10:04 A.M. –

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

10:03 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Ros-Lehtinen to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Bruce Scott, Pentecostals of South Lake, Merrillville, Indiana

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Loretta Sanchez to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

No More Excuses: Climate Action Now


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Union of Concerned Scientists
Call your senators today
Tell your senators that delay on climate action is not an option.

No More Excuses: Climate Action Now

Last week, the Senate decided to delay taking up comprehensive climate and energy legislation at least until after Congress returns from August recess. Some senators have indicated that they will continue to work on climate and energy issues in September. Please tell your senators that inaction is absolutely not an option. Unless they hear from their constituents now, the Senate will be very hard-pressed to pass such legislation before the year ends.

While I am disappointed and angry about this setback, UCS will continue to fight for comprehensive climate and energy legislation to pass the Senate this year, and you need to keep fighting as well.

The first six months of this year have been the hottest on record; and the past 10 years were the hottest decade on record. The science is clear—we cannot afford any more delays. Your senators need to hear from you that despite the tight legislative calendar, inaction is not an option.

Call your senators today and let them know that we have waited long enough for action, you are tired of their excuses, and that they must take action to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year.

Take Action Today!

Sincerely,
KateAbend_jpg
Kate Abend
National Field Organizer
UCS Climate and Energy Program

40 Republicans blocked the Disclose Act


The Democratic Party
They just couldn’t help themselves.

Yesterday, 40 Republican senators blocked the passage of legislation that would counteract the growing influence of corporations in the wake of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

The DISCLOSE Act would have helped shed light on the hundreds of millions of dollars corporations and special interests plan to spend to influence our elections this fall — and would have helped ordinary Americans to make their voices more clearly heard in campaigns across the country.

Republicans believe that killing the bill and strengthening corporate power gives them a tactical edge, allowing right-wing groups to raise more than ever to help their candidates win.

It’s a stark reminder, both of what we’re up against in November and the reason we all need to fight so hard to elect Democrats. Now more than ever, we need people like you on sidewalks and doorsteps, talking to your friends and neighbors about what meaningful reforms like these would mean in their lives — and why it’s so vital that they make their voices heard this fall.

Sign up now to volunteer for our Vote 2010 efforts and help fight the Republican special-interest agenda.

Despite the fact that 80 percent of Americans disagreed with the Citizens United decision — which eliminated limits on corporate spending in political campaigns — obstructionist Republicans have sided with the special interests yet again. But that doesn’t mean we can’t hold them accountable for it.

Republicans believe the support of the big corporations and the special interests is all they need, but we have a different approach. We’re building a new Democratic Party — one driven by the opinions and support of Americans around the country and focused on grassroots organizing.

That’s something Republicans just don’t have: supporters like you.

The obstruction of bills like DISCLOSE affects every voter in the country — and we’re all in this together. We need your help on the ground now, helping to make the case to friends and neighbors about the importance of their vote in November’s elections. Please sign up to volunteer today:

http://my.democrats.org/DISCLOSEVolunteer

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O’Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Announcing: The By the People Fund


$200 million.

That’s what Republican-aligned special interests have pledged to spend on the 2010 election. Just to put that in context, that’s nearly $40 million more than every interest group spent on the 2008 presidential election — combined.

When our administration and this movement decided to take on the special interests, we knew we were making a choice. And the consequences are clear. These groups have fought us at every turn in our struggle for change, and now they’re trying to drown out our voices — and our accomplishments — with their campaign cash this fall.

We’re not going to sit back and let that happen. Today, Organizing for America is announcing the By the People Fund with the goal of getting 3 million citizen donations to fuel our grassroots campaign for the upcoming election.

Can you donate $25 today and help us take back this election from the corporate interests?

With our By the People Fund, we’re going to make a statement this fall — strengthening our grassroots efforts on the ground, focusing on getting first-time voters from 2008 back to the polls this year, and holding the Republicans and their special-interest allies accountable.

We’ve all gone to the mat with these folks time and again — ever since Barack and I took office. And, from the Recovery Act to historic health reform to Wall Street reform, you helped prove we could win those fights.

Now these groups have one goal in mind when it comes to November 2nd — erasing the progress we’ve made together.

By spending an unprecedented amount of cash to support Republicans, they’re doing their best to buy their way back into power. And, if they do, they’ve been clear that they will do everything they can to undo the historic achievements we’ve fought so hard to win.

It’s no wonder that each and every Republican in the Senate on Tuesday voted to allow these special interests to have a greater say in our elections. Their vote will allow these groups to spend millions on campaign ads — and not have to reveal who’s actually behind them.

I’ve been in politics a long time. I’m used to seeing the good guys outspent by interest groups. But we’ve never been outnumbered — and we’ve never been outhustled.

I’m asking you to make sure it stays that way. Will you chip in and help us grow our By the People Fund?

Please donate $25 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/ByThePeople

Thank you,

Vice President Joe Biden

IMMIGRATION: Arizona’s D-Day


Ninety days after it was signed into law, Arizona’s new immigration law — SB-1070 — is set to take effect tomorrow. U.S. Ninth District Judge Susan Bolton is currently considering some of the seven lawsuits brought against the law along with a request by federal government that she approve a federal injunction of the law. Last night, Gov. Jan Brewer (R-AZ) announced that she expects a ruling within 24 hours. Much is at stake. As one law professor pointed out, if the law is struck down, it will take the “wind out of the sails” of local efforts to pass immigration laws. If it isn’t, Bolton’s decision will “unleash more copycat legislation.” Both sides are bracing themselves for implementation. National and local organizations are preparing a state-wide demonstration that will kick off today with a vigil in several cities. Demonstrators are set to descend on the Arizona state capital without their papers and “dare law enforcement in Phoenix, Arizona, to put SB-1070 to the test.” The U.S. attorney for Arizona is encouraging those who believe their civil rights have been violated to contact the FBI. Meanwhile, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio is “setting aside space” in his tent city for more undocumented immigrants as local law enforcement gears up to enforce SB-1070. And while most Americans support Arizona’s immigration law, they also think its looming implementation tomorrow will “increase discrimination against Hispanics while not necessarily making a dent in the [immigration] problem.”

LEGAL BRAWL: Beginning a couple weeks ago, Bolton started hearing arguments filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, civil rights organizations, clergy groups, a researcher, and a Tucson police officer over whether Arizona’s new immigration law should take effect. University of Arizona law professor Jack Chin explains that Bolton will have to weigh the likelihood of success of the lawsuits challenging the law, judge who will suffer “irreparable harm,” and look at the “balance of hardships.” Bolton has the options of issuing a temporary injunction, blocking parts of the law, or doing nothing. So far, Bolton has dropped only a few hints as to how she will rule. During the hearings, she suggested that the part of Arizona’s law that requires immigrant residents to carry immigration documents “may not pass constitutional muster.” After challenging her assessment, the defense conceded, stating, “I didn’t have the feeling I persuaded you last week either.” Bolton also questioned a sentence in SB-1070 that requires police to verify the immigration status of arrested inmates before releasing them along with a separate part of the law that allows police to arrest anyone they believe has committed a crime that would make them removable from the country. However, Bolton did make one thing clear: she will not invalidate the whole law, but may halt the enactment of a handful of its sections. SB-1070 supporters are fighting back. Attorneys for the Arizona governor asked a federal judge to dismiss the Justice Department’s lawsuit, insisting that the federal government’s claim is based on “hypothetical scenarios.” Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu and Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever have also hired lawyers to fight lawsuits against SB-1070 and pursue countersuits against the Obama administration.

WINNERS AND LOSERS: As the SB-1070 legal battle rages on, a growing list of stakeholders is taking shape. A local Arizona TV news station recently discovered that “two of Brewer’s top advisers have connections” to private prison giant Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). Paul Senseman, Brewer’s deputy chief of staff, is a former lobbyist for CCA and his wife continues to lobby for the company. Chuck Coughlin, who leads her re-election campaign, chaired her transition into the governorship, and is one of the governor’s policy advisers, also happens to be the president of HighGround Public Affairs Consultants, which lobbies for CCA. Brewer’s connections to the CCA are significant because the company currently bills $11 million a month to the state of Arizona to house immigrant detainees, and if SB-1070 is successfully implemented, its profits would soar as it would take responsibility for imprisoning immigrants arrested by Arizona police. Brewer herself, who has essentially built her campaign around the law, has also benefited from signing off on SB-1070 in terms of her local popularity. So far, Brewer has raised over $1,104,935 just for her legal defense fund. However, Brewer’s star may not shine forever. Arizona public schools are experiencing a drop in enrollment which could account for a drop in millions of dollars of federal funding. Arizona’s Office of Tourism is reporting a $12 million loss in canceled hotels and reservations. Attendance has also been dropping at several local churches serving largely to Hispanics, and as the Arizona Republic points out, “fewer attendees means less in the collection plate.” In the end, embracing the law also carries the risk of permanently alienating the critical Latino vote.

RIPPLE EFFECT: The rest of the Western hemisphere is watching Arizona closely. The Reform Immigration for American campaign reports that “there are twenty two copycats [laws] waiting to see which way the wind blows on states’ ability to preempt federal immigration law.” In Utah, one state lawmaker is prepared to introduce copycat legislation as early as the second week of August. Gubernatorial candidates in states like Florida, Colorado, and Georgia have made campaign promises to pass similar laws based on the presumption that SB-1070 is constitutional. Meanwhile, tensions on the issue are high. Activists argue that SB-1070 has contributed to a fresh round of discrimination such a surge of hate crimes in Staten Island and the disturbing release of a “witch-hunt” list of the names of 1,300 suspected undocumented immigrants by Utah citizen vigilantes. The white supremacist National Socialist Movement has also entered the debate and will demonstrate in downtown Knoxville next month as a show of support for a tougher state immigration law. On the other side of the border, Latin America is keeping a close watch. Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Peru have all filed motions to join Mexico’s legal brief supporting the lawsuits of the U.S. government and advocacy groups. Mexico is additionally preparing for the implementation of Arizona’s new immigration law. Expecting a surge of deportees, the Mexican government has also added more workers to its consulate in Phoenix and migrant shelters have added more beds. Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission plans on sending inspectors to U.S. border crossings to monitor deportations and ensure deportees are treated properly.

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