~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A Progressive Vision?

03/05/2014 Nativegrl77

5 Important Things In The President’s Budget

President Obama released his administration’s fiscal year 2015 budget request today. It serves an important purpose in detailing the administration’s vision for investing in the future of the country and establishes an important contrast with Congressional Republicans. The latest GOP salvo in the budget wars, offered by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) yesterday, was filled with what we’ve come to expect: another attack on decades of successful anti-poverty programs. President Obama’s, meanwhile, contains a number of pro-growth policies and investments that will help create an economy that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few. Here are five of the most important:

1. Expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The President’s Budget doubles the maximum credit from $500 to $1,000 for 13.5 million low-income childless adults, putting more money back in the pockets of low-income working Americans. The credit has also been extended to young workers aged 21 to 24, adding further support to those individuals at the start of their careers.

Some conservatives have countered the progressive campaign to raise the minimum wage by saying that the EITC is a better alternative to help low-income workers. While the President and the progressive community have no intention of stopping the fight for a higher minimum wage, in this budget Obama has called their bluff in his expansion of the EITC — how will Republicans respond?

2. Significantly Extends The Child Tax Credit. Childcare be often be so expensive for families with young children that it can keep a parent from working full-time. The President’s Budget would extend the Child Tax Credit, particularly for families with children under age five. According to the White House, about 1.7 million families would benefit from the expansion in 2015, receiving an average tax cut of $600.

3. Invests $302 Billion Over Four Years In Transportation Infrastructure. As America’s roads and bridges are falling apart, the President’s focus on transportation infrastructure in this budget took a critical step forward in two ways. First, it draws almost half of the budget request–$150 million–directly from new revenues earned through closing tax loopholes. Second, it prioritizes “fix-it first” investments: those highways, bridges, roads, subways, bus services, and more, that are among the most in need of repair.

4. Promotes Smart Fiscal Responsibility. The budget predicts the following savings from smart policies:

$402 billion in additional health savings from the Affordable Care Act as well as innovations for Medicare and Medicaid;
$650 billion over a decade by creating a smarter, more efficient tax code including closing corporate tax loopholes and implementing the “Buffett Rule” so that millionaires pay no less than 30 percent of their income;

5. Reiterates Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Immigration reform is a no-brainer, estimated to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion and increase economic growth by $1.4 trillion over twenty years. It is supported by the vast majority of American interests: businesses, faith leaders, labor unions, many Republican lawmakers, and most important almost 9 in 10 voters. And it would help more than just the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country — it would have huge benefits for American workers as well.

BOTTOM LINE: The President’s budget is a bold progressive document that calls for an end to an era of austerity by investing in working Americans and strengthening the economy for everyone and not just the wealthiest few. Republicans, even while finding that many anti-poverty programs are actually very effective, continue to castigate many low-income Americans and remain opposed to commonsense polices that would spur the economy and reduce the deficit.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Urge your legislators to sign a letter in support of American wind power

03/05/2014 Nativegrl77

This week, your federal legislators have an opportunity to show their support for American wind power in a very clear way – by signing a letter that urges the Congressional leadership to take quick action to extend the tax credits for the wind industry.

I urge you to take a moment to write to your legislators today and encourage them to sign this letter.

Recently, wind industry employees met with legislators from 140 different states and districts. They shared their personal stories about their jobs, as well as updates on the wind industry’s impressive accomplishments:

Employing 80,000 people across the U.S. today
Driving $105 billion of private investment since 2005
Bringing down the cost of power by 43% in the past four years alone

Shown above: Wind industry employees meet with Rep. Fleischmann (TN-03)

They asked their legislators to sign a letter to Congressional leadership that explains, “Like all businesses, the wind industry seeks certainty and predictability so that long term project decisions and investments can be made,” and asks for quick action to extend the tax credits that have driven the industry forward – the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC).

Please echo their request – ask your legislators to sign the letter today.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Aaron

Aaron Severn
Interim Vice President, Federal Legislative Affairs
American Wind Energy Association

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Stand with orangutans on World Wildlife Day

03/05/2014 Nativegrl77

Today is World Wildlife Day, and orangutans need your help more than ever. The rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia that the world’s last remaining wild orangutans rely on are being destroyed for Conflict Palm Oil—but you can change that. With your help, we’re calling out 20 of the top snack food brands that are using palm oil tied to rainforest destruction and demanding that they change their ways.
Stand with orangutans this World Wildlife Day by making a $5 donation now.

No orangutans—or Sumatran tigers, or pygmy elephants, or any other wildlife that calls the rainforest home—should lose their homes for cheap snack foods.
Can you make a $5 contribution and help stop orangutans’ rainforest homes from being bulldozed for Conflict Palm Oil?

		Sincerely,
		Brad Schenck Digital Engagement Director @BradASchenck

PS: Your efforts are already having a big impact. RAN is in talks with several of the top 20 snack food makers about how they can take the right steps to cut Conflict Palm Oil out of their supply chains. Only with your support can we take on—and win—ambitious fights like this. Please make a $5 donation today!

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 3/5 the House

03/05/2014 Nativegrl77

A map of those living in slavery 21st Century

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

Will common sense ever prevail in Congress … #Midterms2014Matter

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #659, the nomination of Debo P. Adegbile, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General with the time until 11:45am will be equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

At 11:45am, there will be up to 3 roll call votes:

– Motion to invoke cloture on the Adegbile nomination

– If cloture is invoked, all but 4 minutes of post-cloture time will be yielded back and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the Adegbile nomination

– Following disposition of the Adegbile nomination or if cloture is not invoked on the Adegbile nomination, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #568, Pedro A. Delgado Hernandez to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico.

We expect to recess following the cloture vote on the Hernandez nomination for the weekly caucus meetings. Upon disposition of the Hernandez nomination, the Senate will process the following cloture motions. We hope to reach an agreement to process the remaining nominations throughout the afternoon.

– Executive Calendar #569, Pamela Reeves to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee (2 equally-divided hours);

– Executive Calendar #565, Timothy Brooks to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas (2 equally-divided hours);

– Executive Calendar #571, Vince Chhabria to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California (2 equally-divided hours);

– Executive Calendar #636, Rose Gottemoeller to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (8 equally-divided hours); and

– Motion to proceed to Legislative Calendar #309, S.1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant.

As a reminder, when cloture is filed sequentially on several items, the Senate will consider one motion at a time. If cloture is not invoked or upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate would immediately proceed to the cloture vote on the next nomination listed. If cloture is invoked on a nomination, the corresponding amount of debate time will occur prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Upon disposition of the Gottemoeller nomination, the next vote will be on cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. We hope to vitiate the cloture motion and adopt the motion to proceed by consent and begin legislating on the bill.

11:57am, there will be up to 3 roll call votes related to the following nominations:

Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #659, Debo Adegbile, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General;
If cloture is invoked on Adegbile, immediately proceed to vote on confirmation of the Adegbile nomination;
If cloture is not invoked on Adegbile, proceed immediately to cloture on Executive Calendar #568, Pedro A. Delgado Hernandez to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico.

Following the votes, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 2:15pm, there will be a period of Morning Business with senator permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:30pm, the Senate will resume Executive Session with the time equally divided until 4:00pm. If cloture is invoked on any of the following nominations, except for Gottemoeller, all post-cloture debate time will be yielded back and the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nomination. All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration. There will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided between the votes.

At 4:00pm, there will be up to 8 roll call votes:

Confirmation of Hernandez nomination;
Cloture on Executive Calendar #569, Pamela Reeves to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee;
Confirmation of Reeves nomination;
Cloture on Executive Calendar #565, Timothy Brooks to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas;
Confirmation of Brooks nomination;
Cloture on Executive Calendar #571, Vince Chhabria to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California;
Confirmation of Chhabria nomination; and
Cloture on Executive Calendar #636, Rose Gottemoeller to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (Up to 8 equally-divided hours)

11:58am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #659, Debo Adegbile, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General

Cloture Not Invoked: 47-52.

Senator Reid changed his vote to no (for procedural reasons) and entered a motion to reconsider the failed cloture vote at a later time

12:28pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on cloture on Executive Calendar #568, Pedro A. Delgado Hernandez to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico;

Invoked: 57-41 (1 senator voted present)

==========================================================

Last Floor Action:3/4
7:41:52 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 5, 2015.

10:00:10 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:24 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:47 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:52:20 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.
12:01:47 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:02:34 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:38 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fitzpatrick to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:58 P.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.
12:28:30 P.M.	H. Res. 497	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 497 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3826) to provide direction to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the establishment of standards for emissions of any greenhouse gas from fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4118) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to delay the implementation of the penalty for failure to comply with the individual health insurance mandate.”
12:31:51 P.M.	H. Res. 497	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 497.
1:38:48 P.M.	H. Res. 497	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 221 – 184 (Roll no. 93).
1:45:59 P.M.	H. Res. 497	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 228 – 182 (Roll no. 94).
1:45:59 P.M.	H. Res. 497	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:46:00 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
1:46:04 P.M.	H.R. 938	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 938 — “To strengthen the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.”
1:56:48 P.M.	H.R. 938	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 1 (Roll no. 95).
1:57:38 P.M.	H.R. 4118	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 497. H.R. 4118 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to delay the implementation of the penalty for failure to comply with the individual health insurance mandate.”
1:57:43 P.M.	H.R. 4118	The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order as original text for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-40 for H.R. 3826 and provides that it shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute.
1:57:58 P.M.	H.R. 4118	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4118.

2:52:05 P.M.	H.R. 4118	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2:52:31 P.M.	H.R. 4118	Mr. Horsford moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
2:52:46 P.M.	H.R. 4118	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Horsford motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section at the end of the bill titled Protecting Consumers From Premium Increases and Discrimination on the Basis of Preexisting Conditions. The point of order was subsequently withdrawn.
3:01:11 P.M.	H.R. 4118	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
3:31:13 P.M.	H.R. 4118	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 185 – 227 (Roll no. 96).
3:39:45 P.M.	H.R. 4118	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 160 (Roll no. 97).
3:39:45 P.M.	H.R. 4118	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:39:48 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2126, which was debated earlier, and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:40:00 P.M.	H.R. 2126	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2126 — “To facilitate better alignment, cooperation, and best practices between commercial real estate landlords and tenants regarding energy efficiency in buildings, and for other purposes.”
3:47:30 P.M.	H.R. 2126	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 375 – 36 (Roll no. 98).
3:47:34 P.M.	H.R. 2126	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
3:49:47 P.M.	H.R. 3826	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 497. H.R. 3826 — “To provide direction to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the establishment of standards for emissions of any greenhouse gas from fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units, and for other purposes.”
3:49:52 P.M.	H.R. 3826	The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule makes in order as original text for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-40 for H.R. 3826 and provides that it shall be considered as read. The rule waives all points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute.
3:50:06 P.M.	H.R. 3826	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 497 and Rule XVIII.
3:50:08 P.M.	H.R. 3826	The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Fortenberry to act as Chairman of the Committee.
3:50:13 P.M.	H.R. 3826	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3826.
5:00:30 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mr. Smith (TX), numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-373 to require the Administrator to apply the specific criteria, under the bill, for setting a standard based on the best system of emission reduction for new sources within the coal category, when setting a standard for any fossil fuel category.
5:00:33 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (TX) amendment No. 1.
5:11:38 P.M.	H.R. 3826	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Smith (TX) amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:12:06 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capps, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-373 to allow the EPA to consider all pollution control technologies being used in the United States or elsewhere when setting new power plant emission standards.
5:12:08 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps amendment No. 2.
5:21:44 P.M.	H.R. 3826	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Capps demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:22:11 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capito, numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-373 to clarify that the bill does not preclude a performance standard that is based on a technology developed in a foreign country, as long as that technology has been demonstrated to be achievable at a power plant in the United States.
5:22:14 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capito amendment No. 3.
5:30:59 P.M.	H.R. 3826	On agreeing to the Capito amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:31:24 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mr. McKinley, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-373 to require the EPA when submitting their report to Congress to consult with the Energy Information Administration; Comptroller General; National Energy Technology Laboratory; and the National Institute for Standards and Technology.
5:31:28 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley amendment No. 4.
5:35:22 P.M.	H.R. 3826	On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:35:43 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mr. McKinley, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-373 to require the EPA, when reporting to Congress, to look at the economic impact of such rule or guidelines, including the potential effects on: require capital investments and projected costs for operation and maintenance of new equipment required to be installed; and the global competitiveness of the United States.
5:35:45 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley amendment No. 5.
5:43:23 P.M.	H.R. 3826	On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:43:49 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Ms. Schakowsky, numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-373 to accept the scientific finding of the EPA that greenhouse gas pollution is “contributing to long-lasting changes in our climate that can have a range of negative effects”.
5:43:52 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schakowsky amendment No. 6.
5:53:08 P.M.	H.R. 3826	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schakowsky amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Schakowsky demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:53:44 P.M.	H.R. 3826	Mr. Whitfield moved to rise.
5:53:58 P.M.	H.R. 3826	On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
5:54:23 P.M.	H.R. 3826	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3826 as unfinished business.
5:54:59 P.M.		Mr. Webster (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 501.
5:55:52 P.M.	H.R. 3826	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3826 — “To provide direction to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the establishment of standards for emissions of any greenhouse gas from fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units, and for other purposes.”
5:56:04 P.M.	H.R. 3826	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
5:57:09 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mr. Latta, numbered 7 printed in House Report 113-373 to clarify that the definition of “demonstration project” refers to projects that are receiving federal government funding or financial assistance.
5:57:11 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Latta amendment No. 7.
6:05:55 P.M.	H.R. 3826	On agreeing to the Latta amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:06:11 P.M.	H.R. 3826	An amendment, offered by Mr. Waxman, numbered 8 printed in House Report 113-373 to provide that the bill takes effect when the Administrator of the EIA certifies that another Federal program, other than one under section 111 of the Clean Air Act, will reduce carbon pollution in at least equivalent quantities, with similar timing and from the same sources as the reductions required under the rules and guidelines nullified by section 4.
6:06:13 P.M.	H.R. 3826	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 497, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waxman amendment No. 8.
6:15:22 P.M.	H.R. 3826	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waxman amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Waxman demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:15:36 P.M.	H.R. 3826	Mr. Whitfield moved to rise.
6:15:50 P.M.	H.R. 3826	On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
6:16:00 P.M.	H.R. 3826	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3826 as unfinished business.
6:16:28 P.M.		Mr. Whitfield asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on March 6. Agreed to without objection.
6:17:32 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:23:47 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:41:54 P.M.		Mr. Poe (TX) moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:41:55 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:41:56 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 6, 2014.

======================================

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 3/4 the House

03/04/2014 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no roll call votes on Tuesday.

The next roll call votes will be at approximately 11:45am on Wednesday, March 5^th.

WRAP UP

No Roll Call Votes

Legislative Items

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2077, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2014 (Reed) in order to place the bill on the Legislative Calendar.

No Executive Items

========================================

Last Floor Action: 3/2
4:13:47 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the

House do now recess.

The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:01:00 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:02:14 P.M.		The House received a communication from Paul Irving, Sergeant at Arms. Pursuant to clause 12(c) of rule I, an imminent impairment of the scheduled time for the House meeting of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2014, was in place due to weather. Subsequently, the Chair announced that the rescheduling of the time of meeting for the House at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 had been communicated to the Members.
2:02:47 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Harvey Peters, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
2:04:15 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:04:20 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:04:26 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:12:30 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had the honor to transmit a sealed envelope received from the White House on February 28, 2014, at 2:31 p.m. and said to contain a message from the President whereby he notifies the Congress he has extended the national emergency with respect to Zimbabwe, declared in Executive Order 13288 of March 6, 2003.
2:12:59 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Zimbabwe – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-94).
2:14:41 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:14:54 P.M.	H.R. 4076	Mr. Shuster moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4076 — “To address shortages and interruptions in the availability of propane and other home heating fuels in the United States, and for other purposes.”
2:15:15 P.M.	H.R. 4076	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:15:17 P.M.	H.R. 4076	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4076.
2:30:41 P.M.	H.R. 4076	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:31:17 P.M.	H. Res. 488	Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 488 — “Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully for democratic change and calling to end the violence.”
2:31:32 P.M.	H. Res. 488	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:31:38 P.M.	H. Res. 488	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 488.
2:59:40 P.M.	H. Res. 488	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.
2:59:44 P.M.	H.R. 938	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 938 — “To strengthen the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, and for other purposes.”
3:00:38 P.M.	H.R. 938	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:00:39 P.M.	H.R. 938	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 938.
3:24:17 P.M.	H.R. 938	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.
3:24:37 P.M.	H.R. 2126	Mr. Whitfield moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2126 — “To facilitate better alignment, cooperation, and best practices between commercial real estate landlords and tenants regarding energy efficiency in buildings, and for other purposes.”
3:25:42 P.M.	H.R. 2126	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:25:43 P.M.	H.R. 2126	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2126.
3:55:42 P.M.	H.R. 2126	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.
3:56:26 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the proposed Budget for the United States Government, FY 2015 – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-84).
4:13:47 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:00:02 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 4.
5:00:03 P.M.	S. 23	Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 23 — “To designate as wilderness certain land and inland water within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the State of Michigan, and for other purposes.”
5:00:40 P.M.	S. 23	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:00:41 P.M.	S. 23	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 23.
5:11:28 P.M.	S. 23	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:11:59 P.M.	H.R. 2259	Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2259 — “To withdraw certain Federal land and interests in that land from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws and disposition under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws and to preserve existing uses.”
5:12:14 P.M.	H.R. 2259	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:12:16 P.M.	H.R. 2259	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2259.
5:20:39 P.M.	H.R. 2259	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:22:14 P.M.	H.R. 3370	Mrs. Capito moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3370 — “To delay the implementation of certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and for other purposes.”
5:22:32 P.M.	H.R. 3370	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:22:33 P.M.	H.R. 3370	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3370.
6:14:10 P.M.	H.R. 3370	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.
6:14:37 P.M.	H.R. 2197	Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2197 — “To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the York River and associated tributaries for study for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.”
6:14:54 P.M.	H.R. 2197	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:14:56 P.M.	H.R. 2197	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2197.
6:29:57 P.M.	H.R. 2197	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:30:09 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules, which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:30:55 P.M.	H.R. 3370	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3370 — “To delay the implementation of certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and for other purposes.”
6:57:23 P.M.	H.R. 3370	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 306 – 91 (Roll no. 91).
6:57:32 P.M.	H. Res. 488	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 488 — “Supporting the people of Venezuela as they protest peacefully for democratic change and calling to end the violence.”
7:05:35 P.M.	H. Res. 488	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 393 – 1 (Roll no. 92).
7:05:36 P.M.	H.R. 3370	The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 3370.
7:07:02 P.M.		Mr. Burgess filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 497.
7:09:38 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:20:00 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:41:49 P.M.		Mr. Garamendi moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:41:52 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:41:52 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 5, 2015.