Tag Archives: election

Weekend News/Reviews


It’s Sunday and as most of us wake up, turn on the tv we see news of incredible turmoil and violence in Bangkok that appears to be all about control .. shouldn’t we all be able to protest without getting shot? i know, but i still wonder why can’t things be done differently.

Talkingheads are talking Primaries coming up this Tuesday ; we are at a time when people need to decide… the choice of taking Political sides… history  shows that Republicans have questionable behavior; it also has to be understood what would happen if anyone from the Tea Party is voted into Political Office to represent We the People; when in fact the tea party people do not represent all the people only a select few and that does not include people of colour in my opinion.   In some cases Republican Politicians have made comments that suggest women need to stay in the kitchen and off the floor of Congress. It’s an obvious choice to me because Republicans practice exclusion; say they want less govt but go to Wall Street, Big Banks, AIG and big Oil Corp for money to support them; even our Supreme Court has helped Republicans and that move to legally deem corporations and individuals equal

 The idea of hearing Sarah Palin talking is bad enough but when she gets out there and gets paid… This woman is hardly qualified to be speaking for anyone … she is an ex-Gov of Alaska who apparently couldn’t finish out her job and some in Alaska do feel she abandoned them is now trying to tell the President what to do and  campaigning for anti-abortion? it’s offensive to hear her talk, it’s offensive for her to be out there taking money to say negative things about other Politicians when she is a Political quitter herself;  it’s offensive to think she honestly feels she is a supporter of Women or Family; because clearly she is not, WHY?  includes all things effect by families: her inability to separate Church from State, a right to choose, English or else? marriage for all people, how did she do among blacks and 1st nation families in Alaska and immigration will affect women and their families.

Today the Gulf Coast Benefit is being held all day and headliners involved and performing include: Lenny Kravitz, Mos Def, Neville Brothers and more …

The BP effort to plug up a siphon tube is starting to work and is it just me or did anyone else feel strange watching all those fisherman standing in line getting pay checks? especially after the interviews,  it definitely felt like some were getting better deals than others … pitting them against each other is just wrong and like some of them said… they? whoever can rectify the problem needs to start rotating boats … everyone should get a piece of the action … speaking of action … there should not be a small print clause about what happens … the people there still should and expect more … contracts with a no lawsuit clause are just wrong.

I get why they are using dispersants but the definition doesn’t get lost on me either …where will the oil plus poison go after being dispersed … EPA?

immigration … Gov Brewer has made a choice to go after the President and we all must remember how Brewer  got her job and after looking at her FB page the idea of the ole bait and switch came to mind; not only was she considered sane at some point she was appointed to Obama’s federal council of governor’s panel, had many ideas that seem good in writing yet one has to wonder …is it power, politics and control that is making  Arizona  an example of how not to act if you truly are an American? or is it

Other News …

**Banks cut Emergency lending from Fed

**44thou Military Helmets recalled due to design problems

**California’s bleak financial outlook has deep cuts coming to social programs

**PBuchanan has it out for Jews? very offensive

**BP efforts to plug siphon tube is starting to work at this time

**All those near Oklahoma need to stay away as a tornado headed or is there… if you are near underground facility get there now

**UK is going to be closing airports again as the Volcano spews ash

**NCarolina… Republican territory has about a $788mil deficit,will be slashing teachers

**Feds approve of dispersals

**Former Mexican Senator is missing

C-SPAN

Monday at 2:30pm (ET) on C-SPAN
Senate Hearing on the Response to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Gregg: GOP Not Trying to Stop Financial Reform

On C‑SPAN’s Newsmakers, Budget Committee Ranking Member Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) clarified that Republicans were not interested in stopping financial reform but hoped their amendments could improve the bill. In particular, he went over Republican efforts to change the bill’s language regarding derivatives, saying the current bill will hamper the “nation’s ability to be resilient and economically competitive.”

It’s Saturday … and as the weather heats up so does the political climate all over the country; what with primaries, laws that legalize racial profiling, Arizona is out of control … laws like the birther, the shoes please and now a ban on Ethnic Studies, reports of American troops leaving Haiti completely; troop numbers dropped to 900 and will drop again to 500 in June, a group of national business lobbyists in Florida want to take away health care from fellow Americans have joined in a suit against the new law of the land, capping that oil dump on the Gulf Coast, which, if you watched the hearings last week;  it was the other guys fault show and continues to play itself out on national tv like the 3 stooges, only it wasn’t funny at all; it was offensive.

The President  stated that watching them fall all over each other to blame and or point fingers at the other was offensive.  We the People got the impression there was a whole lot of bad acting going on; 3 huge Corporations pretending to care but in the end seem  to be standing firm on the liability cap amount and willing to waive the costs to taxpayers with the help of Republicans and some conserva-dems… how much more can Americans take.  This oil dump will take a toll on every aspect of life on the Gulf Coast and includes oil drilling as well so … alternatives need to be started asap.

Other News …

**Striking at a lucrative bank business, the Senate on Thursday voted to force credit card companies to reduce fees for debit card transactions and permit merchants to offer customer discounts based on their payment method. The 64-33 vote inserted the fee requirement in a package of new financial rules the Senate is considering to ward off a repeat of the financial crisis.cbsnews

**Npr is reporting that McFarlane and her drains/bridges have helped save Haiti

**A  joint lawsuit led by Florida, now 20 states was filed on March 23 by mostly Republican attorneys general.

Congress close to deal to pay for tax cutsCongress is finally getting around to extending more than 50 popular tax breaks that expired at the end of last year, including money savers for homeowners, businesses and shoppers in states with no income tax. Lawmakers want to raise taxes on investment fund managers to help cover the cost.

**The ban on Ethnic Studies could force Arizona int losing 10% in federal funds;Arizona plans to force schools to comply or be punished? State or Fed funds should be withheld immediately

**Feds/Justice Dept opens up criminal investigation regarding WVA underground mine

C-SPAN …

Today at 7pm (ET) on C-SPAN
America and the Courts: Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference Panel Moderated by U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan

watch President Obama watch Police Ceremony

watch Pres. Obama on Oil Spill

watch Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address

Anti-porn provision sinks Dem jobs bill By Jared Allen and Russell Berman


House Democrats had to scrap their only substantive bill of the week Thursday after Republicans won a procedural vote that substantively altered the legislation with an anti-porn clause.

Democrats had labeled their COMPETES Act — a bill to increase investments in science, research and training programs — as their latest jobs bill. It was the only non-suspension bill Democrats brought up all week.


But the Republican motion to recommit the bill — a parliamentary tactic that gives the minority one final chance to amend legislation — contained language prohibiting federal funds from going “to salaries to those officially disciplined for violations regarding the viewing, downloading, or exchanging of pornography, including child pornography, on a federal computer or while performing official government duties.”

That provision scared dozens of Democrats into voting with Republicans to approve the motion to recommit. After it became clear the GOP motion was going to pass, dozens of additional Democrats changed their votes from “no” to “yes.” In the end, 121 Democrats voted with Republicans — only four fewer than the number of Democrats who voted with their party.

But because of additional changes contained in the motion, Democrats decided to pull the bill from consideration immediately following the passage of the motion to recommit.

The GOP motion also stopped all funding authorizations in two years as opposed to the five years contained in the original bill, abolished each new program established through the legislation, and froze all existing programs at their current funding levels until the federal budget is balanced.

Democrats accused Republicans of playing politics with a bill designed to create jobs through investments in research and development.

“For anyone that is concerned about federal employees watching pornography, they just saw a pornographic movie. It’s called; ‘Motion to Recommit,'” Science Committee Chairman and bill author Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn) said. “It was a cynical effort to undermine an important bill for my 9-year-old daughter, for your kids and your grandkids.”

“It’s absurd,” Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) said. “It’s specious, and it’s disgusting. And those are the nicest things I can say about it.”

During a colloquy with House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Democrats would bring the COMPETES Act back to the floor next week.

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Point/Counterpoint ..blog comment

Wow.. do people really want Republicans in office…  they obviously are willing to play around with the lives of people who need jobs in the science/tech field …this behavior is truly offensive … to kill a Jobs Bill by forcing a vote for Porn if passed; Dems need to gain more courage, be shrewd and filter out all of the ways any future bills can be manipulated from now on…

From Wall Street to K Street




Call Your Senators Today
1-877-323-5246

Tell your senators to support Wall Street reform and increase oversight on the shadow banking system.

In the next few days the Senate will wrap up debate on a Wall Street reform bill that puts important new rules and restrictions on Wall Street banks. The bill is not finalized yet and we’re fighting hard right now to strengthen it, so call your senators today and tell them to support real Wall Street reform, including oversight of the shadow banking system.

Once you’ve called, join AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler next Monday at 11:45 a.m. and help us ratchet up the pressure on the Big Banks and their lobbyists at a Showdown on K Street, the famous Washington, D.C., avenue of high-priced, deep-pocketed lobbyists who are leading the Big Banks’ fight against real Wall Street reform.

Just like our Wall Street event, we’ll livestream the march and rally online so you can join us from anywhere. Add your name to the list of marchers here.

On K Street we’ll be targeting the lobbyists for Wall Street’s Big Six banks—Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo/Wachovia. Since last year and so far through 2010, Big Banks have spent about $1.4 million a day in lobbying and political expenses to fight reform. The Big Banks have four lobbyists for every member of Congress. It’s obscene.

So join us online or in person on Monday at 11:45 a.m. EDT.

And don’t forget, while you wait for the big event, call your senators now and tell them to support real Wall Street reform, including oversight of the shadow banking system.

Call Your Senators Now: 1-877-323-5246

In solidarity,

Marc Laitin
AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Coordinator

Follow Congress … Friday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET

The Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

There will be no roll call votes on Friday, May 14


The following amendments are pending to S.3217:
– Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739 (Substitute)
– Brownback #3789, as modified (auto dealer exemption)
– Snowe #3883 (small business regulation transparency)
– Specter #3776, as modified (Aiders & Abettors)
– Leahy #3823 (health insurance antitrust enforcement)
– Durbin #3989, as modified (interchange fee)
– Wyden #4019 (secret holds)
– Thune #3987 (sunset of Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection)
DeMint #3852 (Border Fence)
Rockefeller #3758 (FTC)
#4016 (access to credit score)

There will be no roll call votes on Friday, May 14.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR2711, Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act.

Adopted S.Res.410, a resolution supporting and recognizing the goals and ideals of “RV Centennial Celebration Month” to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States.

Adopted S.Res.521, a resolution commemorating and celebrating the lives of fallen officers in Washington State.

Adopted S.Res.526, a resolution designating May 16-22, 2010, as “National Search and Rescue Week”.

Adopted S.Res.527, a resolution supporting the designation of an appropriate date as “National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day”

Adopted S.Res.528, a resolution designating May 15, 2010, as “National MPS Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.529, a resolution celebrating the life and achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne.

Adopted S.Res.530, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “National Women’s Health Week”.

The Senate will Convenes on May 17, 2010:

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. There will be a period of morning business until 3:00 p.m. with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:00 p.m., the Senate will resume consideration of S. 3217, Wall Street Reform. Several roll call votes are expected to begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

Secret holds are kept in place by DeMint, though he doesn’t really agree with them  he voted no to getting rid of them… WHAT?   there are 52 holds on Obama appointments … and he is in year 2 of his Administration… is this the way all Republican Senators act?

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 14, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

11:37 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on May 18, 2010.

11:33 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House 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.

11:31 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin. The Speaker designated the Honorable Lois Capps to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

11:30 A.M. –
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress debates and votes … Thursday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30am Resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

The following amendments are pending to S.3217:
– Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739 (Substitute)
– Brownback #3789, as modified (auto dealer exemption)
– Snowe #3883 (small business regulation transparency)
– Specter #3776, as modified (Aiders & Abettors)
– Leahy #3823 (health insurance antitrust enforcement)
– Durbin #3989, as modified (interchange fee)
– Wyden #4019 (secret holds)
– Thune #3987 (sunset of Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection)
DeMint #3852 (Border Fence)
Rockefeller #3758 (FTC)

The Senate will recess from 1pm-2pm.
The Senate has reached the following unanimous consent agreement.

Votes:
146: Franken amendment #3991: (credit ratings);
Agreed To: 64-35

147: LeMieux amendment #3774: , as modified, and as a side –by-side to the Franken #3991 (credit ratings);
Agreed To: 61-38

148: Sessions amendment #3832: (bankruptcy);
Not Agreed To: 42-58.

149: Durbin #3989, as modified (interchange fee);
Agreed To: 64-33

150: Thune #3987 (sunset of Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection);
Not Agreed To: 40-55

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S. Res.524, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Stuttering Awareness Week of 2010.

– Collins amendment #3879 (leverage and risk-based capital) was agreed to by unanimous consent.

Passed Cal. #296, H.R.714-Virgin Islands National park lease

Passed S.1132 is the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act.

Passed S.2768, National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2009(with Dorgan-Rockefeller substitute amendment)

Adopted S.Res525, is a resolution expressing sympathy to the families of those killed in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship Cheonan, and solidarity with the Republic of Korea in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 13, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:25 P.M. –
On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on May 14, 2010.

Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

2:25 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

2:24 P.M. –
APPOINTMENTS – Pursuant to Section 301 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995( 2 U.S.C. 1381), as amended by Public Law 111-114, the Chair announces on behalf of the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate their joint reappointment of the following individuals on May 13, 2010, each to a 5-year term on the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance: Joint Appointment: Roberta L. Holzwarth, Illinois and Barbara L. Camens, Washington, D.C., Chair.

2:01 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

2:00 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 20: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 19: Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 18: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

1:51 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

1:45 P.M. –
Ms. Sutton asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, May 14, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

1:44 P.M. –
Ms. Sutton asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11:30 a.m. on May 14. Agreed to without objection.

1:13 P.M. –
Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent That it may be in order at any time on Thursday, May 20, 2010, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States. Agreed to without objection. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

HIT Policy Committee – Pursuant to section 13101 of the Hitch Act (P.L. 111-5), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Chair reappointed Mr. Paul Egerman, Weston, Massachusetts for a term of three years .

H. Res. 1337:

expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to those people affected by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in May, 2010

1:11 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): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 272).

H. Res. 1338:

recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service

1:04 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 1337:

expressing the sympathy and condolences of the House of Representatives to those people affected by the flooding in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi in May, 2010

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1338:

recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 – 128 (Roll no. 271).

12:57 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

12:56 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoptions of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 5116:

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

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 5116 are postponed. On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by recorded vote: 292 – 126 (Roll no. 270).

12:24 P.M. –
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

12:11 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hall (TX) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with amendments to strike various provisions in the bill and insert additional sections.

12:04 P.M. –
Mr. Hall (TX) moved to recommit with instructions to Science and Technology.

12:03 P.M. –
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. The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

12:02 P.M. –
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5116.

12:01 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 419 – 0 (Roll no. 269).

11:53 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Halvorson amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 419 – 0 (Roll no. 268).

11:44 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Boccieri amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 248 – 171 (Roll no. 267).

11:16 A.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

11:15 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Gordon (TN) amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

10:49 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the Gordon (TN) amendments en bloc. Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Gordon (TN).

An amendment offered en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 2, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 40, 41, 53, 54, and 45 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479.

10:48 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Schock amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:43 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on Schock amendment number 52. Amendment offered by Mr. Schock.

An amendment numbered 52 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to instruct the Secretary of Commerce to give priority to innovation clusters that partner with local Workforce Investment Area Boards.

10:42 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Salazar amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:37 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on Salazar amendment number 51. Amendment offered by Mr. Salazar.

An amendment numbered 51 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to provide Department of Energy with the authority to conduct training for energy auditors, field technicians, and building contractors so they can understand and promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology.

10:36 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment number 50, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

10:32 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment number 50. Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 50 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to express the sense of Congress that retaining graduate-level talent trained at American universities in STEM fields is critical to enhancing the competitiveness of American businesses.

10:31 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Kratovil amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:26 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kratovil amendment number 44. Amendment offered by Mr. Kratovil.

An amendment numbered 44 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to encourage employees of Federal agencies to volunteer in STEM education activities.

10:25 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Halvorson amendment number 38, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Halvorson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

10:19 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Halvorson amendment number 38. Amendment offered by Mrs. Halvorson.

An amendment numbered 38 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to give consideration to the goal of promoting the participation of veterans in the postdoctoral research fellowship program established by section 246 (Postdoctoral research fellowships).

On agreeing to the Chu amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:15 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1344, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Chu amendment number 36. Amendment offered by Ms. Chu.

An amendment numbered 36 printed in Part B of House Report 111-479 to clarify that one purpose of the Innovation through Institutional Integration grant program is to help under-represented students in STEM fields transition from 2-year institutions to 4-year institutions of higher education.

10:13 A.M. –
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration. Considered as unfinished business.

10:02 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Heinrich to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

10:00 A.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.