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The Senate will Convene At 9:30am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform Bill.

Updates …debates and votes

Financial Reform Bill –No more Bank bailouts — The Bill Passed 59-39

Scott Brown voted with Dems to move the debate forward on Financial Reform, 60-40; though 2Dems voted no they might change if .. Cantwell wants tighter regulation of derivatives would require all standardized swaps to be cleared and Feingold as stated yesterday he feels the job isn’t done yet.

Sheila Blair -said she hopes Congress will “really think hard” about whether to force U.S. banks to spin off their swap trading desks. It could increase, not decrease, risk.”

Paul Miller said, “We are still hearing that the requirement that banks spin off their swaps desks will not make it into the final bill.”

The bill, if approved, would have to be merged in conference with one passed by the House of Representatives in December. The Senate could move to final passage as soon as Thursday night, but Friday looks more likely. “That would then set the stage for a House-Senate conference in early June,” said Concept Capital policy analyst Jaret Seiberg.

The Senate will recess from 10:40am until 12:00 noon for a Joint Meeting of Congress. At 11 a.m., His Excellency Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, the President of Mexico, will address a Joint Meeting of Congress from the Hall of the House of Representatives in the U.S. Capitol. All Senators are invited to attend the joint meeting. Senators will gather in the chamber at 10:30am and will depart from the Senate Chamber at 10:40 a.m. to proceed as a body to the Hall of the House.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments is 1:30pm Thursday, May 20.

At 2:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Dodd-Lincoln substitute amendment #3739. Roll call votes are possible prior to the cloture vote.

Votes:
160: motion to invoke cloture on the Dodd-Lincoln substitute amendment #3739: ;
Invoked: 60-40

161 Motion to Waive the Budget with respect to Dodd-Lincoln substitute amendment #3739: ;
Waived: 60-39

162: Passage of HR4173, as amended with the text of S.3217, as amended;
Passed: 59-39

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5139, Extending Immunities to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo Act of 2010

Adopted S.Res.536, Designating June 1, 2010 as “Declaration of Conscience Day” in commemoration of Senator Margaret Chase Smith.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled 10amET May 20, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 20, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:40 P.M. –: The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 21, 2010. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
5:07 P.M. –: SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:06 P.M. –: Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 27: himself for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.
4:59 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. The House received a communication from Jesse Jackson, Jr., Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jackson, Jr. notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena for testimony issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in connection with a criminal case pending there, and that after consultation with counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
4:58 P.M. –: The House received a communication from Representative Souder wherein he resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective on May 21, 2010. Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Monday, May 24, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection. Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, May 21, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 1324:

expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010
4:26 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.
4:25 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1339:

expressing support for designation of May as National Foster Care Month and acknowledging the responsibility that Congress has to promote safety, well-being, improved outcomes, and permanency for the Nation’s collective children

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1177:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of 5 United States Army 5-Star Generals, George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Omar Bradley, alumni of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to coincide with the celebration of the 132nd Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Command and General Staff College
4:24 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. Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 996:

expressing support for designation of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:23 P.M. –: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5128:

to designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building”

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 409 – 1 (Roll no. 290).
4:15 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1363:

granting the authority provided under clause 4(c)(3) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the Committee on Education and Labor for purposes of its investigation into underground coal mining safety

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 413 – 1 (Roll no. 289).
4:08 P.M. –: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 177 (Roll no. 288).
2:29 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1363
2:27 P.M. –: Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1361:

recognizing North Carolina Central University on its 100th anniversary
2:26 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): 408 – 1 (Roll no. 287).
2:19 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1336:

congratulating the University of Texas men’s swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I national championship
2:18 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 405 – 0, 7 Present (Roll no. 286).
2:07 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
2:05 P.M. –: ADJUSTMENT OF THE WHOLE HOUSE – Under Clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced that in light of the administration of the Oath of Office to the Gentleman from Pennsylvania, the whole number of the House is 432.
1:59 P.M. –: OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Critz, Twelfth District, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.
1:57 P.M. –: The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a scanned copy of a Certificate of election received from Mr. Chet Harhut, Commissioner, Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation, Pennsylvania Department of State, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held May 18, 2010, the Honorable Mark S. Critz was elected Representative to Congress for the Twelfth Congressional District, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

H. Res. 1256:

congratulating Phil Mickelson on winning the 2010 Masters golf tournament

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 0, 8 Present (Roll no. 285). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:48 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5327:

to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system

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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 4 (Roll no. 284).
1:21 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
1:20 P.M. –: UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.
1:02 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches. PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS IN RECORD – Ms. Markey (CO) asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record of today. Agreed to without objection.
1:01 P.M. –: The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 20.
11:53 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair. JOINT MEETING DISSOLVED – The Speaker announced that the Joint Meeting was dissolved. The House remains in recess subject to the Call of the Chair.
10:54 A.M. –: JOINT MEETING – The House has reconvened in Joint Meeting with the Senate to receive an address by his Excellency Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of Mexico.
10:53 A.M. –: The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 20.
10:06 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The House will reconvene in Joint Meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving His Excellency Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of Mexico. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 920.
10:04 A.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
10:03 A.M. –: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Watt 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.
10:02 A.M. –: Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Roderick Lewis Sr., Parkwood Institutional C.M.E. Church, Charlotte, North Carolina.
10:01 A.M. –: The Speaker designated the Honorable Loretta Sanchez to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00 A.M. –: The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ThinkProgress.org

05/19/2010 Nativegrl77

ECONOMY — GRASSLEY SIGNS ON TO ESTATE TAX BILL THAT COULD EXEMPT HIS ENTIRE FORTUNE WHILE AFFECTING FEW OTHERS: President Bush’s massive tax cuts for the rich included a provision that that repealed the estate tax in 2010. Though the tax is slated to spring back to the 2001 rate in 2011, the House passed a bill late last year to re-establish the tax at the reduced 2009 level. Under this rate, estates worth less than $3.5 million pay no taxes at all, while larger estates pay 45 percent of anything above that threshold. As a bill to reinstate the tax is negotiated in the Senate, some senators have been pushing to cut this tax on multi-millionaires even lower to 35 percent, while raising the exemption to $5 million. Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) has signed onto the plan, thus coming out in support of what could be an enormous tax break for his own family. Grassley’s net worth is between $2.1 and $5.2 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, so his entire estate could be exempted under a $5 million exemption. Moreover, Grassley’s proposed tax cut would affect few families other than his own. If the 2009 rate were made permanent, 99.8 percent of estates would owe no tax at all. If these levels were made permanent, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities points out that “[o]nly three percent of taxes owed” would be from estates that are, like Grassley’s, worth less than $5 million. The vast majority of current estate tax revenue comes from the “extremely wealthy,” with 62.5 percent of revenue coming from estates worth more than $20 million. Beyond this, the cut would cost $60 to $80 billion in lost revenue, which would have to be offset with spending cuts or other tax increases. As the Wonk Room’s Pat Garofalo has noted, it’s a huge waste to spend $60-80 billion in order to help the wealthiest 0.2 percent of households while we have soaring deficits and high unemployment.

Black History

Wednesday … & Congress debates/votes Today

05/19/2010 Nativegrl77

Today Maj. Leader Harry Reid has scheduled a procedural vote today to limit debate and move closer to a final vote on the financial reform bill passage. If cloture is approved, a final vote to pass the legislation could take place on Thursday or Friday;

Republicans are still blocking Reform, 57-42; though a few Dems voted against cloture, among them was Senator Cantwell/Fiengold voted against cloture.a Feingold stated he voted no because they were ending the debates before job is done; 2 Republicans voted yes: Sen Reid voted no to keep the procedure alive; Apparently, Dems voting no did so because they want their amendments to get a vote and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) plans to drop his push to weaken derivatives reform …stay tuned

Updates of debates/votes

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET May 19, 2010

There will be a period of morning business for 1hour 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 final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform. By unanimous consent, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur not prior to 3:15pm.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments is 1pm.

The Senate stands in recess until 3:15pm.

The following amendments are pending to
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute) to S.3217:
– Brownback #3789, as further modified (automobile manufacturers)
– Specter #3776 (civil action)
– Leahy #3823 (antitrust laws)
– Whitehouse #3746, as modified (States rights)
-Cantwell #3884, as modified (Glass Steagall)
– Cardin #4050 (resource extraction issuers)
Grassley #4072 (Inspector General)

The Senate has reached an agreement to concurrently debate the Whitehouse amendment #3746, as further modified (consumer protection) and Ensign amendment (text of which is identical to amendment #’s 4119, 4120, and 4121 with a change in the instruction line).

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the following:

– Whitehouse #3746, as further modified (consumer protection), and
– Ensign amendment (definition of credit).

Senator Dodd also asked unanimous consent that it be in order for the Cantwell amendment #4086 to be called up for consideration.

Senator Shelby objected to the request.

Votes:
158: Motion to Invoke cloture on the Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739: (Substitute);
Invoked: 57-42

– Snowe-Pryor #3883 (small business) was agreed to by voice vote

159: Whitehouse amendment #3746: , as further modified (States Rights)(60-vote threshold);Not Agreed To: 60

160: Ensign amendment #4146: (definition of “credit”) was agreed to by voice vote

Unanimous Consent:

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh to be Major General.

– Passed S.920, the Information Technology (IT) Oversight and Waste Prevention Act (with a Carper-Collins amendment).

– Adopted S.Res.534, a resolution designating May 1, 2010, as “Silver STar SErvice Banner Day”.

– Adopted S.Res.535, a resolution honoring the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, for his service to the people of Mexico, and welcoming the President to the United States.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled 10amET May 19, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 19, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:57 P.M. –: SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
4:56 P.M. –: Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 26: himself for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Hastings of WA be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 24.
4:49 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1364:

honoring the historic and community significance of the Chatham County Courthouse and expressing condolences to Chatham County and the town of Pittsboro for the fire damage sustained by the courthouse on March 25, 2010
4:48 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): 406 – 1 (Roll no. 283).
4:41 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1292:

congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women’s basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship
4:40 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): 407 – 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 282).
4:34 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 403:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Teacher Day to honor and celebrate teachers in the United States
4:33 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 2, 1 Present (Roll no. 281).
4:25 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5099:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 South Main Street in Sharon, Massachusetts, as the “Michael C. Rothberg Post Office”

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 1 (Roll no. 280).
3:55 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
3:54 P.M. –: UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:53 P.M. –: Mr. Hastings (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1363.

H.R. 5327:

to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system

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.
3:23 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5327. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 873:

establishing a United States Consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:10 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 873. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1324:

expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. McMahon objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:00 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1324. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5139:

to provide for the International Organizations Immunities Act to be extended to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo

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.
2:54 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5139. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1339:

expressing support for designation of May as National Foster Care Month and acknowledging the responsibility that Congress has to promote safety, well-being, improved outcomes, and permanency for the Nation’s collective children
2:53 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. McDermott objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:44 P.M. –: Considered under suspension of the rules. DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1339.

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

H.R. 5128:

to designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Teague objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:32 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5128. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1177:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of 5 United States Army 5-Star Generals, George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Omar Bradley, alumni of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to coincide with the celebration of the 132nd Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Command and General Staff College
2:31 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Moore (KS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:12 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1177. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Moore (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2546:

to ensure that the right of an individual to display the Service flag on residential property not be abridged

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.
1:59 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2546. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Moore (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 713:

recognizing the significant contributions of United States automobile dealerships, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that in the interest of equity, automobile dealers whose franchises have been terminated through no fault of their own be given an opportunity of first consideration once the auto market rebounds and stabilizes
1:58 P.M. –: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:49 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 713. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 996:

expressing support for designation of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
1:48 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Capps objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:36 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 996. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1361:

recognizing North Carolina Central University on its 100th anniversary
1:35 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:19 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1361. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1336:

congratulating the University of Texas men’s swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I national championship
1:18 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:09 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1336. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1362:

celebrating the life and achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne and honoring her for her triumphs against racial discrimination and her steadfast commitment to the civil rights of all people
1:08 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 1 (Roll no. 279).
12:59 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1325:

recognizing National Missing Children’s Day

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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 278).
12:51 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5325:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 148 (Roll no. 277).
12:42 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1514:

to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize the juvenile accountability block grants program through fiscal year 2014

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 – 45 (Roll no. 276).
12:13 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
12:12 P.M. –: UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1292:

congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women’s basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship
12:11 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
12:00 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1292. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2136:

to establish the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing and dormitories, and for other purposes
11:59 A.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.
11:51 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2136. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5220:

to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other purposes
11:50 A.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.
11:18 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5220. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5325:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes
11:16 A.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
10:31 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5325. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Gordon (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
10:30 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
10:25 A.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5014 and S. 736.
10:02 A.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Jenkins 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.
10:00 A.M. –: Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. William Smith, Memorial Baptist Church, Arlington, Virginia The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

05/18/2010 Nativegrl77

PROGRESSIVE VICTORY!

What an amazing night for progressives!

In Pennsylvania, progressive challenger Joe Sestak defeated Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter in the primary!

In Arkansas, progressive challenger Bill Halter advances to a run-off election against corporate Democrat Blanche Lincoln. Lincoln only has 43% so far in a Democratic primary — giving Halter a great chance to win the run-off.

Thousands of PCCC members contributed time and money to these campaigns — and tonight, we shocked the political world.

Can you chip in $10 to help Halter and other progressives continue the momentum in upcoming primaries? Click here!

Here are the top 3 progressive candidates on our radar:

Bill Halter (D-AR) — is campaigning for the public option and cracking down on big Wall Street banks. Senator Blanche Lincoln helped Joe Lieberman kill the public option and has taken millions from Wall Street. Last week, she proposed cutting Social Security and Medicare while giving more tax cuts to the rich.
Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) — is the progressive running for Congress in a primary against Joe Lieberman’s 2004 presidential campaign co-chair, Katrina Swett. Annie supports the public option and is a longtime advocate for health care and women’s rights in New Hampshire. She’s running an amazing people-powered campaign.
David Segal (D-RI) — is a progressive hero running in the primary for Patrick Kennedy’s open House seat. He’s both a state legislator and activist — and forged grassroots coalitions to pass laws cracking down on big banks, which he’s promised to continue in Congress. He’s also running a fantastic grassroots campaign.

Tonight, we proved that our support can truly help good candidates win!

Can you chip in $10 to help Halter and other progressives continue the momentum in upcoming primaries? Click here!

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American Superconductor Signs $445 Million Contract (Update1)

05/18/2010 Nativegrl77

By Mark Scott

May 17 (Bloomberg) — American Superconductor Corp. signed a $445 million contract to supply components to Chinese wind- turbine maker Sinovel Wind Group Co., helping cement the U.S. company’s position in the fastest-growing wind energy market.

The supplier, based in Devens, Massachusetts, will sell electrical devices for Sinovel’s 1.5-megawatt windmills for 30 months starting in early 2011, according to Greg Yurek, American Superconductor’s founder and chief executive officer.

“This contract will help us to continue to grow aggressively in China,” Yurek said in a phone interview. “If you want to be in wind, you have to be in China.” The U.S. company’s shares rose as much as 6.5 percent in Nasdaq trading.

Buoyed by $47 billion in stimulus spending for clean-energy projects, China installed more than twice the number of turbines in 2009 than in the previous year, Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimated. The country will add 18 gigawatts of capacity in 2010, equal to 15 new nuclear power plants, or double the wind turbines planned in the U.S., the second-largest market.

The contract extends an existing $450 million supply accord with Beijing-based Sinovel that will finish in the first half of 2011. The U.S. company made 70 percent of its 2009 revenue from the Chinese manufacturer, Barclays Capital has estimated.

Beijing-based Sinovel is China’s largest wind-turbine maker and ranks third worldwide behind Vestas Wind Systems A/S and General Electric Co. of the U.S., according to a 2009 report by Danish research firm Make Consulting.

Shares Climb

Shares in American Superconductor climbed as much as $2 in Nasdaq Stock Market composite trading. The stock traded at $32.43, up $1.47, or 4.8 percent, as of 10:10 a.m. local time.

To branch out, American Superconductor has signed several deals with other mainland firms since the fourth quarter of 2009. They include a $70 million contract with China’s Shenyang Blower Works on Jan. 2 and a $10 million agreement with Zhuzhou City-based CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute Co. Ltd. on March 3.

Even with the diversification, Sinovel remains the main customer for American Superconductor, Barclays Capital said.

“Sinovel continues to make up the majority of the company’s 12-month backlog,” Barclays Capital analysts said in a May 14 research note to investors.

–With assistance by Jeremy van Loon in Berlin; Editors: Todd White, Reed Landberg