Tag Archives: Barack Obama

weekend review &some News


Sunday Buzzzzz … A good day to reach for the sky while breathing deeply through your nose then slowly exhale through your mouth while slowly lowering your arms, head, shoulders, chest and waist  bend knees -repeat when needed …

Tired of “the media” BS yet? and can i just say the only grown-ups on the floor of Congress on Saturday were from the Democratic party but hey that is just my opinion.  In his latest commentary, Bloomberg states the President needs better advisors even though President Obama has kept more than half of his campaign promises made to the 53% that voted for him in 2008. I wonder if that information has been readily available in your State.I would like to thank our President for doing such a great job despite the 24/7 News cycle bashing him and the obstructionist called the Republican Tea Party. I would ask our President to keep his campaign promises and heed this alert: the Low Information Voters are not tuning in or paying attention so get out there because according to reports they made up 10% of those that decided to lean right. I say folks have to remember that President Obama does not make, create or pass legislation into laws, our Congress does so all complaints about bills not getting on the floor of Congress should be directed at Republican Tea Partiers who have held most if not all of them up or blocked, stalled and just said no to.

FYI President Obama signs major trade pact agreement with S.Korea -which is a big deal though “The Media” has chosen to ignore it as well as signing the bill to avert a government shut-down.

Today I got up early to see the Bush tax giveaways also called procedural votes on the Senate floor and was quite sad but of course, the media predicted the defeat before hand and unfortunately, they were correct. The point was to get it on the record while showing Americans just what and who they voted for in the Mid-term elections. It is a sad day to realize that a Political Party would put their ideology above the needs of their fellow Americans but the Republican Tea Party did without flinching, thinking of their constituents I guess and all for the love of money. The Bush Tax Cuts of 2001&2003 were given, scheduled to expire 12/31/10 and unpaid for a long with the two wars waged which cost Americans trillions of our money. The fact is the tax cuts, 2Wars, Wall Street bets, AIG insurance selling banking products as well as too much deregulation sent our economy over the cliff -sigh

In great news, The President secured a trade agreement with S.Korea that all Americans should be proud of though if you listen to the News that trade agreement is not as important at least not to “the media” as the defeat or votes against the Obama Administration coming from the cables. Is it just me or does anyone else feel like it is un-American to see so many in the news waiting to report a defeat or any other negative item regarding President Obama. In a time when things are so tough and a large number of voters leaned left we all see the Republican Tea Party gain strength tell the public lies and now the joke is on all of us. They say their focus is on Jobs, economy and doing the work of the People yet RTP continue to vote against UI stating people on UI do not look for jobs. I have to say every time one of them makes a statement that is obviously negative I wonder where the outrage is. I wonder what will be enough BS in order for people to March on DC the reports are that there are five people applying for one job and while members of RTP Congress have jobs it is clear they are all out of touch, engage in elitist behavior and decided a long time ago that not only would they refuse to cooperate with the First Black President they will do whatever is necessary to bring him down even if it means taking us all down and today provided an insight to the horrible people that obviously fooled Americans into voting for them on Nov.2 and that is quite sad.

So, it’s Friday and very cold but we def are not snowbound like the east coast …a lot has happened and it’s only 10am here in the 206. I am hoping the President’s trip goes well and is def a safe one. The debating and or voting going on in Congress today will continue into the weekend and it has my blood boiling. Hopefully, our Democratic Party will hold firm and show Americans the truth of how the Republican Tea Party just is not who the claim to be as shown to us all with the letter stating they will not cooperate unless they get their Bush tax giveaways. If nothing else this should be the evidence Americans need to show they had no intention of focusing on jobs our economy or doing the peoples business. The last two years the focus has been on obstruction, ruining the governing party and President Obama. The jobs numbers tell me that Corporate America has a long and complicit relationship with the Republican Tea Party that is long, deep, probably cannot be broken and or completely be reformed unless and until ALL Americans see the trouble the Republican Tea Party will be and put the Democratic Party back in control…in both Chambers of Congress.

This week the lame duck session restarted on a positive note with a vote of 73-25 passing the Food Safety Bill that will when put into implementation keep most Americans Safe. Unfortunately, due to a Senate error this Bill was put on hold and is probably going to be held hostage along with other legislation that would not only protect Americans it could have been a bill that passed with bipartisanship but that was clearly too much to ask for. While that was taking place, we all waited for the DADT report and most if not all reports were that the response had been better than anticipated. Reports were that 70% were okay with repealing DADT but folks in the Marines were not as responsive. The comments made by Gen.Gates about dadt were definitely positive. It would seem like an  easy task to just take the vote and pass dadt but  the Republican Tea Party who supported the repeal of DADT now have flip flopped by deciding the reports from Generals were not good enough. Again, my question is where is the outrage from people who support the repeal and or gays who know the impact the repeal would have on so many because contrary to folks out there it is Congress who has the responsibility to make it a law not the President who is getting the blame.

I am quite sure the START treaty is not only a National Security issue but is and has always been a bipartisan issue but is being used by the Republican Tea Party along with other legislation as pawns to again-get those Bush giveaways or else. This kind of behavior is childish and

In other News, our President had his first of many meetings to come with Republicans and the first documented outcome of that meeting by President Obama is below:

Though our President held a positive press conference concerning the meeting with Republicans, it is unfortunate that the Republican Tea Party thumbed their noses at our President and continue to be the Party of No by blocking unemployment today to several million. The Republican Tea Party continues want those Bush tax give always before they will cooperate on the floor of Congress, which Americans or most Americans feel we cannot afford to give them right now. At what point during the course of the lame duck Session in Congress will Republican constituents finally see the carpetbaggers for what they are?

The President has asked the Middle lower class to sacrifice again by freezing federal salaries for two years now he must make the rich sacrifice as well because they have not.

Other News

**If you order online on or before Dec.17th most will offer free shipping -called free shipping day

**A grocery workers have ratified their contract in king, kitsap, snohomish counties and covers indpdt grocery workers as well 95% voted yes

**SKnight was arrested on parole violation

**Did you know the RNC is in debt -15million w/about 2million banked the DNC is in debt -15million but has about 10million banked

**   http://www.king5.com/home/Late-TD-gives-Washington-35-28-win-over-WSU-111332549.html  <<< copy & paste link for the story

**President Obama secures major trade pact with S.Korea

**The President signs bill that will avert government shut down

**President Obama is met with newly elected Gov. -told them to call w/any and all probs they don’t want to hear it on tv first -sigh-

**

**Health Care Premiums have gone up 41%

**Alan Simpson debt comm vote to bring there legislation to the floor of Congress needs 14 votes they have 7 at this time. The final vote was 11-7 and failed to get to the flr of Congress

**Temp Fed spending FY 2011 239-178 -with 8Democrats voting No and 2Republicans voting yes

**Rangel censure vote will happen on Thursday with a full Censure

**Food Safety bill may be held up by the House GOP due to Senate errors

**Mid-Class tax cut vote may take place today-Steny Hoyer might allow them

**The START treaty is being debated in the Senate but who knows when the vote will be

**Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has put together a group to battle against the big money used in the Mid-terms

CSPAN …


President Obama Remarks on New Free-Trade Agreement President Obama Remarks on New Free-Trade Agreement
Saturday
Weekly Addresses Weekly Addresses
Saturday
President Obama Remarks to Troops in Afghanistan President Obama Remarks to Troops in Afghanistan
Friday
House Floor Debate & Vote on Censure of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) House Floor Debate & Vote on Censure of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
Thursday
Pres. Obama Meets with Newly Elected Governors Pres. Obama Meets with Newly Elected Governors
Thursday
House Min. Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) Weekly Legislative Briefing House Min. Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) Weekly Legislative Briefing
Thursday
Sen. Crapo (R-ID) & Sen. Coburn (R-OK) Remarks on Debt Commission Sen. Crapo (R-ID) & Sen. Coburn (R-OK) Remarks on Debt Commission
Thursday
Senate Commerce Cmte. Hearing on Health Mini-Policies Senate Commerce Cmte. Hearing on Health Mini-Policies
Wednesday
Pres. Obama & Fmr. Sec.of State Colin Powell Remarks on START Treaty Pres. Obama & Fmr. Sec.of State Colin Powell Remarks on START Treaty
Wednesday
White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs White House Briefing with Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
Wednesday
Debt Commission Meets to Vote on Debt Reduction Plan Debt Commission Meets to Vote on Debt Reduction Plan
Wednesday
House Foreign Affairs Cmte. Hearing on Iran Sanctions House Foreign Affairs Cmte. Hearing on Iran Sanctions
Wednesday
Senate Banking Cmte. Hearing on Mortgages Senate Banking Cmte. Hearing on Mortgages
Wednesday
British House of Commons Prime Minister's Questions British House of Commons Prime Minister’s Questions
Wednesday
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) Remarks on Lame-Duck Session Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) Remarks on Lame-Duck Session
Tuesday
Senate Democrat Leaders Weekly Party  Lunch Remarks Senate Democrat Leaders Weekly Party Lunch Remarks
Tuesday
Senate GOP Leaders Weekly Party Lunch Remarks Senate GOP Leaders Weekly Party Lunch Remarks
Tuesday

Big news on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”


Organizing for America

It’s time.

The Pentagon study released yesterday confirms what we’ve long known: The military is ready to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

The report found that 70 percent of troops do not believe the change would have a negative impact on morale, and troop readiness would not be affected.

This important news means that we are closer than ever to ending this discriminatory policy that punishes patriotic men and women who want nothing more than to serve our country — and harms our own security by preventing qualified and much-needed Americans from serving.

Last time, we were just two votes shy of passing repeal in the Senate. And now the lawmakers who have been dragging their feet have no excuses left.

Neither do we. On this issue, our voices may not get more powerful than they are today — after the military has weighed in, when the media is paying close attention, just before the Senate starts its debate.

Let’s ensure the Senate passes repeal — and sends it to President Obama’s desk — before the end of the year.

Please add your name to the President’s call to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” now.

The release of the Pentagon’s report is just one more sign that the days are numbered for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

But the Republican opposition in the Senate — led by Senator John McCain — is already digging in its heels.

People like Sen. McCain said they would defer to military leadership — and then refused to budge when people like Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell all came forward to support repeal.

These senators said they were worried about how repeal would weaken our military or hurt troop morale — and that we should wait for the results of the Pentagon study.

Well, the results are in: Our military believes the time has come to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

We know that some of these senators are going to do everything they can to shift their standards once again. But we don’t need them all to agree with us — we just need two more votes to end this policy once and for all.

With the hearings set to begin tomorrow, it’s important we make our voices heard now.

Join President Obama — and add your name to the call for repeal:

http://my.barackobama.com/RepealDADT

Thanks — now let’s make history,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

lame duck in Session -Congress …updates as needed


The Senate will Convene at 9:30amET December 1, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the majority will control the next 30 minutes.

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

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.3998, Criminal History Background Checks Pilot Extension Act.

Passed S.987, International protecting Firls by Preventing Child Marriage ACt (with Durbin amendment).

Passed Cal. #658, H.R.4387 is an act to designate the Federal building located at 100 North Palafox Street in Pensacola, FL, as the “Winston E. Arnow Federal Building.”

Passed Cal. #659, H.R.5651 is an act to designate the Federal building and US courthouse located at 515 9th Street in Rapid City, SD, as the “Andrew W. Bogue Federal Building and United States Courthouse.”

Passed Cal. #660, H.R.5706 is an act to designate the building occupied by the Government Printing Office located at 31451 East United Avenue in Pueblo, CO, as the “Frank Evans Government Printing Office Building.”

Passed Cal. #661, H.R.5773 is an act to designate the Federal building located at 6401 Security Boulevard in Baltimore, MD, commonly known as the Social Security Administration Operations Building, as the “Robert M. Ball Federal Building.”

Adopted S.Res.686, a resolution designating December 11, 2010, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 1, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

8:39 P.M. –
Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

 

6:43 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1745.

5:20 P.M. –

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

5:19 P.M. –

Mrs. Schmidt requested the following general leaves to address the House on December 8: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

5:17 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1669:

congratulating the National Air Transportation Association for celebrating its 70th anniversary

5:15 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.

5:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1669.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Carnahan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 3250:

to provide for the training of Federal building personnel, and for other purposes

5:06 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3250.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6184:

to amend the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to extend and modify the program allowing the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the evaluation of permits, and for other purposes

4:48 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 Agreed to by voice vote.

4:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6184.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Johnson, E. B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

S. Con. Res. 75:

authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy

4:34 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.

4:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 75.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Davis (CA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 1421:

to amend section 42 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the importation and shipment of certain species of carp

4:30 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

4:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1421.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5283:

to provide for adjustment of status for certain Haitian orphans paroled into the United States after the earthquake of January 12, 2010

4:15 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5283.

Mr. Conyers moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 1338:

to require the accreditation of English language training programs, and for other purposes

3:57 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

3:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1338.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

3:46 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1724:

commending the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, for its outstanding support in creating a unique and lasting partnership with Little Rock Air Force Base, members of the Armed Forces stationed there and their families, and the Air Force

3:45 P.M. –

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

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

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. 595).

3:37 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:35 P.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the service of our Nation in Iraq and in Afghanistan and their families, and all who serve in our Armed Forces and their families.

H. Res. 1217:

honoring Fort Drum’s soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their past and continuing contributions to the security of the United States

3:34 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 415 – 0 (Roll no. 594)

.

H. Res. 1217:

honoring Fort Drum’s soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their past and continuing contributions to the security of the United States

3:17 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Roll Call 594 – 2/3 Recorded vote pending.

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

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

3:16 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conslustion of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, the Chair announced that further proceedings on S. 3307 would be postponed.

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

3:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions.

Mr. Kline (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to Education and Labor.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.J. Res. 101:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:02 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 593).

2:34 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

2:33 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question on passage of H.J.Res. 101 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on S. 3307, the Chair postponed further proceedings until later in the legislative day.

1:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 3307.

Rule provides for consideration of S. 3307 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. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1742.

H.J. Res. 101:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

1:22 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.J. Res. 101, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lewis (CA) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:21 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 101.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 101 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. All points of order against provisions in the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1741.

H. Res. 1430:

honoring and saluting golf legend Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez for his commitment to Latino youth programs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

1:06 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 2 (Roll no. 592).

12:58 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1735:

condemning North Korea in the strongest terms for its unprovoked military attack against South Korea on November 23, 2010

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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 403 – 2 (Roll no. 591).

12:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 323:

supporting the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years

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): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 590).

12:44 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 172 (Roll no. 589).

12:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 1741 and motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1742:

providing for consideration of the bill ( S. 3307) to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

12:35 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 174 (Roll no. 588).

12:28 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 180 (Roll no. 587).

11:07 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1742

11:06 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

11:04 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1741, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dreier demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

11:03 A.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:36 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1741

Considered as privileged matter.

10:04 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.

10:03 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3987, S. 3386, H.R. 6162, and H.R. 6166.

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Tom Dore, Pastor Emeritus, St. Giles Parish, Oak Park, IL.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

S. 3307:

to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

1:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 3307.

Rule provides for consideration of S. 3307 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. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill except those arising under clause 9 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1742.

H.J. Res. 101:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

1:22 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS.

1:21 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 101.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 101 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. All points of order against provisions in the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1741.

H. Res. 1430:

honoring and saluting golf legend Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez for his commitment to Latino youth programs of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

1:06 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 2 (Roll no. 592).

12:58 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1735:

condemning North Korea in the strongest terms for its unprovoked military attack against South Korea on November 23, 2010

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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 403 – 2 (Roll no. 591).

12:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 323:

supporting the goal of ensuring that all Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years

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): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 590).

12:44 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 172 (Roll no. 589).

12:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 1741 and motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1742:

providing for consideration of the bill ( S. 3307) to reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes

12:35 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 174 (Roll no. 588).

12:28 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 180 (Roll no. 587).

11:07 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1742

11:06 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1741:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 101) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

11:04 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1741, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dreier demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until later in the legislative day.

11:03 A.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:36 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1741

Considered as privileged matter.

10:04 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.

10:03 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3987, S. 3386, H.R. 6162, and H.R. 6166.

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

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

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Tom Dore, Pastor Emeritus, St. Giles Parish, Oak Park, IL.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Tell Congress: Women Can’t Afford Social Security Benefit Cuts


National Women's Law Center
Tell Congress: Don’t Cut Our Social Security!
Your Senators need to hear from you that jeopardizing the well-being of women and families is no way to improve the nation’s bottom line.
Call 1-866-529-7630 today!

Can women and their families afford deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?

We don’t think so. But as the President’s Fiscal Commission meets this week, deep cuts to these and other vital programs for women and their families are on the table.

We need your help to make sure these proposals don’t stay on the table — starting with joining the National Call-In Day on Social Security.

Tell Congress: Don’t Cut Our Social Security! Call your Senators NOW at 1-866-529-7630.

  • After providing your zip code, you’ll be given a choice of which of your state’s Senators to be connected with first. Call both if you possibly can!
  • Tell the person who answers the phone: I am a constituent living in [your state]. I am calling to tell the Senator to say “NO!” to cuts in Social Security benefits. Social Security benefits are especially important to women — and women’s average benefits are just $12,000 per year. Women can’t afford Social Security benefit cuts.

Why are we so concerned? Commission Co-Chairs Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles have proposed:

  • Cutting Social Security benefits for the vast majority of beneficiaries by raising the retirement age, lowering the cost of living adjustment, and changing the basic benefit formula.
  • Shifting more Medicare costs to beneficiaries and requiring low-income Medicaid beneficiaries to pay higher co-pays.
  • Cutting overall federal funding for domestic discretionary programs by about 20 percent, jeopardizing funding for child care, education, training, and other crucial investments.
  • Relying on spending cuts, far more than revenue increases, to reduce the deficit. While some tax expenditures would be curtailed, much of that revenue would be used to cut tax rates for the wealthiest Americans and corporations rather than to protect vital services or reduce the deficit.

Bottom line — these proposals would hurt women and their families. The reductions to Social Security would disproportionately hurt women, who depend more on income from Social Security than men do. And the changes to Medicare and Medicaid would place an extra burden on women, who are the majority of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and who already spend a higher percentage of their (already-lower) incomes on health care than men.

Your Senators need to hear from you that jeopardizing the well-being of women and families is no way to improve the nation’s bottom line. Call your Senators NOW at 1-866-529-7630.

This will be a long, hard fight and we are counting on you to stand up for women and their families.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher Joan Entmacher
Vice President, Family Economic Security
National Women’s Law Center

P.S. To find out more about the co-chairs’ Social Security benefit cuts, check out our blog.

Netflix under attack


Progressive Change Campaign Committee

Don't let Comcast block Netflix!
 

Tell the FCC: Protect the open Internet!

BREAKING: The New York Times just reported that Comcast is blocking Netflix unless a new fee is paid to Comcast — so Netflix’s price goes up and people use Comcast’s video service instead.

This outrageous abuse of power by Comcast comes on the very week that President Obama’s FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will announce whether he’ll fulfill Obama’s promise to protect the open Internet and Net Neutrality — which would prevent this type of corporate abuse.

The FCC needs to hear from us now, before the chairman’s big announcement this week.

Sign our message to the FCC: “Don’t let Comcast block Netflix or other online innovators for their own profit! Support the strongest Net Neutrality protections possible — and keep Obama’s promise.” Click here.

Then, please tell your friends. We’ll deliver thousands of messages to the FCC this week. Sign here.

What else could Comcast do if the FCC doesn’t protect Net Neutrality?

Internet providers like Comcast can drive their financial competitors (or political opponents) out of business by charging them more, for no good reason — exactly what’s happening right now.

For instance, Comcast could block or degrade iTunes, which competes with Comcast’s own online music store.

Worse, the FCC will soon decide whether to allow Comcast to buy NBC! Can you imagine what Comcast will do to block customers from getting video from ABC, CBS, and other media outlets? This is way more serious than just movies — the FCC’s decision impacts pretty much everything.

Tell the FCC to stop Comcast’s abuse of power and protect the open Internet. Click here — then pass it on.

Thanks for being a bold progressive,

Jason Rosenbaum, Adam Green, Stephanie Taylor, Forrest Brown, and the PCCC team

P.S. You can read excerpts from the New York Times story on the petition page.