Congress: the Senate & the Republican led House -are they really working for you?


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET February 15, 2011

Senate extends the PatriotAct 3months -May 2011 86-12 go to: www.senate.gov and find out how your rep. voted

Morning business until 11am with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each therein, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees.

At 11am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, FAA Authorization bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements), as modified (slots)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

– Leahy amendment #50 (liability protection for volunteer pilots)

– Reid amendment #54 (noise buffering)

– Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

– Udall (NM) #49 (Dona Ana County airport), as modified

– Udall (NM) #51 (Advanced Imaging Technology), as modified

– Paul amendment #18 (Memorandum of understanding re: OSHA)

– Baucus amendment #75, as further modified (Finance title)

– Hutchison amendment #93 to Inhofe amendment #7, as modified (Slots)

At 11:40am, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the Nelson (NE) amendment #58 (criminal penalty for distribution of body scan images) and a Nelson (NE) 2nd degree amendment #85 will be agreed to. There will then be 20 minutes for debate followed by a roll call vote in relation to the Nelson (NE) amendment #58, as amended (60-vote threshold).

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons.

At 2:15pm, there will be 20 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Rockefeller and Wicker prior to a roll call vote in relation to the Wicker amendment #14, as modified (TSA collective bargaining) (60-vote threshold).

The Senate has entered into an agreement to limit debate on the Paul amendment #21 (FY ‘08 authorization levels). There will now be up to 100 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Paul and Rockefeller, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a vote in relation to the amendment. We expect this vote to be a tabling motion. No amendments are in order to the amendment prior to the vote.

As a result, senators should expect a roll call vote to begin at approximately 4:55pm in relation to the Paul amendment #21 (FY ‘08 authorization levels).

Following the vote on the Paul amendment, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.514, PATRIOT Act/FISA extension. The Reid-McConnell substitute amendment will be agreed to by unanimous consent (the amendment extends the PATRIOT Act and FISA provisions through May 27, 2011). No further amendments or motions are in order prior to the vote. There will then be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a roll call vote on passage of H.R.514, as amended.

This evening, Senator Inhofe called for the regular order with respect to his amendment #7 and modified his amendment (Slots). Senator Hutchison then second degreed the Inhofe amendment with similar language relating to slots (Hutchison #93).

Senator Hutchison then filed cloture on the Inhofe amendment #7, as modified (Slots).

Prior to this, by consent Senator Udall (NM) modified his pending amendments #49 and 51 with technical changes.

There will be no further roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

Votes:

16: Nelson (NE) amendment #58, as amended by Nelson (NE) #85, as modified (criminal penalties for distribution of airport screening x-rays);

Agreed To: 98-0

17: Wicker amendment #14: , as modified (TSA collective bargaining);

Not Agreed To: 47-51

18: Reid motion to table the Paul amendment #21: (FY ’08 levels)

Tabled: 51-47

19: Passage of H.R.514, as amended (PATRIOT Act/FISA extension through May 27, 2011);

Passed: 86-12

Unanimous Consent:

Agreed to Blunt amendment #5, as modified (private screening company)

Agreed to Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

———————————————————

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

1:13 A.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 16, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Chaffetz moved that the House do now adjourn.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

1:12 A.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1 as unfinished business.

1:11 A.M. –

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Rogers (KY) moved that the Committee rise.

1:10 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pascrell amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Aderholt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:52 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pascrell amendment numbered 223 under the five-minute rule.

12:51 A.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Pascrell.

An amendment numbered 223 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for Firefighter Assistance Grants by $510 million offset by a reduction in funding for the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology R&D by the same amount.

12:47 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeFazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. DeFazio demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:40 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the DeFazio amendment numbered 98 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

An amendment numbered 98 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the funding for the Selective Service System ($24.032 million) and to apply the savings to the deficit.

12:33 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Latta amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Latta demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:29 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Latta amendment numbered 259 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Latta.

An amendment numbered 259 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $70 million.

12:28 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tonko amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tonko demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:23 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tonko amendment numbered 4 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Tonko.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the prohibition on Weatherization and State Energy Program Funding.

12:22 A.M. –

On agreeing to the McClintock amendment Failed by voice vote.

12:17 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment numbered 315 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. McClintock.

An amendment numbered 315 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the funding for Solar R&D within EERE ($247 million) and to apply the amount to the deficit reduction account.

12:16 A.M. –

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

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment numbered 297 under the five minute rule.

12:15 A.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. McClintock.

An amendment numbered 297 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds used for the Klamath Dam Removal and Sedimentation Study being conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service by $1.897 million and apply the amount to the deficit reduction account.

12:12 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Inslee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Inslee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

12:04 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Inslee amendment number 395 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

An amendment numbered 395 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the funding for the ARPA-E account by $20 million offset by a reduction in the Fossil Energy account of $20 million.

12:03 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Biggert amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Biggert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Biggert amendment No. 192 under the five-minute rule.

11:51 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mrs. Biggert.

An amendment numbered 192 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding for the ARPA-E account by $50 million and apply the amount to the deficit reduction account.

11:43 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Duncan (SC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Duncan (SC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

11:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Duncan (SC) amendment No. 110 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Duncan (SC).

An amendment numbered 110 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the amount for the Legal Services Corporation by $324 million.

11:24 P.M. –

Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against the Cohen amendment Mr. Wolf stated that the provisions of the amendment seek to propose a net increase in budget authority in the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

11:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cohen amendment number 173 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

11:08 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 173 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation by $70 million.

11:03 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Olson amendment was withdrawn.

10:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Olson amendment number 78 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Olson.

An amendment numbered 78 printed in the Congressional Record to decrease/increase the amount available for NASA Space Operations by $517 million.

10:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED CONSIDERATION – At the conclusion of debate on the Weiner amendment, as modified, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Weiner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Weiner amendment number 125, as modified under the five-minute rule.

10:25 P.M. –

Weiner amendment modified by unanimous consent. The modication makes a technical correction.

Amendment offered by Mr. Weiner.

An amendment numbered 125 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services by $298,000,000 and reducing the NASA by $298,000,000.

10:24 P.M. –

Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Mr. Wolf stated that the amendment seeks to increase net Budget authority. The Chair sustained the point of order.

10:16 P.M. –

POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Wolf reserved a point of order againist the Jackson Lee amendment numbered 240 printed in the Congressional Record.

10:15 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 240 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the section that reduces the fund for the Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Service by $290,500,000.

10:14 P.M. –

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

10:11 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in the Congressional Record to redirect $20 million in funding for the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance.

10:09 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Latta amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Latta demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Latta amendment number 260 under the five-minute rule.

10:04 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Latta.

An amendment numbered 260 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds in the Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Construction of Research Facilities by $10,000,000.

9:59 P.M. –

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 the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Flake amendment number 368 under the five-minute rule.

9:54 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 368 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds to the Department of Justice, General Administration, National Drug Intelligence Center by $34,023,000.

9:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Michaud amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Michaud demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Michaud amendment number 153 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Michaud.

An amendment numbered 153 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the the Census by $80 million and increasing EDA by $80 million.

9:41 P.M. –

Mr. Kingston raised a point of order against the Connolly (VA) amendment Mr. Kingston stated that the amendment seeks to transfer funds between the subcommittees. The Chair sustained the point of order.

9:36 P.M. –

POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Kingston reserved a point of order againist the Connolly (VA) amendment numbered 93 printed in the Congressional Record.

9:35 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment numbered 93 printed in the Congresssional Record to reduce funds for the Agricultural Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service by $200,000,000.

9:33 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Defazio amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Kingston demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Defazio amendment number 97 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. DeFazio.

An amendment numbered 97 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding (by transfer) for the Agricultural Programs, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Activities by $5 million.

9:05 P.M. –

Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Baldwin amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment seeks to amend portions of the bill not yet read for consideration. The Chair sustained the point of order.

9:02 P.M. –

POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Frelinghuysen reserved a point of order againist the Baldwin amendment numbered 45 printed in the Congressional Record.

9:00 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Baldwin.

An amendment numbered 45 printed in the Congressional Record to add at the end of division A a new section.

8:59 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Holt amendment number 237 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 237 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Iraq Security Forces Fund by $1,500,000,000.

8:53 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jones amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Jones demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on Jones amendment number 95 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Jones.

An amendment numbered 95 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate the Afghanistan Infrastructure fund.

8:40 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rooney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rooney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Rooney amendment No. 2.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:09 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 93.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

8:08 P.M. –

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (FL) moved that the committee rise.

7:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rooney amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Rooney.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congresssional Record to reduce Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Navy by $ 225,000,000, reduce Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force by $225,000,000 and increase Defense by $450,000,000

7:38 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Quigley amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Quigley amendment number 162 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Quigley.

An amendment numbered 162 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce Title IV the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation by 10%.

7:25 P.M. –

Subsequently, the Committee resumed it’s sitting.

7:24 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 514 amended.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the Senate.

7:23 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 109 – 320 (Roll no. 44).

7:18 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Failed by recorded vote: 105 – 326 (Roll no. 43).

7:12 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 72 – 358 (Roll no. 42).

7:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Failed by recorded vote: 207 – 223 (Roll no. 41).

6:39 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 1:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

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.

6:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment number 86 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pompeo.

An amendment numbered 86 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funds in Title IV the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and increase Defense by $115,520,000.

6:18 P.M. –

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

6:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gutierrez amendment number 63 under the five-minute rule.

6:09 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

An amendment numbered 63 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the amount for Aircraft Procurement, Navy by $21,985,000, the Aircraft Procurement, Air Force by $393,098,000 and increase Defense by $415,083,000.

6:00 P.M. –

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 ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

5:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment number 87 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pompeo.

An amendment numbered 87 printed in the Congressional Record to eliminate all funding for the Innovative Research Fund.

5:37 P.M. –

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 the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 92, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment number 370 under the five-minute rule.

3:36 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 370 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce funding by $18,750,000 for unneeded boards and commissions.

2:14 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1.

2:13 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Frank D. Lucas to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 92 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be read by paragraph. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution makes in order only those amendments received for printing in the Congressional Record dated at least one day before the day of consideration of the amendment (but no later that February 15, 2011). The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House is waived with respect to any resolution reported providing for consideration or disposition of H.R. 1.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 92.

H. Con. Res. 17:

providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses

2:12 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 176 (Roll no. 40).

2:06 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 92:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1) making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes, and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules

2:05 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 242 – 174, 2 Present (Roll no. 39).

1:55 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 179 (Roll no. 38).

1:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINSHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question on H.Res. 92, adoption of H.Res. 92, if ordered, and on agreeing to H.Con.Res. 17 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 17:

providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses

1:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on the adoption of the concurrent resolution, and by voice vote, the Chair announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Woodall 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.

1:28 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 92:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1) making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes, and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules

1:27 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 92, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, the Chair announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Woodall demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

12:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 92.

12:10 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 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 P.M. –

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

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

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 15.

10:58 A.M. –

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

10:01 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 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

a message from Nancy Pelosi …Extreme Assault on Women’s Health


House Republicans have begun the most radical restrictions on women’s health in our lifetimes.

Their extreme agenda would punish women and businesses by increasing their taxes if their health insurance covers the full range of reproductive health care. It would cut off funding for women’s health care clinics that offer reproductive health services. They are also refusing to drop their attempt to redefine rape.

We cannot and must not stay silent in the face of this extreme effort to undermine women’s health and reproductive freedom in our country.

I am asking for your urgent support to help us raise $100,000 for the DCCC’s Women’s Health Rapid Response Fund so we can hold the Republicans accountable.

please contribute ….click on the link below

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63c406/1b9dd8ab/515b6646/4e0d113f/1592667947/VEsE/

In the face of this extreme agenda, we cannot stay silent.

With your urgent support, we will speak out strongly against the Republicans’ effort to deny millions of Americans access to reproductive health care.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelosi

Democratic Leader

mashup Monday …&some News


The World is watching …

As more and more uprisings and demands for freedom break out all over the Middle East. Unfortunately in some cases a lot of violence against the Protesters …We see the people have not only had enough, they made an independent choice to speak up out, demand freedom, fair wages and an opportunity to vote for those who truly represent them.

To those people I say remember that there is always strength in numbers

People dying for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures is not new … mothers with children, older men and women and college students are coming out in droves to let the current dictators know it’s time for a change –

I just want people to know that 30 years of rule will be a hard thing to change given the Army and it’s police were paid well to keep the peace. The question for them and other parts of the middle east will be can they give up some of their power and money in exchange for a democratic society?

We see numerous countries and or regions in possible transition, definitely a movement against a dictatorship run by clerics, the military, or those who are in line to have control without a vote. The votes of millions have gone uncounted for decades… the demand to be heard is great but to get the change they need and want, means the fear of authority is not an option… and the possibility of death imminent.

In Iran the supreme leader tried to cut off all connections to the outside world, stated the US meddled in the process to divert responsibility and was definitely willing to use extreme force —other parts of the Middle East are also choosing to crack down starting with shutting access to the social networks. We all know that Mubarak tried to keep the truth from the world by shutting down TV and the social networks but as we, all saw, it was just something that the protesters worked around and obviously were able to beat.

Those of us in countries who have the freedom to express personal opinions, against or for our government, vote freely, have relatively good wages, and live where we want. We all wonder why the police and or military in countries under rulers choose not to rise up against oppression. We ask out loud –why don’t they want personal freedom too … a change from the old ways to a more positive way of life … human rights, a chance for a better economy and a chance to be heard, to participant in the process of life. Unfortunately, reality is that the trickle down financial idea stops at those who help keep the peace whether that is by words and mostly with force.

Iran had a dictator/supreme ruler making threats and a militia shooting/ killing their own for non-violent protest the last time the World watched in horror as people protested against tyranny and of course, the response was shameful to watch. The 18-day effort to topple the dictatorship in

Cairo, Egypt; done with somewhat peaceful protests the demand for freedom was not easy. It took millions to decide that there was strength in numbers; it also could be a road map to how others can achieve such a historic opportunity –for freedom.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

I pray for all those involved in the change they want to believe in and want and if we do have Americans living in places engaging in uprisings for freedom – hope they are safe.

Other News …

**Egypt is a work in progress while other parts of the region protest for freedom

**Obama defends budget priorities

**US state dept starts Farsi twitter feed

**Sony announces new PlayStation smartphone

**Oil prices jump as unrest becomes the norm

**Nintendo hacker gets arrested 

**Boeing unveils intercontinental plane

**Italy alert over Tunisian influx of immigrants

CSPAN …

President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2012 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Overview

OMB on President”s Budget (Today) http://c-span.com/Events/President-Submits-37T-Budget-for-FY-2012/10737419543-1/

Pres. Obama’s Remarks on the Budget (Today) http://c-span.com/Events/President-Submits-37T-Budget-for-FY-2012/10737419543-2/

Ethics:The ChamberLea​ks Scandal


An investigation by ThinkProgress has revealed that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce explored employing three “private security” firms to surreptitiously investigate the Chamber’s political foes (and even their families and children), and to wage an underhanded cyber-campaign against them. According to emails obtained by ThinkProgress, the Chamber hired the lobbying firm Hunton & Williams, which in turn solicited work from three computer security firms — HBGary Federal, Palantir, and Berico Technologies (collectively dubbed Team Themis, after the Roman goddess of law and order). Hunton asked Team Themis to develop tactics for damaging or discrediting progressive groups and labor unions, in particular ThinkProgress, the labor coalition Change to Win, the SEIU, US Chamber Watch, and StopTheChamber.com. The Chamber’s efforts to target opponents began after a ThinkProgress investigation last year raised questions about whether the business lobby was using money from foreign corporations to fund its political attack ads. According to one document prepared by Team Themis, the campaign included an entrapment project. The proposal called for first creating a “false document, perhaps highlighting periodical financial information,” to give to a progressive group opposing the Chamber, and then to subsequently expose the document as a fake to undermine the credibility of the Chamber’s opponents. In addition, the group proposed creating a “fake insider persona” to “generate communications” with Change to Win in an attempt to mislead and undermine them. Even more disturbingly, emails reveal that HBGary, which spearheaded the work for the Chamber, apparently thought families and children were fair game, as an executive with the firm circulated numerous emails and documents detailing information about political opponents’ children, spouses, and personal lives, such as where they attended religious services.

EMAILS LEAKED: ThinkProgress acquired the emails after they were leaked by the pro-WikiLeaks hacktivist community “Anonymous,” which was responsible for taking down websites of oppressive regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and those of American corporations that have censored WikiLeaks. Anonymous leaked the emails after HBGary executive Aaron Barr bragged to the Financial Times that he had identified the members of Anonymous, and planned to sell the information about them to Bank of America, which has supposedly been targeted by WikiLeaks, and to federal law enforcement officials investigating the “hacktivists” for their cyber attacks. Barr claimed that he had penetrated Anonymous; in response, Anonymous hacked into Barr’s email and published more than 40,000 company e-mails last week. Another 27,000 emails were published this weekend. Last week, it was revealed that Team Themis, on behalf of Bank of America, had planned to target proponents of WikiLeaks, such as Salon.com blogger Glenn Greenwald, who has been an outspoken defender of WikiLeaks. Themis planned “actions to sabotage or discredit” Greenwald, a PowerPoint presentation contained in the emails showed.

UNDERHANDED TACTICS: The emails, from late 2010 and early 2011, illuminate the espionage project as it developed. Members of Team Themis bragged to each other about exploiting vulnerabilities in social networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook — likely in violation of terms of use policies — to collect information about their targets. In one November 24 email, after a conference call with Hunton & Williams, one team member wrote, “We need to blow these guys away with descriptions of our capabilities, IP, and talent. Make them think that we are [James] Bond, Q, and money penny all packaged up with a bow.” Disturbingly, this spying included target’s families. One target was Mike Gehrke, a former staffer with Change to Win. Among the information circulated about Gehrke was the purported “Jewish church” he attended in Washington and a link to pictures of his wife and two children. Barr’s profile of Brad Friedman, co-founder of The Brad Blog, included information about his life partner and his home address. This tactic of targeting opponents’ personal lives and family, it seems, was not simply a random event. Rather, it was a concerted and deliberate effort to use anything possible to smear the Chamber’s political opponents. Ironically, Barr had complained about the invasion of his own privacy after the emails were leaked, and Hunton & Williams was just named the “top firm for privacy” this week by Computerworld.

A ‘CAREFULLY WORDED NONDENIAL DENIAL’: On Friday, the Chamber released its second denial of involvement in the controversy, calling our investigation “baseless” and claiming that HBGary’s proposal “was never discussed with anyone at the Chamber” and that “the Chamber was not aware of these proposals until HBGary’s e-mails leaked.” However, as FireDogLake‘s Marcy Wheeler wrote, their response is a “carefully worded nondenial denial.” Using Hunton & Williams — the same law firm/lobby shop which the Chamber hired last year to sue the Yes Men — as a middleman allows the Chamber to hide behind the firm, but that doesn’t mean they were not involved. First, the emails clearly indicate that the “client” whom Team Themis was assisting was indeed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The reason why the Chamber can claim not to have “hired” HBGary is because until as recently as a week ago, the security firm was working on spec. As Wheeler pointed out, a February 3 email shows that Hunton & Williams simply got “HBGary to do a month of work for free to decide whether they want to hire them.” They were expected to be paid $250-300 thousand per month, and the deal was very close to being complete when the emails were leaked. The emails also reveal that lawyers from Hunton & Williams met with the Chamber numerous times in order to brief them on the status and progress of Team Themis. A January 13 email shows that the private security firms assumed the project was “a go.” An email from February 3 showed that Hunton & Williams wanted the firms to work on spec “and then present jointly with H&W to the Chamber” on or around February 14. It’s unclear whether that meeting will be still be taking place today.

We don’t “believe in” global warming–w​e know it’s a fact


 

 

On a recent snowy morning, on my way in to work, I heard a refreshing interview with a politician, who said, “When people ask me if I believe in global warming, I say I believe in physics.”

This is the sort of practical, science-based reasoning that is so hard to find these days among the rhetoric of media personalities and polarizing politics found in our national and state capitols.

“I think that the science is inconclusive on this. I personally believe that the solar flares are more responsible for climatic cycles than anything that human beings do.”

—Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R WI), new vice chair of the House Science Committee

You can help UCS expose and challenge attacks like this on science—become a member today.

That’s why the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is leading the charge to expose corporations, politicians, and media pundits who knowingly mislead the public about science.

But we need your help to do it. Become a member of UCS today and join us as we challenge attacks on science.

Believe me when I tell you that this is an all-out war on science. It’s well coordinated. It’s well funded. And it’s backed by opponents looking out for their own interests in an effort to obstruct progress on important environmental and human health protections. Consider these facts:

•A Fox News managing editor directed his staff to highlight criticisms of climate science whenever they mention the fact that Earth is warming.

•The new vice-chairman of the House Science Committee has threatened to launch hearings to question basic scientific findings by climate scientists.

•Oil giant ExxonMobil has spent millions to run a sophisticated disinformation campaign designed to deceive the public about the certainty of climate change science.

•Recently elected governors, representatives, and senators have pledged to roll back many of the scientifically sound, global warming emissions reduction measures we’ve won in the last few years.

You can help counter attacks like these by becoming a member of UCS today.

We may not have the deep pockets of the oil and coal industries and electric utilities who oppose progress on global warming and clean energy—but we do have scientific facts and dedicated supporters like you. With your help, UCS will organize scientists from around the country to beat back fraudulent claims and we’ll continue to educate decision makers and the public about the real facts on global warming.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our work. At this critical time, I hope you’ll take the next step and become a member of UCS today.

Sincerely,

Kevin Knobloch

President

P.S. When you join UCS, you join more than 77,000 UCS members who also believe in physics. People from all walks of life who understand that climate change isn’t a belief—it’s a scientific fact. People like you who want to work together to protect human health and our environment. Please join us today.

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