Tag Archives: Congress

Organizing for America

When BP CEO Tony Hayward testified before Congress this morning, many expected to hear him apologize for the disaster his company has caused. Instead, GOP Congressman Joe Barton was the one saying he was sorry — to BP.

In his opening statement, Barton, the top Republican on the committee overseeing the oil spill and its aftermath, delivered a personal apology to the oil giant. He said the $20 billion fund that President Obama directed BP to establish to provide relief to the victims of the oil disaster was a “tragedy in the first proportion.”

Other Republicans are echoing his call. Sen. John Cornyn said he “shares” Barton’s concern. Rep. Michele Bachmann said that BP shouldn’t agree to be “fleeced.” Rush Limbaugh called it a “bailout.” The Republican Study Committee, with its 114 members in the House, called it a “shakedown.”

Let’s be clear. This fund is a major victory for the people of the Gulf. It’s a key step toward making them whole again. BP has a responsibility to those whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by the disaster. And BP oil executives don’t deserve an apology — the people of the Gulf do.

Stand with us to show that the American people support holding BP accountable — and we won’t apologize for doing so.

We support holding BP accountable. And we won't apologize for doing so. Add your name.

Rep. Barton and Republicans like him don’t understand that the real tragedy is what’s happening to the people in the Gulf Coast. They’re the ones who deserve his apology — not BP.

But big oil knows exactly who its allies are. And if Republicans win control of the House, Rep. Barton could be chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee — overseeing regulation of the oil and gas industry.

Notably, companies like Halliburton — the folks responsible for cementing the Deepwater Horizon rig — are directing their political committees to deliver thousands of dollars to GOP candidates this cycle. Barton himself has received more than $100,000 from the oil and gas industry this election cycle.

Barton should apologize to the people of the Gulf and he should step down as the highest-ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Adding your name to our open letter is one of the best ways you can show him and other Republicans that they weren’t elected to defend big oil.

Sign the open letter today:

http://my.barackobama.com/NoApologies

Thanks,

David Plouffe

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ThinkProgress.org

06/03/2010 Nativegrl77

JUSTICE — PRESIDENT OBAMA DIRECTS FEDERAL AGENCIES TO EXTEND BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEES’ SAME-SEX PARTNERS: Last June, President Obama ordered each federal agency to conduct a thorough review of employee benefits to identify any that can be extended to LGBT employees under existing law. Yesterday, the President released a memorandum announcing that the agencies “have identified a number of benefits,” and they should provide them “to their employees’ same-sex domestic partners [and their children] as permitted by law.” The benefits extension includes credit union membership, hardship transfers, counseling services, family assistance services, access to medical treatment, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Also as a result of Obama’s June 2009 order, the Office of Personnel Management announced on Tuesday that partners of gay and lesbian federal employees, U.S. Postal Service workers, and federal retirees can start applying next month for long-term health-care insurance. “For far too long, many of our Government’s hard-working, dedicated LGBT employees have been denied equal access to the basic rights and benefits their colleagues enjoy,” Obama said in yesterday’s memo. “This kind of systemic inequality undermines the health, well-being, and security not just of our Federal workforce, but also of their families and communities.” The President also urged Congress to pass the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, which would extend the full range of benefits currently enjoyed by Federal employees’ opposite-sex spouses to those of the same-sex.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Bailout BP ?

06/01/2010 Nativegrl77

BP is the world’s fourth largest corporation, raking in $239 billion last year alone. If BP was its own country, it would be the 33rd biggest economy in the world.¹

But unless Congress acts now, taxpayers will get stuck paying almost all the damages from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill because of an old law that limits oil industry liability for spills to a paltry $75 million.² Instead of investing in schools, health care, or clean energy, we’ll get stuck bailing out BP.

Twenty-three senators have signed onto legislation to make sure the oil companies pay more—but not Senator Maria Cantwell.³

Can you call Sen. Cantwell right now? Tell her that BP should pay the damages from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and urge her to co-sponsor the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act. Here’s the number to call:

Senator Maria Cantwell
Phone: 202-224-3441

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSWA_2&cp_id=1372&id=20796-9640874-1rHLmAx&t=2

The BP oil spill is now being called the worst oil spill in U.S. history.⁴ An enormous toxic dead zone is spreading out from the spill, and the sensitive marshlands on the coast are being destroyed. Birds, sea turtles, whales and other marine life are all in harm’s way.

BP is absolutely responsible for the disaster. They cut corners on safety, bought off the regulators, and told Congress and the American people that there was no way a spill like this could happen.⁵

The Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act would raise the cap on Big Oil’s liability for oil spills from $75 million to $10 billion.⁶ The truth is, there shouldn’t be any limit on the oil industry’s liability. There’s truly no excuse for senators not to support at least this much.

Call Sen. Cantwell today and urge her to cosponsor the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act. Here’s where to call:

Senator Maria Cantwell
Phone: 202-224-3441

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSWA_2&cp_id=1372&id=20796-9640874-1rHLmAx&t=3

–Steven, Kat, Milan, Amy, and the rest of the team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What’s going on in both Chambers of Congress …

04/27/2010 Nativegrl77

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
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.

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.

H.R. 3808:; 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

5:15 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.

H. Res. 1208:; supporting the goals of World Intellectual Property Day

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.

H. Res. 1259:; recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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.

: H.R. 5146:; to provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011

4:32 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

: H.R. 5017:; to ensure the availability of loan guarantees for rural homeowners

4:20 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

: H. Res. 1131:; expressing support for designation of the week of April 18, 2010, through April 23, 2010, as National Assistant Principals Week

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.

: H.R. 5146:; to provide that Members of Congress shall not receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during fiscal year 2011

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.

H.R. 5017:; to ensure the availability of loan guarantees for rural homeowners

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.

H. Res. 1280:; expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day
: 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.

H. Res. 563:; congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lazers for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men’s Lacrosse Tournament

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.

H. Res. 561:; congratulating the Onondaga Community College Lady Lazers for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Women’s Lacrosse Tournament

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.

H. Res. 375:; 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

2:17 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.

H. Res. 1131:; expressing support for designation of the week of April 18, 2010, through April 23, 2010, as National Assistant Principals Week

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.

H. Res. 1293:; expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month

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.

H. Res. 1240:; supporting the goals and ideals of Global Youth Service Day

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.

S. 3253:; 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

1:41 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.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the Senate and the House … on Wednesday

04/21/2010 Nativegrl77

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 21, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

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

7:34 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 22, 2010. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Smith (NJ) moved that the House do now adjourn.

4:29 P.M. –

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

4:28 P.M. –

Mr. Bartlett requested the following general leaves to address the House on April 28: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min. Mr. Bartlett requested that Mr. Forbes be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on April 22.

4:09 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1216:: congratulating Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin on his tenth year of service as Chaplain of the House of Representatives

4:08 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 0 (Roll no. 216). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:59 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1104:: supporting the mission and goals of 2010 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no matter their country of origin or their creed, and to commemorate the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme of “Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.”

3:52 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): 417 – 0 (Roll no. 215).

H. Res. 1104:: supporting the mission and goals of 2010 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no matter their country of origin or their creed, and to commemorate the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme of “Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.”

3:44 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Roll Call 215 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending. Considered as unfinished business.

S. 1963:: to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision of health care to veterans, and for other purposes

3:43 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): (Roll No. 214).

3:07 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:06 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. 1276:: recognizing the continued importance of volunteerism and national service and the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

3:05 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.

2:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1276. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1270:: expressing support for Mathematics Awareness Month

2:57 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. Res. 1270. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1585:: to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education

2:47 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 pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

H.R. 1585:: to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education

2:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1585. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1239:: commending the University of Connecticut Huskies for their historic win in the 2010 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament

2:24 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.

2:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1239. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1182:: congratulating Radford University on the 100th anniversary of the university

2:10 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.

2:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1182. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1262:: expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the fire at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington

2:00 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.

1:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1262. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 855:: expressing support for designation of May 1 as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”

1:48 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 voice vote.

1:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 855. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Con. Res. 255:: commemorating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and honoring the founder of Earth Day, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin

1:41 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.

1:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 255. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1281:: celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height and recognizing her life-long dedication and leadership in the struggle for human rights and equality for all people until her death at age 98 on April 20, 2010

1:24 P.M. –

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

1:23 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

H. Res. 1281:: celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height and recognizing her life-long dedication and leadership in the struggle for human rights and equality for all people until her death at age 98 on April 20, 2010

12:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1281. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1116:: supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

12:26 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.

12:04 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1116. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1216:

congratulating Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin on his tenth year of service as Chaplain of the House of Representatives
12:03 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.

11:24 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1216. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 1963:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision of health care to veterans, and for other purposes
11:23 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.

10:33 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1963. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
10:32 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET

Morning Business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Christopher Schroeder to be Assistant Attorney General. There will be up to 3 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the Schroeder nomination.

Upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate will consider the nomination of Thomas Valaskie to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit. There will be up to 3 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the Valaskie nomination.

Votes:
121: Confirmation of Christopher Schroeder to be an Assistant Attorney General;
Confirmed: 72-24

122: Confirmation of Thomas Vanaskie, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit;
Confirmed: 77-20

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted H.Con.Res.222, a concurrent resolution recognizing the leadership and historical contributions of Dr. Hector Garcia to the Hispanic community and his remarkable efforts to combat racial and ethnic discrimination in the United States.

Adopted S.Res.483, a resolution congratulating the Republic of Serbia’s application for European Union membership and recognizing Serbia’s active efforts to integrate into Europe and the global community.