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can curiosity save the World?


show details Sep 21 (1 day ago)
Union of Concerned Scientists - Scientists are curious for life.
Can curiosity save the world?

Cameron Wake Curious for Life Ad

Cameron Wake and the Union of Concerned Scientists believe that curiosity can save the world—but we can’t do it without your help. Please, support our work to spread the truth—and spread the curiosity—today.

Become a member--click here.

For climatologist Cameron Wake, it all started with childhood questions—endless questions. What lights the moon? Why is the ocean blue? Why do glaciers move?

Cameron is still curious. And it’s his curiosity, and that of other scientists like him, that is the key to solving some of our most pressing environmental, health, and security problems—in particular global warming.

Cameron travels to some of the most remote locations in the world to study the icy interior of glaciers. Detailed studies of ice cores have clearly shown that humans are now a major driver of climate change.

Wake’s science is sound—the problem is making his voice heard among the ideological rhetoric that makes headlines these days. We need your help to amplify his message amidst talking heads intent on misleading and confusing the public. Can you make a donation now to help us spread the facts about global warming?

You and I believe in the rigor of science. And you would think that the debate about global warming would be over—but it isn’t and action is urgently needed. People with financial interests in maintaining the status quo have manufactured controversies and misrepresented the facts about global warming in order to delay desperately needed action. They seek to dull the public’s curiosity by sowing confusion and doubt. And you and I cannot let them succeed.

Because the scary thing is that their efforts have been working. More people than ever doubt the scientific evidence that global warming is a human-caused problem with devastating consequences. It is unbelievable, and we cannot let our communities be harmed by false science.

Please support the Union of Concerned Scientists in our efforts to bring sound science to the public, and spread curiosity and the truth about global warming. Your donation allows us to be an independent voice for policy change and to continue developing science-based solutions to crucial environmental, health, and security issues.

Together we can protect our planet and all of its wondrous curiosities.

Sincerely,
Kevin Knobloch
Kevin Knobloch
President

Congress -the House & Senate …


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET September 22, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:00pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Following Leader remarks, the time until 10:00am will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The time from 10:00am to 4:00pm will be controlled in 30-minute alternating blocks of time.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3454, the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

Unanimous Consent:
S.3828, a bill to make technical corrections in the 21st century communications and accessibility act of 2010 and the amendments made by that Act.

H.R.4667, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2010

S.1448, a bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Paiute Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land.

S.2906, a bill to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to modify a provision relating to leases involving certain Indian tribes.

H.R.3908, Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness Grants Act

H.R.5682, a bill to improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes.

S.Res.623, A resolution commending the encouragement of interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by the entertainment industry, and for other purposes.

S.Res.638, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Small Business Development Center Network

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

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00pmET September 22, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2010

.

6:55 P.M. –

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

6:54 P.M. –

Mr. Tiahrt requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 29: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Tiahrt requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 28: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Mr. Tiahrt requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on September 24.

Mr. Tiahrt requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 23: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Thompson of PA for 5 min, and Mr. Coffman of CO for 5 min.

6:44 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. Mr. Perlmutter filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1640.

H.R. 3470:

to authorize funding for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high rates of infant mortality, and for other purposes

6:43 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 324 – 64 (Roll no. 533).

6:34 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5131:

to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes

6:33 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 215 – 174 (Roll no. 532).

6:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:00 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.R. 5809:

to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for take-back disposal of controlled substances in certain instances, and for other purposes

5:58 P.M. –

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

5:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5809. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1433:

expressing support for designation of September 2010 as Blood Cancer Awareness Month

5:47 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.

5:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1433. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 2781:

to change references in Federal law to mental retardation to references to an intellectual disability, and to change references to a mentally retarded individual to references to an individual with an intellectual disability

5:41 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.

5:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2781. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5710:

to amend and reauthorize the controlled substance monitoring program under section 399O of the Public Health Service Act

5:35 P.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.

5:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5710. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1745:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for volunteer practitioners at health centers under section 330 of such Act

5:23 P.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.

5:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1745. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2923:

to enhance the ability to combat methamphetamine

5:12 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.

5:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2923. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5756:

to amend title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to provide for grants and technical assistance to improve services rendered to children and adults with autism, and their families, and to expand the number of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disablities Education, Research, and Service

5:05 P.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.

4:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5756. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3470:

to authorize funding for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high rates of infant mortality, and for other purposes

4:50 P.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.

4:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3470. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 3199:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to State emergency medical service departments to provide for the expedited training and licensing of veterans with prior medical training, and for other purposes

4:39 P.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.

4:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3199. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6130:

to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to expand the permissive exclusion from participation in Federal health care programs to individuals and entities affiliated with sanctioned entities

4:21 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.

4:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6130. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5131:

to establish Coltsville National Historical Park in the State of Connecticut, and for other purposes

4:03 P.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.

3:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5131. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 1454:

to provide for the issuance of a Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp

3:41 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.

3:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1454. Mrs. Christensen moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H. Res. 1508:

celebrating the 200th Anniversary of John James Audubon in Henderson, Kentucky

3:33 P.M. –

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

3:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1508. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1503:

expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Estuaries Day, and for other purposes

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.

3:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1503. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 294:

commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway

3:21 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.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 294. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5194:

to designate Mt. Andrea Lawrence, and for other purposes

3:18 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.

3:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5194. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5152:

to adjust the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to include the Wallis House and Harriston Hill, and for other purposes

3:15 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.

3:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5152. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 4195:

to authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, 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, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4195. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5494:

to direct the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior to transfer certain properties to the District of Columbia

3:03 P.M. –

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

3:02 P.M. –

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

3:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5494. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4823:

to establish the Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area in the Coconino National Forest, Arizona, and for other purposes

2:59 P.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.

2:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4823. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5110:

to modify the boundary of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and for other purposes

2:47 P.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.

2:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5110. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5811:

to amend the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for membership in that tribe

2:34 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.

2:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5811. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 4347:

to amend the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide further self-governance by Indian tribes, and for other purposes

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

2:30 P.M. –

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

2:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4347. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

2:26 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:00 p.m. today.

2:24 P.M. –

Mrs. Christensen asked unanimous consent That, the Speaker be authorized to entertain motions to suspend the rules on the legislative day of Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, relating to the following measures: S. 1674; H.R. 5307; H. Res. 1545; H. Res. 1560; H. Res. 1582; a bill to renew the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve demonstration projects designed to test innovative strategies in state child welfare programs; and a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. Agreed to without objection.

2:23 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 22, 2010, at 12:25p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 3814 and S. 3717

2:05 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 21, 2010, at 2:40p.m. stating that that body had passed without amendment H.R. 4505 and S. 624.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 16, 2010, at 4:39p.m. stating that that body had passed without amendment H.R. 6102.

2:03 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wamp 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.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Douglas Fisher, Grace Church, Millbrook, New York The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

When Republicans Attack


42 Days Until the Election

Election Day is just 42 days from today and everything you and I care about is on the line.

A Republican victory would unleash an agenda so extreme that it would make George Bush blush. Well, that’s not going to happen.

I’ve reviewed the DCCC‘s campaign plan. They have a smart, aggressive battle plan for winning this election based upon a carefully targeted media strategy and a Get-Out-The-Vote plan using sophisticated voter turn-out models that even our opponents say is second to none.

But, this plan depends upon a secret ingredient: Committed grassroots supporters like you. To launch into action, we must raise $278,451 more before Friday’s deadline to get money to campaigns before their Day of Action this Saturday.

Every dollar you give can mean the difference between victory and defeat on Election Day.

Contribute $5, $10 or more to Democrats’ Early Voter Action Fund before Friday’s deadline when we have to finalize our field plans. Your contribution will be matched 2-to-1 by a group of committed Democrats to help in even more close races.

The fact is more than 75% of the DCCC’s funding comes from individual donors like you. The DCCC knows how to put those dollars to work exposing radical Republicans’ promises to privatize Social Security, repeal health care reform and gut Wall Street regulations.

I’m asking you to step up right now and provide the financial resources we need to get out our message and turn out our voters.

Contribute $5, $10 or more to Democrats’ Early Voter Action Fund before Friday’s deadline when we have to finalize our field plans. Your contribution will be matched 2-to-1 by a group of committed Democrats to help in even more close races.

The stakes in this election could not be higher. Its outcome will determine whether we continue to move forward with President Obama or return to the failed Bush policies of the past. I’m asking you to stand up and be counted by supporting House Democrats with as generous a contribution as you can afford.

Thank you.

Wes Clark
Wesley Clark
General, U.S. Army (ret.)

P.S. Mobilizing our voters and getting them to the polls is the key to victory on Election Day. We need the financial support from committed Democrats like you to help lead the way. Contribute before Friday’s deadline and your support will be matched 2-to-1 by a group of committed Democrats. Thank you.

*Map includes absentee voting.

Fight for the DREAM Act


Organizing for America
The Senate is about to vote on the DREAM Act — the legislation that offers undocumented children, who are American in every way but their papers, a fair chance at a future.

Young people who are willing to work for a college degree or serve in our armed forces would be able to contribute their talents to this country and earn the rights that come with being an American.

President Obama has supported this bipartisan bill for years — he even sponsored it when he was in the Senate — and he’s ready to go all in with us to see the DREAM Act passed.

But a group of Republican lawmakers is threatening to block this legislation. They’re led by people like Sen. Jon Kyl, who has called the proposal “a mistake,” and Rep. Lamar Smith, who has said, “The DREAM Act is a nightmare for the American people.”

Mitch McConnell — the GOP leader in the Senate — has the ability to ensure that the DREAM Act gets a vote. Will you ask Mitch McConnell to support the DREAM Act?

Call his office now: (202) 224-2541.

We know the immigration debate can be contentious, but this a point on which the American people agree: It’s time to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents. Those who are willing to work hard for an education or serve their country deserve a shot at earning American citizenship.

The DREAM Act has incredible support: I’ve seen research that shows 70 percent of the voters in this country would like to see it become law — and both parties have backed it in the past.

We can’t let a group of Republicans hijack this process now, and together, we can ensure they won’t.

Tell Sen. McConnell to support the DREAM Act: (202) 224-2541.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

A message from Nancy Pelosi


43 Days Until the Election

Starting this week, in battleground states across America, voters are casting their ballots in early voting.

That means this could be our last chance to get out our message to voters in several competitive districts. It is up to us make sure that voters know what is at stake in this election. If we wait until October to expose Republicans’ plans to privatize Social Security, cut Medicare, or extend tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, it could be too late.

We need to raise $500,000 to fully deploy our Early Voter Action Plan in time to reach these critical voters. This is such a critical deadline that a group of committed Democrats will give two dollars for every dollar you contribute.

Contribute $5, $10 or more to the DCCC’s Early Voter Action Fund by this Friday, September 24th, and your support will be matched 2-to-1. That means your contribution will be worth triple what you give.

Your generosity today will directly affect how many voters in swing districts will be able to mobilize before Election Day. And now that early voting has started, time is of the essence.

Early voting was a key factor to our success in the historic 2008 election. We know that our finely tuned ground game and sophisticated turnout models will give us the edge in these elections — but only if we have the resources to deploy these critical programs.

Contribute $5, $10 or more to the DCCC’s Early Voter Action Fund by this Friday, September 24th, and your support will be matched 2-to-1. That means your contribution will be worth triple what you give.

If we all stand together with our strong House candidates, we will maintain our strong majority to keep moving America forward into the future. We are not going back to the failed Republican policies of the past.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

P.S. Help us raise the $500,000 we need to fully fund our Early Voter Action Fund. Remember to send your contribution before Friday, September 24th and it will be matched 2-to-1. Thank you.

*Map includes absentee voting.


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