RADICAL RIGHT — FORMER GUN CONTROL ADVOCATE JOHN MCCAIN INTRODUCES BILL TO CURB D.C.’S GUN CONTROL LAWS: Facing a primary campaign challenge from ultra-conservative former congressman J.D. Hayworth, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has been veering far to the right, even renouncing his carefully-honed “maverick” image. After reversing his positions on climate change and immigration in order to appease right-wing voters, he is now doing the same on gun control. On Tuesday, he and Sen. John Tester (D-MT) introduced legislation that would force the District of Columbia to weaken its gun laws. The “Second Amendment Enforcement Act” (SAEA) would repeal the city’s registration rules, allowing “D.C. residents to buy guns in Maryland and Virginia, while also allowing law-abiding Washingtonians to transport firearms in the District.” Additionally, it would “alter city laws that recommend guns be kept unloaded and either unassembled or locked in homes.” Less than 10 years ago, however, McCain was actually pushing for stricter regulations. As a spokesperson for Americans for Gun Safety pointed out, McCain cut ads urging states to close the so-called gun show loophole, which allows people to purchase guns without a background check. In 2001, McCain “rattled the gun-rights lobby” when he sponsored national legislation to eliminate the loophole. Indeed, his moderate stance earned him praise from gun-control advocates and scorn from gun-rights organizations, with Gun Owners of America accusing McCain of “working with the enemy” and giving him an “F” rating for 2004 and 2006. McCain’s latest flip-flop has drawn criticism from Jonathan Cowan, president of the center-left think tank Third Way and former head of Americans for Gun Safety, who called McCain’s sponsorship of the SAEA “the most spectacular and blatant reversal in Senator McCain’s political career.”
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ThinkProgress …
RADICAL RIGHT — OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR’S VETO TO ENACT HARSH ANTI-CHOICE LAWS: The Oklahoma Senate voted yesterday to override Gov. Brad Henry’s (D) veto of two harsh anti-choice measures, including one that “requires women to undergo an ultrasound and listen to a detailed description of the fetus before getting an abortion.” The House voted “overwhelmingly” to override the veto on Monday, so the measures are now law. Doctors who fail to comply with the ultrasound law “would face fines and could be sued by the woman’s spouse or family members.” The other new law “prohibits pregnant women from seeking damages if physicians withhold information or provide inaccurate information about their pregnancy,” a measure supporters say will keep women from “discriminating against fetuses with disabilities.” Henry vetoed both measures Friday, calling the ultrasound law an “unconstitutional” attempt to force a woman to undergo medical treatment “against her will” adding that it “could cause physical or mental trauma.” On the other measure, Henry said women should expect to receive all relevant information in order to make a decision about their pregnancy. He noted that the legislation “allow[s] unscrupulous, reckless or negligent physicians to knowingly withhold information or negligently provide inaccurate information to pregnant women without facing the potential of legal consequences.” Oklahoma courts have overturned a number of other harsh anti-choice laws, including one very similar to the new ultrasound law just last month. Predicting a similar outcome with the new laws, Henry said, “I fear this entire exercise will ultimately be a waste of taxpayers’ time and money.” Indeed, the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) — which has successfully sued against other abortion laws in the state — filed suit “just hours after” the Senate override vote “on the grounds that it violates a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy and constitutional rights to equal protection.” CRR attorney Stephanie Toti said the ultrasound law is “the most restrictive [anti-choice law] in the country.” Pro-choice state Rep. Jeannie McDaniel (D) told The Progress Report last year that in Oklahoma, male legislators “have a very strong feeling that women aren’t capable of making reproductive decisions.”
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U.S. Poll shows Wind Works for Americans
Washington, District of Columbia, United States April 22, 2010
- Voters Overwhelmingly Support Increased Use of Wind Power and a Strong National Renewable Electricity Standard
Voters overwhelmingly support increasing the use of wind power in the U.S. and adopting a strong Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), according to a national poll released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
“The poll’s bottom line is clear: An overwhelming majority of American voters, on a bipartisan basis, want more wind power and support a national RES to increase its use,” said Anna Bennett and Neil Newhouse, partners respectively with Bennett, Petts & Normington and Public Opinion Strategies, the firms that conducted the poll.
“Wind works for America and that is why voters want Congress to pass a strong national RES” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Americans understand that an RES will mean new manufacturing jobs, less dependence on imported energy, and more pure, clean, affordable energy for our country.”
Poll highlights include:
- –An overwhelming, bipartisan majority — 89% — of American voters (including 84% of Republicans, 88% of Independents and 93% of Democrats) — believe increasing the amount of energy the nation gets from wind is a good idea.
–A majority of Americans — 56% — disapprove of the job Congress is doing on renewable energy and 67% believe Congress is not doing enough to increase renewable energy sources such as wind.
–A majority of Americans — 82% — believe the nation’s economy would be stronger (52%) or the same (30%) if we used more renewable energy sources like wind.
–A majority of Americans — 77% — support a national Renewable Electricity Standard. This support extends across party lines and includes 65% of Republicans, 69% of Independents, 92% of Democrats.
The poll was conducted March 27-28 by Neil Newhouse of Public Opinion Strategies and Anna Bennett of Bennett, Petts & Normington. The poll sampled a national survey of 600 likely voters. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points. Poll details are available here.
AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers, and the world’s largest wind power trade show. AWEA is the voice of wind energy in the U.S., promoting renewable energy to power a cleaner, stronger America.
Poll details are shown here.
Source: AWEA
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ThinkProgress …
IMMIGRATION — CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO MOVES TO JOIN GROWING BOYCOTT OF ARIZONA OVER NEW ANTI-IMMIGRATION LAW: On Friday, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) signed a draconian, likely unconstitutional immigration bill that has been slammed by both Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) has been calling for a boycott of his own state, urging, “Do not do business with a state that is propagating the idea separate but equal treatment under the law can be codified.” The idea is catching on as the “nation’s biggest Spanish-language newspaper,” La Opinion, called for “a boycott of all goods and services from Arizona and [a] pledge to avoid tourism in the state as well.” Indeed, a growing number of travelers have said they will avoid visiting Arizona because of the new law, and the state has already lost the business of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which decided, “moments after” Brewer signed the law, to move its upcoming conference from Arizona to another state. Meanwhile, San Francisco City Supervisor David Campos — himself a former undocumented immigrant from Guatemala — said yesterday that he will introduce emergency legislation calling for a boycott of Arizona. “I feel the city and the county of San Francisco has to take a stand against what happened in Arizona,” Campos said. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said he is “fully committed” to the effort and will help to “identify all applicable contracts, and to pursue termination wherever possible.” Tourism is one of Arizona’s biggest industries, but Jon Garrido, a former Tucson economic development official, wrote in the Tucson Citizen that a national boycott is necessary to combat “Jim Crow actions,” even if it causes economic pain.
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What’s going on in both Chambers of Congress …
The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET
Day Two test vote failed 57-41; lawmakers on the right cannot agree that Financial Reform needs to not only be debated but voted into law ASAP … Republicans and Wall Street are playing games with Americans and our future. And is (D)Senator Ben Nelson looking for a new job yet? just saying
Morning Business for 1 hour with 10 minute limitations. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
Following morning business, resume the motion to proceed to S.3217, Wall Street Reform.
The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus luncheons
Votes:
126: Now Voting on Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3217, Wall Street Reform;
Not Invoked: 57-41
Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.498, a resolution designating April 2010 as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month”.
Adopted S.Res.501, a resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.
The next meeting in the House is April 27th 10:30am ET
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 27, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
- 5:52 P.M. –
- SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
- 5:51 P.M. –
- Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 4: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.
- 5:50 P.M. –
- ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
- H. Res. 1033:
- expressing support for designation of April 2010 as “National Autism Awareness Month” and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism
- H. Res. 1033:
- 5:49 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.
- H. Res. 1033:
- expressing support for designation of April 2010 as “National Autism Awareness Month” and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism
5:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1033. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Mr. Doyle moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- to require any Federal or State court to recognize any notarization made by a notary public licensed by a State other than the State where the court is located when such notarization occurs in or affects interstate commerce 5:23 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.
5:15 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3808. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day 5:14 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.
5:03 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1208. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5:02 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.
4:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1259. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Baldwin moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
4:42 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:41 P.M. – Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1300.
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- to provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011
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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): 402 – 15 (Roll no. 226).
4:32 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.
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- to ensure the availability of loan guarantees for rural homeowners 4:31 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): 352 – 62 (Roll no. 225).
4:20 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.
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- expressing support for designation of the week of April 18, 2010, through April 23, 2010, as National Assistant Principals Week 4:19 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): 411 – 0 (Roll no. 224).
3:53 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.
3:52 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.
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- to provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011 3:51 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.
3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5146. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Mrs. Davis (CA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- to ensure the availability of loan guarantees for rural homeowners 3:25 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.
3:15 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5017. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Mr. Kanjorski moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day 3:14 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.
3:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1280. Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- Considered under suspension of the rules.
- congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lazers for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men’s Lacrosse Tournament 3:04 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.
2:55 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 563. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lady Lazers for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Women’s Lacrosse Tournament 2:54 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.
2:44 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 561. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- supporting the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace 2:43 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.
2:17 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 375. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- expressing support for designation of the week of April 18, 2010, through April 23, 2010, as National Assistant Principals Week 2:16 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.
2:10 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1131. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2:09 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.
2:02 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1293. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- supporting the goals and ideals of Global Youth Service Day 2:01 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.
1:47 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1240. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Woolsey moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 1:46 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.
1:41 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3253. Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Ms. Velazquez moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
1:40 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
12:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McNerney 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.
12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 27.
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