Congress

05/09/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act. We will continue to work through amendments to the bill. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act:

The following amendments have been considered to S.601:

Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) Not Agreed to: 56-43 (60-vote threshold)
Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans) Agreed to: 68-31 (60-vote threshold)
Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799 Agreed to by UC
Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian carp) Agreed to: 95-0
Pryor amendment #801, as modified (farms) Agreed to by UC
Pryor amendment #806 (work-in-kind) Agreed to by UC
Inhofe amendment #835, with a modification to the instruction lines (rural water infrastructure projects) Agreed to by UC
McCain amendment #833 (levee safety programs) Agreed to by UC
Murray amendment #832 (cargo noncontainer) Agreed to by UC
Senator Reid Murray unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.Senator Murray objected to modifying the request.
Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.
At 1:30pm today, the Senate will turn to Executive Session to consider the nominations of Shelly Decker Dick and Nelson Stephen Roman. Under the previous order, there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. We expect to consider one by voice vote and the other by a roll call vote, but Republicans have not indicated which one will require the roll call vote.Up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 2:00pm:
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #39, the nomination of Shelly Decker Dick, of Louisiana, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana; and
- Confirmation of Executive Calendar #41, the nomination of Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York
Upon disposition of the nominations, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, Water Resources Development Act. As a reminder, we reached an agreement yesterday that the next amendment in order is the Blunt amendment #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather). The managers of the bill are working on moving the bill forward.
WRAP UP
ROLL CALL VOTES1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #41, the nomination of Nelson Stephen Roman, of New York, to be District Judge for the Southern District of New York Confirmed: 97-0
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.360, to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley to commemorate the lives they lost 50 years ago in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

Adopted S.Res.136, recognizing the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, and congratulating Park Geun-Hye on her election to the Presidency of the Republic of Korea.

Adopted S.Res.137, designating May 2013 as “Older Americans Month”.

Adopted S.Res.138, Congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and administration of charter schools across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 14^th annual National Charter Schools Week, to be celebrated the week of May 5 through May 11, 2013.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #39, the nomination of Shelly Decker Dick, of Louisiana, to be a District Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana by voice vote.

This afternoon Senator Reid filed cloture on S.601, Water Resources Development Act of 2013.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments is 4:00pm on Monday, May 13. If your senator have a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve the right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

The cloture vote will occur at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 14.

The managers of the bill will work over the weekend on an agreement to complete action of the WRDA bill. If an agreement can be reached, we would seek to vitiate the cloture vote.

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 60 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, the nomination of William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.

The Senate reached the following agreement to consider the Moniz nomination. At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will consider Executive Calendar #91, the nomination of Ernest J. Moniz, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Energy. There will be up to 3 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

9:00:28 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:32 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Sister Jacquelyn Gusdane, SND, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, Chardon, OH.
9:02:15 A.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Coffman demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Coffman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
9:03:08 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Bridenstine to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:04:38 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.
9:25:18 A.M.	H.R. 807	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 202. H.R. 807 — “To require that the Government prioritize all obligations on the debt held by the public in the event that the debt limit is reached.”
9:25:23 A.M.	H.R. 807	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 807 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order.
9:26:19 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 807.

10:16:33 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 622 and agreed to H. Con. Res. 32.
10:17:34 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H.R. 807.
10:34:18 A.M.	H.R. 807	An amendment, offered by Mr. Camp, printed in House Report 113-52 to clarify that the prohibition on compensation for Members of Congress as well as language to require that the Secretary report to Congress any time the new authority is used.
10:34:22 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 202, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Camp amendment.
10:45:12 A.M.	H.R. 807	The previous question was ordered on the amendment (A002) pursuant to the rule.
11:12:50 A.M.	H.R. 807	On agreeing to the Camp amendment; Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 340 – 84 (Roll no. 140).
11:13:21 A.M.	H.R. 807	Mr. Maffei moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
11:14:40 A.M.	H.R. 807	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maffei motion to recommit with instructions pending 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 adding a new section pertaining to the prohibition on default that pays China first instead of protecting America’s seniors, veterans, and those harmed by natural disasters. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.
11:24:25 A.M.	H.R. 807	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:33:43 A.M.	H.R. 807	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 200 – 227 (Roll no. 141).
11:41:33 A.M.	H.R. 807	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 221 – 207 (Roll no. 142).
11:41:34 A.M.	H.R. 807	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:49:29 A.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 264 – 140, 1 Present (Roll no. 143).
11:49:54 A.M.		COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Brady(TX) on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.
12:14:05 P.M.		Mr. Brady (TX) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, May 9, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 2:00p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2013 and that the order of the House of January 3, 2013, regarding morning-hour debate not apply on that day. Agreed to without objection.
12:15:00 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

12:32:27 P.M.

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

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HR1406 : Working Families Flexibility Act

05/08/2013 Nativegrl77

As a “Two-Minute Activist,” you know that we still have a lot of work to do to pass laws that will help workers balance the demands of their work and their families. But we can’t – and we won’t – let Congress fool us with the misnamed Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406).
We’ve heard the House may vote on H.R. 1406 as early as next week. This bill claims to offer flexibility to employees by allowing them to convert overtime work into paid time off (i.e. comp time) for family responsibilities. But this bill is not an improvement for working families: Under the Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406), employers would still have complete discretion over whether to approve workers’ requests to convert their overtime into comp time. This means that employees will still have trouble using accumulated days for an emergency, or even to plan for things like parental leave or caregiving leave.
Nothing is currently stopping employers from offering more flexible schedules. Creating yet another system of hurdles for workers to access leave, left entirely at the discretion of their employer, is not the way to achieve flexibility. In just a few days, the House is voting on the problematic Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406): Tell your representative to vote against H.R. 1406!

Don’t forget to register for AAUW National Convention in New Orleans, June 9-12! At Convention you can connect with more than 600 AAUW members from around the country, hear from esteemed speakers such as MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry and fair pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter, and (did we mention?) enjoy the city of New Orleans! Register today so you don’t miss out!
Follow AAUW Public Policy on Twitter, and read AAUW’s blog for discussion, information, and advocacy for women and girls.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 150,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and 700 college and university partners. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political.

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U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

05/08/2013 Nativegrl77

Beamonstar Products Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of SexVoltz, Velextra, & Amerect Marketed as a Dietary Supplement, Due to Undeclared Active Ingredients

05/07/2013 09:23 PM EDT

Queen Creek, AZ, BeaMonstar Products is voluntarily recalling all of SexVoltz brand SKU’s 626570609490, 827912089028, 626570617877, 626570615316, Velextra brand SKU’s 626570619475, 626570619475, 626570619475, 626570619475 , Amerect SKU’s 626570619031, 626570619598 capsules to the retail level. Laboratory analysis conducted by the FDA on SexVoltz and Velextra has determined these products contain undeclared tadalafil. Amerect is voluntarily recalled because it has the potential to contain undeclared tadalafil. Tadalafil are FDA-Approved drugs used to treat male erectile dysfunction (ED), making the products unapproved new drugs.

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Cargill’s Animal Nutrition Business Conducts Voluntary Recall of Lamb Feed

05/06/2013 05:25 PM EDT

Cargill’s animal nutrition business today announced a voluntary recall of Showmaster® S-Series Show Lamb Feed (BW) because it contained incorrect sodium molybdate levels. To date, there are 170, 50-pound bags of feed still out in the market.

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Medtronic Announces FDA Classification Of Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Cap Communication

05/03/2013 09:16 AM EDT

In keeping with its commitment to keep physicians informed about product performance and safety, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction notification in February 2013 to provide physicians with information concerning the potential for deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead damage associated with the use of the lead cap provided in Medtronic DBS lead kits and dystonia therapy kits.

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Nestle USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Varieties/Production Codes of California Pizza Kitchen and DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas

05/03/2013 10:42 AM EDT

Nestlé USA’s Pizza Division today announced the voluntary recall of select production codes of four different frozen pizzas sold in the U.S. These include: • California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Crispy Thin Crust White®, UPC 71921 98745; production codes are 3062525951, 3062525952 and 3063525951

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Re: A block-headed decision

05/08/2013 Nativegrl77

by Judd Legum

Last week, we told you about our big goals for expanding our coverage of climate change, and we asked for your help.

We’re blown away by your support for serious investigative journalism on the most important issue of our time.

But we have not yet met our goal. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute, it’s not too late.
Will you donate today to help us break new ground in environmental journalism?

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Sequestered

05/08/2013 Nativegrl77

ThinkProgress War Room

3 Ways the Sequester is Taking a Toll on Struggling Americans

As we discussed before, Congress rushed to the rescue of air travelers after a mere four days of flight delays. Meanwhile, some of the most vulnerable Americans have been dealing with the additional hardships imposed by painful sequester cuts for more than two months now.

Our Center for American Progress colleague Erik Stegman explain hows the sequester is hurting struggling families, seniors, and children:

It’s very clear by now that Republicans are perfectly happy to force this kind of painful austerity on the American people so long as it means that corporations and the wealthiest Americans get to keep their special tax breaks. And now Republicans are refusing to even sit down and talk about finalizing a budget for next year. Worse yet, they are once again threatening to take the full faith and credit of the United States hostage unless Democrats agree to hundreds of billions of dollars in new corporate tax breaks.

BOTTOM LINE: Our economy and struggling families literally cannot afford the games the GOP continues to play with programs that benefit millions of Americans each and every day.