NEW ACQUISITION: 19th Century Slave Cabin from Point of Pines Plantation, Edisto Island, S.C.

19th Century Slave Cabin, Point of Pines

The 19th century slave cabin that was recently transferred from Edisto Island, S.C. to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture’s collection. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has acquired a slave cabin from the first half of the 19th century, currently located at Point of Pines Plantation on Edisto Island, S.C. The Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society donated it to the museum after receiving it originally from the Burnet Maybank family, the current owners of the plantation.

The one-story, rectangular, weatherboard-clad cabin was dismantled piece by piece at its original location, removed from the Point of Pines Plantation and is now being preserved. Once preservation is completed, it will be transferred to the NMAAHC collection. Smithsonian representatives were present during the deconstruction to conduct additional research on the structure and those who lived there.

The reconstructed cabin will be on view in the “Slavery and Freedom” exhibition when the museum opens in late 2015. This exhibition will focus on the crucial role slavery played in the making of America and its impact on generations of enslaved Africans and their descendants.

NEW APPS: View NMAAHC and Changing America: To Be Free

Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963

Now extended until September 7, 2014!

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in collaboration with the National Museum of American History (NMAH) is presenting an exhibition, featuring historic photographs, paintings, new film footage and objects, that explores the historical context of these two crucial events, their accomplishments and limitations, and their impact on the generations that followed.

The exhibition will be on view through Sept. 7, 2014 in NMAAHC’s temporary gallery on level two at American History, 14^th St NW and Constitution Ave NW. Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle.

For more information, visit www.nmaahc.si.edu.

While the Smithsonian’s newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is currently under construction, its building and content can be explored in the palm of a hand. The museum has unveiled two free mobile phone apps, “View NMAAHC” and “Changing America: To Be Free,” that allow the public to virtually experience the museum before its opening in 2015.

To see what the museum will look like when completed, the “View NMAAHC” augmented-reality app will give the public a peek into the future. Users who are visiting the museum’s Washington, D.C., construction site can view a three-dimensional architectural model of the building. Other immersive experiences, available to all users regardless of their location, include a 360-degree view of the museum’s site and an architectural fly through of the museum’s interiors.

For those curious about how individuals across the nation reacted to the Emancipation Proclamation, the “Changing America: To Be Free” app commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation by providing personal accounts of those who were affected by President Abraham Lincoln’s executive order. This app offers users the ability to search, sort and read personal stories from across the North, South and border states from men and women of all ages. The app is a digital component of the museum’s current exhibition, “Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and The March on Washington, 1963,” on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History until Sept. 7, 2014.

The “View NMAAHC” app is currently available for iPhone, iPad and Android and is available for download from the App Store or Google Play.

The “Changing America: To Be Free” app is available for the iPad from the App Store or Google Play, and will soon be available for iPhone and Android.

Black History

the senate Feb 9th-19th CONGRESS the house 2018

02/17/2018 Nativegrl77

Schedule for Pro Forma Sessions and Monday, February 26, 2018

February 15, 2018	Wrap Up for Thursday, February 15, 2018
February 14, 2018	Wrap Up for Wednesday, February 14, 2018
February 13, 2018	Wrap Up for Tuesday, February 13, 2018
February 12, 2018	Wrap Up for Monday, February 12, 2018
February 9, 2018	Wrap Up for Thursday, February 8, 2018

***********************************************************************

House Activity 2/19/2018

Time	Bill	Activity
9:00:05 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:32 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Bradley Byrne to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:00:39 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:01:16 A.M.		SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – Pursuant to section 4(a) of H. Res. 736, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
9:01:40 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:01:41 A.M.		The House received a communication from Philip G. Kiko, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Kiko notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for documents in a criminal case issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
9:02:41 A.M.		The House received a communication from Susan Anfinson, Financial Administrator. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Anfinson notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena for documents in a criminal case issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
9:03:03 A.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 received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 15, 2018, at 1:50 p.m.: that the Senate passed S. 2246.
9:03:10 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 4(b) of H. Res. 736. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on February 20, 2018.

House Activity 2/15/2018

9:00:07 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:17 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
9:00:37 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:01:59 A.M.		SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Byrne demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Byrne objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings until later in the legislative day.
9:03:22 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schrader to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:29 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.
9:13:35 A.M.	H.R. 620	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 736. H.R. 620 — “To amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period before the commencement of a private civil action, and for other purposes.”
9:13:40 A.M.	H.R. 620	Provides for consideration of H.R. 620 and H.R. 3978 under structured rules and H.R. 3299 under a closed rule. Each bill shall be debatable for one hour. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period of February 16, 2018 through February 23, 2018.
9:14:05 A.M.	H.R. 620	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 736 and Rule XVIII.
9:14:06 A.M.	H.R. 620	The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Chairman of the Committee.
9:15:00 A.M.	H.R. 620	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 620.
10:21:41 A.M.	H.R. 620	Mr. Goodlatte moved that the committee rise.
10:21:55 A.M.	H.R. 620	On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:22:02 A.M.	H.R. 620	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 620 as unfinished business.
10:22:37 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.
10:27:46 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 15.
10:27:48 A.M.	H.R. 620	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 620 — “To amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period before the commencement of a private civil action, and for other purposes.”
10:28:04 A.M.	H.R. 620	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
10:29:26 A.M.	H.R. 620	An amendment, offered by Mr. Denham, numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 115-559 to ensure the Department of Justice’s Disability Rights Section takes action, to the extent practicable, to make ADA compliance publications available in languages commonly used by owners and operators of U.S. businesses.
10:30:08 A.M.	H.R. 620	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Denham Part A amendment No. 1.
10:37:49 A.M.	H.R. 620	On agreeing to the Denham amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:38:04 A.M.	H.R. 620	An amendment, offered by Mr. Langevin, numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 115-559 to remove the requirement that a person who claims discrimination must first provide written notice that allows 60 days for an owner to acknowledge receipt of the complaint and 120 days to demonstrate substantial progress in removing the barrier before legal action may be pursued.
10:38:54 A.M.	H.R. 620	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin Part A amendment No. 2.
10:47:48 A.M.	H.R. 620	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Langevin amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Langevin demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:48:11 A.M.	H.R. 620	An amendment, offered by Mr. Foster, numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 115-559 to allow for punitive damages for noncompliance after the cure period.
10:48:41 A.M.	H.R. 620	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foster Part A amendment No. 3.
10:53:54 A.M.	H.R. 620	On agreeing to the Foster amendment; Failed by voice vote.
10:54:08 A.M.	H.R. 620	An amendment, offered by Ms. Speier, numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 115-559 to clarify that the defendant is still liable if the defendant fails to make substantial progress to remove the barrier.
10:54:47 A.M.	H.R. 620	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier Part A amendment No. 4.
11:01:24 A.M.	H.R. 620	On agreeing to the Speier amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:01:38 A.M.	H.R. 620	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bera, numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 115-559 to shorten the timeline from 180 to 120 total days.
11:02:05 A.M.	H.R. 620	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bera Part A amendment No. 5.
11:08:44 A.M.	H.R. 620	On agreeing to the Bera amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:08:59 A.M.	H.R. 620	An amendment, offered by Mr. Poe (TX), numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 115-559 to strike the requirement that the written notices of alleged violation include the specific sections of the ADA alleged to have been violated.
11:09:40 A.M.	H.R. 620	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Poe(TX) Part A amendment No. 6.
11:13:39 A.M.	H.R. 620	On agreeing to the Poe (TX) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:15:06 A.M.	H.R. 620	Mr. Poe (TX) moved that the committee rise.
11:15:16 A.M.	H.R. 620	On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
11:15:25 A.M.	H.R. 620	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 620 as unfinished business.
11:15:50 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.
11:20:53 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 15.
11:20:56 A.M.	H.R. 620	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 620 — “To amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period before the commencement of a private civil action, and for other purposes.”
11:21:08 A.M.	H.R. 620	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
11:21:09 A.M.	H.R. 620	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
11:47:08 A.M.	H.R. 620	On agreeing to the Langevin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 226 (Roll no. 79).
11:47:44 A.M.	H.R. 620	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 620.
11:48:08 A.M.	H.R. 620	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:50:38 A.M.	H.R. 620	The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
11:57:51 A.M.	H.R. 620	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 – 192 (Roll no. 80).
11:57:53 A.M.	H.R. 620	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:59:40 A.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and put the question de novo.
11:59:53 A.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
12:02:03 P.M.		The Chair announced, on behalf of the Speaker, Majority Leader and Minority Leader, their joint appointment, pursuant to clause 6 of rule II, and the order of the House of January 3, 2017, of Mr. Michael Ptasienski, McLean, Virginia, as Inspector General for the U.S. House of Representatives.
12:03:20 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:34:08 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
1:36:08 P.M.		Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:36:10 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:36:11 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 16, 2018.

House Activity 2/14/2018

10:00:01 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:06 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Brian K. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:26 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.
10:41:30 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.
12:00:17 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:27 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:30 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Roby to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:01:51 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.
12:19:18 P.M.	H. Res. 736	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 736 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 620) to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period before the commencement of a private civil action, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3299) to amend the Revised Statutes, the Home Owners’ Loan Act, the Federal Credit Union Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the rate of interest on certain loans remain unchanged after transfer of the loan, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3978) to amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify requirements related to mortgage disclosures, and for other purposes; and providing for proceedings during the period from February 16, 2018, through February 23, 2018.”
12:24:12 P.M.	H. Res. 736	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 736.
1:39:22 P.M.	H. Res. 736	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 187 (Roll no. 72).
1:50:12 P.M.	H. Res. 736	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 187 (Roll no. 73).
1:51:12 P.M.	H. Res. 736	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:51:49 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on motions to suspend the rules, which were debate earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
1:52:16 P.M.	H.R. 3542	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3542 — “To impose sanctions against Hamas for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights by reason of the use of civilians as human shields, and for other purposes.”
1:59:13 P.M.	H.R. 3542	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 0 (Roll no. 74).
1:59:14 P.M.	H.R. 3542	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:59:18 P.M.	H.R. 3542	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
1:59:39 P.M.	H. Res. 129	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 129 — “Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.”
2:06:16 P.M.	H. Res. 129	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 75).
2:06:20 P.M.	H. Res. 129	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
2:06:21 P.M.	H. Res. 129	Motion to reconsider laid on the table. Agreed to without objection.
2:06:23 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 103	Mr. Harper asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
2:06:30 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 103	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 103 — “Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.”
2:06:50 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 103	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:07:05 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 103	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:08:15 P.M.	H.R. 3299	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 736. H.R. 3299 — “To amend the Revised Statutes, the Home Owners’ Loan Act, the Federal Credit Union Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the rate of interest on certain loans remain unchanged after transfer of the loan, and for other purposes.”
2:08:20 P.M.	H.R. 3299	Provides for consideration of H.R. 620 and H.R. 3978 under structured rules and H.R. 3299 under a closed rule. Each bill shall be debatable for one hour. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period of February 16, 2018 through February 23, 2018.
2:08:55 P.M.	H.R. 3299	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3299.
3:12:36 P.M.	H.R. 3299	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:13:19 P.M.	H.R. 3299	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 3299, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill, and by voice vote announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hensarling demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of passage until later in the legislative day.
3:13:35 P.M.	H.R. 3978	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 736. H.R. 3978 — “To amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify requirements related to mortgage disclosures, and for other purposes.”
3:13:40 P.M.	H.R. 3978	Provides for consideration of H.R. 620 and H.R. 3978 under structured rules and H.R. 3299 under a closed rule. Each bill shall be debatable for one hour. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period of February 16, 2018 through February 23, 2018.
3:15:11 P.M.	H.R. 3978	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3978.
4:11:37 P.M.	H.R. 3978	An amendment, offered by Mr. Foster, numbered 1 printed in Part C of Report 115-559 to clarify that the requirement applies only to proprietary source code related to algorithmic trading, which contains prescriptive information.
4:11:40 P.M.	H.R. 3978	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 736, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foster amendment No. 1.
4:18:39 P.M.	H.R. 3978	The previous question was ordered on the bill and amendment pursuant to the rule.
4:18:53 P.M.	H.R. 3978	On agreeing to the Foster amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:19:26 P.M.	H.R. 3978	Mr. Capuano moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Financial Services.
4:20:53 P.M.	H.R. 3978	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order.The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back with an amendment to extend exemptions to include companies that have claw back policies that require any executive officer incentive-based compensation to be clawed-back in the event that the issuer is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the issuer with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, regardless of whether such compensation was paid to an officer who was a party to the actions that resulted in such restatement. Subsequently, the point of order was removed.
4:31:03 P.M.	H.R. 3978	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
4:57:17 P.M.	H.R. 3978	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 – 228 (Roll no. 76).
5:05:08 P.M.	H.R. 3978	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 271 – 145 (Roll no. 77).
5:05:10 P.M.	H.R. 3978	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:05:12 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on passage of H.R. 3299, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:05:44 P.M.	H.R. 3299	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3299 — “To amend the Revised Statutes, the Home Owners’ Loan Act, the Federal Credit Union Act, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the rate of interest on certain loans remain unchanged after transfer of the loan, and for other purposes.”
5:13:39 P.M.	H.R. 3299	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 – 171 (Roll no. 78).
5:13:41 P.M.	H.R. 3299	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:13:53 P.M.		Mr. Fitzpatrick asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on February 15. Agreed to without objection.
5:14:42 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:31:50 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:20:00 P.M.		Mr. Green, Al moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:20:08 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:20:09 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 15, 2018.

House Activity 2/13/2018

12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:16 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Mark Meadows to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:00 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:09:55 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:20 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 13.
2:00:22 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:14 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:16 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schneider to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:01:47 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:08:06 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 Deputy Clerk notifed the House that he received a sealed envelope from the White House on February 9, 2018 at 10:19 a.m., said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to Libya.
2:08:09 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect of Libya is in effect beyond February 25, 2018. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 115-93).
2:10:33 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 Deputy Clerk notified the House that he received a sealed envelope from the White House on February 9, 2018 at 10:20 a.m., said to contain a message from the President whereby he submitted designations under the Balanced and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
2:10:43 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice designating as emergency requirements all funding (including the transfer of funds) pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency deficit Control Act of 1985 – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 115-94).
2:10:56 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 sealed envelope from the White House on February 12, 2018, at 3:28 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President on his Fiscal Year 2019 Budget, Efficient, Effective, Accountable- An American Budget.
2:16:31 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting hard copy volumes of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 115-88).
2:20:32 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:30 P.M. today.
3:30:57 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 13.
3:31:02 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
3:31:20 P.M.	H.R. 4533	Mr. Roe (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4533— “To designate the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, Kentucky, as the “Lexington VA Health Care System” and to make certain other designations.”
3:31:29 P.M.	H.R. 4533	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:31:30 P.M.	H.R. 4533	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4533.
3:46:04 P.M.	H.R. 4533	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.
3:47:16 P.M.	H.R. 3542	Mr. Wilson (SC) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3542 — “To impose sanctions against Hamas for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights by reason of the use of civilians as human shields, and for other purposes.”
3:47:26 P.M.	H.R. 3542	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:47:27 P.M.	H.R. 3542	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3542.
4:06:19 P.M.	H.R. 3542	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.
4:06:27 P.M.	H. Res. 129	Mr. Wilson (SC) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 129 — “Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.”
4:06:39 P.M.	H. Res. 129	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:06:40 P.M.	H. Res. 129	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 129.
4:28:55 P.M.	H. Res. 129	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.
4:30:28 P.M.	H.R. 4675	Mr. Marshall moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4675— “To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide for a low-dose radiation basic research program.”
4:30:39 P.M.	H.R. 4675	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:30:40 P.M.	H.R. 4675	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4675.
4:42:38 P.M.	H.R. 4675	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:42:40 P.M.	H.R. 4675	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:43:14 P.M.	H.R. 4377	Mr. Hultgren moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4377— “To direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out an upgrade to research equipment and construct research user facilities, and for other purposes.”
4:43:24 P.M.	H.R. 4377	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:43:26 P.M.	H.R. 4377	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4377.
4:56:42 P.M.	H.R. 4377	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:56:44 P.M.	H.R. 4377	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:56:46 P.M.	H.R. 4377	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:57:10 P.M.	H.R. 4378	Mr. Weber (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4378 — “To direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out the construction of a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, and for other purposes.”
4:57:18 P.M.	H.R. 4378	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:57:19 P.M.	H.R. 4378	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4378.
5:09:22 P.M.	H.R. 4378	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:09:24 P.M.	H.R. 4378	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:10:05 P.M.	H.R. 4376	Mr. Weber (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4376 — “To direct the Secretary of Energy to carry out certain upgrades to research equipment and the construction of a research user facility, and for other purposes.”
5:10:24 P.M.	H.R. 4376	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:10:25 P.M.	H.R. 4376	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4376.
5:20:04 P.M.	H.R. 4376	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:20:06 P.M.	H.R. 4376	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:20:43 P.M.	H.R. 3397	Mr. Knight moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3397 — “To direct the National Science Foundation to support STEM education research focused on early childhood.”
5:20:54 P.M.	H.R. 3397	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:20:56 P.M.	H.R. 3397	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3397.
5:37:42 P.M.	H.R. 3397	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:37:44 P.M.	H.R. 3397	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:38:16 P.M.	H.R. 4979	Mr. Reichert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4979— “To extend the Generalized System of Preferences and to make technical changes to the competitive need limitations provision of the program.”
5:38:37 P.M.	H.R. 4979	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:38:39 P.M.	H.R. 4979	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4979.
6:00:10 P.M.	H.R. 4979	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.
6:01:15 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on February 12, 2018, at 3:28 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President on his framework for rebuilding infrastructure in America.
6:03:49 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a message containing the framework for rebuilding infrastructure in America – referred to the Committees on Agriculture, Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, Natural Resources, Oversight and Government Reform, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans’ Affairs, and Ways and Means and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 115-95).
6:03:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m. today.
6:30:07 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 13.
6:30:09 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on motions to suspend the rules, which were debate earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:06 P.M.	H.R. 4533	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4533 — “To designate the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lexington, Kentucky, as the “Lexington VA Health Care System” and to make certain other designations.”
6:55:46 P.M.	H.R. 4533	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 70).
6:55:47 P.M.	H.R. 4533	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:55:57 P.M.	H.R. 4979	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4979 — “To extend the Generalized System of Preferences and to make technical changes to the competitive need limitations provision of the program.”
7:05:00 P.M.	H.R. 4979	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 – 2 (Roll no. 71).
7:05:01 P.M.	H.R. 4979	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:05:23 P.M.		Mr. Burgess filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 736.
7:07:18 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:30:57 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:02:43 P.M.		Mr. Walden moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:02:55 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:02:56 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 14, 2018.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

“Anglo-American Heritage”

02/16/2018 Nativegrl77

Clarise McCants, Color Of Change

Jeff Sessions doesn’t even care if he looks racist anymore–he has to go.

Yesterday, he gave a speech at the National Sheriffs Association winter meeting– and once again his words were racist and disturbing. During the speech he proudly praised the work of law enforcement saying, “The office of sheriff is a critical part of the Anglo-American heritage of law enforcement.”¹ Yes, he really said that–affirming the role law enforcement has played in upholding white supremacy since the era of slave patrols.

This bold and overt racism should not be ignored or dismissed–because Sessions has the power of the entire federal law enforcement body to back up his remarks. In the past year that he’s been appointed as Attorney General, Sessions has completely destroyed all progress made through the Justice Department. However, he is only able to hold such power because he has a law license. Sessions would not have his job if the Alabama State Bar revoked his license to practice.

That’s why over 60,000 Color of Change members have signed the petition demanding the Alabama State Bar revoke Jeff Sessions’ right to practice law. Carmen, your name is missing. Will you sign today?

Until justice is real,

Clarise and the rest of the Color of Change team

P.S. Check out the original email we sent:

References

1. “Sessions invokes ‘Anglo-American heritage’ of sheriff’s office,” CNN News, 02-12-2018 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/19627?t=6&akid=9132%2E1174326%2E_RT4AH

Jeff Sessions is not fit to be Attorney General, and with his racist ideology, he has no place to in the country to serve justice.

Alabama State Bar must take away Jeff Sessions’ license to practice law.

TAKE ACTION!

Jeff Sessions is a liar, a racist, and a white supremacist. Last week, Sessions testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and one thing is clear — enough is enough. Sessions’ entire political career has been to undo major progress hard fought and won from decades-long work by Black people and communities of color. And he continues to spread so many untruths just to maintain power that keeps him in close proximity to the ugliest and most dangerous White House administration. Sessions does not represent and never will represent any symbol of fairness and justice.

Jeff Sessions holds a prominent law license from the state of Alabama that gives him the power to be Attorney General. He should not be the Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice and he has no place in this country to practice law.It is long overdue to finally shut down his power and access as well as stop the harm that he continues to inflict. And the way we’re going to do it is by getting him disbarred from the Alabama State Bar. Bar associations are responsible for issuing licenses for lawyers to practice but just as importantly ensuring that the integrity of how lawyers use their role is upheld.

The Alabama State Bar should not allow Jeff Sessions to keep a license to practice law. He is dishonest and corrupt. It’s time to disbar him today.

Jeff Sessions has spearheaded Trump’s entire Law and Order agenda. As Attorney General, Sessions has built a false, racist narrative that crime has exponentially increased across the U.S. Right after being sworn in as Attorney General, Sessions said national crime rates were the highest they’d ever been–but it was a lie. According to FBI data, the national rate was decreasing.¹ Sessions is following the eerie and distorted words of Trump who said, “In many of our biggest cities, 2016 brought an increase in the number of homicides, rapes, assaults, and shootings.”² This in and of itself is a violation of the Alabama Bar Code of Ethics — Sessions is actively engaging in dishonesty as a chief law enforcer. This ignites fears and sets up a big platform for ruthless policies that directly impact Black people and many other marginalized groups.

This white supremacist narrative of Black people and immigrants as violent and dangerous has led to extreme changes and further violates another ethics code of being prejudice and bias. Sessions was determined to bring back the war on Black people by restarting the “War on Drugs.” This includes pushing prosecutors to issue the most severe punishment against people who commit drug offenses, giving local police departments more power to arrest and surveil with access to militarized equipment. He’s against any form of police accountability and has eliminated consent decrees. Sessions even went after Sanctuary cities by threatening to withhold federal funding for refusing to comply with harsh immigration laws. And Jeff Sessions reversed the ban on federal private prisons. Sessions said, “the ban on private prisons hurt the prison system’s ability to meet the future needs for housing.”³ This, of course, is all code for locking up more people for profit. This list goes on and on, and it will continue as long as Sessions has the power to keep his license.

Jeff Sessions does not represent the people. His job is to only target and criminalize our people. Alabama State Bar must take away his license now.

We already know who Jeff Sessions is. It is not just lies — but he is unapologetic in wanting to dismantle democracy and destroy the rights of all our communities. Plain and simple he is a White man with a lot of privilege and power he doesn’t deserve. He is incapable of upholding the integrity of his position in the U.S. Department of Justice. Jeff Sessions has abused his power long enough.

Sign the petition.

Until justice is real,

Scott, Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Anay, Clarise, Enchanta, Malaya, Kristen, Katrese, and the rest of the Color Of Change team

References:

1. “The ACLU says Trump’s executive order on crime aims to “stop national trends that don’t exist”,” Quartz, 02-09-2017 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/9697?t=13&akid=9132%2E1174326%2E_RT4AH

2. “Sessions calls rise in crime a ‘dangerous permanent trend,’ but FBI data shows rate consistently falling,” Yahoo News, 02-09-2017 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/9698?t=15&akid=9132%2E1174326%2E_RT4AH

3. “Justice Department Keeps For-Profit Prisons, Scrapping an Obama Plan,” New York Times, 02-23-2016 https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7973?t=17&akid=9132%2E1174326%2E_RT4AH

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Separate but Equal ?

02/15/2018 Nativegrl77

” O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath ~
America will be! “

From: Let America Be America Again

by Langston Hughes

[banner]

Separate Is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education marked a turning point in the history of race relations in the United States. On May 17, 1954, the Court stripped away constitutional sanctions for segregation by race, and made equal opportunity in education the law of the land.

Brown v. Board of Education reached the Supreme Court through the fearless efforts of lawyers, community activists, parents, and students. Their struggle to fulfill the American dream set in motion sweeping changes in American society, and redefined the nation’s ideals.

The end of the Civil War had promised racial equality, but by 1900 new laws and old customs created a segregated society that condemned Americans of color to second-class citizenship.

As African Americans and other minority groups began the struggle for civil rights, they strengthened their own schools and fought against segregated education.

Beginning in the 1930s, African American lawyers from Howard University law school and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People campaigned to dismantle constitutionally-sanctioned segregation.

In the early 1950s, African Americans from five different communities across the country bravely turned to the courts to demand better educational opportunities for their children.

In 1954, under the leadership of Chief Justice Earl Warren, the Supreme Court produced a unanimous decision to overturn Plessy vs. Ferguson and changed the course of American history.

Today, thanks in part to the victorious struggle in the Brown case, most Americans believe that a racially integrated, ethnically diverse society and educational system is a worthy goal, though they may disagree deeply about how to achieve it.

From: http://americanhistory.si.edu

—

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BossFeed Briefing from Working Washington

02/15/2018 Nativegrl77

We are Working Washington

BossFeed Briefing for February 12, 2018. Last Monday, a longtime New York City livery driver killed himself in front of City Hall, leaving a suicide note which detailed the growing difficulty of making a living in his line of work. Last Wednesday, a powerful German industrial union won the right to a 28-hour workweek. Today is the 50th anniversary of the first day of the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, where the iconic “I AM A MAN” picket signs were first seen. And Wednesday is Valentine’s Day, in honor of which huge numbers of cut flowers are flown in from South America.

So sue me

Three things to know this week:

A new study looked at the economic impact of 137 different minimum wage increases across the country and found that higher wages do not cause any job losses of any kind. This confirms the sense of everybody who lives in Seattle, works in Seattle, or has traveled through the city in the past several years: higher wages and economic growth go together.

thermometer Washington state’s sick time law took effect on January 1st, which means about 1 million people should now be seeing paid sick time accrue on their pay stubs for the first time. We put together a sick time check-up where you can answer a few quick questions to make sure your employer is fulfilling their obligations and you’re getting the rights you deserve.

money baag The city of Stockton, California is conducting one of the first municipal experiments with basic income in the United States. The city will provide $500/month in unrestricted income to 100 residents, and then measure the results over 12 – 18 months.

Two things to ask:

Surely, they can’t be serious? The industry lobby group for Alaska Airlines & friends filed suit against the state of Washington, arguing that our sick days law shouldn’t apply to them because it’s too much of a burden on multi-billion-dollar companies to keep track of 6.5 sick days a year. Working Washington responded in the local news, national news, and on TV.

What will the Senate do? The Washington State House has followed the example of Spokane, Seattle, and many other jurisdictions across the country by voting to “ban the box.” The fair chance employment act, which would stop employers from preemptively rejecting applicants based solely on a criminal record, now heads to the State Senate.

And one thing that’s worth a closer look:

rocket Regardless of your take on Elon Musk’s various enterprises, it’s quite obvious that a successful rocket launch requires the technical expertise and other contributions of thousands of people. And yet Musk is a primary example of something that happens quite often in popular writing, where the achievements of successful companies are attributed to the singular genius of a founding CEO. Evaporating the work of the people who do the work has political consequences, and a different way of writing about rich people and their hobbies can have a radically different impact, as explored in Donald Borenstein’s pointed Style Guide for Writing About the Rich. Take a closer look at Borenstein’s piece to explore what it means when so many writers spend so much time and effort going out of their way to praise the rich — and what it might look like if journalists treated the ultra-wealthy with a different attitude.