Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate

11/18/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 9:00amET November 18, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.
Senators are encouraged to offer their amendments during Friday’s session.
There will be no roll call votes on Friday. The next roll call vote will be at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, November 28, 2011.

The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard)
Paul amendment #1064 (repeal of Military Force Against Iraq Authorization Resolution)
Merkley amendment #1174 (Afghanistan)
Feinstein amendment #1125 (limiting military custody of detainees to those captured abroad)
Feinstein amendment #1126 (prohibiting military authority to indefinitely detain US citizens)
Udall (CO) amendment #1107 (review of military custody of detainees)
Landrieu amendment #1115 (SBIR)
Franken amendment #1197 (small business contractors)
Cardin amendment #1073 (DC National Guard Youth Challenge Expansion)
Begich amendment #1114 (National Guard and Survivors)
Begich amendment #1149 (Land conveyance, AK)
Shaheen amendment #1120 (access to reproductive healthcare for servicewomen)
Collins amendment #1105 (certification requirements for transfer detainees)
Collins amendment #1155 (education assistance for physical therapy programs)
Collins amendment #1158 (Gitmo)
Collins amendment #1180 (man-portable air-defense systems originating from Libya)
Inhofe amendment #1094 (Dept of Commerce in contract authority)
Inhofe amendment #1095 (mental health counseling)
Inhofe amendment #1096 (treatment options for TBI and PTSD)
Inhofe amendment #1097 (psychological programs and TBI)
Inhofe amendment #1098 (foreign boycotts)
Inhofe amendment #1099 (hearing injuries/loss)
Inhofe amendment #1100 (products/services produced in Latvia)
Inhofe amendment #1101 (C-12 aircraft)
Inhofe amendment #1102 (unmanned aerial systems performing airborne inspections)
Inhofe amendment #1093 (long term requirements for detainment of high-volume enemy combatants)
Casey amendment #1215
Casey amendment #1139 (subcontractor notification)
Cornyn amendment #1200 (Multirole fighter aircraft to Taiwan)
Ayotte amendment #1066 (Audit Readiness Plan)
Ayotte amendment #1067, as modified (Congress notification of custody/disposition of Al Qaeda members and affiliate)
Ayotte amendment #1068 (Authorize lawful interrogation methods)
Brown (MA) amendment #1119 (To protect child custody rights of deployed service members)
Brown (MA) amendment #1090 (Housing allowance, Nat’l Guard)
Brown (MA) amendment #1089 (Disclosure from institutions providing tuition assistance programs from DOD)
Wicker amendment #1056 (Military Chaplains, marriage choice)
Wicker amendment #1116 (Career assistance re: commercial motor vehicles)
Udall (NM) amendment #1153 (Aviation smuggling provisions re: ultralight vehicles)
Udall (MN) amendment #1154 (Open burn pits)
Udall (NM) amendment #1202 (Buy America Act re: photovoltaic devices)
Corker amendment #1171 (prohibits funding of security forces in Pakistan)
Corker amendment #1172 (Coalition Support Fund re: Pakistan)
Corker amendment #1173 (SoS NATO)
Bingaman amendment #1117 (White Sands Missile Range & Fort Bliss)
Gillibrand amendment #1187 (defense IT/cyber workforce)
Gillibrand amendment #1211 (National Guard counseling and reintegration services)
Merkley amendment #1239 (Fry Spouse Scholarship)
Merkley amendment #1256 (Afghanistan)
Merkley amendment #1257 (Afghanistan)
Merkely amendment #1258 (HUBZone)
Leahy amendment #1087 (FOIA)
Leahy amendment #1186 (contracting)
Wyden amendment #1160 (Umatilla Army Chemical Depot)
Wyden amendment #1253 (reserve member reintegration)
Graham amendment #1179
McCain amendment #1230, as modified
Heller amendment #1137 (make Jerusalem the capital of Israel)
Heller amendment #1138 (repatriation of US military remains from Libya)
McCain amendment #1247 (defense funds for Guam)
McCain amendment #1246 (US military force structure in Pacific)
McCain amendment #1229 (cyber security agreement btw DoD and Dept of Homeland Security)
McCain amendment #1249 (cost-Plus Contracting)
McCain amendment #1220 (AK Native Corporation contracting)
McCain amendment #1132 (statement of budgetary resource auditability)
McCain amendment #1248 (ship repairs in the Northern Marianas)
McCain amendment #1250 (report on Probation of the F-35B program)
McCain amendment #1118 (surcharges collected by commissary stores)
Sessions amendment #1182 (Army Brigade Combat teams)
Sessions amendment #1183 (Nuclear Triad)
Sessions amendment #1184 (Naval Surface Vessels)
Sessions amendment #1185 (Missile Defense)
Sessions amendment #1274 (detention of enemy combatants)
Reed amendment #1146 (military technicians re: personnel category)
Reed amendment #1147 (military technicians re: bonuses)
Reed amendment #1148 (military technicians re: rights)
Reed amendment #1204 (pilot program on mental health)
Levin amendment #1293 (high speed ferries – Navy)
Boxer amendment #1206 (defense contractors’ salaries)
Menendez amendment #1292 (bank of Iran)
Reed amendment #1294 (consumer credit protections for members of the Armed Forces)
Chambliss amendment #1304 (Air Force Material Command)
Brown (OH) amendment #1259 (domestic manufactures to defense supply chain opportunities)
Brown (OH) amendment #1260 (Buy American re: specialty metal)
Brown (OH) amendment #1261 (small business HUBZones)
Brown (OH) amendment #1262 (DoD procurement, specialty metals)
Brown (OH) amendment #1263 (John Kunkel Army Reserve Center, OH)
Leahy amendment #1080 (applicability of requirements of military custody of detainees)
Wyden amendment #1296 (report re: indemnification of DoD contracts)
Pryor amendment #1151 (gratuity for Reserves)
Pryor amendment #1152 (authorize Reserves as veterans)
Nelson (FL) amendment #1209 (Survivor Benefit Plan)
Nelson (FL) amendment #1210 (DDG-51 class destroyers, FL)
Nelson (FL) amendment #1236 (flag officer positions – Air Force)
Nelson (FL) amendment #1255 (burn pit exposure at Joint Base Balad)
McCain amendment #1281 (transfer arms to Georgia)
Blunt amendment #1133 (employment rights for National Guard)
Blunt amendment #1134 (naming Navy vessels)
Murkowski amendment #1286 (DoD IG report – TRICARE)
Murkowski amendment #1287 (limit retirement of C-23)
Rubio amendment #1290 (strike national security waiver authority for military custody)
Rubio amendment #1291 (strike national security waiver authority -Gitmo)

The following amendments have been considered:

Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft) agreed to by unanimous consent
Cardin amendment #1188 (expand Operation Hero Miles); agreed to by voice vote
McCain amendment #1071 (evolved expendable launch vehicle program); agreed to by unanimous consent
Roberts amendment #1086 (Captain Emil Kapaun Medal of Honor); agreed to by unanimous consent
McCain amendment #1106 (report on status of implementation of Final Report of 2010 Army Acquisition Review panel); agreed to by unanimous consent
Casey amendment #1140 (Comptroller General on DoD military spouse employment program); agreed to by unanimous consent
Levin amendment #1219 (authority for military reserves to active duty to provide assistance in a disaster or emergency); agreed to by unanimous consent

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, but not prior to December 5, 2011, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

#363 Edgardo Ramos – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
#364 Andrew L. Carter, Jr. – to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York
#365 James Rodney Gilstrap – to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas
#406 Dana L. Christensen – to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

There will be a total of one hour for debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and Passed S.1541, a bill to revise the Federal charter for the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. to reflect a change in eligibility requirements for membership.

Adopted S.Res.335, honoring the life and legacy of Evelyn H. Lauder.

Adopted S.Res.336, to permit the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

#436 Winslow Lorenzo Sargeant – to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration

THE JUDICIARY

#445 Catharine Friend Easterly – to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years

#446 Corinne Ann Beckwith – to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

#447 Ernest Mitchell, Jr. – to be Administrator of the United States Fire Administrator of the United States Fire Administration

FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD

#448 Ronald David McCray – to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board for a term expiring September 25, 2012

#449 Ronald David McCray — to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board for a term expiring September 25, 2016

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

#451 Claude M. Steele – to be a Member of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation, for a term expiring May 10, 2014

#452 Anneila I. Sargent – to be a Member of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation, for a term expiring May 10, 2016

FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD

#453 Dana Katherine Bilyeu – to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

NATIONAL CONSUMER COOPERATIVE BANK

#454 Cyrus Amir-Mokri – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

#455 Michael A. Khouri – to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2016

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

#457 Robert L. Sumwalt III – to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2016

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

#466 David A. Montoya – to be Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development

THE JUDICIARY

#467 John Francis McCabe – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

#468 Peter Arno Krauthamer – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

#469 Danya Ariel Dayson – to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

#470 Nancy Maria Ware – to be Director of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

#471 Michael A. Hughes – to be United States Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD

#498 David Avren Jones – to be a Member of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

———————————————————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

House Republicans Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States failed 261 – 165

http://clerk.house.gov/cgi-bin/vote.asp?year=2011&rollnumber=859&TB_iframe=true&height=400&width=650 HRes470 <<< was your member of Congress on the right side of this vote?

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:07:00 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.2:06:30 P.M. -H.R. 3321Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:06:21 P.M. -H.R. 3321On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.2:06:00 P.M. -H.R. 3321Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.2:05:20 P.M. -Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, November 25, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:05:10 P.M. -Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 1:00 p.m on Friday, November 25, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:05:00 P.M. -Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, November 18, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:03:58 P.M. -H. Res. 470Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:03:52 P.M. -H. Res. 470On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 167 (Roll no. 859).1:57:26 P.M. -H. Res. 470Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 470 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3094) to amend the National Labor Relations Act with respect to representation hearings and the timing of elections of labor organizations under that Act.”1:57:25 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 470, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:57:23 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 165 (Roll no. 858).10:08:20 A.M. -H.J. Res. 2DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.J. Res. 2. When proceedings were postponed on Thursday, November 17, 2011, 2 hours and 42 minutes of debate remained.10:08:03 A.M. -H.J. Res. 2Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 2 — “Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”10:07:07 A.M. -S. 1637Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:07:05 A.M. -S. 1637On passage Passed without objection.10:06:09 A.M. -S. 1637Considered by unanimous consent. S. 1637 — “To clarify appeal time limits in civil actions to which United States officers or employees are parties.”10:06:09 A.M. -S. 1637Mr. Smith (TX) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.10:06:01 A.M. -H.R. 394Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.10:06:00 A.M. -H.R. 394On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments Agreed to without objection.10:05:16 A.M. -H.R. 394Mr. Smith (TX) asked unanimous consent that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendments.10:04:30 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 18, 2011 at 8:52 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 2056, with amendments, H.R. 1059, with an amendment, H.R. 3321 with an amendment, and S. 99.10:03:03 A.M. -H. Res. 470POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 470, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.10:02:51 A.M. -H. Res. 470The previous question was ordered without objection.9:17:43 A.M. -H. Res. 470DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 470.9:14:33 A.M. -H. Res. 470Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 470 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3094) to amend the National Labor Relations Act with respect to representation hearings and the timing of elections of labor organizations under that Act.”9:03:44 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.9:02:19 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:13 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:00:31 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from rep. Raul M. Grijalva

11/17/2011 Nativegrl77

You know just how hard things are right now, but the Super Committee either doesn’t understand — or just doesn’t care.

Today, as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), I held a hearing today with some of the country’s top economists to talk about the importance of job creation and protecting our social safety net. We invited the members of the deficit reduction “Super Committee” — but none of them showed up.

Rather than asking the 1% to pay their fair share, the Super Committee is going after the vital programs that make America strong — these cuts would have a drastic impact on the health and financial security of far too many Americans.

Join me and my friends at Democracy for America in telling them we will stand strong — no cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/1323?akid=1506.1480546.9jy123&t=1

Over the past several months, I have offered constructive recommendations for deficit reduction while stressing the need to put Americans back to work — there are real solutions to our debt crisis that don’t hurt the 99%.

Congress’s top priority must be job creation. The Super Committee should be listening to the working people of this nation who reject proposed austerity measures.

They should be asking the 1% to pay their fair share.

In this economic crisis, the last thing we should be talking about is slashing the program that provides health coverage for our seniors and the most vulnerable.

We must leave Medicare and Medicaid benefits off the table.

Let’s send a message so loud the Super Committee can’t ignore it — join me and almost 100,000 Democracy for America Members to say — no cuts to Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

It’s time to focus on fair solutions. Together we can stand up for the 99%. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/1323?akid=1506.1480546.9jy123&t=2

Peace,

– Raúl

Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva
Co-Chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Working on Thanksgiving …Jess Kutch, Change.org

11/17/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Join Anthony’s massive campaign to save Thanksgiving for families. Ask Target to open at 5AM, not midnight, on Black Friday.

Anthony Hardwick’s campaign to save Thanksgiving from the holiday shopping arms race has made headlines in literally thousands of media outlets around the country — and sparked a national conversation about protecting family time on Thanksgiving.

To recap: Last week, Anthony, a Target employee from Omaha, started a Change.org petition asking Target to move back its Black Friday opening time from midnight on Thanksgiving to (the somewhat less crazy) 5 a.m., so that thousands of workers and shoppers could have Thanksgiving dinner with their families.

Nearly 100,000 people have signed, and more than 50 other petitions have been started asking stores like Best Buy and Macy’s to move back their openings, too. Will you add your name to Anthony’s petition?

Anthony’s campaign is already making huge strides: Several of Target’s competitors, like J.C. Penney and Sears, have now proudly announced that they’re opening later to give workers time to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. And there’s no doubt that Target and others will think twice before opening so early next year.

It’s up to you to keep up the pressure. Please sign Anthony’s petition and forward this email to everyone you know:

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-target-to-save-thanksgiving

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Jess and the Change.org team

P.S. Here are some of the other top Change.org petitions this week:

Rick Melargni is a Best Buy employee from Tampa, Florida. He started a petition on Change.org asking Best Buy to not open at midnight on Thanksgiving so families can share the holiday together.
Monique White lost her job as a youth counselor at a group home in Minnesota after state budget cuts. Now she’s fighting to stop US Bank from evicting her from her foreclosed home. Sign Monique’s petition to keep her home from US Bank.
Shawn Ambrose bought a ticket on a Greyhound bus for his daughter in college — but because the ticket was a gift, Greyhound charged him an extra $18 fee. Sign Shawn’s petition asking Greyhound to cancel its $18 “gift fee” for families traveling during the holidays.
Students at the University of Nevada want to save their school’s “working farm” — one of the few left in the country, where students can learn about farming and agriculture. Sign Wendy Baroli’s petition to stop the school from destroying the farm.
“Pancho” Ramos-Stierle was arrested on Monday morning while meditating in a peaceful protest at the Occupy Wall Street movement in Oakland, California. But because he’s undocumented, he faces deportation. His friends started a petition asking immigration officials to release Pancho immediately.
An Oklahoma man brutally injured a horse after dragging it behind his ATV. Now a group called “Hand 4 Paws” is asking a judge to impose the maximum sentence in the case.

~ Recent Post

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.1867,the Department of Defense Authorization Act&receive report on HR2112,the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill

11/17/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET November 17, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.
We expect to receive the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill, which contains the continuing resolution during Thursday’s session. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)

The following amendments have been considered:

Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft)

The Senate is considering S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

Senator McConnell has called up amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions). By consent, the next amendment offered will be by Senators Levin and McCain and the Levin-McCain amendment will be considered as being the first amendment offered.

The Levin-McCain amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts) is pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act. The Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft) was agreed to by unanimous consent.

The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard)

The following amendments have been considered:

Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft)

2:13PM During Thursday’s session, Senator Cardin asked unanimous consent that the Senate confirm Executive Calendar #403, Kenneth J. Kopocis, of VA, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Senator Barrasso then objected to Senators Cardin’s request.

5:10PM The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard)
Paul amendment #1064 (repeal of Military Force Against Iraq Authorization Resolution)
Merkley amendment #1174 (Afghanistan)

The following amendments have been considered:

Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft)

5:30PM The Senate is now debating the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill, which includes the continuing resolution momentarily. There will be up to two hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. However, we expect to yield back some debate time and vote as early as 7:00pm. The conference report will be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Additionally, the Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard), the Paul amendment #1064 (repeal the Military Force against Iraq Authorization Resolution) and the Merkley amendment #1174 (Afghanistan) were made pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act prior to turning to the conference report to accompany H.R.2112.

6:41pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation Appropriations bill. Adopted: 70-30

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill; Adopted: 70-30

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.2059, a bill to protect the safety of judges by extending the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive information contained in their financial disclosure reports, and for other purposes.

Passed H.R.2056, to instruct the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to study the impact of insured depository institution failures, and for other purposes with a Levin amendment

Passed H.R.3321, America’s Cup Act of 2011 with a Feinstein substitute amendment

Passed S.99, the American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2011 with a committee-reported substitute amendment and Bingaman amendment

Adopted S.Res.332, supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week

Adopted S.Res.333, a resolution honoring former World War II U.S. POWs

——————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 17, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3Votes today … minibus … balanced budget amendment …

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on November 18, 2011.9:44:15 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:44:00 P.M. -Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.7:36:09 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order Speeches.7:36:08 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the conference report on H.R. 2112.7:19:00 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:18:59 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification to extend the period of production of the Naval Petroleum Reserves for a period of 3 years from April 5, 2012. – referred to the Committee on Armed Services and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-73).7:18:31 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to section 2 of H. Res. 466, further consideration of this motion is postponed.4:39:42 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2DEBATE – The House continued with debate on H.J. Res. 2.4:39:41 P.M. -Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 470.4:23:40 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 466, the House proceeded with 5 hours of debate on H.J. Res. 2.4:22:15 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2Considered under suspension of the rules.4:22:00 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended. H.J. Res. 2 — “Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”4:18:18 P.M. -H.R. 2112Motions to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:18:18 P.M. -H.R. 2112On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 298 – 121 (Roll no. 857).3:53:30 P.M. -H.R. 2112The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:47:49 P.M. -H.R. 2112DEBATE – Pursuant to H. Res. 467, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2112.2:45:59 P.M. -H.R. 2112Mr. Rogers (KY) brought up conference report H. Rept. 112-284 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 467.2:44:53 P.M. -H. Res. 467Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:44:52 P.M. -H. Res. 467On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 262 – 156 (Roll no. 856).2:38:00 P.M. -H. Res. 467Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 467 — “Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2112) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.”2:37:58 P.M. -H. Res. 466Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:37:55 P.M. -H. Res. 466On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 248 – 169 (Roll no. 855).2:29:35 P.M. -H. Res. 466On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 173 (Roll no. 854).1:04:41 P.M. -H. Res. 466DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 466.1:04:18 P.M. -H. Res. 466Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 466 — “Providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”1:03:29 P.M. -H. Res. 467POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 467, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.1:03:07 P.M. -H. Res. 467The previous question was ordered without objection.12:33:22 P.M. -H. Res. 467DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 467.12:33:07 P.M. -H. Res. 467Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 467 — “Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2112) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.”12:02:27 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.12:01:54 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Donnelly of IN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:51 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:34 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Martin R. Springer, Trinity Lutheran Ministries, Edwardsville, Illinois.12:00:30 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 17.11:30:24 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:48 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.10:00:39 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:21 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Occupying A Private Prison … “Axel Caballero from Cuéntame”

11/16/2011 Nativegrl77

Occupying A Private Prison: Shut Down Stewart Detention Center

Watch The Video | Join The Virtual Vigil

Correction Corporation of America’s Stewart facility in Lumpkin, Georgia is the largest private detention center in the nation. Stewart currently profits close to $50 million a year. As if that weren’t enough, CCA often cuts costs by denying basic services to detained immigrants and by limiting access to their family members.

CCA charges inmates close to $5 a minute to make a phone call. To pay for this, inmates work in the facility and earn a whopping $1 a day. Five days of hard work gives them just enough time for a one minute phone call.

Watch the video and take action to shut down Stewart Detention Center.CCA’s greed knows no boundaries. In the past few years they have spent $14.8 million lobbying for anti-immigration laws, like HB87 in Georgia, to ensure they have continuous access to fresh inmates and keep their money racket going. It’s time to put an end to it.

This is why on November 18th, Brave New Foundation‘s Cuéntame is partnering with a coalition of immigrant and civil rights organizations, in a powerful vigil and occupation outside the Stewart facility in Georgia. The demand: Shut down Stewart Detention Center now.

You can join-in too online! Add your demand message and we will read and deliver it at the action event!

Your voice is the most important tool we need to fight back against the private prison greed and abuse.

Yours,
Axel Caballero and the Cuéntame team.

I invite you to join Cuéntame on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

IN CASE YOU MISSED OUR OTHER IMMIGRANTS FOR SALE VIDEOS:

A Family Split Apart Pedro Guzmanspent 19 months at CCA’s Stewart private detention because he missed an immigration order.Authorities showed no mercy after Guzman explained the court order was sent to an old address.CCA profited approximately $72,000 from Pedro’s detention.Guzman’s wife Emily and only son Logan endured a painful and debilitating struggle to survive while they fought for Pedro’s release.

Death For ProfitRoberto Martinez-Medina died in CCA’s Stewart Detention Center in Georgia in 2009.Medina had been arrested a month earlier for not having a driver’s license.CCA profited off of Medina’s incarceration, and ensured a greater profit by denying him critical health care.CCA has gone to great lengths to hush Medina’s death.

Immigrants For Sale Animated TrailerTop 3 things YOU need to know about the private prison money scheme:1) The victims: Private prisons don’t care about who they lock up. At $200 per immigrant a night, this is the “perfect” money scheme.2) The players: CCA, Geo Group and MTC— combined currently profit more than $5 billion a year.3)The money: These corporations spend $20 million a year lobbying legislators to get anti-immigrant laws approved and thus more inmates.

Watch the video