“Yeah, I killed him, but he did worse to me.”

In 1997, a man in Queensland, Australia killed a gay man who he claimed flirted with him by bashing his head into a wall and stabbing him to death. Today, “gay panic” is still a legal defense for murder in Queensland that can result in lesser charges.

In fact, just two years ago, a man was brutally killed in a Queensland churchyard, and his killer used the “gay panic” defense in court. He was subsequently acquitted of murder.

Father Paul Kelly is a priest in the parish where that man was killed, and he started a petition on Change.org demanding that Queensland abolish the gay panic defense. It looked like Father Kelly’s petition was headed for victory, but now there’s a new Premier in Queensland, Campbell Newman, and he won’t say whether he will abolish the gay panic loophole.

Father Kelly thinks it’s crucial to build quick international pressure on Premier Newman, particularly from important Australian allies like the US — click here to add your name to Father Kelly’s petition demanding that Queensland abolish the gay panic defense.

A recent study named Queensland as Australia’s most homophobic state — 73% of gay and lesbian Queenslanders are subjected to verbal abuse or physical violence for their sexuality. Father Kelly believes that if the gay panic defense stands, Queensland’s gay community will be forced to live in terror knowing that the law is on their tormentors’ side.

“The support from people in Australia for my petition has been wonderful,” Father Kelly says, “but we need help from our friends in the US. We need to send Premier Newman a message that he is being watched, and we will not tolerate this despicable gay panic loophole.”

Click here to sign Father Kelly’s petition demanding that Queensland abolish the legal loophole that justifies the murder of gay people.

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Michael and the Change.org team

Black History

the Senate considers S.3364BringJobsHomeAct

07/18/2012 Nativegrl77

Convenes: 9:30amET July 18, 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 Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
As a reminder, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.3364, the Bringing Jobs Home Act on Tuesday. If no agreement is reached, that cloture vote will be on Thursday.

———————————————————————————————————-

www.Houselive.gov

10:00:23 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

10:00:32 A.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Jean Schmidt to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00:58 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.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

12:01:49 P.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Stan Ballard, Nettleton Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

12:02:44 P.M.

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

12:02:47 P.M.

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

12:03:25 P.M.

The Speaker recognized Mr. Crawford for one minute for the purpose of introducing the guest Chaplain.

12:04:14 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.

12:37:08 P.M.

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency with respect to significant transnational criminal organizations is to continue in effect beyond July 24, 2012.- referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-125).

12:39:03 P.M.

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

12:39:14 P.M.

H.R. 5872

Mr. Ryan (WI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5872 — “To require the President to provide a report detailing the sequester required by the Budget Control Act of 2011 on January 2, 2013.”

12:39:34 P.M.

H.R. 5872

Considered under suspension of the rules.

12:39:36 P.M.

H.R. 5872

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5872.

1:55:00 P.M.

H.R. 5872

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 414 – 2 (Roll no. 471).

1:55:00 P.M.

H.R. 5872

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:56:00 P.M.

H.R. 5856

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 717. H.R. 5856 — “Making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”

1:56:05 P.M.

H.R. 5856

The resolution provides for consideration of both H.R. 5856 and H.R. 6020, under an open rule. The resolution provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled for both bills. The resolution provides that the bills shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule, with one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Additionally, the resolution provides for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 4348, with 1 hour of debate and one motion to recommit, if applicable.

1:56:26 P.M.

H.R. 5856

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 717 and Rule XVIII.

1:56:28 P.M.

H.R. 5856

The Speaker designated the Honorable Kenny Marchant to act as Chairman of the Committee.

1:56:35 P.M.

H.R. 5856

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5856.

2:41:19 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Ms. McCollum, numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to decrease various accounts by 187,770,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

2:41:46 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McCollum amendment No. 4 under the five-minute rule.

2:49:14 P.M.

H.R. 5856

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McCollum amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. McCollum demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:12:06 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Mulvaney, to increase funding in the Military Personnel account by $5,557,306,000 and reduce funding in the Overseas Deployments and Other Activites Military Personnel account by the same amount.

3:12:35 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Mulvaney amendment under the five-minute rule pending reservation of a point of order.

3:15:53 P.M.

H.R. 5856

Mr. Young (FL) raised a point of order against the Mulvaney amendment. Mr. Young (FL) stated that the amendment violated the Budget Act. The Chair sustained the point of order.

4:00:19 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Kingston, numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds for recruiting in the armed services, and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

4:00:23 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kingston amendment No. 2 under the five-minute rule.

4:34:23 P.M.

H.R. 5856

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kingston amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. McCollum demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:44:21 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Gallegly, to increase funding for the Air National Guard to purchase modular aircraft firefighting systems.

4:44:25 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gallegly amendment under the five-minute rule.

4:49:54 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Gallegly amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

4:50:22 P.M.

H.R. 5856

<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Blumenauer, numbered 8 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for the Formerly Utilized Defense Sites.

4:50:25 P.M.

H.R. 5856

<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 8 under the five-minute rule.

4:58:39 P.M.

H.R. 5856

<action_description>On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment; Failed by voice vote.

4:59:25 P.M.

H.R. 5856

<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Kucinich, to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $10 million and increase the Other Department of Defense Programs Defense Health Program by $10 million.

4:59:33 P.M.

H.R. 5856

<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the First Kucinich amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:05:22 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Kucinich amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

5:05:30 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Kucinich, to to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $7,800,000 and increase the Other Department of Defense Programs Defense Health Program by $6 million.

5:05:37 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Second Kucinich amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:12:59 P.M.

H.R. 5856

By unanimous consent, the Kucinich amendment was withdrawn.

5:13:24 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Hanna, to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $30 million and increase the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force account by $30 million.

5:13:30 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hanna amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:20:18 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Hanna amendment; Failed by voice vote.

5:21:01 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Langevin, numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $15 million and increase the Other Department of Defense Programs Defense Health Program by $15 million.

5:21:16 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Langevin amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:24:16 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Langevin amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

5:24:58 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Sessions, to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $10 million and increase the Other Department of Defense Programs Defense Health Program by $10 million for TIB/PTSD.

5:25:04 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sessions amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:31:47 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Sessions amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

5:34:19 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Walz (MN), to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $5 million and increase the Other Department of Defense Programs Defense Health Program by $5 million.

5:34:21 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Walz amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:37:04 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Walz (MN) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

5:37:31 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Higgins, to reduce the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide account by $10 million and increase the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Defense-Wide account by $10 million.

5:37:38 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Higgins amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:40:45 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Higgins amendment; Failed by voice vote.

5:43:40 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Ms. Bonamici, to increase and then decrease the appropriation for Other Procurement, Army by $1 in order to call attention to the need for cardiac monitoring and rescucitation.

5:43:48 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bonamici amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:48:00 P.M.

H.R. 5856

On agreeing to the Bonamici amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

5:50:03 P.M.

H.R. 5856

An amendment, offered by Mr. Quigley, to reduce the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy account by $988,000,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

5:50:22 P.M.

H.R. 5856

DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Quigley amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:58:36 P.M.

H.R. 5856

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Quigley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Quigley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:00:02 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Cohen, to reduce the Other Procurement, Navy account by $506,660,000 and increase the Other Department of Defense Programs Defense Health Program account by $235,000,000.
6:00:12 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the first Cohen amendment under the five-minute rule.
6:05:59 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cohen amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cohen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:09:06 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Pompeo, to strike the $250 million Rapid Innovation Fund from the bill and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
6:09:30 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment under the five-minute rule.
6:18:45 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pompeo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pompeo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:19:44 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, to reduce the funding for missile defense by $75 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
6:19:47 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Markey amendment under the five-minute rule.
6:24:43 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:27:41 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Amash, to strike section 8039 from the bill.
6:27:59 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Amash amendment under the five-minute rule.
6:30:10 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Amash amendment. (A018) Agreed to by voice vote. Pursuant to a subsequent unanimous consent request by Mr. Dicks, the voice vote on adoption of the Amash amendment was vacated and Mr. Dicks was permitted to request a recorded vote. The Chair then postponed further proceedings on the Amash amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:31:53 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Baca, to reduce funding for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, by $10 million and to increase funding for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide, by a similar amount.
6:31:59 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Baca amendment under the five-minute rule.
6:34:41 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Baca amendment; Failed by voice vote.
6:43:08 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>Mr. Palazzo raised a point of order against the content of the measure. Mr. Palazzo stated that section 8121 sought to impose limitations not required by law. The Chair sustained the point of order.
6:46:46 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>ORDERING A RECORDED VOTE – Mr. Dicks asked unanimous consent that he be allowed to request a recorded vote on the Amash amendment which had been disposed of earlier by a voice vote. Agreed to without objection.
6:48:12 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Jones, to increase funding for overseas military personnel, including military, reserve, and national guard personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force by $148,462,000 and to reduce funding for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund by $412,287,000.
6:48:15 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jones (NC) amendment under the five-minute rule.
6:52:08 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Jones amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:54:28 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Poe (TX), to reduce the funding for Coalition Support with respect to Pakistan by $1.3 billion and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
6:54:35 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Poe (TX) amendment.
7:03:57 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>By unanimous consent, the Poe (TX) amendment was withdrawn.
7:04:09 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Altmire, to increase funding for the Yellow Ribbon Program by $15.5 million.
7:04:13 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Altmire amendment under the five-minute rule.
7:07:06 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Altmire amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:08:22 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Cicilline, to strike the $375 million in funding for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
7:08:28 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cicilline amendment under the five-minute rule.
7:15:35 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cicilline amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cicilline demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
7:16:01 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Cohen, to reduce the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund by $175 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
7:16:21 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the second Cohen amendment under the five-minute rule.
7:20:30 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cohen amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cohen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
7:27:21 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Boswell, to reduce the Afghan Security Forces Fund by $22 million and to increase funding for the Defense Health Program by $10 million.
7:27:23 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Boswell amendment under the five-minute rule.
7:33:31 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Boswell amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:37:57 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Ms. Speier, to reduce the funding for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund by $120.5 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
7:37:59 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Speier amendment under the five-minute rule.
7:44:21 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Speier amendment; Failed by voice vote.
7:55:28 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Ms. Woolsey, to reduce the total amount of appropriations made by the bill by $181,000,000.
7:55:30 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the First Woolsey amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:01:49 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the First Woolsey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Woolsey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:02:20 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to operate or maintain more than 300 land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.
8:02:23 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Markey amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was withdrawn.
8:10:18 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:10:34 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Ms. Woolsey, to reduce the total amount of appropriations made available by this bill by $293,900,000.
8:10:38 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Second Woolsey amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:17:04 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Second Woolsey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Woolsey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:18:41 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. LoBiondo, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to operate an unmanned aircraft system except in accordance with the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.
8:18:44 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lobiondo amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:19:50 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the LoBiondo amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:20:00 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake, to proibit the use of funds to be used to enter into a contract for UH-60 Leak Proof Drip Pans using procedures other than competitive procedures.
8:20:02 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:24:09 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:25:23 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lee (CA) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
8:30:07 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>Mr. Young (FL) raised a point of order against the Lee (CA) amendment. Mr. Young (FL) stated that the amendment seeks to change existing law and constitutes legislation. The Chair sustained the point of order.
8:31:01 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Wittman, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to propose, plan for, or execute an additional Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round.
8:31:08 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Wittman amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:36:04 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Wittman amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:36:12 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Ms. Woolsey, to reduce the total amount of appropriations made available by this bill by $1,700,000,000.
8:36:14 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Third Woolsey amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:40:44 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Third Woolsey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Woolsey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:41:01 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Poe (TX), to reduce the amount for “Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide” for payments to reimburse key cooperating nations for logistical, military and other support by $650,000,000.
8:41:03 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Poe (TX) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:42:11 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Poe (TX) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:45:47 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. Bilbray, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to remove any portion of the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego, Califonia.
8:45:52 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bilbray amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:49:58 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Bilbray amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:50:06 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Ms. Lee (CA), to reduce appropriations made in Title IX of the bill by $20,843,869,000. The reduction shall not apply to the following accounts 1) Defense Health Program; 2) Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense; 3) Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; and 4) Office of the Inspector General.
8:50:08 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lee (CA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:57:03 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lee (CA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:58:49 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>An amendment, offered by Mr. King (IA), to prohibit the use of funds to be used to administer the wage-rate requirements of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (Davis-Bacon Act), with respect to any project or program funded by this bill.
8:58:52 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant the the provisions of H. Res. 717, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the King (IA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:08:05 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the King (IA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. King (IA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
9:08:30 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
9:36:28 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the McCollum amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 250 (Roll no. 472).
9:41:45 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Kingston amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 202 – 216 (Roll no. 473).
9:46:27 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Quigley amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 60 – 359 (Roll no. 474).
9:50:05 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 145 – 273 (Roll no. 475).
9:54:57 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 137 – 282 (Roll no. 476).
9:58:51 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Markey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 150 – 268 (Roll no. 477).
10:03:28 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Amash amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 233 (Roll no. 478).
10:07:05 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Cohen amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 228 – 191 (Roll no. 479).
10:11:38 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Cicilline amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 149 – 270 (Roll no. 480).
10:15:04 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Woolsey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 114 – 302 (Roll no. 481).
10:17:34 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Markey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 136 – 283 (Roll no. 482).
10:20:23 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Woolsey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 106 – 311 (Roll no. 483).
10:23:23 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Woolsey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 91 – 328 (Roll no. 484).
10:26:27 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the Lee (CA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 107 – 312 (Roll no. 485).
10:30:00 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 235 (Roll no. 486).
10:30:13 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>Mr. Young (FL) moved to rise.
10:30:27 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:30:39 P.M.	H.R. 5856	<action_description>Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5856 as unfinished business.
10:32:40 P.M.		<action_description>Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:32:50 P.M.		<action_description>On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:32:51 P.M.		<action_description>The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 19, 2012.

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keep the conversation going

07/17/2012 Nativegrl77

Monday, July 16, 2012

It’s time to keep the conversation goingIf we’re going to get traction for President Obama’s proposal to help responsible homeowners refinance their mortgages, we need to make sure as many people get the facts as possible.That’s why we recently organized a discussion between Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan and a group of homeowners from across the country to talk about the President’s plan.And now, we want to keep the conversation going.

So take a moment to watch these homeowners describe their situations to Secretary Donovan, then share your own story.

In the past month, we’ve received tens of thousands of messages from Americans who support President Obama’s proposal. We have shared them with advisors to the President, published them on WhiteHouse.gov, and posted them to Twitter and Facebook.

Again and again, the facts of their stories are the same. We’re hearing from people who’ve done everything right, who have made their payments on time each month, and who are locked out of lower payments through no fault of their own.

They want a refinancing process that’s simpler. And if we can get a vote in Congress, that’s exactly what President Obama’s proposal will give them.

But we are running out of time.

So add your voice to the discussion now, and help us bring this issue to the top of the agenda. We’ll feature stories on WhiteHouse.gov, and make sure they’re part of the conversation here in Washington:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/why-refi

Thanks.

P.S. — Watch the full Google+ Hangout with Secretary Donovan here.

Stay Connected

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Transportation and Student Loan Bills … get signed

07/17/2012 Nativegrl77

President Obama Signs Transportation, Student Loan Bill Friday, July 6, 2012 Washington, DC

President Obama signed HR 4348, the bill passed by Congress on the last day before the 4th of July recess, which includes the transportation and student loan interest rate bills.

More Info »

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Washington State : Maria Cantwell is fighting for you … Rose Kapolczynski, Friends of Maria

07/17/2012 Nativegrl77

You know that Maria Cantwell is fighting for you.

Today we’re sharing her record with every voter in Washington state, on the airwaves and online, as we launch our first campaign ad.

Maria wanted you to be among the first to see our ad, which focuses on Washington’s aerospace industry and Maria’s fight to keep our economy growing. Click here to watch it right now:

And after you’ve watched the video, please forward this email to five friends so that they can watch it, too!

Washington state is the hub of America‘s aerospace industry. More than 84,000 Washingtonians work in aerospace, and hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state depend on aerospace as well.

That’s why Maria has made it a top priority to see that aerospace isn’t just a tradition in Washington, but a vibrant part of our state’s future, too.

Maria has worked with community colleges to develop job retraining programs and helped Boeing win an Air Force contract that could mean up to 11,000 Washington jobs. And that’s why, from the start, she has made sure the deck isn’t stacked against Washington.

She’s worked with aviation leaders — from Everett to Yakima, from Spokane to Vancouver — to help Washington’s aerospace economy stay competitive and support jobs in communities across our state.

Watch Maria’s new ad, and see what she’s doing to keep Washington jobs in Washington!

While so much time in the “other” Washington is consumed with partisan bickering, Maria is focused on the work at hand: revitalizing our economy and making life better for families in Washington state.

As one of our strongest supporters, you already know Maria’s record of fighting for Washington state. With your help, we’ll be able to tell her positive story of accomplishment all over the state. We couldn’t do it without you.

Thank you,

Rose Kapolczynski Senior Adviser Friends of Maria

P.S. After voters watch our new ad, they’ll know why it’s so important to re-elect Maria to the Senate this November. Please help us spread this message throughout Washington by contributing now!