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it’s Friday and we’re following Congress …


Updates when needed

The Senate will convene at 9:30amET  and will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

Unanimous Consent:
The Senate adopted the following resolutions by unanimous consent:

– Cal. #261, S.Res.297, (Webb-Warner) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
– Cal. #262, S.Res.275, (Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Minute Man National Historic Park

The Senate passed the following bills by unanimous consent:

– Cal. #261, S. Res.297 (Webb-Warner) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
– Cal. #262, S. Res.275 (Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Minute Man National Historic Park
– Cal. #287, S.1053 (Murkowski) National Law Enforcement Museum
– Cal. #291, S.1405 (Kennedy-Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Longfellow National Historic Site
– Cal. #295, H.R.689 – Administrative Jurisdiction of certain lands (Feinstein-Boxer)
– Cal. #297, H.R.1121 – Blue Ridge Parkway (Burr-Hagan)
– Cal. #300, H.R.1442 – Mount Olivet Cemetery (Bennett-Hatch)
– Cal. #305, H.R, 2802 – John Adams Memorial (Kerry-Brown)

The committee amendments, where applicable, were agreed to, and the bills were passed as amended, if amended.

Passed Calendar #195, H.R.3619: Coast Guard Authorization w/ substitute amendment

Adopted S.Res.480: Burma w. Gregg amendment

Adopted H.Con.Res.247: Use of Capitol Grounds—Soap Box Derby (June 19, 2010)

Adopted H.Con.Res.263: Use of Capitol Ground—D.C. Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

Adopted S.Res.503: Discharge Judiciary, Endangered Species

Adopted S.Res.515: Physical Education and Sports Day

Adopted S.Res.516: Americorps

Adopted S.Res.517: Train Day

Adopted S.Res.518: Nursing Home Week

Passed S.3333: Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

– Calendar numbers 849 to and including 879 (all militar promotions), and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 7, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

10:01 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 11, 2010. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – 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.

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Clete Kiley, Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC

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

TGIF … and the News too


Today, Birth Control Pills turn 50. It’s Friday and the Month of May but it feels more like winter to me.  It’s cold out here in the 206, though the sun is great when it does come out … that will be later today.  It’s another day to be still stay calm …  slowly breathe in through your nose and slowly breathe out through your mouth and repeat …

Hey! don’t forget your MOM this weekend…

There are a lot of strange things going on with not only the weather and it impacts us all.

Yesterday, and i know it will continue because the crazy seems rampant but listening to politicians and lawmakers We the People actually voted into office proposing things like stripping away citizenship, national id’s, no amnesty, complaining about the small things like how potential terrorists almost got away; 9/11 transformed the US a new world and in case people have forgotten we had both international and homegrown terrorists  …where were these folks during all 8 years of the house of Bush and the crap that went on.   The vast conspiracy comments from people in,out or who were in office in the past; like Michael Brown ex-Fema loser… very disturbing.  How many people want a National ID?  i don’t … i still have no idea what Reasonable Suspicion means and what does an illegal look like anyway …

We need comprehensive immigration reform that includes a beefed up border patrol, a way to make Corporations stop hiring undocumented workers but give those who have been here a path to citizenship… whether people will admit it or not the impact on certain parts of our economy will be enormous and deserves serious efforts to finally be reformed.

The jobs numbers came out this morning and while the unemployment rate jumped to 9.9% there was an increase in job gain in the Private Sector by 290thousand, which is definitely a positive considering where we were 2 years ago.  The massive loss of jobs of over 700thousand was stunning and now things seem to be getting better and the over all outlook of our future is on the right track.

Other News …

**Yesterday 2 Republicans voted with Democrats regarding a consumer protection agency

**Airports in Ireland have been closed…the ash plume has grown;western Irish area airports

**New clashes in Greece in response to the austerity bill passing

**Germany to grant credit to Greece almost 29.

**Taylor Swift has donated $500thousand to help with Nashville recovery

**The Obama administration is preparing to revive a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Moscow that then-President George W. Bush angrily canceled two years ago after Russia invaded Georgia, administration officials said Thursday.

**reports of a money courier is still being sought in the NYC bombing attempt

**Recall on Lettuce in 23 States/19 ill …the recall is for any lettuce from: Freshway Foods of Sydney ,Ohio… lettuce was sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.



C-SPAN …

5/6

watch Newsmakers: Sen. Durbin

watch Defense Dept. Briefing

watch White House Briefing

watch Panel 1 watch Panel 2 watch Panel 3 read Reuters: U.S. was ill-prepared for crisis FCIC

watch Sec. Napolitano Briefing

watch Spkr. Pelosi Briefing

2010 White House Correspondents’ Dinner

5/7

April Unemployment rises to 9.9%: 290,000 jobs created

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today that the unemployment rate for April edged up to 9.9% but that 290,000 jobs were created. Later today, Pres. Obama will comment on the jobs figures and then the Joint Economic Cmte. will hold a hearing on the employment numbers.

read BLS April: Employment Situation Summary
read BLS April Full Employment Report
watch Jt. Econ. Cmte: c-span.org at 9:30am ET
watch Pres. Obama: C-SPAN at 11am ET
read AP: Economy adds 290,000 jobs

Senate Dems beat back GOP alternative

The Senate continues debate today on amendments to the financial reform bill. No further votes are expected until next week. Yesterday, an amendment by Sen. Shelby (R-AL) was defeated 38 to 61; it would have created a new consumer protection agency within the FDIC. Sen. Maj. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has urged lawmakers to keep debate to a minimum, saying, “I can’t spend 24 hours on one amendment and accommodate people here.”

hung parliament in U.K., Brown to stay as P.M. for now

BBC exit polls show a hung parliament in the U.K. elections race. Today, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated he is willing to meet with the other two candidates to find “common ground” and form a coalition government. He also called for immediate legislation to have a “fairer voting process.” David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, says Brown’s Party has lost its mandate to govern. Mr. Cameron will make a statement at 9:30am (ET).

ThinkProgress.org …


UNDER THE RADAR

MEDIA — SAUDI-FUNDED FOX NEWS REJECTS AD ARGUING AGAINST MIDDLE EAST OIL DEPENDENCE: Last week, the progressive veterans organization VoteVets released an ad arguing that “a clean energy climate plan would cut our dependence on foreign oil in half and cut oil profits for hostile nations.” The ad features a bedside alarm clock displaying an increasing dollar figure to symbolize the millions of dollars the U.S. spends making hostile countries like Iran “richer selling oil around the world and peddling hate.” While CNN and MSNBC both aired the ad, Fox News refused to, claiming the ad was “too confusing.” There is nothing confusing about the ad. In fact, VoteVets assertion that hostile nations profit from American dependence on foreign oil is based on a Progress Report analysis that finds that a strong cap on carbon would result in Iran losing $1.8 trillion of oil revenue over the next forty years — or more than $100 million a day. “If the world moves away from oil dependence, Iran’s regime will no longer be able to rely on petrodollars to stay afloat,” the Wonk Room’s Brad Johnson wrote. In a statement to The Progress Report, Richard Smith, a senior adviser to VoteVets who served in Afghanistan, said, “The only confusing thing here is why FOX News would reject an ad that calls on Congress to defund our enemies by finding new sources of energy.” While Fox News’ motivation for rejecting the ad is unclear, Media Matters notes that the network has consistently spread misinformation on clean energy reform. Interestingly, the largest stockholder outside the family of CEO Rupert Murdoch is Saudi oil tycoon Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns a 7 percent stake in Fox News’ parent company News Corp. But Murdoch himself has supported a mandatory cap on carbon emissions and said he believes Fox News ought to cover the issue differently.

Congress … on the Floor


Wednesday on the Floor of Congress

The Senate will Convene and begin a period of morning business 9:30 amET

Thereafter, resume consideration of S.3217, Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.

Pending amendments to S.3217:
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute)
Boxer #3737 (no bail outs)
Snowe #3755 (reporting)
#3757 (small business access to credit)

The Senate has reached the following agreement that will provide for a series of up to 5 roll call votes to begin at approximately 2:45pm.

At 2:45pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session. There will then be 2 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the following nominations:

– #701 Nancy D. Freudenthal, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming;
– #702 Denzil Price Marshall Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas; and
– #728 Gloria M. Navarro, of Nevada, to be United States for the District Of Nevada

Following the votes listed above, the Senate will resume Legislative Session and there will be 4 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Boxer amendment #3737; and
– Shelby-Dodd amendment.

No amendments are in order to the amendments in this agreement prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Boxer and Shelby amendments, the Senate will agree to the Snowe amendments #3755 and #3757.

The next amendments in order will be one by the Republican Leader, or his designees, on consumer protections and the next one by Senators Tester and Hutchison (Insurance premiums based on risk).

Votes:
128: Confirmation of Gloria M. Navarro, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada;
Confirmed: 98-0

Confirmation of Nancy D. Freudenthal, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming

Confirmation of Denzil Price Marshall Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas

No amendments are in order to the amendments in this agreement prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Boxer and Shelby amendments, the Senate will agree to the Snowe amendments #3755 and #3757.

The next amendments in order will be one by the Republican Leader, or his designees, on consumer protections and the next one by Senators Tester and Hutchison (Insurance premiums based on risk)
128: Confirmation of Gloria M. Navarro, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada;
Confirmed: 98-0

129: Confirmation of Nancy D. Freudenthal, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming;
Confirmed: 96-1

Confirmation of Denzil Price Marshall Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas;
Confirmed by voice vote

130: Boxer amendment #3737: (no bail outs);
Confirmed: 96-1

131: Shelby-Dodd amendment #3827: ;
Agreed To: 93-5

Snowe #3755 (reporting);
Agreed to by voice vote

Snowe #3757 (small business access to credit);
Agreed to by voice vote

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.311, a bill to establish the commission on Freedom of Information Act processing delays.

Passed H.R.5148, to clarify the isntances in which the term “census” may appear on mailable matter.

Adopted S.Res.514, congratulating the students, parents, teachers, administrators of charter schools across the United States for ongoing contributions to education and supporting the ideals and goals of the 11th annual National Charters School Week to be held May 2 through May 8, 2010.

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

– David B. Fein to be United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,
– Zane Memeger to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
– Clifton Massanelli to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and
– Paul Ward to be United States Marshal for the District of North Dakota

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 5, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:35 P.M. –
The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 6, 2010. Mr. Gingrey (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

5:31 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches. The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Lujan . Mr. Lujan submitted his resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

5:15 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches. Ms. Matsui filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1329.

3:21 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 12: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Paul be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 6.

3:15 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

3:14 P.M. –
The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the text of a proposed Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-106).

H. Res. 1278:

in support and recognition of National Safe Digging Month, April, 2010

3:09 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1278. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Con. Res. 247:

authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby

3:03 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.

2:56 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 247. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Brown, Corrine moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 263:

authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

2:55 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.

2:47 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 263. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Brown, Corrine moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1301:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day

2:45 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 296 – 119 (Roll no. 248). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:35 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1272:

commemorating the 40th anniversary of the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings

2:33 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 0, 2 Present (Roll no. 247).

2:23 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1320:

expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism

2:20 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 – 0 (Roll no. 246).

1:51 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

1:50 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 debate earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1301:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day

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.

1:27 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1301. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

1:25 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

1:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1722. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1247:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3 through 9, 2010, and throughout the year

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.

12:51 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1247. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1295:

celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother’s Day

12:50 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

12:35 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1295. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2421:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Mother’s Day

12:34 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

12:24 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2421. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Meeks (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1149:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Charter School Week, to be held May 2 through May 8, 2010

12:22 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.

12:15 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1149. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1312:

recognizing the roles and contributions of America’s teachers to building and enhancing our Nation’s civic, cultural, and economic well-being

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.

12:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1312. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1157:

congratulating the National Urban League on its 100th year of service to the United States

12:00 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

11:44 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1157. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1272:

commemorating the 40th anniversary of the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings

11:43 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.

11:35 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1272. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1320:

expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism

11:33 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.

11:09 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1320. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5160:

to extend the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, to provide customs support services to Haiti, and for other purposes

11:08 A.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

10:43 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5160. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

10:42 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

10:41 A.M. –
The House received a communication from the Honorable Ms. Wasserman Schultz . Ms. Wasserman Schultz submitted her resignation from the Committee on the Judiciary. The resignation was accepted without objection.

10:40 A.M. –
PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL – Pursuant to Executive Order 12131, and the order of the House of January 6,2009 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL: Ms. Sanchez, Linda T. oMr. Wu and Mr. Schauer .

10:06 A.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.