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Congress: the Republican led House of Representatives – the Senate debates H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill votes on US Dist. Judges

11/14/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET November 14, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, for debate only.
The next roll call votes will be Tuesday morning in relation to two US District Judges.

The Senate confirmed all nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the Coast Guard.

Adopted S.Res.199, supporting the goals and ideals of ‘Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week.’

Adopted S.Res.322,designating November 2011 as “COPD Awareness Month”

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:10:23 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:09:37 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 463.7:07:38 P.M. -H.R. 2422Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:07:37 P.M. -H.R. 2422On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 – 0 (Roll no. 839).7:01:19 P.M. -H.R. 2422Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2422 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.”7:01:14 P.M. -H.R. 298Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:01:12 P.M. -H.R. 298On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 0 (Roll no. 838).6:53:49 P.M. -H.R. 298Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 298 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”.”6:53:45 P.M. -S. 1412Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:53:44 P.M. -S. 1412On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 837).6:31:02 P.M. -S. 1412Considered as unfinished business. S. 1412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the “Officer John Maguire Post Office”.”6:30:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:27 P.M. -H.R. 2112Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent that managers on the part of the House have until midnight on Nov. 14 to file a conference report on H.R. 2112. Agreed to without objection.6:30:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.5:51:52 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:51:48 P.M. -H.R. 1791At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Napolitano objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:43:12 P.M. -H.R. 1791DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1791.5:43:10 P.M. -H.R. 1791Considered under suspension of the rules.5:42:59 P.M. -H.R. 1791Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1791 — “To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 101 South United States Route 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the “Alto Lee Adams, Sr., United States Courthouse”.”5:42:04 P.M. -H.R. 2415At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:33:44 P.M. -H.R. 2415DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2415.5:33:43 P.M. -H.R. 2415Considered under suspension of the rules.5:33:30 P.M. -H.R. 2415Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2415 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the “Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office Building”.”5:32:56 P.M. -H.R. 2660At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:25:12 P.M. -H.R. 2660DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2660.5:25:10 P.M. -H.R. 2660Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2660Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2660 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 North Holderrieth Boulevard in Tomball, Texas, as the “Tomball Veterans Post Office”.”5:24:12 P.M. -H.R. 2422At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:16:42 P.M. -H.R. 2422DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2422.5:16:40 P.M. -H.R. 2422Considered under suspension of the rules.5:16:31 P.M. -H.R. 2422Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2422 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.”5:15:55 P.M. -H.R. 298At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:05:51 P.M. -H.R. 298DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 298.5:05:50 P.M. -H.R. 298Considered under suspension of the rules.5:05:27 P.M. -H.R. 298Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 298 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”.”5:05:04 P.M. -S. 1412At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:56:22 P.M. -S. 1412DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1412.4:56:21 P.M. -S. 1412Considered under suspension of the rules.4:56:11 P.M. -S. 1412Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the “Officer John Maguire Post Office”.”4:55:37 P.M. -H.R. 3004At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.4:48:16 P.M. -H.R. 3004DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3004.4:48:15 P.M. -H.R. 3004Considered under suspension of the rules.4:47:46 P.M. -H.R. 3004Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3004 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 260 California Drive in Yountville, California, as the “Private First Class Alejandro R. Ruiz Post Office Building”.”4:46:11 P.M. -WITHDRAWAL OF MOTION TO SUSPEND – Subsequently, Mr. Farenthold asked unanimous consent to withdraw the motion to suspend the rules with respect to H.R. 2079. Agreed to without objection.4:42:10 P.M. -DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2079.4:42:08 P.M. -Considered under suspension of the rules.4:41:00 P.M. -Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill H.R. 2079.4:40:04 P.M. -H.R. 588Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:40:01 P.M. -H.R. 588On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:33:38 P.M. -H.R. 588DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 588.4:33:36 P.M. -H.R. 588Considered under suspension of the rules.4:33:21 P.M. -H.R. 588Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 588 — “To redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.”4:33:13 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:32:46 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.2:05:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. today.2:05:39 P.M. -The House received a communication from The Honorable Lee Terry, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Terry notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena duces tecum for the production of documents, issued by the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:05:15 P.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 14, 2011 at 10:19 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 398 and S. 363.2:04:51 P.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 10, 2011 at 5:52 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 674 with an amendment.2:03:02 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:40 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:10 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:51 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:37 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Campaign ALERT:

11/11/2011 Nativegrl77

CAMPAIGN ALERT: We just got news that Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS group has launched $1.8 million in vicious, lie-filled ads attacking five of our Democratic Senate candidates, including Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts.

Why Warren? Because she is a true fighter against corporate power and is a serious threat to beat Scott Brown and take back that seat in Massachusetts.

Election Day is one year away. Campaign outcomes are being decided NOW. We’re still $50,000 short of our Year Out Project goal, and we need to respond to Rove’s attacks with a show of strength by midnight. Every dollar we fall short is a dollar Karl Rove can spend attacking our candidates without challenge. With 23 seats to defend, we can’t afford that. We would lose the Senate, and the new leadership would have Rove on speed dial.

WWW.DSCC.ORG

Karl Rove’s attacking us in Massachusetts. Virginia. Montana. Missouri. Nebraska. And we know more attacks are coming. I’ll let you know when more news breaks.

Guy Cecil

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a message from Senator Al Franken

11/11/2011 Nativegrl77

Tuesday night, we saw progressives stand up and fight.

In Ohio, voters resoundingly defeated a terrible law that stole collective bargaining rights away from nurses, teachers, cops, and firefighters. In Mississippi, they voted down an extreme anti-choice amendment. In Maine, they reversed a decision to end same-day voter registration. In Arizona, they recalled a state senator well-known for being a radical right-wing demagogue on immigration. In Kentucky, Iowa, and New Jersey, Democrats triumphed.

And right here in Minnesota, I was proud to see Duluth add three terrific women to its City Council (meaning four of the nine Councilors will be women), and excited that a vast majority of school levy questions were approved.

We didn’t win every battle, but those who fought to stop far-right laws and elect progressive candidates deserve our gratitude. And, of course, those who won Tuesday night deserve our congratulations.

There’s going to be a lot of talk about what those results meant. But let’s not get big heads just yet. We have a lot of work to do. There are still a lot of workers whose basic rights are under attack, a lot of states where reproductive rights are in jeopardy, a lot of voters who may be disenfranchised by new Republican-backed laws, and a lot of work to do before 2012.

I hope that, if you were part of one of these fights, you took yesterday to celebrate and rest up. But today, it’s back to work. We have big fights ahead. And I’m proud to have you on my side.

Thanks,

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Victory in Arizona: What’s next? Marissa Graciosa, Reform Immigration FOR America

11/11/2011 Nativegrl77

A major win
for our communities in Arizona

In April 2010, Reform Immigration FOR America and our partners supported our communities when Arizona passed the most extreme anti-immigrant bill in the United States. We held vigils. We rallied in the streets. We boycotted. Today, we stand behind Arizonans again, but for a very different purpose.

Voters in Arizona’s District 18 ousted Russell Pearce, the architect of the hate-filled bill SB 1070, Tuesday night. He’s being replaced by Jerry Lewis, a pro-immigrant candidate committed to reforming our immigration policies in a humane, just way.

This victory is a big one and we’re going to shout it from the rooftops. http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/1129?akid=776.164689.ecXJBU&t=5

Pearce’s bill set the devastating tone for the rest of the nation’s immigration policies over the last 18 months. Anti-immigrant copycat bills were introduced in several states and a few were even passed. In Alabama, state legislators used SB1070 as the model to create the most extreme anti-immigrant bill in the country.

Join us on Facebook to talk about what this victory means for our communities.

By ousting Pearce, we’ve shown we’re resilient, we’re powerful, and we’re going to keep fighting for our rights. In 2012, anti-immigrant legislators will now have to think twice before pursuing anti-immigrant policies in our states.

Congratulations on this victory,

Marissa Graciosa
Reform Immigration FOR America

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a message from Senator Patty Murray

11/11/2011 Nativegrl77

“Veterans Day is a time to honor and celebrate the courage and commitment of our nation’s heroes.

“When these brave men and women signed up to serve our country, we agreed to take care of them. They kept their part of the bargain. Now we need to keep ours.

“With the President’s recent announcement of a complete troop withdrawal from Iraq by the end of this year, and the thousands of troops returning from Afghanistan by the end of 2012, it is as critical as ever to support veterans’ programs and services.

“That’s why I am fighting to pass a bipartisan and comprehensive approach to getting our nation’s veterans back to work.

“The “VOW to Hire Heroes Act” includes Republican and Democratic ideas because getting our veterans the financial security and dignity a job provides should never be partisan.

“For too long in this country we have patted our veterans on the back for their service and then pushed them out into the job market alone.

“With this bill we are giving our veterans the job skills to get their foot in the door and incentivizing employers to make sure that door is open to them.

“Day after day our men and women in uniform have responded to the call of duty with honor and integrity.

“They are our family, our friends,our neighbors and our heroes.

“And for this, we must show our gratitude – not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

“As Chairman of the SenateVeterans Affairs Committee, I will continue to fight on their behalf to ensure that America’s veterans are cared for both on and off the battlefield.”

Yesterday, by a vote of 95-0, the Senate passed landmark legislation I helped author to put America’s veterans back to work. I introduced the basis of this comprehensive bill in May of this year after traveling throughout Washington state to talk to veterans, employers, and experts about the barriers veterans face in finding employment. The legislation is designed to help put veterans back to work by providing job skills training as they leave the military and by easing the training and certification process veterans face. After serving our country honorably, all veterans deserve the chance to earn a paycheck and support their families.Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan remains stubbornly high.Borrowing from the American Jobs Act proposed by the President, the bill will offer a tax credit for companies that hire unemployed veterans, and will increase existing tax credits for companies that hire veterans with service-connected disabilities.

This is a huge victory for our veterans who have returned home only to have to fight to find work to support themselves and their families . Our veterans have the drive,discipline, and self confidence to succeed in any workplace. But for too long at the end of their career we’ve patted them on the back for their service and pushed them out into the job market alone. This bill takes a huge step forward in rethinking the way we treat our men and women in uniform after they leave the military by helping them to translate the skills they learned in the military into careers and by giving employers even more incentive to hire veterans. Veterans across Washington state were instrumental in crafting this bill and deserve tremendous credit today.