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Congress …Back in Session -lame duck

11/29/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET November 29, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes.

At 4:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, as provided for under the previous order.

5:30pm swearing in of Senator-elect Mark Kirk to be senator from the State of Illinois.

58Dems-42Republicans -in the Senate

At 6:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the substitute amendment to S.510. Under the agreement reached on Thursday, if cloture is invoked, 4 motions to suspend the rules would be in order. Upon disposition of the motions, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended. Senator Reid would like to complete action on the Food Safety bill on Monday. As a result, senators should expect a late night of voting.

Post-cloture and upon the use or yielding back of the time allotted in the agreement (1 hour for motions re: 1099 and 4 hours for Coburn motions), the Senate will proceed to vote on the motions in the following order:

– Johanns (1099 forms)
– Baucus (1099 forms)
– Coburn (earmarks)
– Coburn (substitute)

Votes:
6:30pm Roll Call Votes:
252: now voting on Cloture on substitute amendment #4175: to S.510, Food Safety Modernization Act (60 vote threshold);

– Johanns motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering Johanns amendment #4702: (1099 forms) (67-vote threshold); and

– Baucus motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering Baucus amendment #4713: (1099 forms) (67-vote threshold).

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The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00pmET on Novemeber 22, 2010 unless the House receives a message from the Senate transmitting its adoption of H.Con.Res.332, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution and convene on 11/29 at 2pm

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 29, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:14 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

7:13 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1736.

6:52 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:50 P.M. –

Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 6: Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 3: Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, himself for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 2: Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, himself for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 1: Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, himself for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

Mr. Diaz-Balart, L. requested the following general leaves to address the House on November 30: Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Garrett of NJ for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

6:43 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

H. Res. 771:

supporting the goals and ideals of a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day

6:39 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 the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 582).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5877:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as the “Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building”

6:30 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 581).

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

6:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:02 P.M. –

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

ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Kirk, the whole number of the House is 434.

6:01 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 29.

2:59 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 6392:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5003 Westfields Boulevard in Centreville, Virginia, as the “Colonel George Juskalian Post Office Building”

2:52 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 voice vote.

2:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6392.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Clay moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 771:

supporting the goals and ideals of a National Mesothelioma Awareness Day

2:45 P.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.

2:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 771.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Clay moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5877:

2:40 P.M. –

2:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5877.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Clay moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5712:

to provide for certain clarifications and extensions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program

2:31 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 amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

2:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 5712.

Mr. Pallone moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

2:11 P.M. –

Mr. Pallone asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Monday, November 29, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, for Morning-Hour debate. Agreed to without objection.

2:10 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:00 p.m. today.

2:07 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

The House received a communication from Representative Kirk wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at 4:00 p.m. on November 29, 2010.

2:05 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 22, 2010 at 2:53 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 4783 with amendments, concurred in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5566, concurred in the House amendments to S. 3689, passed S. 3650, passed H.R. 6198 with an amendment, and agreed to H. Con. Res. 327.

2:04 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 19, 2010 at 9:33 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1609; H.R. 5712, with amendments; agreed to S. Con. Res 75, S. Con. Res. 76, and H. Con. Res. 332.

2:03 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pallone 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.

2:02 P.M. –

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

2:01 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Laura Richardson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Proof that we’ll do just about anything for you… a Video from -Rainforest Action Network

11/27/2010 Nativegrl77

The Wall Street Journal calls us “some of the savviest environmental agitators in the business.” For the debut of this video, we call ourselves “shamelessly grateful to all the people who make our work possible.” Please enjoy this RAN-tastic dancefest as a priceless little thank you gift from us to you.

		Enjoy!
		Rebecca Tarbotton Executive Director Rainforest Action Network Twitter: @BeckyTarbotton

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we just want to thank you …from CARE

11/27/2010 Nativegrl77

I hope you can take a moment to watch my special video message. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all the support you’ve shown to the girls and women that CARE works with in poor countries from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

On behalf of everyone here at CARE, thank you again, and warmest wishes to you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE

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Historic challenges, and opportunities

11/23/2010 Nativegrl77

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at People For the American Way. This moment of rest and reflection could not come at a better time, as we must recharge our batteries for some significant fights ahead.

The results of the recent midterm elections have given us a small window to tackle several key priorities on Capitol Hill. Congress will reconvene for two to three weeks after the holiday to complete its “lame duck” session, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has made promises to bring up the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the DREAM Act, a vote on middle-class tax cuts and several judicial nominees who have long been blocked by Republican obstruction. PFAW just yesterday released an edit memo explaining the urgency and critical importance of confirming both President Obama’s judicial nominees and executive branch appointments.

Senator Reid’s commitment to move these measures is commendable. There however remains one absolutely crucial piece of legislation for which we need to fight tooth-and-nail just so it can be considered for a vote: the DISCLOSE Act. We’ve just released “Citizens Blindsided: Secret Corporate Money in the 2010 Elections and America’s New Shadow Democracy,” the final version of our comprehensive report on the shadowy corporate front groups that dominated the airwaves this election with attack ads funded largely by undisclosed donors. The DISLCOSE Act, through stringent disclosure requirements, would help voters make more informed choices, slow the flow of money into these front groups and make some donors think twice about funding ads and tactics that cross the lines of decency. If you have not yet signed our emergency petition to pass the DISCLOSE Act, please do so now. We’ll use this petition in our lobbying efforts pressing Senate Leadership and a few key Republicans to support passage of the bill immediately.

After the New Year, we will be up against what is perhaps the most radically right-wing Congress in history. A House majority dominated by Tea Party extremists, the Religious Right and unabashed anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim hate-mongers, which has signaled the intention of crippling the government with endless obstruction and baseless McCarthyite witch hunts into the Obama administration… A Senate that, although maintaining a bare Democratic majority, has a new power broker in Radical Right Senator Jim DeMint, several new Tea Party-backed far-right Senators and a powerful Republican Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, who has stated that his number-one priority over the next two years is to take down the President.

People For the American Way has spent decades exposing and countering the Radical Right. No other organization has our expertise and no other organization is better equipped to deal with the challenges of this new Congress and the growing right-wing movement. But there certainly will be challenges.

Americans, still suffering the effects of the economic crisis, will now have a House majority and more powerful Senate minority that will be doing all they can to make sure that the government works for large corporate special interests and not ordinary Americans. For their own political gain, Republicans will block policy measures that would offer Americans much-needed assistance, boost economic growth or create jobs… and they’ll be fighting to roll back many of the protections for people which have been passed over the last century, while working to grow the deficit by extending massive tax cuts to corporations and the richest 2% of the country.

This is the reality of our situation, but it does not have to be so bleak. There are opportunities in the challenges ahead… a chance to draw a clear distinction between our values and view of government’s role in society and theirs… a chance to expose the extremism which has taken full control of the Republican party… a chance to educate Americans about the importance of elections, the Supreme Court, defending the truth, fighting hate and defending the American Way. And we have the chance to start working now to make sure the progressive movement is strong, efficient, hungry and ready for 2012.

I’m so glad you’ll be in it with us, and I thank you for it.

Sincerely,

Michael B. Keegan, President

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ECONOMY: Hungry For Help

11/23/2010 Nativegrl77

Special Note: The Progress Report will be temporarily suspended starting tomorrow and will return on Monday. We wish everyone a happy and safe holidays!

As the holidays approach, more American kitchen tables will be empty than at any time in recent memory. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report saying that “food insecurity” rates are the highest they’ve been since the government began keeping track. Food pantries across the country, meanwhile, are struggling to meet escalating demands for their services, while key safety net measures that could keep homes headed and food on the table, like unemployment insurance and food stamps, are imperiled by Republican obstruction in Congress. Worse, many conservatives and too many in the mainstream media don’t seem to take this crisis seriously — meaning that more families are likely to be left out in the cold.

NO FOOD: As one might expect, tough economic times have created dire situations for many American families, literally keeping many from putting food on the table. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, last year 14.7 percent of American families were “food insecure,” meaning they had trouble feeding one or more family members because of a lack of financial means. This was the highest rate of food insecurity since the USDA began collecting statistics 15 years ago. This means that 50.2 million people lived in food insecure households, including 17.2 million children. According to USDA research, 12.2 million adults and 5.4 million children lived in households with drastic food insecurity. Children’s Health Watch notes that in households with very young children, the rate of food insecurity rose last year to 25.4 percent, from 24.5 percent, meaning an additional 483,000 children under the age of six lived in food insecure households in 2009. Less than half of the affected families — 43 percent — were below the federal poverty line, meaning lack of food isn’t a problem limited to the very poor. Black and Latino households, and households headed by single mothers, were disproportionately affected by food insecurity, with rates almost double the national average. At this time of year, many families turn to food pantries — in fact, the largest rise in food pantry use was over the last two years — and the pantries are struggling to keep up with demand. “Last month there wasn’t a moment when people weren’t waiting in line at least three to four deep to get food. It was non-stop for the entire three hours we were open,” said one food pantry worker in Marietta, OH. “There have been a lot of laid-off workers, and for the last couple of years we’ve been seeing some situations where two families live in the same house.”

IGNORING THE ISSUE: As is too often the case, many prominent conservatives are less than concerned with the plight of working families struggling during these hard economic times. Radio host Rush Limbaugh took up the USDA report, but couldn’t quite figure out what “food insecurity” actually was. He hypothesized that “food insecurity is what causes obesity,” because “if you eat too much to deal with your food insecurity, then you get fat.” He then mocked the idea of “fighting off hunger,” saying that “you can actually see it….you go inside Publix or any grocery store, you can see them walk down the aisles, they reach for something and then they don’t. It’s an amazing thing to watch, people fighting off hunger.” If conservatives aren’t demeaning this crisis, they’re ignoring it. Fox News did not mention the USDA’s report at all and did not tell viewers that food insecurity rates were higher than ever. Though Glenn Beck does like to tell his fans to save and stockpile food, as he did this month, it’s for made-up reasons involving an imminent government collapse. Sadly, though, this inattention wasn’t limited to the conservative Fox News. A Nexis search of cable news networks revealed only four mentions of “food insecurity” following the USDA report, compared with, for example, 53 mentions of “royal wedding.”

POLICY STRUGGLES: The inattention to food insecurity in the public discourse has predictably lead to lagging action to address the issue in Washington. Unemployment insurance and federal food assistance have proved to work when it comes to addressing poverty. As the Center for American Progress notes, unemployment insurance pulled 3.3 million people — including 1 million children — out of poverty in 2009 alone. This is more people than the entire population of the Chicago metropolitan area. Food stamps alone lifted 2.4 million children out of “deep poverty,” which is greater than the number of children living in Los Angeles County. These programs are not only morally responsible, but also benefit the economy. CAP Senior Fellow Joel Berg estimates that hunger costs the economy $126 billion annually. Businesses will also be hurt if these programs aren’t extended, creating further economic instability — CAP’s Heather Boushey and Jordan Eizenga explain that unemployment insurance and food stamps are helping the economy recover from the recession. House Republicans cruelly blocked a continuation of unemployment insurance this week, however. The Senate actually cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food stamps, by $2 billion in 2013 in order to pay for improved school lunches. And while the Senate did finally extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) this week, it blocked TANF’s Emergency Contingency Fund, a successful jobs program that has created more than 250,000 subsidized jobs for low-income workers through grants to states. This type of cruel inaction will leave more families staring at empty holiday tables in the coming months. Rush Limbaugh will surely be eating well, however.