Tag Archives: black

A message from OFA


This is big news: Yesterday, the full House of Representatives and the Armed Services Committee in the Senate voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

In his State of the Union address, President Obama pledged to end the law that denies gays and lesbians the right to serve their country. Now, we are closer than ever to making good on that promise.

The full Senate will soon start its debate on repeal. But some Republicans are digging in their heels. Senator John McCain said, “I’ll do everything in my power” to block a vote. And Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker called the repeal bill “a major mistake” — announcing that the GOP plans to filibuster.

We can defeat those who’d stand in the way of history. But we must show our senators that Americans — in every state — overwhelmingly support repeal.

Stand with the President and join the pledge to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Stand with the President: Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Add your  name.

From the Recovery Act to health reform to Wall Street reform, one by one President Obama is delivering on his campaign promises. And, now — if we can overcome Republican obstruction — we have a chance to deliver on another: bringing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to an end.

As the President has said, this is about more than just living up to his word. We must end this law because “it’s the right thing to do.”

Any policy that punishes brave men and women who step forward to serve their country simply for being who they are isn’t just misguided — it’s discrimination.

That’s why President Obama didn’t just campaign on ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; he made it a priority. And it’s why it’s now a matter of how and when — not if — we will repeal this law.

But as the Republicans prepare to block a vote on this historic legislation, we must do all we can to help deliver on the President’s promise.

Add your name to the pledge today — and then please pass it on:

http://my.barackobama.com/RepealDADT

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

ThinkProgress.org


UNDER THE RADAR

ECONOMY — ANTI-STIMULUS CRUSADER GOV. RICK PERRY BALANCES HIS STATE’S BUDGET WITH STIMULUS FUNDS: Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) joined a handful of Republican governors last year in rejecting various portions of the economic recovery package. Perry explained his position: “[It] was pretty simple for us. …We can take care of ourselves.” The Texas state legislature eventually pushed Perry to accept the money but he still insisted he believes “there are better ways to reinvigorate our economy and believe [the stimulus] will burden future generations with unprecedented levels of debt.” However, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that “billions of dollars from that initiative helped Texas legislators balance the current budget.” Perry is not the only governor to rail against the stimulus while relying on it to balance his budget. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) called the stimulus “incoherent” and “largely wasted,” but still used it to fix one-third of his state’s budget hole. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office recently found that the Recovery Act not only prevented key state budget cuts around the country, but also raised GDP by up to 4 percent and created 2.8 million jobs.

Thursday debates/votes in Congress


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET May 27, 2010

Things that might be on the Floor today …UI benefits, Medicare payments to Doctors, Defense, DADT and JOBS

House Democrats say they have the votes to pass their new campaign finance reform bill. The bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act, now has 114 co-sponsors and will be voted on either at the end of this week or after the Memorial Day weekend and Senate Armed Services Committee member Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he announced last night. Byrd’s support was won with the insertion of language that would “give Congress an additional 60 days to thoroughly review the implementation policy once certified.”

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. There will be up to 20 minutes for debate prior to a series of votes.

The Senate has reached the following agreement.

The Senate is now voting on the DeMint motion to Suspend the rules in order to consider the DeMint amendment #4177. No amendment s are in order to the motion. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the DeMint motion to suspend. If the DeMint motion to suspend is not agreed to, then no further amendments or motions on the subject of the DeMint motion be in order.

There will then be up to 2 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Collins and Boxer prior to a vote in relation to the Collins amendment #4253 (EPA lead ruling). No amendments are in order to the Collins amendment prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Collins amendment, there will be up to 8 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Inouye #4299 (Filipino Veterans)
– Burr #4273 (Filipino Veterans)

Upon disposition of the Inouye and Burr amendments, the remaining pending amendments will be withdrawn. No further amendments are in order, expect for a managers’ amendment which has been cleared by the managers and leaders. If offered, the amendment will be considered and agreed.

All post-cloture debate time will be yielded back and without further intervening action or debate the substitute amendment, as amended, will be agreed to. The Senate will then proceed to vote on passage of HR4899, as amended.

Upon passage, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the 2 houses, and the Chair authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate, with the Appropriations Committee appointed as conferees.

The cloture motion on the bill is withdrawn.

After these votes, there will be no further votes this week. We expect the House to send us Tax Extenders in pieces late tonight. If that is the case, we would consider Extenders when we return on Monday, June 7th. Senators have expressed interest in considering amendments to the bill and we would not be able to reach an agreement this week.

Votes:

165: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the McCain amendment #4241: ;
Not Waived: 51-46

166: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Kyl #4228, as modified (Courthouse funding);
Not Waived: 54-44

167: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Cornyn #4202, as modified (border security);
Not Waived: 54-43

168: Feingold amendment #4204: (report of Afghanistan drawdown);
Not agreed to: 18-80

169: Inouye Motion to Table Coburn amendment #4231: (offset including real property);
Tabled: 53-45

170: Now Voting on Inouye Motion to Table Coburn amendment #4232: (offset with spending cuts);
Tabled: 50-47

171: Now Voting on Motion to Invoke Cloture on the committee-reported substitute amendment to HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Invoked: 69-29

172: Now voting on the DeMint motion to suspend the rules in order to consider the DeMint amendment #4177: (border fence)

173: Collins amendment #4253: (EPA lead ruling)
Agreed To: 60-37
(8 minutes for debate)

174: Inouye amendment #4299: (Filipino Veterans)
Agreed To: 60-35

175: Burr amendment #4273: (Filipino Veterans);
Not Agreed To: 37-58

176: Passage of HR4899, as amended, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations;
Passed: 67-28

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5330, a bill to amend the Antitrust Criminal Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004

Adopted S.Res.542, a resolution designating June 20, 2010, as “American Eagle Day”

Adopted S.Res.543, a resolution expressing support for the designation of a “National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month”

Adopted S.Res.544, a resolution supporting increased access for exports of United States beef and beef products

Adopted S.Res.545, a resolution authorizing the production of records by the permanent subcommittee on Investigations

Adopted H.Con.Res.282, Adjournment Resolution

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10amET May 27, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 27, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

11:06 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
11:04 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Shuster . Mr. Shuster notified the House of his intent to resign from the Committee on Armed Services. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 5136:
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5136 as unfinished business.

11:03 P.M. –
On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.Mr. Skelton moved that the Committee now rise.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Skelton demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:39 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 9.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 8, 15, 30, 32, as modified, 55, 61, 64, 66, 67, 74, and 77 printed in House Report 111-498.
10:38 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Shea-Porter amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Shea-Porter demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:35 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shea-Porter amendment No. 81.Amendment offered by Ms. Shea-Porter.

An amendment numbered 81 printed in House Report 111-498 to require a penalty for prime contractors that do not provide information to databases on contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it adds a reporting requirement. The penalty would withhold award and incentive fee payments.

On agreeing to the Teague amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:32 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Teague amendment No. 68.Amendment offered by Mr. Teague.

An amendment numbered 68 printed in House Report 111-498 to provide health insurance to dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans, as well as veterans who died from serviced connected disabilities, through the age of 26. Currently under CHAMPVA, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), coverage can only be provided to dependent children up to the age of 23.
10:31 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
10:20 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 8.
10:19 P.M. –
Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 56, 58, 59, 65, 69, 71, 76, and 78 printed in House Report 111-498.
10:18 P.M. –
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.
10:17 P.M. –
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5136 as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:16 P.M. –
Mr. Skelton moved that the Committee now rise.On agreeing to the Sarbanes amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 253 – 172 (Roll no. 318).
10:08 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Murphy, Patrick amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 194 (Roll no. 317).
9:51 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Pingree (ME) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 231, 3 Present (Roll no. 316).
9:35 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 210 (Roll no. 315).
9:26 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 372 – 52 (Roll no. 314).
9:18 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Inslee amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 410 – 8 (Roll no. 313).
8:52 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
8:51 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McKeon demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:29 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment No. 79.Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick.

An amendment numbered 79 printed in House Report 111-498 to repeal Dont Ask Dont Tell only after: (1) receipt of the recommendations of the Pentagon’s Comprehensive Review Working Group on how to implement a repeal of DADT (due December 1, 2010) and (2) a certification by the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and President that repeal is first, consistent with military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion & recruiting, and second, that the DoD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to implement its repeal. It would also include a 60 day period after certification before the repeal took effect.
8:28 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
7:52 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 7.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 38, 49, 53, 60, 72, 73 and 75 printed in House Report 111-498.
7:51 P.M. –
On agreeing to the McMahon amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
7:41 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McMahon amendment No. 62.
7:40 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. McMahon.

An amendment numbered 62 printed in House Report 111-498 to express a Sense of Congress concerning the implementation of the Congressionally-mandated recommendations of the Institute of Medicine study.

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

7:13 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 6.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 39, 41, 43, 50, as modified, 51, and 57 printed in House Report 111-498.
7:12 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Andrews gave notice that amendment numbered 79 may be offered out of order.On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
6:51 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 5.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, 19, 31, and 33 printed in House Report 111-498.
6:50 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sarbanes amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Issa demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:39 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sarbanes amendment No. 47.Amendment offered by Mr. Sarbanes.

An amendment numbered 47 printed in House Report 111-498 to require non-Defense agencies to establish contractor inventories and insourcing programs to mirror current law for the Department of Defense. It would also prevent agencies from establishing any numerical goal, target, or quota for the conversion to performance by Federal employees, require OMB to report to Congress on agency insourcing policies and GAO to evaluate OMB reporting.
6:38 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Thorberry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:23 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 42.Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

An amendment numbered 42 printed in House Report 111-498 to require the DNI to cooperate with GAO inquiries that are initiated by Committees. Would allow all committees of jurisdiction to request that GAO perform audits of the intelligence community. Would allow the DNI to designate certain reports or portions of reports as sources and methods sensitive or reportable only to the intelligence committees, and those reports or portions would go only to the intelligence committees. Would establish certain procedures to ensure that GAO safeguards information.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gutierrez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gutierrez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:17 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment No. 21.Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

An amendment numbered 21 printed in House Report 111-498 to stipulate that, should the Secretary of Defense determine that BP or its subsidiaries performing any contract with the Department are no longer a “responsible source,” the Secretary shall consider debarring BP or its subsidiaries from contracting with the Department no later than 90 days after making such determination.
6:16 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
6:13 P.M. –
The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.
6:12 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 68 and 81 may be offered out of order.
6:03 P.M. –
The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.
6:02 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 15 and 62 may be offered out of order.
5:50 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 12, 17, 18, as modified, 25, 28, 35, 37, and 44 printed in House Report 111-498.

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

5:23 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 3
5:22 P.M. –
Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 29, 34, 40, 46, 48, 52 and 54 printed in House Report 111-498.
5:20 P.M. –
On agreeing to the McGovern amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 341 – 85 (Roll no. 312).
5:11 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Marshall amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 423 – 0 (Roll no. 311).
5:03 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 421 – 0 (Roll no. 310).
4:31 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Inslee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Inslee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Inslee amendment No. 82.
4:17 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

An amendment numbered 82 printed in House Report 111-498 to require the Department of Defense to take into consideration during the KC-X or any successor aerial tanker replacement program any unfair competitive advantage an offeror may possess, and to report any such unfair competitive advantage to Congressional defense committees within 60 days of bid submissions.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pingree amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Pingree demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pingree amendment No. 80.Amendment offered by Ms. Pingree (ME).

An amendment numbered 80 printed in House Report 111-498 to strike funding for the Joint Strike Fighter’s Alternate Engine Program.
3:59 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
3:34 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendments en bloc number 2.
3:33 P.M. –
Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, and 45 printed in House Report 111-498.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McGovern amendment number 13, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:21 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McGovern amendment number 13.Amendment offered by Mr. McGovern.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 111-498 to include a Sense of Congress stating that hunger and obesity are impairing military recruitment and must be properly addressed.
3:20 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
2:54 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendments en bloc number 1.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 9, 10, 16, 24, 36, 63, and 70 printed in House Report 111-498.
2:53 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 21, 42, and 47 may be offered out of order.
2:52 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Marshall amendment number 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Marshall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
2:42 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Marshall amendment number 4.Amendment offered by Mr. Marshall.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 111-498 to express the sense of Congress that the Chief of the National Guard Bureau should issue fire-resistant utility ensembles to National Guard personnel who are engaged, or likely to become engaged, in defense support to civil authority missions that routinely involve serious fire hazards, such as wildfire recovery efforts.
2:41 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Smith (WA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
2:31 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment number 3.
2:30 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. Smith (WA).

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 111-498 to ensure that the spouse, children and parents of a deployed or deploying member of the Armed Forces, who are not covered under the Family Medical Leave Act, have the ability to take at least two weeks of unpaid leave from their job in order to address issues that arise over the course of a deployment cycle.
2:28 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Bartlett amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
2:26 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bartlett amendment number 2.Amendment offered by Mr. Bartlett.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 111-498 to prohibit funds authorized to be appropriated in section 101(5) for other procurement, Army, from being obligated or expended by the Secretary of the Army for line-haul tractors unless the source selection is made based on a full and open competition.
2:25 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Skelton amendment number 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Andrews demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
2:10 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendment number 1.Amendment offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-498 to correct a variety of technical errors in the bill.
2:00 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 80 and 82 may be offered out of order.
1:45 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 5136 in the Committee of the Whole, and following consideration of Amendment No. 4 printed in House Report 111-498, the following amendments be considered: Amendments en bloc No. 1, Amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 111-498, Amendments en bloc No. 2, and Amendments en bloc No. 3. Agreed to without objection.
12:56 P.M. –
GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5136.
12:55 P.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Chairman of the Committee.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1404and Rule XVIII.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1404.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5136 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. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 or rule XXI.

12:54 P.M. –
The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the National Security Strategy of the United States – referred to the Committee on Armed Services .

H. Res. 1372:
honoring the University of Georgia Graduate School on the occasion of its centennial
12:53 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 412 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 309).
12:39 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1161:
honoring the Centennial Celebration of Women at Marquette University, the first Catholic university in the world to offer co-education as part of its regular undergraduate program
12:38 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 380 – 0, 36 Present (Roll no. 308).
12:32 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1404:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5136) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes
12:31 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: 241 – 178 (Roll no. 307).
12:24 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
12:23 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 1404and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 282:
providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses
12:18 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 – 187 (Roll no. 306).
11:49 A.M. –
Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1404:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5136) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes
11:48 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1404, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceeding on agreeing to the resolution until later in the legislative day.The previous question was ordered without objection.
10:35 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1404
10:31 A.M. –
Considered as privileged matter.
10:09 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
10:08 A.M. –
The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
10:07 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Carl White, Highland Baptist Church, Meridian, MS.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

what’s up Wednesday &some News …


Hump day is definitely a day to be still then stretch up to the sky and… breathe in slowly through your nose, slowly breathe out… be calm, stretch and repeat …

FYI, a new report released yesterday, states the Congressional Budget Office found that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has “increased the number of people employed by between 1.2 million and 2.8 million” since it was signed into law. The report also found that the stimulus “lowered the unemployment rate by between 0.7 percentage points and 1.5 percentage points.”source/TP/

As we all count down the hours until the TOPKILL procedure from BP gets started. It’s not lost on me how unenthusiastic the group of three stooges seem to be about this whole thing being on any video let alone that it was schedule for today; got the feeling it may get pushed to another day.  There might be some hesitation because the worse case scenario is on their minds and you can see that on the face of at least Tony.   i could be wrong … definitely hoping this part of the overall situation will be over so the floating plumes can be siphoned off and the Marshes/Wetlands get the attention they need .

It is important that the EPA re-schedule the fundraiser, maybe any and all parts of the Obama PR group should work together more to make our President look exactly as he feels; though people are beating up on him when possible, this is the moment when the group needs to tighten up ranks, all hands on deck and better communication is essential.

It’s middle of the week and a whole lot of wacky behavior from the right, the left, political figures and some others  who are definitely doing some wacky things in pop culture … example below…while i crack up this guy is so out of touch …

The President has a lot of responsibilities;he has to be places that are not connected to the Gulf Coast gusher and though folks on the right are jumping on anything that makes him look bad, which seems status quo but Progressives and liberals have had an emotional reaction to this,  maybe a melt down but not much is being said about the history of  de-regulation in the Oil industry and what happens when people are left to self-regulate… MMS needs to be regulated and maybe some folks need to go …this  group is another problem child of many left over from the Bush Administration.

The fact that the MMS  was under the house of Bush Administration is not being covered as much at the nasty comments by folks having a fit over how the President should act instead of how he is actually acting. President Obama has to clean up a helluva lot of crap left by the other guy; who knew it was going to be so much and that it is this bad . The emotion is understandable when the livelihood of the people in the Gulf Coast are now in question and the wildlife endangered. It just seems like the President has been handed a bad stack of cards;  more issues, problems and corruption than any other in a time and more unprecedented events continue to happen; let’s get off the crazy train and back the President up and or find solutions…

The President is  campaigning in San Francisco for a candidate, will be checking on the Gulf Coast damage on Friday, went to a Democratic fundraiser and heckled by an LGBT leader; yelling you need to move faster on DADT.  As a minority I understand the need, the urgency for change regarding discrimination  but do the LGBT people  understand that the President does not make, create or pass laws? Congress is in control and he might have wanted to end DADT as soon as he was sworn in but DADT is one of many things Republicans and some Democrats  have stalled or  blocked and while high ranking Military Personnel have said they have served with gay soldiers as well as  knowing  that it is time to end a policy that is so outdated …there is the Gates effect; who has been the one man able to push ending DADT but has done nothing until now; Gates was put on the spot…it’s election season yes but who is making this a big deal …Gates.  When the announcement is made that DADT has ended; a document that states that any and all Military Personnel who engage in such behavior should be discharged; such as drinking while on duty, or sex among the soldiers of any gender. It just makes sense that everyone should be subjected to the same rules policies and political procedures of the Military and War; simple and to the point and then move on. It seems simple … just say it’s ended and move on.  Though reports from Think Progress found that House Republicans are poised to “mount a vigorous defense” of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” ready to “vote en masse against the defense authorization bill if it includes an amendment to repeal the law.” Meanwhile, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said yesterday that he “strongly opposes efforts to change the policy now,” suggesting he would against repeal.

The wacky behavior keeps on going …  the hits keep coming from Republicans in Arizona what with a birther law, legal racial profiling, ending Ethnic Studies, anchor babies, teacher’s with accent rules and so much more.  It makes you wonder what the first inhabitants would feel about how the Republican stewards are behaving and if it could get any wackier … Think Progress gives us more information; yesterday i remarked at the comments made by Mitch McConnell and his smirk regarding the request for bipartisanship from President Obama … which you could tell they smiled shook hands with him and then waited to get on camera and a mic to say negative things… again, this is not what we want working for We the People because they aren’t … this group of Republicans are too old too outdated and need to move into the 21st Century need to admit that in order for things to get fixed everyone must participate but clearly as Think Progress reports: Following a meeting with the President yesterday, Senate Republicans snidely dumped on Obama to the press. “He needs to take a Valium before he comes in and talks to Republicans,” said Sen. Pat Roberts (KS). “He’s pretty thin-skinned.” It was “pretty audacious that he would be here today as we move into election season using Republican senators as a prop to talk about bipartisanship,” said Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN).

Other News …

**Mayor of Mex,Cancun was arrested for possible drug allegations


C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Small Business

watch Rep. Frank on Financial Regulations

watch Sen. McConnell watch Sen. Reid

watch State Dept. Briefing

watch Senate Hearing: From Earlier read Statement by Henry Kissinger, et al on Treaty

Regulators Probed on Oil Spill Response, Ties to Industry

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the director of the agency tasked with drilling oversight testify today at a hearing on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response. Questions are also expected regarding an Interior Dept. report alleging misconduct and improper industry relations by federal drilling regulators. Meanwhile, BP engineers are attempting to stop the flow of oil using a “top kill” maneuver, which pumps heavy mud into head of the well at the sea floor.

watch House Natural Resources Cmte: 10am C-SPAN3

read WP: BP engineers prepare ‘top kill’

Congressional Oversight Panel Examines AIG “Bail Out” Funds

AIG President & CEO Robert Benmosche testifies today before the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Congressional Oversight Panel on the more than $133 billion provided to his company through TARP and other government financial stability programs since September 2008. The panel, chaired by Harvard University Law Professor Elizabeth Warren, will also hear from Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Bank officials, as well as executives from investment and insurance ratings groups.  The Congressional Oversight Panel on the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) heard today from AIG President & CEO Robert Benmosche. “AIG is now on a clear path to repaying taxpayers,” he said. “At the end of the day, the U.S. government will make an appropriate profit.” His company received more than $133 billion since September 2008 through TARP and other government financial stability programs. The panel also heard from Federal Reserve & Treasury Department officials who have oversight over AIG. Federal Reserve General Counsel Scott Alvarez said he has no expectations that AIG would need additional funds from the Federal Reserve and that AIG is on a “path of sustainability.” Panel Chair Elizabeth Warren called AIG a “corporate Frankenstein” and the “costs of their mistakes should have been borne by AIG and its partners” and not the American taxpayers.

watch AIG Hearing: Morning Session watch AIG Hearing: Afternoon Session
visit Testimony of Panelists
visit Congressional Oversight Panel

In Second Meeting, Commission Assesses Fiscal Outlook

The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, created by President Obama in February, today holds its second meeting to discuss the rising national debt and global fiscal outlook. The commission is co-chaired by former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY) and former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Its non-binding recommendations are due in December.   Current forecasts project a U.S. federal budget deficit of $1.5 trillion this year, which White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers said this week can’t be addressed until economic growth gets back on a sustainable track.   Washington Post Business Columnist Steven Pearlstein shares his blueprint for combating the rising budget deficit on this morning’s Washington Journal.

watch Commission Meeting: From Earlier

How big is the Spill …


It’s now been over a month since the Deepwater Oil Disaster began — and not only has BP failed to stop the flow of oil so far, but we still don’t even know how big the spill is — because BP won’t allow anyone else to investigate the extent of the problem.

The secrecy must stop.

BP is refusing to share information — data it’s already tracking — that would assist in the response and public understanding of the scope and severity of the Deepwater Oil Disaster. And they have every incentive in the world to keep doing so — news reports say that the smaller the official estimates of the spill, the lower BP’s liability could be in court.1

We don’t let criminals investigate their own crimes, and this shouldn’t be any different. It’s time for BP to get out of the way and allow access for independent scientists and engineers to determine the real size of this catastrophe.

Sign the petition today calling on BP to provide full access to all their data to the government and independent scientists.

Independent reviews by scientists across the country are suggesting that the oil leak may be as much as 19 times worse than the original estimates — but BP refuses to provide them with the data required to make their estimates more precise. All we know for sure is that the oil just keeps on gushing.

BP is extremely sensitive right now to public pressure — so let’s tell them that we won’t stand for them hiding the truth. We’ll deliver copies of the petitions and any comments you submit to the CEO of BP, as well as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Demand full access to BP’s data and real answers about the Deepwater disaster.

Thanks for joining this fight,

Maggie L. Fox
Chief Executive Officer
Climate Protection Action Fund

P.S. This disaster is a painful reminder of how dangerous our addiction to oil really is – and how critical it is that our elected officials in Washington pass strong climate and clean energy legislation that weans us off of dirty fossil fuels as soon as possible. We must make sure that Americans and our leaders understand the true cost of oil. We simply can’t afford a BP coverup. Sign the petition now demanding full transparency.

___________
1. Marisa Taylor, Renee Schoof and Erika Bolstad, “Low oil spill estimate could save BP millions in court,” McClatchy Newspapers, May 20, 2010. http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20100521/pl_mcclatchy/3511770