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TGIF … &some News
Today the President will sign the Tax deal bill around 3:50pm ET so left coasters need to be alert. Congress has FY 2011, START, DADT on the calendar and hopefully the Dream Act will also get passed well before they all decide to cut out of DEC for Xmas.
Last night the tax deal passed in the House and the Senate. However, it was obvious that the tax deal was a tough vote for our dems in the House. The final vote was 277 for 148 against. I will admit that it was not the best; even the President said the bill had offensive pieces in the bill but the deal given the midterm vote was the best anyone could have gotten. I believe Congress in both Chambers would still be “negotiating” on the provisions, the amount and so many other things, which would have pushed it into January, so though it may not have been perfect i am happy for what our President pushed through in such a short time.
The big Omnibus bill was treated like a bipartisan effort, clearly as was said on the floor of Congress members on both sides of the aisle worked on it, yet after Sen. McCain got on the floor of Congress thanked the Tea Party for the intervention, laughed, and stated who won that on national tv. It is obvious our dems in Congress have yet to figure out the Republican Tea Party has no intention of being bipartisan even their own RNC chair Mr. Steele said that bipartisanship is overrated. The idea that the RTP truly are willing to be bipartisan let alone honest with good faith intentions has prove to be a joke. This latest move of got’cha was not only embarrassing it was sad to see Leader Reid face all dejected. It was good to see so many Senators come to the floor to make sure the public knew that this Omnibus bill was in fact indeed a bill that was bipartisan though the RTP clearly was portraying it yet another scam or something they felt pushed into by the Dems having had little to do with it. The notion that so much pork listed in the Omnibus bill is the fault of the Dems in the Senate definitely was quite absurd and embarrassing. It is however, proof that the RTP cannot be trusted as one of them stated there was a letter brought to them, they all decided to sign it, and the bill died. It was odd to see the fringe and or Tea Party aspect of the Republicans have so much power even off the floor of Congress though Sen. McCain made sure the public heard who intervened in this previously agreed to bill. I used to say i hope this or that move opens the eyes of Republican constituents but a lot were hoping the bill would be defeated and News stations are reporting that Tea Party members definitely making their voices heard thus defeating the Omnibus bill -last minute. I guess some folks are afraid of them because they certainly betrayed their agreement to Leader Reid and Senate Democrats.
Yesterday I was going to order Omaha Steaks but after hearing the correction by the CEO, I will never order from Omaha Steaks until they agree to stop using Fox as their advertising source. In fact, i ask for a boycott based on the correction and response by the CEO. I encourage everyone to take the time to leave a message on their website too… steakbytes.com
I just wanted to say how disappointed i was to hear the outcome. I was the one who called in to say that i just could not order @OmahaSteaks given the fact that your company had bought ad spots on his show with all the racial vitriol he throws out at the public. As far as free speech when it tells minorities they are not acceptable, dangerous and the enemy that reaches far beyond racial slurs discrimination and certainly freedom of speech. I take it that what you are saying is that Glenn Beck has the right to be a racist on National Television. I specifically said that Glenn Beck’s racial rants were my problem to one of your representatives from your company. I received a call back from an Omaha Steaks Representative stating they would be taking down the advertisement or that it would end around 12/20 and in doing so made me want to order but then i pulled back and said maybe i will wait until the ads disappear. I now feel after reading the correction from CEO Bruce Simon it is obvious his staff only gave partially accurate information. I say she intentionally kept information back. I appreciate the prompt correction but have now decided to take my business elsewhere to a company who believes in equality not the vitriol that comes from not just Glenn Beck but from the Fox News station.
Other News …
CSPAN …
Thursday Leader Sen.Harry Reid remarks on earmark spending
After attending a meeting of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) made remarks about earmark spending and responded to reporters’ questions.
Speaker Pelosi remarks on DADT Wednesday
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke to reporters about the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gays in the military. She was joined by co-sponsors of the bill, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
Senate Democrats Press Conference on START treaty
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) talked about the nuclear arms treaty with Russia. Senate Democrats want to pass the START treaty as it’s known before the end of the year. Sixty-seven votes are required for ratification. Senator Kerry was joined by Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) and Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
Senate Republicans Press Conference on START treaty
Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) along with several of his Republican colleagues spoke to reporters about the nuclear arms treaty with Russia known as START. Senate Democrats want to pass the START treaty as it’s known before the end of the year. Sixty-seven votes are required for
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House DADT victory! Now to the Senate…
 
UPDATE |
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What has HRC done for me lately?
MA – HRC volunteers and vets ask Sen. Brown to vote to repeal DADT. More »
US – HRC offers guidance on TSA screenings for transgender travelers. More »
IL – HRC joins successful phonebank-a-thon for civil unions. More »
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Now that the House has once again voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the Senate faces its last, best chance to end DADT this year. Last week, the Senate was just three votes shy of moving forward to repeal this discriminatory law. But seven key senators who voted against us last time will make all the difference this time around. We need your help to reach out to everyone you know in ANY of these senators’ states: Alaska, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Ohio, and West Virginia. We’ve made it easy – just post this action on Facebook and tell your friends about this critical vote!
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Days after the New Year’s Eve decorations come down, we’ll be facing a newly energized, far more right-wing Congress. We will be working around the clock to protect pro-equality victories, go toe-to-toe with radical hate groups, and spread marriage equality across the nation – but we need your support. Become an HRC member – or renew your membership – and you’ll be an integral part of this fight in 2011.
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Sponsor Spotlight | |||||||||||||||||||||||
 This month we salute Microsoft, celebrating its first year as an HRC Platinum National Sponsor. Microsoft also is a generous supporter of the HRC Foundation and for several years has been a sponsor of both the HRC National Dinner and the HRC Pacific Northwest Gala. The company’s strong commitment to LGBT workplace inclusiveness has earned it a perfect 100% score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index since 2005.
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TGIF in Congress – lame duck calendar …
The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 17, 2010
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the New START Treaty. The treaty will be open to amendments tomorrow.
Senators are encouraged to come to the floor to offer and debate their amendments.
Roll call votes are possible to occur throughout the day.
As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur with respect to HR5281, DREAM Act and on the motion to concur with respect to HR2965, DADT. The first cloture vote will occur early Saturday morning at a time to be determined.
Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1481, Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009.
Passed H.R.4973, National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act of 2010.
Passed H.R.5901, Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010
(with Baucus substitute and title amendments)
Passed H.R.5116, COMPETE Act (with Hutchison substitute)
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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
5:18 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5116 amended.
5:11 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:10 P.M. –
Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 21.
Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 20.
5:08 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:07 P.M. –
Mr. Garamendi asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, December 17, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Agreed to without objection.
5:06 P.M. –
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 6523.
commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid
5:05 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Considered as unfinished business.
to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water
5:04 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 226 – 109 (Roll no. 656).
4:53 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure
4:52 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 210 – 145 (Roll no. 655).
4:31 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
4:30 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes
4:28 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by voice vote.
4:25 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 105.
Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 105 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 considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1776.
4:23 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 December 17, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1481 and H.R. 4973; passed H.R. 5901 with amendments.
to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council
4:20 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 – 131 (Roll no. 654).
providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes
4:12 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: 184 – 159 (Roll no. 653).
4:05 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
providing for the sine die adjournment of the second session of the 111th Congress
4:04 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: 196 – 153 (Roll no. 652).
3:31 P.M. –
Considered as privileged matter.
providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes
3:30 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1776, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions 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.
3:29 P.M. –
The previous question was ordered without objection.
3:19 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1776
Considered as privileged matter.
3:18 P.M. –
Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1776.
3:17 P.M. –
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.
1:50 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
1:49 P.M. –
INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 235 of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (PUB. L. 111-211), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION: Ms. Herseth Sandlin and Mr. Pomeroy .
to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges
1:48 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 371 – 1 (Roll no. 651).
1:36 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 341 – 48 (Roll no. 650).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:27 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 649).
1:19 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes
1:18 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:17 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0 (Roll no. 648).
12:50 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
12:49 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes
At 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.
11:49 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6523.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Skelton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure
11:47 A.M. –
At 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.
11:12 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5510.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Capuano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes
11:10 A.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
10:53 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6533.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Doyle moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water
10:52 A.M. –
At 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.
10:27 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3874.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Doyle moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the significant contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict
10:26 A.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
10:01 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 335.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid
9:59 A.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Holt 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.
9:49 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1767.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Holt moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA
9:48 A.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
9:39 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1621.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Cuellar moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council
At 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.
9:27 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.
Mr. Cuellar moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
recognizing Mark Twain as one of America’s most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death
9:25 A.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
9:15 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1733.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Cuellar moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cuellar 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.
9:08 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3592.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Cuellar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
9:07 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
9:02 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.
9:01 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cuellar to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4602, H.R. 5133, H.R. 5605, H.R. 5606, H.R. 5655, H.R. 5877, H.R. 6400, H.R. 6392, H.R. 2142, H.R. 5809, S. 3874, S. 4036, and S. 3592.
The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:00 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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We ate only once a day
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Marie is a mother of three and a widow living in the Androy region of Madagascar off the east coast of Africa. She struggled to support her family for many years with farming, but only earned 75 cents a day — an amount you can imagine wasn’t enough to feed her family. Marie explains, “In the lean season, we ate only once a day — at night. During the day, we had only mangoes and cactus fruit as substitutes for meals.” Marie’s options expanded once she began participating in a CARE-supported farmers’ association and exercised her right to 25 acres of her family’s farm. Now, she feeds her children three meals a day. Marie also earns as much as $5 a day at the market by selling the wider variety of crops she learned to grow. Here are some ways your support can make a difference:
Please remember, a gift to CARE goes beyond tangible goods. Our comprehensive programs inspire confidence and bring hope to poor girls and women so that they can chart their way out of poverty for good. Marie says, “I have many goals I want to achieve in the future. I want to improve my family’s lives and save for my children.” You are one of the keys that can help unlock Marie’s dreams. Please don’t delay making your tax-deductible gift — and help women like Marie, their families and their communities experience powerful new beginnings in 2011. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, |
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