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the Senate CONGRES 5/9 the House

05/09/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, May 12, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

On Wednesday, May 7^th, cloture was filed on S.2282, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competiveness Act. As a result, the filing deadline for all second degree amendments is 4:30pm Monday.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and there will be up to 3 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #690 Robin S. Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #560, Steven Croley, of Michigan, to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy and

– Motion to invoke cloture on S.2262, Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2014.

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Last Floor Action:5/8
10:24:56 A.M. -H.R. 10
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bass amendment No. 5.

9:00:10 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:01:15 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:43 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:02:47 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Paulsen to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:04 A.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:15:06 A.M.	H.R. 4438	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4438 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify and make permanent the research credit.”
9:15:34 A.M.	H.R. 4438	Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Ways and Means.
9:15:46 A.M.	H.R. 4438	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kirkpatrick motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to ensure that businesses can only claim the Research and Development credit for expenses attributable to wages if they: (1) guarantee female employees receive equal pay for equal work; (2) give priority to hiring unemployed Americans, especially veterans; and (3) do not outsource American jobs. Additionally, the motion ensures that the underlying legislation cannot take effect if it increases the deficit.
9:22:31 A.M.	H.R. 4438	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
9:50:35 A.M.	H.R. 4438	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 191 – 209 (Roll no. 210).
9:59:17 A.M.	H.R. 4438	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 274 – 131 (Roll no. 211).
9:59:18 A.M.	H.R. 4438	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:00:05 A.M.	H.R. 10	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 10 — “To amend the charter school program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.”
10:01:24 A.M.	H.R. 10	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
10:03:20 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Mr. Kline, numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-444 to make technical corrections and improvements to the underlying bill text.
10:03:22 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kline amendment No. 1.
10:06:11 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Kline amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:06:27 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cassidy, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-444 to require GAO to audit/track the dollars and examine if the money allocated from administrative costs is appropriate.
10:06:33 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cassidy amendment No. 2.
10:09:19 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Cassidy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:09:32 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Castor (FL), numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-444 to require the Secretary of the Department of Education to develop and enforce conflict of interest guidelines for all charter schools receiving federal assistance. Guidelines must include disclosures from anyone affiliated with the charter school that has a financial interest in the school.
10:09:33 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor (FL) amendment No. 3.
10:16:54 A.M.	H.R. 10	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Castor amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Ms. Castor demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
10:17:17 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-444 to establish a two percent set-aside within state funds to provide oversight of the use of funds by charter schools.
10:17:21 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment No. 4.
10:24:24 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by voice vote.
10:24:54 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Bass, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-444 to add on p. 14, line 16 after all students “, including eliminating any barriers to enrollment for foster youth or unaccompanied homeless youth,”. This will ensure that there are no unnecessary barriers for foster youth in charter school enrollment and ensure the inclusion and retention of all students no matter the involvement or lack of involvement of parents.
10:24:56 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bass amendment No. 5.

0:36:52 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Bass amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:37:13 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Mr. Messer, numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-444 to require state entities applying for Charter School Program grant funds to explain how they will work with eligible applicants within the state to encourage the opening, replication, and expansion of secondary charter schools.
10:37:15 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Messer amendment No. 6.
10:44:33 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Messer amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:44:34 A.M.	H.R. 10	The Chair announced that amendment No. 7 would not be offered.
10:44:57 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, numbered 8 printed in House Report 113-444 to direct the website publication of materials on the websites of Charter Schools regarding student recruitment, orientation materials, enrollment criteria, student discipline policies, behavior codes, and parent contract requirements, which should include any financial obligations such as fees for tutoring, extra-circular activity etc.
10:44:59 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 8.
10:52:34 A.M.	H.R. 10	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
10:52:52 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Wilson (FL), numbered 9 printed in House Report 113-444 to ensure collection and public dissemination of information that will help parents make informed decisions about education options for their children.
10:52:55 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wilson (FL) amendment No. 9.
10:59:18 A.M.	H.R. 10	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Wilson (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes prevailed. Mr. Kline demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
10:59:19 A.M.		The Committee rose informally to receive a message from the Senate.
11:00:00 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 83 and passed S. 2197.
11:00:51 A.M.		The Committee resumed its sitting.
11:01:20 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Mr. Langevin, numbered 10 printed in House Report 113-444 to add comprehensive career counseling to the criteria that the Secretary will take into account when prioritizing grants to LEAs.
11:01:23 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin amendment No. 10.
11:07:43 A.M.	H.R. 10	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Langevin amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes prevailed. Mr. Langevin demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
11:08:16 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Bonamici, numbered 11 printed in House Report 113-444 to Clarify the reporting requirements of State entities by asking State entities to include, to the extent known, whether efforts to share best and promising practices between charter schools and other schools led to the adoption and implementation of best practices by such other public schools.
11:08:20 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bonamici amendment No. 11.
11:14:42 A.M.	H.R. 10	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Bonamici amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes prevailed. Ms. Bonamici demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
11:15:09 A.M.	H.R. 10	An amendment, offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta, numbered 12 printed in House Report 113-444 to require State entities to report on how they have worked with funded charter schools to foster community involvement.
11:15:11 A.M.	H.R. 10	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 576, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loretta Sanchez amendment No. 12.
11:21:40 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:21:56 A.M.	H.R. 10	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.
11:48:08 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Castor (FL) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 190 – 205 (Roll no. 212).
11:53:04 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 220 (Roll no. 213).
11:58:23 A.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Wilson (FL) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 373 – 32 (Roll no. 214).
12:02:16 P.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Langevin amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 378 – 27 (Roll no. 215).
12:05:58 P.M.	H.R. 10	On agreeing to the Bonamici amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 363 – 41 (Roll no. 216).
12:06:12 P.M.	H.R. 10	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 10.
12:07:28 P.M.	H.R. 10	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
12:08:58 P.M.		UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent to address the House for 1 minute regarding the Nigerian female kidnapping crisis.
12:15:28 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Nigerian female kidnapping crisis.
12:22:06 P.M.	H.R. 10	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 360 – 45 (Roll no. 217).
12:22:07 P.M.	H.R. 10	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:22:34 P.M.		SELECT COMMITTEE FOR THE 2012 TERRORIST ATTACK IN BENGHAZI – Pursuant to section 2(a) of House Resolution 567, 113th Congress, and the order of the House January 3, 2013, the Chair appointed the following members of the House to the SELECT COMMITTEE FOR THE 2012 TERRORIST ATTACK IN BENGHAZI: Mr. Gowdy, Mr. Westmoreland, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Roskam, Mr. Pompeo, Mrs. Roby and Mrs. Brooks of IN.
12:23:34 P.M.		COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM – Pursuant to section 201(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 USC 6431) and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Dr. Robert P. George, Princeton, NJ, and Dr. Daniel I. Mark, Villanova, PA.
12:24:43 P.M.		The House received a communication from Ed Cassidy, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Cassidy notified the House that the “House Office of Payroll and Benefits, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer of the United States House of Representatives” has received a subpoena, issued by the Office of Compliance, for documents, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel regarding the subpoena, he has determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena appears (i) not to be “a proper exercise of jurisdiction,” (ii) to seek information that is not “material and relevant,” and/or (iii) not to be “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.”
12:25:00 P.M.		Mr. Stivers asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 1:00 p.m. on May 13. Agreed to without objection.
12:25:35 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:39:36 P.M.		The House received a communication from Dave Camp, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Camp notified the House that the Committee on Ways and Means has received an administrative subpoena, issued by the United States Securties and Exchange Commission, for documents, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel regarding the subpoena, he will make the determination required under Rule VIII.
12:39:57 P.M.		The House received a communication from Brian Sutter, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Health. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Sutter notified the House that he has received (i) an administrative subpoena, issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for documents and testimony, and (ii) a grand jury subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, for testimony, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel regarding the subpoenas, he will make the determinations required under Rule VIII.
12:40:38 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:07:42 P.M.		Mr. Rohrabacher moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:07:54 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:07:55 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on May 13, 2014.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Can’t Deny

05/08/2014 Nativegrl77

| By CAP Action War Room

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Obama Administration Plans For Release Of National Climate Assessment

There’s a major climate change and public health event that’s set to take place tomorrow, and it doesn’t have to do with the Keystone XL pipeline.

The event is the release of the National Climate Assessment, a high-profile review of the present and future damages that climate change is inflicting and will continue to inflict on the United States. Accompanying the highly scientific report from hundreds of scientists will be a call to action to reduce emissions. And a month from now, the Environmental Protection Agency will propose the first ever limit on carbon pollution from power plants – our largest domestic pollution source. This proposal will likely stir up some controversy on Capitol Hill, where almost six in ten congressional Republicans refuse to believe that humans are the cause of climate change, despite the fact that scientists are as sure of this as they are that cigarettes kill.

Here’s just a bit of what we already know: man-made global warming is bad, and it’s getting worse. It is linked to worsening drought, extreme precipitation, more intense wildfires, and maybe even to lowering the yield of our most important agricultural product, corn. It’s going to make sea levels rise higher, heat waves last longer, and diseases spread farther. Hotter cities means more smog and asthma attacks, too.

The report’s release is also the latest indicator that the White House remains determined to slow climate change. The Obama administration is planning a sizable public outreach effort to coincide with the report: President Obama will give interviews to television meteorologists, including Al Roker of The Today Show; Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will highlight the report while in California; and E.P.A administrator Gina McCarthy will address the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. Today, Counselor to the President (and our organization’s founder) John Podesta addressed the media, shooting down the expected conservative efforts to stop the new power plant climate rule from the E.P.A.: “those have zero percent change of working. We’re committed to moving forward with those rules.”

Americans want our elected leaders to act on climate. And they trust Democrats to do so more than Republicans — in the most recent poll, by an 18-point margin. The release of the National Climate Assessment marks a key moment to focus the nation’s attention on climate change, educate on what the impacts of it have been so far, and marshal support for slashing carbon pollution in the future.

Tune back in tomorrow for a more detailed breakdown of the report’s findings and reactions from around the world of politics.

BOTTOM LINE: The National Climate Assessment, a periodic report by 300 scientists and other experts on the impact of climate change in America, comes out tomorrow. Conservative climate deniers may try to drag their feet in opposition to essential limits on carbon pollution from power plants, but it doesn’t look like they will have much wiggle room from an administration sharply focused on taking meaningful steps to slow the dangerous climate changes hurtling towards us

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Student Loans …

05/08/2014 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

Refinancing Student Loans Allows People To Achieve A Fair Shot

It seems as though everyone—homeowners, corporations, and even state and local governments—is taking advantage of the current historically low interest rates by refinancing their debt. It’s a win for individuals and for the nation as a whole, easing the burden of loan repayment and freeing up income for purchases that stimulate the economy.

But one group is getting left behind in the refinancing trend: students who take out loans to pay for their higher education. And there’s no group that needs it more:

Indeed, the cost of college tuition and fees has increased an astonishing 1,120 percent in the last 35 years. Student debt now tops $1.2 trillion, with the average graduating senior owing $29,400. One in five households owes student loan debt. Something needs to change.

Yesterday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced a bill to address this issue that is crippling people’s economic security. The bill, called the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, lets student loan borrowers refinance their loans just like other borrowers have been allowed to do. Generation Progress, a leader in promoting this issue, explains how it would work:

Borrowers with student loans currently have to pay them with interest rates of close to 7 percent or more for undergraduate loans, while students taking out new undergraduate loans pay a rate of 3.86 percent under the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, which President Obama signed into law last summer.

Warren’s student loan refinancing bill would allow our students and young Americans to pay back their outstanding loans at the exact same 3.86 percent rate.

The [Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act] was passed with bipartisan support with Senate Republicans signing onto that piece of legislation as recognition of the student debt crisis crippling the American middle class.

…[Warren’s] legislation would be funded by the Buffett Rule, which limits special tax breaks for America’s millionaires and billionaires and helps middle class American families who have worked diligently toward furthering their career and adding value to the country’s economy.

Warren’s bill has 27 co-sponsors in the Senate, all Democrats. Republicans, meanwhile, oppose it because it is paid for with tax reform making sure millionaires don’t pay less in taxes than their secretaries — a policy that has had the support of nearly three-quarters of Americans.

Across the country, it’s getting harder and harder for Americans to afford a middle-class lifestyle. As we mentioned above, refinancing student loan debt along the lines Warren has proposed isn’t just about helping new graduates: young people, middle class families, and seniors will all be on better terms. Here are just a few more reasons why it an essential step:

It puts money back in people’s pockets: A borrower paying back $30,500 at 6.8 percent would save just over $53 per month after refinancing.
Student loan debt affects people of all ages: The number of education loan borrowers over the age of 60 has tripled since 2005, as parents and grandparents co-sign on loans for their kids.
High interest rates disproportionately hurt people of color: Borrowers of color are more likely to depend on financial aid to attend college, including taking out more private loans and exposing themselves to greater financial risk.

BOTTOM LINE: We can strengthen our economy for the long term by improving our education system and raising the skills of American workers. But the costs of a college tuition keeps rising and student debt is spiraling upward. We should put more money back in people’s pockets by refinancing student loans, and Sen. Warren’s bill is a big step forward. Student debt is family debt and solving this problem will assist young people and their families, and help create economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.