Tag Archives: Constitutional amendment

Black History, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

:::::: CONGRESS ::::::

03/14/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00pm on Monday, March 18, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.

The filing deadline for all 2^nd degree amendments to the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 and H.R.933 is 4:30pm on Monday.

The managers of the bill will work on a finite list of amendments to the continuing appropriations bill over the weekend.

Senators should expect a roll call vote at 5:30pm. There will either be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 or several votes in relation to amendments to the bill.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action:
6:48:40 P.M. -The House adjourned. 3/14

The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 15, 2013.

9:00:18 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

9:00:28 A.M.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

9:01:58 A.M.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Fitzpatrick demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fitzpatrick objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.

9:02:18 A.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fitzpatrick to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

9:02:30 A.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:16:51 A.M.

H.R. 803

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 113. H.R. 803 — “To reform and strengthen the workforce investment system of the Nation to put Americans back to work and make the United States more competitive in the 21st century.”

9:16:56 A.M.

H.R. 803

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without instructions allowed. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution makes in order as original text for purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-4. The resolution makes in order only those amendments printed in this report.

9:17:09 A.M.

H.R. 803

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 113 and Rule XVIII.

9:17:11 A.M.

H.R. 803

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.

9:17:24 A.M.

H.R. 803

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 803.

10:16:58 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Ms. Foxx, numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-16 to provide an application process for local or regional boards to be designated as a local workforce investment area, authorizes GAO to complete two studies related to Workforce Investment Act programs, and makes technical and clarifying amendments.

10:17:58 A.M.

H.R. 803

<action_description>DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foxx amendment No. 1.

10:29:56 A.M.

H.R. 803

On agreeing to the Foxx amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

10:30:17 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mr. Gallego, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-16 to advance manufacturing in the state and local plans sections to assist American Veterans obtain better job opportunities in that field.

10:30:34 A.M.

H.R. 803

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gallego amendment No. 2.

10:33:09 A.M.

H.R. 803

On agreeing to the Gallego amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

10:33:28 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-16 to change the percentage of authorized State Allotment funding set aside for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian employment and training grants. It replaces a provision that limits the set aside to no more than 1 percent of total funding with a fixed 1 percent guarantee.

10:33:31 A.M.

H.R. 803

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young (AK) amendment No. 3.

10:41:26 A.M.

H.R. 803

On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

10:41:44 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mrs. Black, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-16 to express a sense of Congress that any administrative costs to federal, state, or local entities as a result of this act be off-set by funds currently being used for marketing and outreach at the United States Department of Agriculture.

10:41:46 A.M.

H.R. 803

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Black amendment No. 4.

10:47:15 A.M.

H.R. 803

By unanimous consent, the Black amendment was withdrawn.

10:47:21 A.M.

H.R. 803

An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett, numbered 5 printed in House Report 113-16 to require that if reports due to Congress that evaluate the programs that are covered by this legislation are not transmitted on or before the time period specified for that report, amounts authorized to be appropriated under this title shall be reduced by 10 percent for the next fiscal year and reduced by an additional 10 percent for each subsequent fiscal year until such report is transmitted to Congress.

10:47:23 A.M.DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garrett amendment No. 5.H.R. 803

10:55:11 A.M.	H.R. 803	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:55:29 A.M.	H.R. 803	An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Tierney, An substitute amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 113-16 to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act in a responsible way th at ensures workers can obtain jobs and build careers through strategic partnerships and enables businesses to identify and hire qualified personnel to grow and continue our economic recovery.
10:55:32 A.M.	H.R. 803	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 113, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Tierney substitute amendment No. 6.
11:53:42 A.M.	H.R. 803	On agreeing to the Tierney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 192 – 227 (Roll no. 73).
11:54:05 A.M.	H.R. 803	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 803.
11:54:56 A.M.	H.R. 803	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:55:05 A.M.	H.R. 803	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
11:56:04 A.M.	H.R. 803	Mr. Miller, George moved to recommit with instructions to Education and the Workforce.
11:56:30 A.M.	H.R. 803	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the George Miller (CA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to ensure that nothing in the underlying bill repeals, denies, or weakens the wages, employment protections, employment or training opportunities for seniors, disabled veterans, women in nontraditional occupations, youth, or people with disabilities. The Motion would also raise the minimum wage, in increments over the course of two years, to $10.10 and increase the minimum wage for tipped employees to 70% of the minimum wage.
12:07:42 P.M.	H.R. 803	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
12:16:39 P.M.	H.R. 803	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 233 (Roll no. 74).
12:24:51 P.M.	H.R. 803	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 202 (Roll no. 75).
12:24:51 P.M.	H.R. 803	>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:25:07 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
12:27:29 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the Economic Report of the United States. – referred to the Joint Economic Committee and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-2).
12:31:18 P.M.		World War I Centennial Commission – Pursuant to Section 4(b) of the World War I Centennial Commission Act (Pub.L. 112-272), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the World War I Centennial Commission: Mr. Poe of TX.
12:31:58 P.M.		Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Center – Pursuant to Section 313 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 (2 U.S.C. 1151), as amended by Section 1601 of Pub L. 111-68, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Center: Mr. Fortenberry.
12:33:08 P.M.		COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Cantor on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.
12:45:00 P.M.		Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, March 15, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2013, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.
1:00:45 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
1:13:30 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Ted Poe, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Poe notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:13:55 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Bob Goodlatte, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Goodlatte notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:14:35 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Raul R. Labrador, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Labrador notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:14:36 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Lamar Smith, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Smith notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:15:13 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable George Holding, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Holding notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:16:35 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Trent Franks, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Franks notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:17:16 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Keith J. Rothfus, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Rothfus notified the House that he had received a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to quash the subpoena.
1:18:12 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Michelle Bachmann, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Bachmann notified the House that she had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mrs. Bachmann had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, she intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:18:48 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Steve Chabot, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chabot notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Chabot had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:19:21 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Ron DeSantis, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. DeSantis notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. DeSantis had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:20:04 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Blake Farenthold, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Farenthold notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Farenthold had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:20:48 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Spencer Bachus, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Bachus notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Bachus had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:21:28 P.M.		<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The House received a communication from the Honorable Joe Heck, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Heck notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Heck had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:22:09 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Louie Gohmert, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Gohmert notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Gohmert had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:22:53 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Jim Jordan, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jordan notified the House that he had been served a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Califonia, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case. After consultation with the Office of General Counsel, Mr. Jordan had determined under Rule VIII that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intend to move to quash the subpoena.
1:23:40 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Member of Congres s. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Sensenbrenner notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:24:15 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Doug Collins, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Doug Collins (GA) notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:24:56 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable K. Michael Conaway, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Conaway notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:25:37 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable John Campbell, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Campbell notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:26:22 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Darrell Issa, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Issa notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:26:58 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable J. Randy Forbes, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Forbes notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subpoena seeks information that is not “material and relevant” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:27:41 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Trey Gowdy, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Gowdy notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, purporting to require certain responses to a questionnaire in connection with a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that the subponea seeks information that is not “material and relevent” and that it is not “consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.” Accordingly, he intends to move to quash the subpoena.
1:28:30 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
2:51:15 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
2:51:25 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
2:51:35 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on March 18, 2013.

Black History

:::::: CONGRESS ::::::

03/14/2013 Nativegrl77

March 2013
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The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Thursday, March 14, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill.

There will be up to one hour of debate equally divided between Senators Mikulski and Shelby or their designees for debate on the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS).
Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 11:15am), there will be a roll call vote in relation to the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS)(60 affirmative-vote threshold).
We will continue to work through amendments to the bill during Thursday’s session. During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on the Mikulski-Shelby substitute amendment #26 and on H.R.933. Under the rule, the first cloture vote would be on Friday. We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on the bill on Thursday.
The Senate has resumed consideration of H.R.933, the Continuing Resolution. There will be 1 hour to debate concurrently the Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS) and Coburn amendment #66 (temporary hiring freeze on Non Essential Federal Employees), prior to votes in relation to the amendments.
The debate time will be equally divided in the usual form.
Each amendment will be subject to 60-affirmative vote thresholds.
No amendments to the amendments are in order prior to the votes.
The following amendments are pending to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill:
- Mikulski-Shelby amendment #26, as modified (substitute)
- Toomey amendment #115 (cut biofuel funding/DoD)
The following amendments have been considered to H.R.933:
- Cruz amendment #30 (defund Obamacare) Not Agreed to: 45-52
- McCain amendment #33 (Guam) Not Tabled: 48-50; agreed to by voice vote
- Harkin amendment #53 (Labor HHS flexibility)(60 affirmative-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 54-45
- Coburn amendment #66 (temporary freeze on non-essential federal employees) (60 affirmative-vote threshold) Not Agreed to: 45-54
- Inhofe amendment #29, as modified (Farms-EPA oil spill and prevention rule) Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
There is a good chance that we vote tonight (sooner rather than later) in
relation to the Coburn amendment #65, as modified (political
science funding at NSF). Another message will be sent once an agreement is
reached.
- WRAP UP
- ROLL CALL VOTES1) Harkin amendment #53 (Labor-HHS) to H.R.933, the continuing appropriations bill; Not Agreed to: 54-45 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)2) Coburn amendment #66 (hiring freeze for federal employees) to H.R.933; Not Agreed to: 45-54 (60 affirmative-vote threshold)
  LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
  
  Began the Rule 14 process of S.582, the Keystone Pipeline Act. (Hoeven)
  
  Began the Rule 14 process of S.583, the Life at Conception Act. (Paul)
  
  Completed the Rule 14 process of S.558, To prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from awarding any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other financial assistance under section 103 of the Clean Air Act for any program, project, or activity outside the United States. (Paul)
  
  No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
- Well, folks, we were unable to reach an agreement to vote in relation to the Coburn or Toomey amendments tonight. Senator Coburn wouldn’t agree to vote in relation to his amendment, as modified.Senator Reid has asked the managers of the bill to work over the weekend on a small, finite list of amendments and we could complete action of the bill on Monday. If they are unable to come to an agreement, there would be a cloture vote at approximately 5:30pm on Monday. Next week the Senate will consider the Budget resolution.The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no further roll call votes this week.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 3/14
7:24:35 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 14, 2013.

10:00:14 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:22 A.M.		McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:37 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:15:20 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.
12:01:00 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Ezekiel Pipher, Heartland Evangelical Free Church, Central City, Nebraska.
12:02:00 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Ellison demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
12:03:58 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Ellison to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:19 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.
12:34:24 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

3:45:40 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 14.

3:45:59 P.M.

Investigative Subcommittees of the Committtee on Ethics – Pursuant to clause 5(a)(4)(A)of Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives the Democratic Leader appointed the following members of the House to the Investigative Subcommittees of the Committtee on Ethics: Mr. Carney, Mr. Connolly, Ms. Hahn, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Jeffries, Mr. Keating, Mr. Perlmutter, Ms. Sewell of AL, Ms. Speier and Ms. Titus.

3:46:42 P.M.

H. Res. 113

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 113 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 803) to reform and strengthen the workforce investment system of the Nation to put Americans back to work and make the United States more competitive in the 21st century.”

3:50:07 P.M.

H. Res. 113

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 113.

5:12:17 P.M.

H. Res. 113

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 70).

5:19:50 P.M.

H. Res. 113

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 71).

5:19:52 P.M.

H. Res. 113

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

5:26:20 P.M.

On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 72).

5:27:33 P.M.

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

5:48:02 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:48:10 P.M.		Mr. Fortenberry moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:48:20 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:48:40 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 15, 2013.

Black History

CONGRESS: Republican led House :::::: Democratic led Senate

02/11/2013 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET February 11, 2013

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.47, the Violence Against Women Act.
The time until 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with Senator Cornyn controlling 45 minutes of the Republican time.
At 5:30pm, there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:
- Leahy amendment the text of which is at the desk (sex trafficking)
- Portman amendment #10 (sex trafficking)
- Murkowski amendment #11 (tribal protections)
- Coburn amendment #13 (strikes tribal provisions)
- Coburn amendment #15 (consolidate DOJ rape programs)
- Coburn amendment #16 (notice to victims)
- Passage of S.47, the Violence Against Women Act, as amended, if amended

Last week the Senate reached an agreement to complete action on S.47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. At 5:30pm tonight, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the Coburn amendment #13 (strikes tribal provisions). Following the vote, the Senate will turn to a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following any Leader remarks tomorrow, the Senate will resume consideration of S.47 with time until 11:00am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. At 11:00am, the Senate will vote in relation to the remaining amendments and on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended. The votes will occur in the order listed below. All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.

– Leahy amendment #21 (sex trafficking)

– Portman amendment #10 (sex trafficking)

– Murkowski amendment #11 (tribal protections)

– Coburn amendment #15 (consolidate DOJ rape programs)

– Coburn amendment #16 (notice to victims)

– Passage of S.47, the Violence Against Women Act, as amended, if amended.

In addition to considering the VAWA legislation, this week the Senate may consider the Hagel nomination, a Circuit judge, and any other items cleared for action on the Legislative or Executive Calendars of Business. The State of the Union is at 9:00pm tomorrow, Tuesday, February 12. Next week, February 18, is a State work period. When we return the week of February 25, we will try to confirm the nominations of John Brennan, to be the Director of the CIA, and Jack Lew, to be Secretary of the Treasury, and may consider any other items on the Legislative or Executive Calendar cleared for action.

5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #13 (Strikes Tribal Jurisdiction)

5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #13 (Strikes Tribal Jurisdiction

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Coburn amendment #13 (strikes tribal provisions) to S.47, the Violence Against Women Act; Not Agreed to: 31-59

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————–

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 12, 2013.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Overturn Citizen’s United

10/16/2012 Nativegrl77

In 2012, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its controversial Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, allowing corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections. This decision, coupled with loopholes in current law, means that currently there’s essentially no requirement that corporations report their unlimited political spending. This allows them to anonymously confuse the public on science and delay action on critical public health and environmental protections.
Right now, our friends at Public Citizen are working to overturn this ruling, and they need your help. Sign Public Citizen’s petition calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission today. Here at the Union of Concerned Scientists, collaboration is a guiding principle. We partner with many of the nation’s leading scientists, unions, public interest and environmental organizations, and decision-makers in government to achieve our common goal: a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. Today we’re partnering with Public Citizen to encourage you to fight back against efforts to undermine our democratic system.
Don’t let special interests inappropriately influence public policy and pollute the national dialogue on scientific issues like climate change and energy production—sign the petition today.
Sincerely,

Michael Halpern National Field Organizer UCS Center for Science and Democracy

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The 28th Amendment : Ian Bassin – Avaaz.org

09/26/2012 Nativegrl77

The flood of corporate and special interest money pouring into our elections is corrupting American democracy to the breaking point, but we have a powerful opportunity to begin to take our democracy back if we act in the next 48 hours.

Since the Supreme Court’s radical 2010 Citizens United ruling gutted most legal limits on what billionaires and corporations can spend on influencing our elections, so-called “SuperPACs” have raised more than $300 million from a tiny group of super wealthy donors. With this money, Big Oil can block efforts to fight climate change, Wall Street can block fair taxation and defense lobbyists can rev up the war machine — even when the public is opposed. The threat to good government is existential — yet the candidates are barely talking about it. We can change that by making sure big money in politics and the need for a Constitutional Amendment to fix the problem is a central topic in the first presidential debate.

PBS’s Jim Lehrer will moderate the debate — and his staff told Avaaz that if we petition for him to ask a question on this issue, they’ll present it to him this Friday, along with how many people signed. So let’s build a massive call — sign below and share with everyone you know:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/us_election_debate_i_full_us_list/?biEWLbb&v=18232

Just one man, Las Vegas casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, has already vowed to spend more than $100 million dollars supporting Mitt Romney’s candidacy. Adelson is a savvy investor — a new analysis shows he stands to win back more than $2 billion in tax breaks if Romney ends up in the White House. But the problem affects both parties. The system is broken and most Americans know it: in poll after poll, a supermajority of Americans of all political persuasions say they want common sense limits put on what the super-rich can spend on our elections.

Centuries ago, America’s founders designed a way for us to put this genie back in the bottle, a way for us to amend what’s broken: by reversing the Supreme Court decisions that created this mess with a Constitutional Amendment. Some argue that an amendment is too hard to achieve, but organizing for an Amendment is a powerful tool in itself which forces candidates to stake out a position on this issue for voters to judge and can serve as leverage for other reforms like transparency and public financing, which are also needed. That’s why calls for an Amendment are gaining steam – several versions have already been introduced in Congress and President Obama recently offered support for the idea.

Jim Lehrer is no dummy: he knows that few issues are more worthy of debate than big money and corruption in government. But the campaigns will be pushing for softball questions, so it’s our job to remind Lehrer that the purpose of these debates is to force candidates to address the issues that matter to us, on the record and unscripted. Sign now and forward this to others:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/us_election_debate_i_full_us_list/?biEWLbb&v=18232

Around the world Avaaz members have come together by the millions to challenge government corruption and pay to play politics. With our fragile democracy in the US now at risk of being taken over completely by the 1%, it’s time to fight back. That’s why we’re launching Elections not Auctions, an Avaaz project to stem the flow of unlimited money into our democracy. They have the money, but we have the power.

With hope and determination and fighting spirit,

Ian, Joseph, Morgan, Dalia, David and the entire Avaaz team

SOURCES

Poll: Americans largely in favor of campaign spending limitations (LA Times / AP)
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-poll-citizens-united-20120916,0,7468934.story

Right-Wing Billionaires Behind Mitt Romney (Rolling Stone)
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/right-wing-billionaires-behind-mitt-romney-20120524

Obama Grows More Reliant on Big-Money Contributors (NYT)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/us/politics/obama-grows-more-reliant-on-big-money-contributors.html?pagewanted=all

Jim Lehrer to moderate DU presidential debate Oct. 3 (The Denver Post)
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_21301449/jim-lehrer-moderate-du-presidential-debate-oct-3

Obama, on Reddit, proposed overturning Citizens United (LA Times)
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-president-obama-reddit-ama-20120829,0,7159605.story

National Survey: Super PACs, Corruption, and Democracy (Brennan Center)
http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/national_survey_super_pacs_corruption_and_democracy/

How One Mega-Donor Could Save $2.3 Billion Under Romney’s Tax Plan (Think Progress)
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/09/11/825851/romney-adelson-taxes-billionaire