The NRA just attacked protections for bald eagles and other wildlife. Help us fight back.

July 31, 2012

Just moments ago the National Rifle Association took legal action to block the EPA from protecting wildlife and people from being poisoned by lead hunting ammunition left in the wild.

Today’s legal action challenges the Center for Biological Diversity‘s suit, filed last month with allies, to get the EPA to finally regulate toxic lead in hunting ammunition.

These outrageous attacks need to stop. Please make an emergency gift today and help us stand up to the NRA’s assault on wildlife.

As I’ve written to you over the past two weeks, millions of birds are needlessly poisoned every year by toxic lead ammo left in the wild, including bald eagles, swans and endangered California condors.

Under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act, the EPA has the authority to stop this lead-poisoning epidemic with common-sense solutions — but the NRA is using its muscle to throw up roadblocks to any new safeguards.

The NRA is bound and determined to keep the EPA from doing its job in protecting the millions of birds who die every year after being painfully poisoned by lead bullet fragments.

That’s why we need your urgent support now with a gift to our Condor Defense Fund. Help defend the EPA’s ability to regulate this deadly toxin and ensure not one more condor, swan or bald eagle is poisoned by lead bullets.

The Center has been working since 2004 to end the preventable lead poisoning of birds and reduce health risks for people eating lead-shot game.

Lead poisoning is the leading cause of death for America‘s ancient, critically endangered condors. Please make your gift today to stand up to the NRA and protect these extraordinary birds, along with other wildlife, threatened by lead poisoning.

We’ve faced this challenge before and know the NRA will stop at nothing to keep us from protecting endangered wildlife — so we’re in for a bare-knuckle fight.

Thank you for standing with us,

Kierán Suckling
Executive Director
Center for Biological Diversity

P.S. The best way to protect millions of birds and animals from lead poisoning is to stop the NRA’s attack in the courts and continue our work to end the needless deaths of condors and other wildlife once and for all by getting lead out of our environment. I hope you’ll consider a generous gift today.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Celebrate Free Preventive Services!

08/01/2012 Nativegrl77

As of August 1, 2012, all new health plans must cover eight women’s preventive services, including birth control, without cost sharing. To celebrate, we’re hosting a virtual party on Facebook – and we want you to sign the guestbook!

Preventive services are critical to a woman’s health, and cost has remained a burden for far too long. With the Department of Health and Human Services regulations going into effect on August 1, the following services will now be available without copays:

Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling;
Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence;
Screening for gestational diabetes;
DNA testing for high-risk strains of HPV;
Counseling regarding sexually transmitted infections, including HIV;
Screening for HIV;
Contraceptive methods and counseling; and
Well woman visits.

Take Action!

Tell us why you are celebrating these new requirements! You can share a personal story about the importance of preventive services, talk about why you are passionate about women’s health care, or write notes of congratulations to your fellow activists for getting the job done and passing health care reform legislation that includes these necessary services!

Each week of the party will have a different theme, so you can sign the guestbook as many times as you want. August starts on a Wednesday, so our themed weeks will also start on Wednesdays:

August 1-7: Contraception
August 8-14: Screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence
August 15-21: Maternal care (breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling)
August 22-28: Health education (screening for gestational diabetes; DNA testing for high-risk strains of HPV; counseling regarding sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; and screening for HIV)
August 29-31: Well woman visits

The celebration continues all month, but you don’t want to show up late to the party! Sign the guestbook today and share with your friends and family.

Learn more about what preventive services will be covered at Healthcare.gov, as well as the other benefits for women such as the end of higher premiums for pre-existing conditions.

Follow AAUW on Twitter, and read our award-winning AAUW Dialog Blog for discussion, information, and advocacy for women and girls!

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House – the Senate

08/01/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened 9:30amET August 1, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
On Tuesday, cloture was filed on S.3414, the Cybersecurity bill. As a result, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.3414 is 1:00pm on Wednesday. We continue to work on an agreement on amendments to the bill. If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote will occur on Thursday.

Senator Murray asked unanimous consent to discharge the Finance Committee from further consideration of H.R.9 and the Senate proceed to its consideration, strike all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu thereof the text of S.1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, as passed by the Senate on April 26^th by a vote of 68-31, and the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed.

Senator Grassley objected.

Senator Grassley then asked consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #406, H.R.4970, the House-passed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; that all after the enacting clause be stricken, the text of the Senate-passed VAWA bill, S.1925, with a modification that strikes sections 805 and 810 related to the immigration provisions; that the bill be read three times and passed; and the Senate request a conference with the House and the Chair authorized to appoint conferees on part of the Senate with a ratio agreed to by both Leaders.

Senator Murray objected.

The Senate has reached an agreement to consider S.3326, AGAO/CAFTADR/Burma Sanctions. Under the agreement, there will be 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to a Coburn amendment, which is at the desk and a copy is attached. If the amendment is not agreed to, which is the outcome we expect, the Senate would pass the bill by consent. Further, that when the Senate receives H.R.5986 and if the text is identical to S.3326, the Senate would pass H.R.5986. We expect to execute this agreement tomorrow morning.

If the Coburn amendment is agreed to, we would do some fancy parliamentary maneuvering to split the bill into 2 sections, AGOA and CAFTADR/Burma Sanctions, and pass them in two separate House bills.

Below you will find the text of the agreement.

S.3326, African Trade/CAFTADR/Burma Sanctions

Leader: Mr. President, 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 consideration of Calendar #459, S.3326; that the only amendment in order be a Coburn amendment which is at the desk, that there be 30 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form; that upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the amendment; that if the amendment is not agreed to, the bill be read a third time and passed, without further action or debate; that when the Senate receives H.R.5986 and if its text is identical to S.3326, the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R.5986, the bill be read a third time and passed, without further debate, with no amendments in order prior to passage;

Further that if the Coburn amendment is agreed to, the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R.9 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, that all after the enacting clause be stricken and the text of S.3326, as amended, be inserted in lieu thereof, the bill be read a third time and passed, without further debate; that when the Senate receives H.R.5986, the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration, and all after the enacting clause be stricken and the text of Sections 2 and 3 of S.3326, as reported, be inserted in lieu thereof, the bill be read a third time and passed, without further debate, as amended; and S.3326 be returned to the Calendar of Business;

Finally, that no motions be in order other than motions to waive or motions to table; and that the motions to reconsider be made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.3414, Cybersecurity Act of 2012, is 10:00am, Thursday, August 2. If your senator has a germane second degree amendment and would like to preserve their ability 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 refile.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Con.Res.55, directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R.1627 (the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012).

Concurred in the House message to H.R.1905, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act of 2012 by voice vote.

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and passed the following post office naming bills:

– H.R.1369, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1021 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, as the “Warren Lindley Post Office”.

– H.R.3276, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2810 East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, Florida, as the “Reverend Abe Brown Post Office Building”.

– H.R.3412, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1421 Veterans Memorial Drive in Abbeville, Louisiana, as the “Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire Post Office Building”.

– H.R.3501, o designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the “SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office”.

– H.R.3772, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 150 South Union Street in Canton, Mississippi, as the “First Sergeant Landres Cheeks Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.1560, to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe.

Passed S.1409, the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Carper amendment.

Adopted S.J.Res.49, providing for the appointment of Barbara Barrett as a citizen regent to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and adopted S.Res.519, designating October 30, 2012, as a national day of remembrance for nuclear weapons program workers.

Adopted S.Res.536, designating September 9, 2012 as “National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.537, supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Adopted S.Res.538, designating September 2012 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.539, designating October 13, 2012, as “National Chess Day”.

Adopted S.Res.540, designating the week of August 6^th through August 10, 2012, as “National Convenient Care Clinic Week”.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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http://www.houselive.gov/

Last Floor Action:

10:02:50 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.

10:00:59 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:11 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:12 A.M.		The House received a communication from Representative Davis (KY) wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at close of business on July 31, 2012.
10:02:05 A.M.		ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of resignation of the gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. Davis, the whole number of the House is 431.
10:02:21 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.
10:02:22 A.M.		Mr. Bonner filed a report from the Committee on Ethics.
10:02:50 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.
11:11:20 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 August 1.
12:01:00 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Michael Catt, Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia
12:02:17 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:03:24 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Perlmutter to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:23 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.
12:28:42 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Frank C. Guinta. Mr. Guinta submitted his resignation from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The resignation was accepted without objection.
12:28:42 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Frank C. Guinta. Mr. Guinta submitted his resignation from the Committee on the Budget. The resignation was accepted without objection.
12:28:42 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Frank C. Guinta. Mr. Guinta submitted his resignation from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The resignation was accepted without objection.
12:29:41 P.M.	H. Res. 751	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 751 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”
12:30:06 P.M.	H. Res. 751	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:30:13 P.M.	H. Res. 751	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:30:15 P.M.	H. Res. 747	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 747 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6169) to provide for expedited consideration of a bill providing for comprehensive tax reform; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8) to extend certain tax relief provisions enacted in 2001 and 2003, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from August 3, 2012, through September 7, 2012; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.”
12:34:36 P.M.	H. Res. 747	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 747.
1:19:28 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 55.
1:19:53 P.M.	H. Res. 747	DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 747.
1:37:37 P.M.	H. Res. 747	An amendment, offered by Mr. Scott (SC), to add a new section to the resolution directing the Clerk to add the text of H.R. 6169, to the end of H.R. 8.
1:39:00 P.M.	H. Res. 747	On ordering the previous question on the amendment (A001) Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 183 (Roll no. 540).
2:12:31 P.M.	H. Res. 747	On agreeing to the Scott (SC) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 186 (Roll no. 541).
2:21:07 P.M.	H. Res. 747	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 240 – 184 (Roll no. 542).
2:21:08 P.M.	H. Res. 747	<action_description>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:22:01 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 55	<action_description>Mr. Miller (FL) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
2:22:01 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 55	Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 55 — “Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 1627.”
2:22:22 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 55	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:22:23 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 135	>Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
2:22:24 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 55	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:22:25 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 135	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 135 — “Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in recognition of her leadership and perseverance in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma.”
2:23:06 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 135	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:23:07 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 135	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:24:08 P.M.		Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Wednesday, August 1, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
2:24:27 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:24:52 P.M.	H. Res. 750	Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 750 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1905, with an amendment.”
2:25:15 P.M.	H. Res. 750	>Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:25:19 P.M.	H. Res. 750	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 750.
3:21:22 P.M.	H. Res. 750	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.
3:22:57 P.M.	H.R. 8	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6169 and H.R. 8. H.R. 6169 is accorded 3 hours of general debate and H.R. 8 is accorded 1 hour of general debate. For H.R. 6169, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Part A of the report is in order and shall be debatable for 20 minutes. For H.R. 8, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Part B is made in order and shall be debatable for 20 minutes. Section 3 provides that on any legislative day from August 3, 2012 through September 7, 2012: (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day shall be considered as approved; (b) the Chair may adjourn the House to meet at a date and time within the limits of clause 4, section 5, article I of the Constitution; and (c) bills and resolutions introduced shall be numbered, listed in the Congressional Record, and when printed shall bear the date of introduction, but may be referred at a later time. Section 4 authorizes the Speaker to appoint Members to perform the duties of the Chair for the duration of the period addressed by section 3 as though under clause 8(a) of rule I. Section 5 of the resolution provides that each day during the period addressed by section 3 shall not constitute a calendar for purposes of section 7 of the War Powers Resolution. Section 6 of the resolution provides that each day during the period addressed by section 3 shall not constitute a legislative day for the purposes of clause 7 of rule XIII (resolutions of inquiry). Section 7 of the resolution provides that for each day during the period addressed by section 3 shall not constitute a calendar or legislative day for purposes of clause 7(c)(1) of rule XXII (motions to instruct conferees). Section 8 of the resolution authorizes the Speaker to entertain motions to suspend the rules on the legislative day of August 2, 2012. Section 9 of the resolution waives the requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House) with respect to any resolution reported through the legislative day of August 2, 2012.
3:22:58 P.M.	H.R. 8	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 747. H.R. 8 — “To extend certain tax relief provisions enacted in 2001 and 2003, and for other purposes.”
3:22:59 P.M.	H.R. 8	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8.
4:43:00 P.M.	H.R. 8	An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Levin, printed in Part B of House Report 112-641 to extend for one year certain expired or expiring tax provisions that apply to middle-income taxpayers with income below $250,000 for married couples filing jointly, and below $200,000 for single filers, including, but not limited to, marginal rate reductions, capital gains and dividend rate preferences, alternative minimum tax relief, marriage penalty relief, and expanded tax relief for working families with children and college students.
4:44:12 P.M.	H.R. 8	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 747, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Levin amendment in the nature of a substitute.
5:11:08 P.M.	H.R. 8	The previous question was ordered on the amendment (A001) pursuant to the rule.
5:37:57 P.M.	H.R. 8	On agreeing to the Levin amendment; Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 170 – 257 (Roll no. 543).
5:38:40 P.M.	H.R. 8	Mr. DeFazio moved to recommit with instructions to Ways and Means.
5:39:11 P.M.	H.R. 8	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeFazio motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to amend the underlying Republican 1 year extension, allowing the tax cuts to expire for income over $1 million. It would use that money for small business expensing and the rest for deficit reduction, for a total of $29 billion over 10 years.
5:53:51 P.M.	H.R. 8	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:11:47 P.M.	H.R. 8	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 246 (Roll no. 544).
6:20:13 P.M.	H.R. 8	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 256 – 171 (Roll no. 545).
6:20:16 P.M.	H.R. 8	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:20:38 P.M.	H. Res. 750	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 750 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1905, with an amendment.”
6:26:58 P.M.	H. Res. 750	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 6 (Roll no. 546).
6:26:58 P.M.	H. Res. 750	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:27:16 P.M.	H.R. 4365	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4365 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to make clear that accounts in the Thrift Savings Fund are subject to certain Federal tax levies.”
6:33:55 P.M.	H.R. 4365	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 – 6, 1 Present (Roll no. 547).
6:33:55 P.M.	H.R. 4365	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:34:18 P.M.	S. 300	Considered as unfinished business. S. 300 — “To prevent abuse of Government charge cards.”
6:34:37 P.M.	S. 300	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:34:40 P.M.	S. 300	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:35:09 P.M.	H.R. 4073	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4073 — “To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to accept the quitclaim, disclaimer, and relinquishment of a railroad right of way within and adjacent to Pike National Forest in El Paso County, Colorado, originally granted to the Mt. Manitou Park and Incline Railway Company pursuant to the Act of March 3, 1875.”
6:35:20 P.M.	H.R. 4073	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:35:33 P.M.	H.R. 4073	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:38:07 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 127	Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 127 — “Expressing the sense of Congress regarding actions to preserve and advance the multistakeholder governance model under which the Internet has thrived.”
6:38:26 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 127	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:38:28 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 127	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 127.
6:55:16 P.M.	H.R. 1905	<action_description>House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment pursuant to H. Res. 750.
7:06:13 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 127	<action_description>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.
7:07:04 P.M.	H.R. 4273	<action_description>Mr. Olson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4273 — “To clarify that compliance with an emergency order under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act may not be considered a violation of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation, and for other purposes.”
7:07:18 P.M.	H.R. 4273	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:07:20 P.M.	H.R. 4273	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4273.
7:22:01 P.M.	H.R. 4273	<action_description>On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:22:03 P.M.	H.R. 4273	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:22:04 P.M.	H.R. 897	Mr. Crawford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 897 — “To provide authority and sanction for the granting and issuance of programs for residential and commuter toll, user fee and fare discounts by States, municipalities, other localities, and all related agencies and departments, and for other purposes.”
7:23:02 P.M.	H.R. 897	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:23:03 P.M.	H.R. 897	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 897.
7:31:37 P.M.	H.R. 897	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:31:39 P.M.	H.R. 897	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:31:40 P.M.	H.R. 5797	Mr. Cravaack moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5797 — “To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, and for other purposes.”
7:32:10 P.M.	H.R. 5797	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:32:14 P.M.	H.R. 5797	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5797.
7:39:25 P.M.	H.R. 5797	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:39:26 P.M.	H.R. 5797	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:39:44 P.M.	H.R. 5797	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:41:18 P.M.	H.R. 3158	Mr. Crawford moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3158 — “To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to change the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to certain farms.”
7:41:30 P.M.	H.R. 3158	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:41:31 P.M.	H.R. 3158	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3158.
7:50:27 P.M.	H.R. 3158	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:50:29 P.M.	H.R. 3158	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:51:41 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 752.
7:52:19 P.M.	H.R. 1171	Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1171 — “To reauthorize and amend the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act.”
7:52:31 P.M.	H.R. 1171	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:52:32 P.M.	H.R. 1171	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1171.
8:05:12 P.M.	H.R. 1171	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:05:15 P.M.	H.R. 1171	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:05:56 P.M.	H.R. 2446	Mrs. Biggert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2446 — “To clarify the treatment of homeowner warranties under current law, and for other purposes.”
8:06:35 P.M.	H.R. 2446	Considered under suspension of the rules.
8:06:36 P.M.	H.R. 2446	>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2446.
8:16:40 P.M.	H.R. 2446	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:16:43 P.M.	H.R. 2446	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:16:44 P.M.	S. 3363	Mr. Dold asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
8:16:44 P.M.	S. 3363	Considered by unanimous consent. S. 3363 — “To provide for the use of National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin surcharges, and for other purposes.”
8:17:45 P.M.	S. 3363	On passage Passed without objection.
8:17:47 P.M.	S. 3363	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:18:13 P.M.	H.R. 3187	Mr. Dold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3187 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the March of Dimes Foundation.”
8:18:27 P.M.	H.R. 3187	Considered under suspension of the rules.
8:18:30 P.M.	H.R. 3187	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3187.
8:32:03 P.M.	H.R. 3187	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:32:06 P.M.	H.R. 3187	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:32:40 P.M.	H.R. 4104	Mr. Renacci moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4104 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
8:32:57 P.M.	H.R. 4104	Considered under suspension of the rules.
8:32:59 P.M.	H.R. 4104	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4104.
8:42:31 P.M.	H.R. 4104	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:42:33 P.M.	H.R. 4104	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:43:03 P.M.	H.R. 3706	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3706 — “To create the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.”
8:43:27 P.M.	H.R. 3706	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:43:44 P.M.	H.R. 3706	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:43:46 P.M.	S. 270	Considered as unfinished business. S. 270 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land to Deschutes County, Oregon.”
8:44:07 P.M.	S. 270	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
8:44:25 P.M.	S. 270	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:44:26 P.M.	S. 271	Considered as unfinished business. S. 271 — “To require the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a property conveyance with the city of Wallowa, Oregon, and for other purposes.”
8:44:51 P.M.	S. 271	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
8:45:06 P.M.	S. 271	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:45:47 P.M.	H.R. 3796	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3796 — “To reauthorize certain programs established by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.”
8:46:03 P.M.	H.R. 3796	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:46:09 P.M.	H.R. 3796	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:46:11 P.M.	H.R. 1950	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1950 — “To enact title 54, United States Code, “National Park System”, as positive law.”
8:46:33 P.M.	H.R. 1950	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:46:37 P.M.	H.R. 1950	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:46:38 P.M.	H.R. 3120	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3120 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require accreditation of certain educational institutions for purposes of a nonimmigrant student visa, and for other purposes.”
8:47:07 P.M.	H.R. 3120	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:47:11 P.M.	H.R. 3120	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:47:11 P.M.	H.R. 6029	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6029 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for increased penalties for foreign and economic espionage, and for other purposes.”
8:47:34 P.M.	H.R. 6029	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
8:47:50 P.M.	H.R. 6029	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:47:51 P.M.	H.R. 6063	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6063 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to child pornography and child exploitation offenses.”
8:48:15 P.M.	H.R. 6063	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
8:48:20 P.M.	H.R. 6063	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:48:25 P.M.	H.R. 4362	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4362 — “To provide effective criminal prosecutions for certain identity thefts, and for other purposes.”
8:48:50 P.M.	H.R. 4362	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
8:48:57 P.M.	H.R. 4362	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:49:39 P.M.	H.R. 6062	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6062 — “To reauthorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program through fiscal year 2017.”
8:49:54 P.M.	H.R. 6062	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
8:49:57 P.M.	H.R. 6062	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:49:58 P.M.	H.R. 1550	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1550 — “To establish programs in the Department of Justice and in the Department of Homeland Security to help States that have high rates of homicide and other violent crime, and for other purposes.”
8:50:13 P.M.	H.R. 1550	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:50:19 P.M.	H.R. 1550	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:50:23 P.M.	H.R. 1550	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
8:51:00 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Strengthening Tribal Communities Through the HEARTH Act

07/31/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House

Strengthening Tribal CommunitiesThrough the HEARTH Act

Note: This blog post was originally posted on WhiteHouse.gov

President Obama signs the HEARTH Act

President Barack Obama signs H.R. 205, the HEARTH Act of 2012, in the Oval Office, July 30, 2012. Standing behind the President, from left, are: Bryan Newland, Senior Policy Advisor at the Department of the Interior; Governor Randall Vicente, Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico; David Hayes, Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior; Jefferson Keel, President of the National Congress of American Indians; Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.; Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii; interior Secretary Ken Salazar; Cheryl Causley, Chairperson of the National American Indian Housing Council; Governor Gregory Mendoza, Gila River Indian Community of Arizona; and Del Laverdure, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama understands that by allowing greater tribal control over tribal assets, we encourage economic growth, promote community development in Indian Country, and support tribal self-determination. That’s why this Administration is committed to strengthening tribal communities by improving tribal governments’ capacity for controlling their own futures.

Earlier today, President Obama demonstrated the latest step in this commitment by signing into law the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership (HEARTH) Act. This legislation allows tribes to lease restricted lands for residential, business, public, religious, educational, or recreational purposes without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior.

The HEARTH Act promotes greater tribal self-determination and will help create jobs in Indian Country. Under the Act, federally recognized tribes can develop and implement their own regulations governing certain leasing on Indian lands. Upon Secretarial approval of these tribal regulations, tribes will have the authority to process land leases without Bureau of Indian Affairs approval. This new authority has the potential to significantly reduce the time it takes to approve leases for homes and small businesses in Indian Country. By allowing tribes to more quickly and easily lease their lands, the bill promotes investment in tribal communities and more broadly facilitates economic development.

The HEARTH Act builds on the Administration’s strong record of accomplishments for Native Americans and Native Alaskans and complements existing initiatives to strengthen tribal economies. Just recently, on July 12th, Treasury announced that it is opening up $1.8 billion of Tribal Economic Development (TED) bonds for reallocation to tribal governments. The TED bond program was established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and provides tribes with the authority to issue tax-exempt debt for a wider range of activities to spur job creation and promote economic growth in Indian Country. By providing tribes with the ability to issue tax-exempt debt in a manner similar to that available to state and local governments, tribes can lower their borrowing costs and more easily engage in new economic development projects.

With the Cobell and Keepseagle Settlements, the Tribal Law and Order Act, water rights settlements, fee-to-trust reform, TED bonds, and now the HEARTH Act, this Administration’s accomplishments for Indian Country tell a very compelling story about how far we have gone to make meaningful progress on advancing tribal self-determination, promoting economic growth, and revitalizing our trust responsibility. Water and land are the primary trust assets we manage for Indian tribes, and the Obama Administration has made monumental strides by recognizing tribes as partners, ending the repetition of past mistakes, and working together to identify and develop concrete solutions that will improve the quality of life in tribal communities.

By Jodi Gillette, Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, White House Domestic Policy Council

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

FDA allows cancer chemicals in food

07/31/2012 Nativegrl77

Ask the FDA to ban cancer-causing chemicals in all of our food.

Sign Susan’s Petition

FDA: Get cancer-causing chemicals out of ALL food packaging now!

Started by: Susan, Portland, Oregon

The FDA just announced that baby bottles and sippy cups can no longer contain bisphenol A (BPA), a controversial hormone-disrupting chemical that studies show is linked with cancer, obesity, heart disease, and other life-threatening diseases.

This is a huge step towards getting dangerous chemicals out of our food supply. BPA isn’t just found in baby products — routine tests have found BPA in more than 80% of Americans’ bodies. It’s used in packaging food, lining cans for soups and sodas, and more.

Protecting my kids doesn’t stop when they graduate from bottles and sippy cups. I am counting on the FDA to help regulate this dangerous chemical so the people I care about most in the world are safe — no matter how old they are.

I know that together we can make a difference. Last year, I helped pass a ban on BPA in children’s products in my own community in Oregon. Doctors, researchers, and medical experts testified about the risks of this chemical and the importance of keeping BPA out of our children’s bodies. I was moved to tears by the hundreds of people who signed my Change.org petition in support of that campaign, and I hope this petition will make the FDA take notice, too.

Major brands have already begun distancing themselves from BPA due to consumer outrage. These companies have shown great leadership, but moving company by company and product by product is taking too long. BPA will continue to make people sick until it’s out of our food supply for good. We need strong action from the FDA now to protect us, and our kids, from these dangerous chemicals.

Tell the FDA to ban BPA now.

Click here to sign Susan’s petition, “FDA: Get cancer-causing chemicals out of ALL food packaging now!”.

You can also check out other popular petitions on Change.org by clicking here.