Black History

CONGRESS:


capitol33the Senate Convenes: 1:00pmET December 21,2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will begin consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act with up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the substitute amendment and to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill is 1:30pm.
  • At approximately 2:00pm, there will be at least one roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, NDAA.
  • We are working on an agreement on the Supplemental Appropriations bill.  If no agreement is reached prior to 2pm, following disposition of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the Senate will then conduct up to 2 roll call votes: the first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 and if cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2nd cloture vote on H.R.1.
  • Additional votes are expected Friday.  We hope to reach an agreement on the Supplemental and FISA tomorrow

At approximately 2:20pm today the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to adopt the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act.

Following the vote, the Senate will resume consideration of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill. We are working on an agreement to consider amendments to Supplemental. Senators should expect a cloture vote on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 this afternoon, as well as additional roll call votes.

We are also working on an agreement to consider the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) extension.

Another message will be sent when any agreement is reached or additional votes are scheduled.

2:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act;

Adopted: 81-14

3:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental) to H.R.1;

Invoked: 91-1

The Senate has reached an agreement on amendments to the Supplemental Appropriations that results in up to 2 roll call votes now. The first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental Appropriations). If cloture is invoked and Senator Toomey raises a point of order, the next vote would be on a motion to waive the budget point of order with respect to Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental).The first vote is a 10 minute roll call vote.

The agreement is as follows:

H.R.1, Supplemental for Sandy

Leader:            I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the cloture vote with respect to the substitute amendment to H.R.1; that if cloture is not invoked, the Majority Leader be recognized; that if cloture is invoked, Senator Toomey, or designee, be recognized for the purpose of raising a budget point of order against the pending substitute amendment; that if the point of order is raised, Senator Leahy, or designee, be recognized to move to waive the budget point of order; that there be up to ten minutes of debate prior to a vote in relation to the motion to waive;  that no other budget points of order be in order to the substitute or the underlying bill; further, that notwithstanding rule 22, the following amendments be in order:

– Cardin #3393 (surety bonds);

– Grassley #3348 (DOJ – vehicles);

– Feinstein #3421 (Army Corps projects), as modified with changes at the desk;

– Harkin #3426 (technical – grants);

– Landrieu #3415 (emergency reimbursement);

– Leahy #3403 (U.S. embassy security);

– McCain #3384 (Amtrak), as modified with changes at the desk;

– Bingaman #3344 (Palau);

– Coburn #3368 (cost sharing – Army Corps);

– Coburn #3369 (notification triggers);

– Coburn #3370, as modified and with two divisions – delinquent tax debts and fisheries);

– Coburn #3371 (severe disasters);

– Coburn #3382 (Merit based recovery contracts);

– Coburn #3383 (strike certain studies – Army Corps);

– Tester #3350 (Fire management);

– Paul #3376 (Non-application of Davis-Bacon);

– Paul #3410 (Offset)

– McCain #3355 (strike emergency forest restoration);

– Merkley #3367 (extend Agriculture disaster assistance programs), as modified;

– Lee #3373, as modified (special rules – retirement funds); and

– Coats #3391 (Republican alternative).

That no amendments be in order to any of these amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form on each amendment with the exception of the following:

– 20 minutes equally divided on each of the Coburn amendments or divisions and the Lee amendment;

– 40 minutes equally divided on each of the Paul amendments; and

– one hour equally divided on the Coats amendment.

That upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that there be two minutes of debate, equally divided, between the votes; that all after the first vote, be ten minute votes; further, that upon disposition of the pending amendments listed, the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the pending substitute amendment, as amended, if amended; that upon disposition of the substitute, the cloture motion on the underlying bill be withdrawn, the bill be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of H.R.1, as amended, if amended.

4:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Mikulski motion to waive the Toomey point of order.

Not Waived: 57-34

This will be the last vote of the week. Senator should expect the next roll call vote to occur as early as noon on Thursday, December 27.

The Senate has reached an agreement that notwithstanding cloture having been invoked and at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republicans Leader, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #510, J.R.5949. The only first degree amendments in order to the bill are the following:

–          Leahy (Judiciary committee reported substitute);

–          Merkley (declassificiation of FISA court opinions);

–          Paul (4th Amendment-searches/seizures); and

–          Wyden (public reporting)

There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided between the proponents and opponents on each amendment and 5 hours of debate equally divided on the bill. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed. No second degree amendments are in order prior to the votes. Upon disposition of the amendments, the bill will be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended.

Prior to consenting to the agreement listed above, Senator McConnell objected to Senator Reid’s request and asked that the amendments and passage of the bill be subject to 60 affirmative vote thresholds. Senator Reid agreed to McConnell’s request for 60 vote thresholds.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act; adopted: 81-14

2)      Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #3395 (substitute) to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill; invoked: 91-1

3)      Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Reid substitute amendment #3395; not waived: 57-34

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.1339, To designate the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.

Passed H.R.4212, the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 with a Vitter substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.5859, to repeal an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code, requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.

Passed H.R.6364, the World War I Centennial Commission Act with a McCaskill-Blunt amendment.

Passed S.3709, to require a Government Accountability Office examination of transactions between large financial institutions and the  Federal Government, and for other purposes, with the Vitter/Brown (OH) substitute amendment.

Discharged the Foreign Relations committee and adopted S.Res.613, urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hizballah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18,2012, terrorist attack in Burgas.

Passed H.R.1845, the Medicare IVIG Access Act.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

Executive Calendar #834 Matthew W. Brann, of PA, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Executive Calendar #835 Malachy Edward Mannion, of PA, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Executive Calendar #877 Jon S. Tigar, of CA, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California

Discharged the Veterans’ Affairs committee and confirmed PN2024, William S. Greenberg, of New Jersey, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims for the term of fifteen years.

——————————————————————————

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 21, 2012.

Black History

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


capitol21

the Senate Convenes: 11:00amET December 20,2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill.
  • During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 and on H.R1.  The filing deadline for all first degree amendments is 1:00pm on Thursday.  We will continue to work on an agreement for amendments in order to complete action on the bill.
  • Senator Inouye will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday.  Senators will gather in the Senate Chamber at 9:35am in order to proceed together at 9:45am for the viewing.

The Senate has reached an agreement that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

Executive Calendar # 834, 835, 877

that there be 30 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form; that following the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on Cal. #834, 835 and 877 in that order; the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate; that no further motions be in order; that any related statements be printed in the Record; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate’s action and the Senate then resume legislative session.

#834 Matthew W. Brann—US District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

#835 Malachy Edward Mannion—US District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

#877 Jon S. Tigar –US District Judge for the Northern District of California

The Senate has reached an agreement that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 2013; that there be up to an hour of debate equally divided between the two leaders or their designees prior to a vote on adoption of the conference report.

We expect to begin consideration of the NDAA conference report at 1pm tomorrow.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted H.J.Res.122, a joint resolution establishing the date for the counting of the electoral votes for President and Vice President cast by the electors in December 2012 (moves the date for counting from Sunday, January 6th to Friday, January 4th).

Passed H.R.443, to provide for the conveyance of certain property from the United States to the Maniilaq Association in Kotzebue, Alaska with a Murkowski substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.4053, the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2012.

Passed S.2388, a bill to reauthorize and amend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, and for other purposes with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Begich amendment.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.439, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Village Voice Media Holdings, LLC should eliminate the “adult entertainment” section of the classified advertising website Backpage.com

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.617, congratulating the recipient of the 2012 Heisman Memorial Trophy.

Adopted S.Res.627, a resolution designating the chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Passed H.R.6671, a bill to amend section 2710 of title 18, United States Code, to clarify that a video tape service provider may obtain a consumer’s informed, written consent on an ongoing basis and that consent may be obtained through the Internet.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

———————————————————————-

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 20, 2012.

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Things are different


By ThinkProgress War Room

Ten Pro-Gun Legislators Willing to Consider New Gun Regulations

Following last week’s gun massacre in Newton, Connecticut, public support for commonsense gun safety regulations is surging. One poll out today found that support had risen nearly 20 points since this Spring. hitting a ten-year high.

As we know, overwhelming public support (or opposition) doesn’t guarantee that politicians in Washington will actually listen (e.g. why we still have to fight over giveaways to oil companies and the wealthy). Fortunately, it appears that the Sandy Hook shooting was finally one massacre too many and our elected are stepping up to the challenge of protecting everyone in our society from senseless violence.

ThinkProgress’ Josh Israel highlights ten pro-gun politicians that are now willing to consider sensible new regulations on weapons that have no place on our streets:

1. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)

The Senate Majority Leader has earned high marks from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and has run as a strong gun-rights advocate. In a floor speech Monday, he said, “In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow.” He added that “every idea should be on the table” in the discussion. Politico reported Monday that he told a colleague he was now open to more gun control, observing that “something has to be done.”

2. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)

Though he has run for office as a “friend to gun owners” and received an “A” rating from the in his 2008 Senate run, Warner said Monday that he believes, “enough is enough.” Citing urging from his own daughters, he noted “I, like I think most of us, realize that there are ways to get to rational gun control.”

3. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV)

A lifelong NRA member who has received an “A” rating from the anti-gun control group, Manchin announced Monday that the time has come for assault weapon regulations. “We need to sit down and have a common sense discussion and move in a reasonable way,” he said on MSNBC. In a separate interview, he told CNBC that the tragedy in Connecticut, “changed me and it’s changed most Americans, I think.”

4. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)

Casey has received consistentlyhigh grades from the NRA and campaigned in his 2012 re-election race on his “record of supporting the Second Amendment and the interests of Pennsylvania sportsmen.” In a statement, Casey said, “These senseless acts of violence are unacceptable. Addressing them will require a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges all of the factors that contributed to this tragedy and takes every appropriate step to protect our citizens, especially our kids. Everything should be on the table.”

5. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD)

Johnson has received an “A” rating from the NRA, but said Monday, ” This tragedy will certainly force us as a country to have a discussion about our gun laws, as well as our mental health system. Like always, I will carefully consider any proposed legislation and listen to the voices of South Dakotans.”

6. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

Collins has been fairly pro-gun — receiving a “C+” rating from the NRA. On Monday, she said in a statement, “While denying the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens won’t change the behavior of those intent on using firearms for criminal purposes, I wholeheartedly agree that we must examine what can be done to help prevent gun violence.” She suggested that “we should examine, among other issues, whether states are reporting data on mentally ill individuals found to be a danger to themselves or others to the national background check database designed to prevent gun purchases by such individuals.”

7. Sen.-Elect Joe Donnelly (D-IN)

As a U.S. Congressman, Donnelly received an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA. In a statement Monday, the Senator-elect said, “Now is the time to work together to make sure this never happens again. All parties must come to the table as we determine the appropriate action to address this extremely concerning problem of senseless violence.” He told CNN he was open to gun control measures, noting, “I’m a Dad too. My kids are a little older now, but I think of when they were 6 and 7 years old, and I think we have a responsibility to make sure this never happens again.”

8. Sen.-Elect Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

As a U.S. Congressman, Heinrich received an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA. Monday, he said the tragedy in Connecticut left him “deeply affected” and that he was willing to consider “sensible policy” to address the problem. He vowed to take a “very serious look all legislative proposals aimed at preventing these horrific tragedies,” and noted that as a hunter, “I don’t need a 25-round clip for effective home defense, and I sure don’t need one for hunting. That’s just too much killing power. It defies common sense.”

9. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA)

The NRA has endorsed Dent and praised him for being “a staunch defender of the Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding gun owners, hunters and sportsmen in Pennsylvania and across America.” After Newtown, he announced he would “push for us to examine all of the possible solutions to this problem,” including ways to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

10. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV)

In his 2012 re-election campaign, Rahall noted on his candidate website that he was “NRA Endorsed, A Rated.” Monday, while noting that the “causes of violence in America are bigger and broader than just firearms,” Rahall said, “I want to hear from all sides before the Congress moves forward, so we can move forward together. Let us act deliberately, but, for the sake of too many already lost, let us act.”

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Michigan’s Republican governor vetoes radical bill that would’ve allowed concealed weapons in schools.

The House GOP’s hypocritical budget math.

Speaker Boehner decides tax hikes on millionaires won’t kill jobs after all.

Defeated Rep. Todd “legitimate rape” Akin is going out with a bang.

Florida lawmaker tried to disenfranchise college students in revenge for them having helped elect an openly gay mayor.

Top gun lobbyist: Americans should be “prepared” to take on lawmakers with their guns.

Non-sexist EZ Bake ovens are on the way.

Republicans need a deal on the fiscal cliff — really badly.

Major businesses are distancing themselves from guns.

~ Recent Post

from the Official Google Blog


“In the beginning”…bringing the scrolls of Genesis and the Ten Commandments online

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 02:00 AM PST

A little over a year ago, we helped put online five manuscripts of the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient documents that include the oldest known biblical manuscripts in existence. Written more than 2,000 years ago on pieces of parchment and papyrus, they were preserved by the hot, dry desert climate and the darkness of the caves in which they were hidden. The Scrolls are possibly the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century.
Today, we’re helping put more of these ancient treasures online. The Israel Antiquities Authority is launching the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, an online collection of some 5,000 images of scroll fragments, at a quality never seen before. The texts include one of the earliest known copies of the Book of Deuteronomy, which includes the Ten Commandments; part of Chapter 1 of the Book of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world; and hundreds more 2,000-year-old texts, shedding light on the time when Jesus lived and preached, and on the history of Judaism.

The Ten Commandments. Photo by Shai Halevi, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority
Part of the Book of Genesis. Photo by Shai Halevi, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority

Millions of users and scholars can discover and decipher details invisible to the naked eye, at 1215 dpi resolution. The site displays infrared and color images that are equal in quality to the Scrolls themselves. There’s a database containing information for about 900 of the manuscripts, as well as interactive content pages. We’re thrilled to have been able to help this project through hosting on Google Storage and App Engine, and use of Maps, YouTube and Google image technology.
This partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority is part of our ongoing work to bring important cultural and historical materials online, to make them accessible and help preserve them for future generations. Other examples include the Yad Vashem Holocaust photo collection, Google Art Project, World Wonders and the Google Cultural Institute.
We hope you enjoy visiting the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, or any of these other projects, and interacting with history.
Posted by Eyal Miller, New Business Development, and Yossi Matias, Head of Israel Research and Development Center
Get the whole family together over the holidays, from anywhere

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:00 AM PST

‘Tis the season for tree trimming, gift giving, recipe sharing and catching up with loved ones over a cup of eggnog.  For families that are spread out over cities or even countries, it can be a challenge to get everyone together during the holidays. This year, we’ve teamed up with the creators of Wallace and Gromit to add a little extra holiday magic to Google+ Hangouts with a custom invitation builder and a Holiday Effects app.
Click this link to schedule your holiday family hangout and we’ll send all your invitations out with a custom Wallace and Gromit video. Since Hangouts let up to 10 people video chat at once, right from Google+ or Gmail, you can invite the whole family to join—and maybe a few friends too.

Don’t forget to put on a Santa hat, reindeer antlers or even wear Gromit’s ears by adding the Holiday Effects app to your family hangout.

Happy holidays from the Google+ and Gmail teams!
Posted by Kevin Maguire, Product Marketing Manager
(Cross-posted on the Gmail Blog)
~ Recent Post

Support : NMAAHC


NMAAHC -- National Museum of African American History and Culture

Help us build the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture by making a donation today!

I want to thank you for making 2012 an exciting year of progress for the Museum.

It has been a busy, productive year.

  • Our critically acclaimed new exhibition, Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty, was enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors.
  • Our collections now number more than 19,000 historic objects and artifacts — and still growing!
  • And since the membership program began in August 2009, more than 42,000 people throughout the nation — and around the world! — have joined in support of building the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Of course, the biggest event over the past 12 months was our groundbreaking in February. It was marked by a special ceremony attended by President and Mrs. Obama, and featured speeches by the President and other dignitaries. This event stands as one of our major milestones and accomplishments thus far.

Today, our future site on the National Mall is a hive of activity. The bulldozers, backhoes and other construction equipment are drawing a lot of attention from people visiting the Capitol, the national monuments, and the museums that line the Mall.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are knowing that in 2015, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will open its doors and take its place among the great family of Smithsonian institutions — provided we continue to progress on schedule.

Your support is vital to the Museum. Now, before we ring in the New Year, I hope you will consider making a special year-end contribution and help ensure we stay on schedule. Remember, your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law — so, while you are helping the Museum, you are benefiting with a tax deduction, too.

You may want to consider becoming a Charter Member, if you have not done so already — it is a great program with some nice premiums. Regardless, however, we are genuinely grateful for your support and contribution to the Museum!

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and yours all the best in the coming year. Thank you for your kind generosity to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture — and for making this dream a reality.

Adrienne Brooks Sincerely,
brooks sig
Adrienne C. Brooks Director of Development
P.S. Please take a moment right now and make a tax-deductible contribution to help build our Museum. If you are not already a Charter Member, you can join right now. Or you can simply support the Museum with a generous contribution. Either way, we truly appreciate your commitment. Thank you once again.

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