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Congress -debates & votes 11/18


The Senate Convenes at 9:30am ET
Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, post-cloture. 

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:00pm to allow for a Democratic caucus meeting.

Time during any recess, adjournment or period of morning business will count post-cloture.

The Leaders will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the Food Safety bill.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote is expected to occur on Monday, November 29.

This evening, Senate Reid filed cloture on S.510, the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act, and the substitute amendment. The cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29.

Under the agreement reached this evening, if cloture is invoked, all post-cloture debate time will be yielded back except for the time specified in this agreement. The only amendments or motions in order are the ones specified below:

– Johanns motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4702 (1099 forms)
– Baucus motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4713 (1099 forms)

There will be a total of 60 minutes for debate with respect to these 2 motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Baucus and Johanns.

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4696 (substitute)
– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4697 (earmarks)

There will be a total of 4 hours for debate with respect to the Coburn motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Coburn and Inouye or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time specified in this agreement, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the motions to suspend in the order listed:
– Johanns (1099 forms)
– Baucus (1099 forms)
– Coburn (earmarks)
– Coburn (substitute)

If any motion is successful, then the Senate would proceed to vote immediately on the amendment. No further motions or amendments are in order. The substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, would be agreed to and the Senate would proceed to vote on passage of S.510, as amended. The cloture on the underlying bill will be withdrawn.

As a result of this agreement, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29.

If cloture is invoked, the motions to suspend would be in order. Upon the use or yielding back of debate time allotted by this agreement, the Senate would proceed to vote on the motions to suspend, any amendments if the motions are successful, and then on passage of S.510, as amended.

Votes:
251: Motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act;
Agreed to: 57-27

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5712, with subst amdt (SGR extension)Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget

Unanimous Consent:
The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:

• An act to provide for certain clarifications and extensions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (H.R.5712, as amended by Baucus amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4711) and Baucus amendment to amend the title (#4712), which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)

• A bill to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes. (S.1609)

• A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Rotunda for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. (S.Con.Res.75)

• A concurrent resolution to recognize and honor the commitment and sacrifices of military families of the United States. (S.Con.Res.76)

• A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. (S.Res.647)

• A resolution recognizing the recent accomplishments of the people and government of Moldova and expressing support for free and transparent parliamentary elections on November 28, 2010. (S.Res.683)

• A resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. (S.Res.684)

• A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of sickle cell disease by Dr. James B. Herrick. (S.Res.685)

• A concurrent resolution providing for an additional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate. (H.Con.Res.332)

Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:25 P.M. –

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

2:23 P.M. –

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

United States – China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Mr. Michael Wessel, Falls Church, Virginia .

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010

2:19 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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.

Considered as unfinished business.

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 1677 to the end that the resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H. Con. Res. 329:

recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975

2:18 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.

2:17 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Con.Res. 329 to the end that the concurrent resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

S. 3774:

to extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008

2:16 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): 366 – 40 (Roll no. 580).

2:08 P.M. –

ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 435.

2:03 P.M. –

Representative Peter King addressed the House and introduced Representative Tom Reed, Twenty Ninth District, New York.

2:02 P.M. –

OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Tom Reed the Twenty Ninth Congressional District, State of New York, presented himself in the well of the House to take the Oath of Office administered by the Speaker of the House.

2:01 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Todd D. Valentine and Mr. Robert A. Brehm, Co-Executive Directors of the New York State Board of Elections, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 2, 2010, the Honorable Tom Reed was elected Representative to Congress for the Twenty-Ninth Congressional District, State of New York.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

2:00 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 258 – 154 (Roll no. 579).

1:52 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

1:24 P.M. –

On motion to agree to the Senate amendment Roll Call 578 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:23 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722, and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, 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.

H.R. 6419:

to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes

12:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6419.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

12:45 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

12:44 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to H.Res. 1721, further proceedings on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722 has been postponed.

11:56 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Lynch motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722.

11:55 A.M. –

Mr. Lynch moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment

11:54 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, Mr. Lynch took from the Speaker’s table H.R. 1722 with the Senate amendment thereto, and was recognized for a motion.

H. Res. 1721:

providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:52 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 235 – 171 (Roll no. 577).

H. Res. 1721:

providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:43 A.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 577 – Recorded vote pending.

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 576).

10:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1721

Considered as privileged matter.

10:02 A.M. –

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

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1421.

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Our homes

1 Comment

Mortgage lenders are recklessly foreclosing on homes. Some are even breaking the law.

Help protect your home, or your friends’ and family’s, with this simple tool:

Click here

Dear Barbara,

The big banks are at it again. First they targeted minority communities with subprime loans and other predatory lending schemes, helping to make Black Americans and Latinos 70% more likely than Whites to be in foreclosure.1

Now we’re learning that the very same banks and mortgage lenders have been foreclosing on homes around the nation without verifying that they have the right to do so.2

The stories are horrifying: in Ohio, a bank foreclosed on a man after insisting for months that it didn’t hold his loan and refusing to accept his payments.3 In Florida, Bank of America tried to take a house away from a man who never even had a mortgage.4 The more we learn, the worse it gets.

If you’re a homeowner, one possible way to protect yourself from the banks’ bad behavior is to demand your note and make them prove they own your mortgage. A new online tool makes it easy. Check it out and please share this information with your friends and family. It could help to save your home or that of someone you love:

http://www.wheresthenote.com/colorofchange

The banks have been trying to write off their failure to properly verify ownership as a mere technicality. But it’s much more serious than that, and Attorneys General in all 50 states have banded together to investigate the illegal foreclosures, and several elected leaders have called for criminal charges to be filed against the banks.5,6

You would think that it would be easy to produce the documents needed for the banks to verify ownership. But during the real estate boom, banks cut corners with paperwork in order to make as many loans as possible, and then sold the loans to other lenders in complicated financial maneuvers designed to maximize the banks’ profits.

Now it has come to light that banks have been paying “foreclosure mills” to take homes away as quickly as possible, before homeowners even realize that anything might be amiss. And it appears that these foreclosure mills are operating without actually following the law — foreclosing without the proper legal documentation.7 In some cases, notaries responsible for verifying the documents aren’t even reading them.8 And in other cases, the documents are just being fabricated — made up to cover the banks’ tracks.9 This is foreclosure fraud. It’s not legal, and it’s not right.

Given their role in creating the foreclosure crisis through predatory practices and deception, banks should be doing what they can to avoid foreclosures and keep people in their homes. This could be done by lowering interest rates, or better yet — reducing the principal to reflect the crash in housing prices. Foreclosures are only further devastating communities already hard hit by record unemployment.

But the banks seem uninterested. It appears that they would rather commit mortgage fraud to protect their bottom line. That’s why it’s up to us to make sure that they’re following the law to the letter. And if enough of us do so, we’ll help to create a new financial environment where banks are held more accountable to homeowners and the legal system. If you have a mortgage, protect yourself and your family by demanding your note, and please share this information with your friends and family. It takes just a moment:

http://www.wheresthenote.com/colorofchange

Thanks and Peace,

— James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Natasha, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
November 17th, 2010

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

https://secure.colorofchange.org/contribute/

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Congress is in Sesson … read what happened -updates when needed


The Senate Convenes Today at 9:30amET

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 11:00am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. Of the majorities time, Senator Harkin will control 15 minutes, Senator Dodd will control 15 minutes, and Senator Mikulski will control 5 minutes.

As a reminder, on Wednesday, September 29, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to the following bills:
– S.3815, the Promoting National Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010;
– S.3772, The Paycheck Fairness Act; and
– S.510, The FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act.

The first vote of the week will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3815, the Promoting National Gas and Electric Vehicles Act of 2010.

At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3772, Paycheck Fairness Act.

If cloture is not invoked, the Senate would proceed immediately to a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.510, the Food Safety bill.

If cloture is invoked on either of the motions to proceed, there would be up to 30 hours for debate on the motion.

Senators should expect up to 2 roll call votes to begin at 11:00am.

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


Votes:
249: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3772, Paycheck Fairness Act;
Not Invoked: 58-41

250: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.510, FDA Food Satefy;
Invoked: 74-25

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1421, Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act

Adopted S.Res.681, a resolution designating the week of November 15 through 19, 2010, as “Global Entrepreneurship Week/USA

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:20 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.  

7:19 P.M. –
Mr. Burton of IN requested that Mr. Thompson of PA be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on November 18.  

S. 3774:

to extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008 

 

7:18 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.  

7:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3774. Considered under suspension of the rules.  

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

H. Res. 1648:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children in foster care awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, recognizing current programs and efforts designed to promote adoption, and encouraging people in the United States to seek improved safety, permanency, and well-being for all children 

 

7:03 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.  

6:43 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1648. Considered under suspension of the rules.  

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

H. Con. Res. 327:

to recognize and support the efforts of the USA Bid Committee to bring the 2018 or 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to the United States 

 

6:42 P.M. –
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. 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.

6:36 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 327. Considered under suspension of the rules.  

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Con. Res. 259:

recognizing the 500th anniversary of the birth of Italian architect Andrea Palladio 

 

6:35 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.  

6:25 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 259. Considered under suspension of the rules.  

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1672:

commemorating the Persian Gulf War and reaffirming the commitment of the United States towards Persian Gulf War veterans 

 

6:24 P.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.  

6:23 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House concluded debate on H. Res. 1672. Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1721.  

H. Res. 1672:

commemorating the Persian Gulf War and reaffirming the commitment of the United States towards Persian Gulf War veterans 

 

6:02 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1672. Considered under suspension of the rules.  

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010 

 

6:00 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.

 

H. Res. 1677:

condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010

5:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1677.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

5:47 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

. H. Res. 1715:

congratulating Joe Paterno on his 400th win as Penn State Nittany Lions football head coach

5:45 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. 575).

5:37 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5758:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2 Government Center in Fall River, Massachusetts, as the “Sergeant Robert Barrett Post Office Building”

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): (Roll No. 574).

5:30 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 3808:

to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce

5:24 P.M. –

On motion to refer the bill and the accompanying veto message to the Committee on the Judiciary. Agreed to without objection.

On passage, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding Failed by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 573).

Motion to refer the bill and accompanying veto message to the Committee on Judiciary.

5:14 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of passage of H.R. 3808 on reconsideration, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding, and on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 332:

The title of this measure is not available

4:45 P.M. –

On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 572 – Yea and Nay vote pending.

4:42 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 3808:

to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce

4:41 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of the allotted debate time, the Chair announced that under the Constitution, the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of passage upon reconsideration, the objection of the President to the contrary notwithstanding. The Chair further announced that further proceedings on that question would be postponed until a time to be announced.

4:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous order of the House, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the veto message from the President on H.R. 3808.

4:32 P.M. –

The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the veto message from the President on H.R. 3808.

4:31 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 17

.

10:28 A.M. –

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

H. Res. 1720:

Providing for the printing of a revised edition of the Rules and Manual of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

10:27 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.

Considered by unanimous consent.

S.J. Res. 40:

appointing the day for the convening of the first session of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

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

On passage Passed without objection.

10:26 A.M. –

Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.

Considered by unanimous consent.

DEBATE TIME LIMITATION – Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent that debate on passing H.R. 3808, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding, be limited to 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. Agreed to without objection.

10:03 A.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.

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

10:02 A.M. –

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.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

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Angry?


Are you angry over the recent election? Good. You should be.

In 2011 we’re fighting back. We are not going to allow tea party radicals to dictate policy in Congress or the Statehouse. We are going to rebuild in all 50 states and focus on electing Democrats who will bring the bold change that our country needs.

But there are no silver bullets. No simple change of messaging or different White House strategy will be enough. We have to do the hard work of building up an army of skilled and trained organizers across the country with the goal of electing a real progressive majority.

Still angry? Good. Here’s what you can do right now.

Our National Field Organizers are working with grassroots activists like you right now to organize dozens of weekend campaign trainings in 2011. And you have the power to bring one of these great trainings to your city.

Apply to host a DFA Campaign Academy in 2011.

Since 2004, DFA has been building the progressive movement by training thousands of progressive activists and candidates every year. We’ve brought our training program to over 100 cities across the country and trained over 12,000 progressive activists.

A DFA Campaign Academy is more than just a series of interesting lectures. They are gatherings of like-minded and passionate progressives where we assess what’s worked before, learn cutting edge campaign skills and make plans for the future.  We bring the best political talent in the country to your city to fire up the local progressive movement.

Want one of these trainings in your community in 2011? Then it’s time to get started now.

Apply to host a DFA Campaign Academy in 2011.

As we begin our 8th year of providing this great resource to progressive communities the demand is very high. We’re determining where in the country these trainings can have the biggest impact and we have to hear from you.

These elections were a disappointment to be sure. But I’m still here and still fighting. So is DFA and so are you. And we’re not going to be stopped because of one election.

-Matt

Matt Blizek, Field Director
Democracy for America

P.S. We’re scheduling our 2011 Campaign Academies right now and if you want one in your community you need to act fast.

Forward this email on to 5 of your local progressive friends and see if they want to help bring one of these great trainings to your community.

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