Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.3240,Farm bill,Judicial nominees


the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET June 11, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3240, the Farm bill, post-cloture. We continue to work on an agreement for amendments to the bill.
  • At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #607, the nomination of Andrew David Hurwitz, of AZ, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Hurwitz nomination.

At approximately 5:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #607, the nomination of Andrew David Hurwitz, of Arizona, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth.

5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #607, the nomination of David Hurwitz, of Arizona, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Invoked: 60-31

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #607, Andrew Hurwitz, of AZ, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit; Invoked: 60-31

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.436, an act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on medical devices. (Republican request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 8, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

 – The House adjourned 1:09pm … doing about 4hrs of the People’s Business

9:00:57 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:01:07 A.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:11 A.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:02:15 A.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Barrow to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:02 A.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:14:47 A.M. H.R. 5882 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 679. H.R. 5882 — “Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”
9:14:52 A.M. H.R. 5882 Resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 436 and H.R. 5882. General debate on H.R. 5882 will continue for not to exceed one hour, equally divided and controlled. Specified amendments to H.R. 5882 are in order.
9:15:19 A.M. H.R. 5882 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 679 and Rule XVIII.
9:15:20 A.M. H.R. 5882 The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles F. Bass to act as Chairman of the Committee.
9:15:52 A.M. H.R. 5882 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5882.
9:41:12 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-518 to reduce the budget for the Botanic Garden by $1,235,000 for Fiscal Year 2013, so that it is appropriated resources at 2009 levels.
9:41:14 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment No. 1.
9:49:00 A.M. H.R. 5882 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:52:51 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-518 to reduce funding for the Congressional Research Service by $878,000 (FY 2012 Level) and transfer $878,000 to the Spending Reduction Account.
9:52:54 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 2.
9:58:56 A.M. H.R. 5882 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Honda demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:59:11 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-518 to adjust funding for Congressional Printing and Binding under the GPO to address the availability of pocket versions of the United States Constitution for members of the House. Currently the House has no additional pocket constitutions for members to disburse to their constituents.
9:59:13 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment No. 3.
10:07:58 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:08:20 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Scalise, numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-518 to reduce by $1,000,000 the amount provided for the Open World Leadership Center and directs that $1,000,000 to the Spending Reduction Account.
10:08:22 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Scalise amendment No. 4.
10:19:39 A.M. H.R. 5882 POSPTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Scalise amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Scalise demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:20:01 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Moran, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-518 to prohibit the use of polystyrene products in food service facilities in the House of Representatives.
10:20:04 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moran amendment No. 5.
10:30:28 A.M. H.R. 5882 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moran amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dan Lungren (CA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:31:44 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Harper, numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-518 to limit the print copies of the U.S. Code for the House of Representatives to 50 copies.
10:31:48 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Harper amendment No. 6.
10:34:57 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Harper amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:35:33 A.M. H.R. 5882 An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake, numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-518 to prohibit funding for the purchase of paid online advertisements by Members, committees, and leadership offices.
10:35:36 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 679, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment No. 7.
10:46:45 A.M. H.R. 5882 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Crenshaw demanded a recorded vote and the Chair post poned further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:46:46 A.M. H.R. 5882 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.
11:13:38 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 213 – 193 (Roll no. 371).
11:18:31 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 – 189 (Roll no. 372).
11:22:27 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Scalise amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 204 – 203 (Roll no. 373).
11:26:05 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Moran amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 229 (Roll no. 374).
11:30:12 A.M. H.R. 5882 On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 148 – 261 (Roll no. 375).
11:30:30 A.M. H.R. 5882 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5882.
11:31:05 A.M. H.R. 5882 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:31:44 A.M. H.R. 5882 The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
11:33:11 A.M. H.R. 5882 Ms. Pingree (ME) moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
11:33:24 A.M. H.R. 5882 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pingree motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to reduce funds available for the Members’ Representational Allowances, including Members’ clerk hire, official expenses, and official mail, by $3,099,244.
11:38:22 A.M. H.R. 5882 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
11:54:48 A.M. H.R. 5882 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 101 – 309 (Roll no. 376).
12:01:28 P.M. H.R. 5882 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 307 – 102 (Roll no. 377).
12:01:30 P.M. H.R. 5882 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:01:31 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on the Broun motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
12:07:41 P.M. H.R. 4348 On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 82 – 323 (Roll no. 378).
12:08:15 P.M. S. 3261 Mr. Thompson (PA) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
12:08:17 P.M. S. 3261 Considered by unanimous consent. S. 3261 — “To allow the Chief of the Forest Service to award certain contracts for large air tankers.”
12:09:22 P.M. S. 3261 On passage Passed without objection.
12:09:24 P.M. S. 3261 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:09:25 P.M. Mr. Thompson (PA) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, June 8, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
12:09:26 P.M. Mr. Thompson (PA) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
12:09:58 P.M. Mr. Thompson (PA) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, June 15, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012. Agreed to without objection.
12:10:00 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:24:22 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
1:09:23 P.M. Mr. Garamendi moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:09:53 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:09:54 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 12, 2012.
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Pelosi – House Dems and Congress in the Newsroom JUNE 2012


During LGBT Pride Month, we celebrate how far we’ve come in the fight for civil rights, we pledge to keep working to ensure our nation lives up to the American ideal of equality, our heritage and our hope.

Since the dark days of the Stonewall riots more than four decades ago, millions of Americans have joined the struggle for equal protection under the law; the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; respect and dignity for all Americans.

Despite setbacks and obstacles along the way, we have made progress.

Just in recent years, in Congress we passed a fully-inclusive hate crimes law and made historic investments in HIV/AIDS treatment, research, and prevention. The discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy took its rightful place in the dustbin of history. President Obama made it the policy of his administration to no longer defend the shameful Defense of Marriage Act in court.

And we all witnessed history just last month when the President of the United States spoke out in favor of marriage rights for LGBT couples. We look forward to the day when all American families are treated equally in the eyes of the law.

But more must be done. We must keep up the charge for an end to discrimination in all its forms — in the workplace, in schools, in government, and in our laws. We must protect and preserve the rights of all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation.

This LGBT Pride Month, let’s recommit to building a future of freedom, liberty, and progress for LGBT Americans and all Americans.

Thank you.

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 May 17, 2012 by

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor today in opposition to House Republican’s obstruction of consideration of the McGovern Amendment in the Defense Authorization bill which simply adopts the withdrawal timeline signed by President Obama and Afghan President Karzai earlier this month.

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May 16, 2012 by

Leader Pelosi on the House floor speaking strongly against H.R. 4970, the House GOP version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization. The GOP bill is a partisan bill that provides far fewer protections for domestic violence victims than the strong, bipartisan Senate-passed bill.

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May 10, 2012 by

Leader Pelosi floor speech against House Republican bill to begin implementing their out-of-touch budget for special interests. This GOP reconciliation bill slashes vital services — and the middle class, seniors, women and children will pay the price.

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Apr 27, 2012 by

Leader Pelosi urging House Republicans to act to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling by ending subsidies to Big Oil rather than furthering their assault on women’s health.

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All Women Need Access to Birth Control without Co-pays


National Women's Law Center - My Health Is Not Up for Debate: Protect Reproductive Health
 
 
     
  Your Voice is Crucial  
     
   
     
  Tell HHS all women deserve access to birth control without a co-pay!  
     
  Take Action  
     

Forty-seven years ago today, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Griswold v. Connecticut established a right to use contraceptives without interference from the state. It’s hard to believe that nearly a half century later, politicians are still trying to erect barriers to women’s access to affordable birth control.

Tell the Department of Health and Human Services that all women, no matter where they work or go to school, need access to birth control without co-pays or burdensome obstacles.

Last summer, we secured a big victory when all FDA-approved contraceptives were added to the list of preventive health services that all new health insurance plans must cover without a co-pay or deductible. Unfortunately, 335,000 houses of worship received an exemption from the requirement, leaving their female employees without access to this critical benefit.

Now the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed an “accommodation” for other religiously affiliated organizations, which would shift the responsibility of providing contraceptive coverage without cost sharing to the insurance companies. HHS is asking for comments and we must make sure that any “accommodation” does not put additional hurdles in the path of women seeking contraception. Employees of religiously affiliated organizations must have access to contraception to the same extent as employees of other organizations and companies.

It’s critical that your voice be heard — submit your comments to HHS today and say that all women must be able to obtain contraceptive coverage without co-pays in the simplest way possible, no matter where they work or go to school.

It’s only by raising our voices together that we can protect women’s health. Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,
 
Judy Waxman   Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law
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Youtube – Korean Americans – Women’s Health – President Obama


President Obama calls on Congress to pass the bipartisan, paid-for ideas that he proposed last year to put construction workers back to work upgrading our roads and bridges, teachers back in the classroom educating our kids and police and firefighters back on the job keeping our communities safe, and addresses the state of the economy, including the situation in Europe, which continues to pose headwinds to our recovery here at home. June 8, 2012.More

 

President Obama calls on Congress to stop interest rates from doubling on student loans, and discusses his Administration’s initiatives to keep college affordable for students and their families. June 7, 2012.More
 
 
 

This week, the President traveled to Honeywell International in Minnesota, to highlight efforts to help veterans find good paying jobs, urged Congress to support the Paycheck Fairness Act and to not let interest rates double on student loans on July 1st. That’s June 1st to June 7th or “Roll up our sleeves and never quit.”More
 
 
 
U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, senior White House Officials, and a diverse array of media, organizations, groups and stakeholders engage in an open dialogue about women’s health care and the Affordable Care Act. June 7, 2012.More
 
 
 

The White House Office of Public Engagement and The Council of Korean Americans host a briefing for Korean American community leaders to discuss issues of importance to the Korean American community, including foreign policy, immigration, human rights, small business, education, civil rights, and trade. June 7, 2012.More
 

The White House Office of Public Engagement and The Council of Korean Americans host a briefing for Korean American community leaders to discuss issues of importance to the Korean American community, including foreign policy, immigration, human rights, small business, education, civil rights, and trade. June 7, 2012.More
 
 
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a message from AL Franken … Repeal DOMA


Hear that sound? That’s momentum — our fight for marriage equality is building steam.

We knew the Defense of Marriage Act was discriminatory. We knew it was wrong. But an appeals court in Boston just ruled that it’s unconstitutional, too.

Meanwhile, in the wake of President Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage, polls show that more and more Americans are ready for a country where the law treats all loving, committed relationships equally.

And here in Minnesota, surveys show that we have a great chance to defeat an anti-equality constitutional amendment — a victory that would be the first of its kind if we can pull it off.

This is the perfect time to help us keep building momentum by signing on to my petition to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act —   click here to add your name today!

We still have a long way to go. Change is hard — even without right-wing groups spending lots of money to stop it from happening. We’re fighting uphill — here in Minnesota and around the country.

But the momentum is on our side. It’s just a matter of time before we end marriage discrimination in America. Well, time and hard work.

A generation from now, marriage equality will be the law of the land. And you’ll be able to look back on this moment and know that you helped to build momentum in this fight — that, because of you, America is a fairer country.

Click here to help me fight for marriage equality today!

Thanks,

Al

P.S.: My ‘extra ask in the P.S.’ is even more important when we’re fighting for equality. Join in the fight to end DOMA today.

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