CONGRESS: Republican led House ::::::CIA,Climate Change, Immigration,PayCheck Fairness::::::Democratic led Senate

03/05/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:45am with time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.
Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of S.Res.64, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013.
The only amendment in order to the resolution is a Paul amendment, striking provisions relative to the National Security Working Group with up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:15pm), there will be a roll call vote on adoption of the Paul amendment. Upon the disposition of the Paul amendment, the Senate will vote on adoption of S.Res.64, as amended, if amendment (expected voice vote).
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
During Monday’s session, cloture was filed on Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Under the rule, the cloture vote will be on Wednesday morning.

12:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul amendment #25 (National Security Working Group) to S.Res.64, a resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period of March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013.

The Senate is in Executive Session debating Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Halligan, of New York to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia. As a reminder, yesterday Senator Reid filed cloture on the nomination. At this point, that vote is expected to occur tomorrow,Wednesday, March 6. Another message will be sent when the vote is scheduled.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Paul amendment #25 (strike funding for National Security Working Group) to S.Res.64, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013; Not Agreed to: 44-55

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.64, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013 by voice vote.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army and Navy

Confirmed the following:

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #27

to be Major General-

Brigadier General Arnold W. Bunch, Jr.

Brigadier General Theresa C. Carter

Brigadier General Sandra E. Finan

Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Harrigian

Brigadier General Timothy J. Leahy

Brigadier General Gregory J. Lengyel

Brigadier General Lee K. Levy, II

Brigadier General James F. Martin, Jr.

Brigadier General Jerry P. Martinez

Brigadier General Paul H. McGillicuddy

Brigadier General Robert D. McMurry, Jr.

Brigadier General Edward M. Minahan

Brigadier General Mark C. Nowland

Brigadier General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy

Brigadier General Michael T. Plehn

Brigadier General Margaret B. Poore

Brigadier General James N. Post, III

Brigadier General Steven M. Shepro

Brigadier General David D. Thompson

Brigadier General Scott A. Vander Hamm

Brigadier General Marshall B. Webb

Brigadier General Burke E. Wilson

Brigadier General Scott J. Zobrist

Executive Calendar #28 *with the exception of Colonel Scott C. Long

to be Brigadier General-

Colonel Nina M. Armagno

Colonel Sam C. Barrett

Colonel Steven L. Basham

Colonel Ronald D. Buckley

Colonel Carl A. Buhler

Colonel John A. Cherrey

Colonel James C. Dawkins, Jr.

Colonel Patrick J. Doherty

Colonel Dawn M. Dunlop

Colonel Thomas L. Gibson

Colonel James B. Hecker

Colonel Patrick C. Higby

Colonel Mark K. Johnson

Colonel Brian M. Killough

Colonel Robert D. LaBrutta

Colonel Russell L. Mack

Colonel Patrick X. Mordente

Colonel Shaun Q. Morris

Colonel Paul D. Nelson

Colonel John M. Pletcher

Colonel Duke Z. Richardson

Colonel Brian S. Robinson

Colonel Barre R. Seguin

Colonel John S. Shapland

Colonel Robert J. Skinner

Colonel James C. Slife

Colonel Dirk D. Smith

Colonel Jeffrey B. Taliaferro

Colonel Jon T. Thomas

Colonel Glen D. VanHerck

Colonel Stephen N. Whiting

Colonel John M. Wood

Executive Calendar #29 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. Robin Rand

ARMY

Executive Calendar #30 to be Lieutenant General- Lt. Gen. John M. Bednarek

Executive Calendar #31 to be General – General Lloyd J. Austin, III

Executive Calendar #32 to be Lieutenant General- Lieutenant General Robert L. Caslen, Jr.

Executive Calendar #33 to be General- Lt. Gen. John F. Campbell

Executive Calendar #34 to be General- Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks

Executive Calendar #35 to be General- Gen. David M. Rodriguez

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #36 to be Major General- Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier

NAVY

Cal. #37 to be Vice Admiral- Rear Admiral William H. Hilarides

Cal. #38 to be Vice Admiral- Rear Adm. Joseph P. Aucoin

—————————————————————————-

March

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
24	25	26	27	28	1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31	1	2	3	4	5	6

Last Floor Action:
8:28:20 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 5, 2013.

Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

10:00:45 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:39 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Ron DeSantis to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:58 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.
10:16:24 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:58 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.

12:01:27 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:02:59 P.M.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:03:07 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Capps to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:03:16 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.

12:33:00 P.M.

CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 6913 and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the CONGRESSIONAL-EXECUTIVE COMMISSION ON THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Mr. Walz.

12:33:57 P.M.

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

12:34:13 P.M.

H.R. 668

Mr. Messer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 668 — “To amend section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, to require that annual budget submissions of the President to Congress provide an estimate of the cost per taxpayer of the deficit, and for other purposes.”

12:34:36 P.M.

H.R. 668

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:34:38 P.M.

H.R. 668

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 668.

1:27:40 P.M.

H.R. 668

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

1:28:40 P.M.

H.R. 338

Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 338 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to include certain territories and possessions of the United States in the definition of State for the purposes of chapter 114, relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.”

1:28:54 P.M.

H.R. 338

Considered under suspension of the rules.

1:28:56 P.M.

H.R. 338

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 338.

1:39:15 P.M.

H.R. 338

1:39:48 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:00:14 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.

2:01:19 P.M.

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

2:01:57 P.M.

H.R. 668

Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 668 — “To amend section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, to require that annual budget submissions of the President to Congress provide an estimate of the cost per taxpayer of the deficit, and for other purposes.”

2:02:14 P.M.

H.R. 668

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Roll Call 57 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending.

2:28:11 P.M.	H.R. 668	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 392 – 28, 1 Present (Roll no. 57).
2:28:12 P.M.	H.R. 668	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:28:17 P.M.	H.R. 338	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 338 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to include certain territories and possessions of the United States in the definition of State for the purposes of chapter 114, relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.”
2:36:45 P.M.	H.R. 338	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 5 (Roll no. 58).
2:36:46 P.M.	H.R. 338	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:38:05 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
2:49:31 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
4:27:20 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:36:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 5.
5:36:22 P.M.		Mr. Cole asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, March 5, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Agreed to without objection.
5:36:41 P.M.		Mr. Cole filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 99.
5:37:00 P.M.		Mr. Cole moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:37:11 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
5:37:13 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2013.

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White House Women’s Update: Happy Women’s History Month

03/04/2013 Nativegrl77

Friends-

We hope this message finds you well. Happy Women’s History Month! Today marks the beginning of a month dedicated to honoring the women who have made our country great and the moments that have defined this nation.

Thursday was a great day for women across the country with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passing in the House of Representatives, following the Senate’s passage of the same bill. Also this week, the Department of Labor announced the rescission of “Compensation Standards” and “Voluntary Guidelines.”

Today marks the beginning of a month dedicated to honoring the women who have made our country great and the moments that have defined this nation. You can find the President’s Women’s History Month Proclamation here.

Best wishes,

The White House Council on Women & Girls

President Obama Holds a Press Conference to Address the Sequester

President Obama held a press conference this morning after meeting with Congressional leaders to talk about his plans to move the country forward in light of the severe budget cuts that will start to take effect today.

These cuts, which are known as the sequester, will hurt our economy and cost us jobs, the President said. And as Americans all across the country work hard to keep our economic recovery going, arbitrary cuts to services and investments that businesses and workers depend on makes that far more difficult. As the President said:

“None of this is necessary. It’s happening because of a choice that Republicans in Congress have made. They’ve allowed these cuts to happen because they refuse to budge on closing a single wasteful loophole to help reduce the deficit. As recently as yesterday, they decided to protect special interest tax breaks for the well-off and well-connected, and they think that that’s apparently more important than protecting our military or middle-class families from the pain of these cuts.”

Read the President’s complete remarks here.

Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Passed by Congress

On Thursday there was exciting news for women across the country with the reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act passing in the House of Representatives. This bill, which the Senate has already passed, supports the reduction of domestic violence and the improved treatment of rape victims, extending these protections to members of the Native American and LGBT communities.

The President and Vice-President both released statements praising the bill’s importance for the country. Here is the President’s complete statement:

“I was pleased to see the House of Representatives come together and vote to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act. Over more than two decades, this law has saved countless lives and transformed the way we treat victims of abuse. Today’s vote will go even further by continuing to reduce domestic violence, improving how we treat victims of rape, and extending protections to Native American women and members of the LGBT community. The bill also reauthorizes the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, providing critical support for both international and domestic victims of trafficking and helping ensure traffickers are brought to justice. I want to thank leaders from both parties – especially Leader Pelosi, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Leahy – for everything they’ve done to make this happen. Renewing this bill is an important step towards making sure no one in America is forced to live in fear, and I look forward to signing it into law as soon as it hits my desk.”

VAWA: Valerie Jarrett Tweet

US Labor Department Rescinds Restrictions On Investigating Pay Discrimination

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor announced exciting news for women and all Americans. The Department is resending two documents, commonly known as the “Compensation Standards” and “Voluntary Guidelines,” that have dictated how pay discrimination can be investigated. This change will enable to Department of Labor to identify and remedy more forms of pay discrimination.

“Today, we are lifting arbitrary barriers that have prevented our investigators from finding and combating illegal pay discrimination,” said Patricia A. Shiu, a member of the President’s National Equal Pay Task Force.

The Department of Labor also plans to release new guidance for employers that will explain the procedures, analysis and protocols that will now be used in conducting compensation discrimination investigations.

“A strong American middle class hinges on ensuring equal pay,” said acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris. “As President Obama has made clear, everyone – including the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters among us – must be paid fairly and without discrimination. These new standards will strengthen our ability to ensure that women and men are fully protected under our nation’s laws.”

The new approach will enable investigators to better examine practices and available evidence to uncover discrimination.

Read the complete News Release here.

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

03/04/2013 Nativegrl77

Food For Life issues Recall – Allergy Alert – Undeclared Allergen in Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Cereal

03/01/2013 08:02 PM EST

Food For Life Baking Company of Corona, California is recalling 15,369 cases of Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereal shipped between November 20, 2012 to February 11, 2013, because the product may be mislabeled and may contain an undeclared allergen – almond:

See’s Candies, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on 1.7oz Divinity Egg with Walnuts, code L.A.D. 102/13

03/01/2013 08:07 PM EST

See’s Candies, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., is recalling one code of 1.7 ounce Divinity Easter Egg with Walnuts, because some boxes labeled Divinity with Walnuts may actually contain Peanut Butter Eggs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

– Debarment Rulemaking

03/04/2013 Nativegrl77

A public hearing on proposed rules for debarment of vendors is set for 8 a.m. March 18.

The hearing will be held in the presentation room of the 1500 Jefferson Street building in Olympia. Directions and parking information is available here.

To submit comments on the proposed rules, use the online form. The deadline for submitting comments is March 17, 2013.

A new state law (Chapter 39.26 RCW) that changes how the state conducts procurement and contracting took effect Jan. 1, 2013. All state procurements and contracts are governed by the new law. As part of this, Enterprise Services is required to establish a debarment process by rule.

More information about the debarment rule-making process is available here.

If you are interested in following or participating in this rule-making activity, please send an email to rules@des.wa.gov and include “debarment rules interested party” in the subject line. You will be added to the rulemaking mailng list and receive future notifications and updates.

What: Public hearing on proposed rules for debarment of vendors

When: 8 a.m., March 18

Where: Presentation room, 1500 Jefferson Street building in Olympia

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: Republican led House :::::: Democratic led Senate

03/04/2013 Nativegrl77

Ask @SpeakerBoehner

Is Congress really doing the People’s Business and are they worth tax paid salaries of $174K

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, March 4, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:00pm.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
- Executive Calendar #15, the nomination of Pamela Ki Mai Chen, of NY, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York and
- Executive Calendar #16, the nomination of Katherine Polk Failla, of NY, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.
There will be up to 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be up to 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the Chen and Failla nominations.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #16, the nomination of Katherine Polk Failla, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York;

Confirmed: 91-0

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #16, the nomination of Katherine Polk Failla, of NY, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 91-0

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #15, the nomination of Pamela Ki Mai Chen, of NY, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York by voice vote.

Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #13, the nomination of Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Under the rule, the cloture vote would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Wednesday, March, 6.

———————————————————————–

Last Floor Action:
2:07:08 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.2/28

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on March 4, 2013.

12:00:12 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:01:22 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Luke Messer to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:56 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:16:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

2:00:27 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 4.
2:00:30 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:05 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:08 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Mullin to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:41 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:10:42 P.M.		Congressional Advisory Panel on the Governance of the Nuclear Security – Pursuant to section 3166(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112-239), the Democratic Leader appointed former Representative Ellen Tauscher of Washington, D.C.
2:15:15 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 March 1, 2013, at 2:22 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he notified the Congress he has extended the national emergency with respect of Zimbabwe.
2:16:18 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. 113-14).
2:18:19 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 5:00 p.m. today

5:15:20 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 4.
5:15:33 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:16:01 P.M.	H.R. 307	Mr. Pitts moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
5:16:19 P.M.	H.R. 307	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 307.
5:30:55 P.M.	H.R. 307	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.
5:30:56 P.M.		Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress – Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 2702, the Democratic Leader appointed Mr. John A. Lawrence .
5:31:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:49 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 4.
6:30:58 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 307, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:39 P.M.	H.R. 307	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Roll Call 56 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending.

6:53:28 P.M.	H.R. 307	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 – 28 (Roll no. 56).
6:53:29 P.M.	H.R. 307	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:54:07 P.M.		The House received a communication from Bill Shuster, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. Shuster notified the House that on February 28, 2013, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider resolutions to authorize 16 lease prospectuses included in the General Services Administration’s FY2012 and FY2013 Capital Investment and Leasing Programs and two resolutions to authorize the alteration projects for space consolidations and exigent needs.
6:56:01 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:12:42 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:28:10 P.M.		Mr. Jeffries moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:28:15 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:28:20 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 5, 2013.