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the senate October 2nd-4th **CONGRESS** 2017 the house


Wrap Up 10/4/2017 Roll Call Votes Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #112, Eric D. Hargan, to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services; invoked: 57-38. Confirmation of Eric D. Hargan to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services; confirmed: 57-38. Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #301, Randal Quarles, to be a Member…

Wrap Up 10/3/2017  No Roll Call Votes   No Legislative Business   Executive Business Confirmed the following nominations:   DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Executive Calendar #351 Halsey B. Frank – to be United States Attorney for the District of Maine for the term of four years Executive Calendar #352 D. Michael Hurst, Jr. – to be United States Attorney…

Wrap Up 10/2/2017 Roll Call Votes Confirmation of Executive Calendar #251, Ajit Varadaraj Pai, of Kansas, to be a member of the Federal Communications Commission; confirmed: 52-41   Legislative Business Passed H.R.1616: Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act of 2017, with Cornyn substitute amendment.   Passed Calendar #224, S.396: Marine Fish Conservation Statues.   Completed the…

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Last Floor Action:
9:57:12 P.M. – The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 5, 2017.

House Activity 10/4/2017

10:00:03 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:15 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Woodall to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:41 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.
11:07:49 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:10 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 4.
12:00:14 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Imam Abdullah Antepli, Duke University, Durham, NC
12:02:23 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:26 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Katko to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:05:02 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:32:00 P.M. H. Res. 553 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 553 — “Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.”
12:34:50 P.M. H. Res. 553 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 553.
1:52:40 P.M. H. Res. 553 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 189 (Roll no. 551).
2:00:42 P.M. H. Res. 553 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 188 (Roll no. 552).
2:00:44 P.M. H. Res. 553 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:01:17 P.M. Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children – Pursuant to section 3 of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act (Public Law 114-244), the Democratic Leader appointed Dr. Dolores Subia BigFoot of Norman, Oklahoma.
2:02:28 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 553. H. Con. Res. 71 — “Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.”
2:02:33 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Rule provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 71 with 4 hours of general debate. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
2:02:44 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 553 and Rule XVIII.
2:02:45 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 The Speaker designated the Honorable Doug Lamborn to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:03:31 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with four hours of general debate on H. Con. Res. 71.
6:04:20 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Grijalva, numbered 1 printed in House Report 115-339 and offered as the Progressive Caucus proposal
6:06:02 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 533, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 mintues of debate on the Grijalva amendment in the nature of a substitute.
6:41:31 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grijalva substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grijalva demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:42:09 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Scott (VA), numbered 2 printed in House Report 115-339 and offered as the Congressional Black Caucus proposal.
6:42:47 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 553, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment in the nature of a substitute.
7:17:15 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Scott (VA) substitute amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Scott (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:17:43 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Mr. Ferguson moved that the Committee now rise.
7:18:00 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
7:18:10 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H. Con. Res. 71 as unfinished business.
7:18:32 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
8:45:28 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 4.
8:45:36 P.M. Mr. Womack asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on October 5. Agreed to without objection.
8:46:00 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 71 — “Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027.”
8:46:17 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:11:43 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 On agreeing to the Grijalva amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 108 – 314 (Roll no. 553).
9:18:44 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 On agreeing to the Scott (VA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 130 – 292 (Roll no. 554).
9:18:55 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Mr. MacArthur moved moved that the committee rise.
9:19:09 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 On motion moved that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
9:19:21 P.M. H. Con. Res. 71 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H. Con. Res. 71 as unfinished business.
9:21:10 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
9:30:54 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:57:04 P.M. Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:57:11 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:57:12 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on October 5, 2017.

House Activity 10/3/2017

10:00:01 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:10 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:36 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.
11:07:50 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:01 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 3.
12:00:15 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Pastor Kevin McKee, Chapel on the Campus, Baton Rouge, LA.
12:01:34 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:35 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kennedy to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:01:59 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.
12:32:44 P.M. H. Res. 548 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 548 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 36) to amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children, and for other purposes.”
12:33:32 P.M. H. Res. 548 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 548.
1:54:04 P.M. H. Res. 548 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 184 (Roll no. 546).
2:00:38 P.M. H. Res. 548 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 187 (Roll no. 547).
2:00:39 P.M. H. Res. 548 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:04:19 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:04:24 P.M. S. 652 Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 652 — “To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, and young children.”
2:04:38 P.M. S. 652 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:04:39 P.M. S. 652 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 652.
2:20:44 P.M. S. 652 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:20:46 P.M. S. 652 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:21:11 P.M. H.R. 2408 Mr. Royce (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2408 — “To enhance the transparency, improve the coordination, and intensify the impact of assistance to support access to primary and secondary education for displaced children and persons, including women and girls, and for other purposes.”
2:21:25 P.M. H.R. 2408 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:21:28 P.M. H.R. 2408 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2408.
2:42:39 P.M. H.R. 2408 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:42:41 P.M. H.R. 2408 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:42:49 P.M. H.R. 1918 Mr. Royce (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1918 — “To oppose loans at international financial institutions for the Government of Nicaragua unless the Government of Nicaragua is taking effective steps to hold free, fair, and transparent elections, and for other purposes.”
2:42:59 P.M. H.R. 1918 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:43:01 P.M. H.R. 1918 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1918.
3:05:41 P.M. H.R. 1918 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:05:43 P.M. H.R. 1918 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:05:54 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 received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on October 3, 2017 at 9:28 a.m.: that the Senate passed S. 396; and that the Senate passed H.R. 1616 with an amendment.
3:06:39 P.M. H.R. 1624 Mr. Huizenga moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1624— “To require the appropriate Federal banking agencies to treat certain municipal obligations as level 2A liquid assets, and for other purposes.”
3:07:22 P.M. H.R. 1624 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:07:23 P.M. H.R. 1624 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1624.
3:22:17 P.M. H.R. 1624 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:22:27 P.M. H.R. 1624 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:22:31 P.M. H.R. 1624 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
3:23:25 P.M. S. 782 Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. S. 782 — “To reauthorize the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, and for other purposes.”
3:23:37 P.M. S. 782 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:23:39 P.M. S. 782 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 782.
3:46:43 P.M. S. 782 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.
3:47:14 P.M. S. 178 Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 178 — “To prevent elder abuse and exploitation and improve the justice system’s response to victims in elder abuse and exploitation cases.”
3:47:28 P.M. S. 178 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:47:29 P.M. S. 178 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 178.
3:56:31 P.M. S. 178 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:56:32 P.M. S. 178 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:57:31 P.M. H.R. 36 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 548. H.R. 36 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children, and for other purposes.”
3:57:36 P.M. H.R. 36 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 36 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
3:58:04 P.M. H.R. 36 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 36.
5:22:20 P.M. H.R. 36 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:22:45 P.M. H.R. 36 Ms. Brownley (CA) moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on the Judiciary.
5:23:03 P.M. H.R. 36 Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Brownley (CA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion to seek the require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add the word health throughout section 3 pertaining to the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection.
5:32:16 P.M. H.R. 36 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:56:09 P.M. H.R. 36 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 187 – 238 (Roll no. 548).
6:03:24 P.M. H.R. 36 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 237 – 189 (Roll no. 549).
6:03:26 P.M. H.R. 36 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:03:27 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on the motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 782, as amended which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:03:41 P.M. S. 782 Considered as unfinished business. S. 782 — “To reauthorize the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, and for other purposes.”
6:10:53 P.M. S. 782 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 – 3 (Roll no. 550).
6:10:54 P.M. S. 782 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:11:18 P.M. Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 553.
6:13:14 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:26:16 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:28:20 P.M. Mr. Thompson (MS) moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:28:22 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:28:25 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 4, 2017.

House Activity 10/2/2017

12:00:02 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:12 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Bradley Byrne to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:32 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.
12:02:50 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:03 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 2.
2:00:06 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:37 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:39 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:07 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:03:31 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 received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 29, 2017, at 9:53 a.m.: that the Senate passed S. 770 and H.R. 2519.
2:05:43 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 5:00 P.M. today.
5:00:59 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 2.
5:01:35 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:02:01 P.M. H.R. 2316 Mr. Thompson (PA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2316 — “To amend the Mineral Leasing Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to repeal provisions relating only to the Allegheny National Forest.”
5:02:12 P.M. H.R. 2316 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:02:13 P.M. H.R. 2316 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2316.
5:06:57 P.M. H.R. 2316 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:07:00 P.M. H.R. 2316 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:07:01 P.M. H.R. 1547 Mr. Thompson (PA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1547 — “To provide for the unencumbering of title to non-Federal land owned by the city of Tucson, Arizona, for purposes of economic development by conveyance of the Federal reversionary interest to the City.”
5:07:29 P.M. H.R. 1547 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:07:31 P.M. H.R. 1547 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1547.
5:14:25 P.M. H.R. 1547 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.
5:15:00 P.M. H.R. 965 Mr. Thompson (PA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 965 — “To redesignate the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site as the “Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park”, and for other purposes.”
5:15:06 P.M. H.R. 965 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:15:07 P.M. H.R. 965 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 965.
5:24:48 P.M. H.R. 965 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.
5:25:28 P.M. H.R. 2582 Mr. Thompson (PA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2582 — “To authorize the State of Utah to select certain lands that are available for disposal under the Pony Express Resource Management Plan to be used for the support and benefit of State institutions, and for other purposes.”
5:25:45 P.M. H.R. 2582 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:25:46 P.M. H.R. 2582 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2582.
5:32:13 P.M. H.R. 2582 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:32:14 P.M. H.R. 2582 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:32:34 P.M. H.R. 2937 Mr. Thompson (PA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2937 — “To amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize partnerships between States and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining activities before August 3, 1977, and for other purposes.”
5:32:46 P.M. H.R. 2937 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:32:48 P.M. H.R. 2937 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2937.
5:39:35 P.M. H.R. 2937 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:39:39 P.M. H.R. 2937 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:40:19 P.M. H.R. 289 Mr. LaMalfa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 289 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to issue permits for recreation services on lands managed by Federal agencies, and for other purposes.”
5:40:29 P.M. H.R. 289 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:40:30 P.M. H.R. 289 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 289.
5:51:37 P.M. H.R. 289 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:51:40 P.M. H.R. 289 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:51:52 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:03 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 2.
6:30:15 P.M. Ms. Cheney filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 548.
6:30:38 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adopiton of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:35 P.M. H.R. 1547 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1547 — “To provide for the unencumbering of title to non-Federal land owned by the city of Tucson, Arizona, for purposes of economic development by conveyance of the Federal reversionary interest to the City.”
6:52:42 P.M. H.R. 1547 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 0 (Roll no. 544).
6:52:43 P.M. H.R. 1547 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:53:00 P.M. MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the attack in Las Vegas, NV.
6:54:03 P.M. H.R. 965 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 965 — “To redesignate the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site as the “Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park”, and for other purposes.”
7:01:19 P.M. H.R. 965 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 0 (Roll no. 545).
7:01:21 P.M. H.R. 965 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:03:30 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:28:28 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:38:51 P.M. Social Security Advisory Board – Pursuant to section 703 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 903), and the order of the House of January 3, 2017, the Speaker appointed Ms. Nancy Altman, Bethesda, MD.
9:39:30 P.M. Mr. Rutherford moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:39:31 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:39:33 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 3, 2017.
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sooner or later ~ BossFeed Briefing from Working Washington


We are Working Washington

BossFeed Briefing for October 2, 2017. Last Monday, temporary Seattle Mayor Tim Burgess announced a proposal for the city to set up retirement accounts for people whose employers don’t offer them. Last Thursday, the US Supreme Court announced it would hear Janus v. AFSCME, a test case pushed by extreme right-wing groups that could undermine many labor unions. And last Friday, Tom Price resigned as Secretary of Health & Human Services after it was revealed he had already spent $1 million of public money on government and private jets.

Sooner or later 

target strike
May 2014: Target workers in downtown Seattle strike for $15. 

Three things to know this week:

fist Target Corporation announced they’re raising their internal store minimum wage to $15/hour by 2020. Target workers in downtown Seattle walked out on strike in 2014, helping lead the way to the city’s first-in-the-nation $15/hour minimum wage law.

levitatingThe CEO of Equifax lost his job under mounting pressure over the data security disaster at the credit bureau, which stockpiles huge amounts of personal financial information on most Americans. Because the company opted to called the CEO’s departure a resignation, he still has a $90 million payday coming to him.

scales TGI Friday’s has settled a massive wage theft complaint, paying $19 million to address violations affecting tens of thousands of workers. It’s the largest such settlement on record, but it may still be a bargain: the total value of unpaid wages could be more than four times the amount of the settlement.

 

Two things to ask:

door What if campaigns don’t matter? New academic research suggests that mailers and ads and GOTV doorknocks and other direct voter contact by political campaigns have pretty much zero effect on voter behavior. Clearly people’s minds can and do change over time, and the balance of opinion on different issues can and does shift; but it seems these things typically happen in parallel to campaign contacts, not because of them.

raising hand Did someone ask him? Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is yet again managing to get political writers to speculate about the possibility he might run for President. These writers are the only visible base of support signaling any interest in such a run.

 

And one thing that’s worth a closer look:

bunny ears While Washington State long ago eliminated the subminimum wage for tipped workers, most states allow employers to pay servers as little as $2.13/hour, and industry lobby groups sporadically make efforts to bring it back here, too. In a new piece in The Guardian, Rose Hackman weaves together the voices of a range of servers for a good refresher on why this issue matters so much. Tipped workers are mostly women, they’re twice as likely to be living in poverty than other workers, and they’re exposed to extraordinary rates of sexual harassment from customers and managers. Subminimum base wages reduce servers’ ability to confront this harassment; as one put it, “We have to jeopardize our integrity on a daily basis to pay rent.”

 

Read this far?

tophat Consider yourself briefed, boss.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Automakers and President Trump would have you to pay more at the pump: Help us fight back!


UCS - Science for a healthy planet and safer world

Who benefits from strong fuel efficiency standards?

Everyone! Especially low- to middle-income drivers and rural drivers. Higher EPA standards give us cars that go further on a gallon of gas, and save us money on our commutes every day. Tell the EPA today: we want to keep our fuel savings.

ACTION ALERT
Tell the Trump Administration: Don’t Gut the Clean Car Standards

At the industry’s request, President Trump is trying to weaken vehicle emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) so automakers can slow down the progress toward making more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. These standards are the single biggest step our country has taken to cut oil use and global warming pollution.

Tell the EPA we want to keep the emissions standards strong!

These standards are not just about reducing oil use and pollution, they’re great for consumers too, already saving more than $47 billion at the pump.In fact, two particular groups benefit the most from these standards: low- to middle-income drivers and rural drivers.

Low- to middle-income drivers tend to spend a larger portion of their paychecks on transportation. Luckily, steady improvements in fuel efficiency have already saved the average middle-income household as much as $17,000 from 1980 to 2014. Strong standards also benefit rural drivers more because they are particularly dependent on personal vehicles, usually having to travel farther to get to work while having less access to public transportation. If we want to protect the most vulnerable American families, we have to make sure the EPA keeps car companies working in their best interests.

The public comment period on reopening these standards ends on October 5—send your comment in today!

If the federal fuel efficiency and global warming emissions standards are kept strong, we will nearly double the fuel economy of new cars and light trucks by 2025. And most people finance their vehicles, so even after accounting for the slight extra cost of new technology, more fuel-efficient cars and trucks start saving drivers money the second they drive off the lot.

Thanks to UCS supporters like you, we already have 20,000 public comments urging the EPA to keep the current clean car standards. Add your voice today and help us reach our goal of 30,000!

Take Action

Sincerely,
Eleanor Fort
Eleanor Fort
Vehicles Campaign Manager
Clean Vehicles Program
Union of Concerned Scientists
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

My son’s racist neighbor killed him


Mother of the Movement, Cecilia Shepard just started a petition demanding Florida State Attorney Melissa Nelson bring charges against Michael Centanni for the death of her 22-year-old son Keegan Von Roberts.

Keegan’s family deserves a due process to ensure accountability for his death.
Justice For Keegan

 

Here’s why this is important:

My 22-year-old son Keegan Von Roberts was murdered by our racist neighbor, Michael Centanni, three months ago and the police have done nothing.

We need your help to bring forth charges.

Michael, an aspiring police officer, deliberately left his home on July 20, 2017, to taunt and harm my son. But the police are refusing to make an arrest and no charges have been filed. The investigation into Keegan’s death is entering into the third month and we still have no answers and no justice. Keegan’s father, wife, daughter, and I have been working tirelessly with the father of Jordan Davis, Jacksonville Community Action Committee, and other local groups to organize community vigils, rallies, and meetings with Florida State Attorney Melissa Nelson calling for transparency and accountability. But our cries are ignored. We need your help to amplify our demand!

Carmen, tell Florida State Attorney Melissa Nelson to bring charges against Michael Centanni for the death of 22-year-old Keegan Von Roberts.

Michael Centanni is modern-day George Zimmerman. Before shooting my son to death, Michael routinely instigated arguments with Keegan and his wife, who was pregnant at the time. He even touted himself as the neighborhood patrol, branding a gun and mimicked the same over policing tactics cops use to profile and terrorize low-income Black communities. My son would get upset by Michael’s constant harassment, but Keegan’s calm demeanor usually allowed him to avoid escalating conflict. But on July 20, Michael amped up his aggression and it left my newlywed son murdered at his pregnant wife’s feet in their own front yard.

Now, the Jacksonville police refuse to make an arrest or execute a proper investigation on a man they see as potentially one of them. Even FL State Attorney Melissa Nelson, who is also known for protecting police over people, is refusing to press charges without providing us a rational explanation. Our family and community deserve a due process to ensure accountability for Keegan’s death. Y’naile, my son’s daughter, is his strongest advocate. She dreams of the day her daddy will get justice, and Melissa Nelson can make her dream a reality once she stops lollygagging and does her job! 

Join me to demand Michael Centanni receive charges for the murder of Y’naile’s father, Keegan Von Roberts.

Sincerely,

Cecilia ‘Sassi’ Sheperad, Mother of Keegan Von Roberts
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ever work for an app? ever used one?


We are Working Washington

Dear Friends,

Have you ever ordered from an on-demand app like Postmates or Doordash? Used Rover or Amazon Prime Now? Taken an Uber or Lyft?

Ever worked for one of these apps?

Take our survey and let us know about the good, the bad, and the ugly of working & shopping in this fast-growing sector of the economy!

Here’s the deal: billions of dollars are pouring into the gig economy. Workers and consumers love the flexibility & opportunity these apps offer. But many of the apps choose to classify workers as “independent contractors” in order to artificially lower their costs by dodging their basic responsibilities.

If you’re classified as an independent contractor, you don’t get workers’ comp if you’re injured on the job. You can’t collect unemployment if you’re “deactivated” by the app. You aren’t reimbursed for your mileage. You don’t qualify for employer-based benefits like healthcare and retirement. And you aren’t even covered by the minimum wage.

Sign on if you agree: People who work in the gig economy deserve the same basic rights & benefits every worker needs!

Then, take our survey so we can hear more from workers and consumers about what’s happening right now in WA’s gig economy — and how we can change it for the better.

Thanks for your help!
– Working Washington

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