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Tag Archives: gay
The NRA …
ThinkProgress.org
ETHICS — HOUSE LAWMAKERS CAVE TO NRA, EXEMPT THE POWERFUL GUN LOBBY FROM KEY FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE RULES: On Monday, House Democrats succumbed to demands from the National Rifle Association (NRA), exempting the powerful gun lobby from key financial disclosure rules outlined in the DISCLOSE Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced in April, is a response to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, which dramatically changed campaign finance rules to allow corporations to “spend unlimited sums” in elections. The DISCLOSE Act’s focus is to increase disclosure requirements for corporations, labor unions, trade associations, and nonprofit advocacy groups that spend money on ads to influence federal elections. The most persistent voice opposing this reform — claiming the bill impinges on the group’s free speech and imposes burdensome regulations — has been, unsurprisingly, the NRA. But under the new “carveout,” groups wouldn’t have to follow the requirements “if they have more than 1 million members, raise no more than 15 percent of their funds from corporations and have existed for more than 10 years.” Campaign finance reform experts said that the only group that really fits these qualifications is the NRA. (Unions are not included in the deal.) Several supporters of the DISCLOSE Act said that they were pulling their support for the bill because of the new exemptions. “It’s hard to take a look at a bill that’s supposed to reduce influence and see a carveout for a huge special interest and still support it,” U.S. PIRG told The Progress Report. The NRA “has given almost $450,000 to congressional candidates for 2010 and the gun group has made about $520,000 in independent expenditures.” The lobbying organization also successfully killed legislation giving D.C. residents the right to vote by convincing the Senate to add an unrelated amendment that would wipe out the District’s tough gun laws.
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A message from Patty Murray
As you know, our nation is faced with a growing global demand for energy, a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, high energy prices, and environmental concerns regarding energy use. Washington state families are struggling with energy costs in these tough economic times, and we all want a more diversified national energy policy that increases our national security by cutting our demand for foreign oil.
The Pacific Northwest has much to lose from climate change, including increasingly severe storms and rising sea levels. Climate change will negatively impact forests, coastal and salmon habitats, and economically important farmland. These resources define Washington state’s quality of life and help sustain the region’s economic competitiveness. I believe American innovation will lead to real solutions to these issues, and will be an economic engine that creates millions of clean technology jobs. Congress must adopt a comprehensive policy that promotes research and development to keep America at the cutting edge of the clean technology economy.
As you may know, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, on June 26, 2009. There are several energy and climate change proposals under consideration by the Senate. Senator Bingaman (D-NM) has an energy only bill. Senator Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a “cap and dividend” bill. Most recently, Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Lieberman (I-CT) have unveiled a draft comprehensive climate and energy proposal that prices carbon. I am working with my colleagues to continue to push for a comprehensive climate change and clean energy bill.
Throughout my tenure in the United States Senate, I have supported energy and climate policies that benefit consumers, encourage diversification of our nation’s energy sources and protect our fragile environment. As a member of both the Senate Budget and Appropriation Committees, I have fought for increased funding for important alternative energy research and development programs in Washington State and across the nation. In order to encourage private sector development of new forms of energy technology, I have consistently supported higher fuel economy standards for vehicles and federal tax incentives to help spur investment in wind, solar, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. I believe it is vital that Congress works to increase energy independence without sacrificing environmental protections or hurting the economy or consumers.
Energy use and climate change are two of the most critical issues facing our nation. Please be assured I will keep your views in mind as related legislation comes before the Senate for consideration. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Thank you again for writing, and please keep in touch.
I hope all is well in Seattle.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator
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Fight for the whales in Morocco
.Japan, Norway and Iceland have killed thousands of whales and want to kill thousands more – and now our government is supporting them!
STOP THE LIES, STOP THE SLAUGHTER PLEASE DONATE TODAY |
Last night I arrived in Morocco where the International Whaling Commission will shortly face a major decision to approve the slaughter of thousands of more whales.
I’m here to apply unrelenting pressure on our U.S. government delegation – to ensure that they know that Americans do not support a return to the commercial slaughter of these amazing and majestic creatures. We are making it clear that it will be a serious mistake for the President and his administration to continue to ignore public opinion on the fate of the whales.
Just two weeks ago I joined activists outside the White House where we personally delivered over 1,000,000 messages of protest to the President. We cannot compromise with countries who have abused the ban – if they’re cheating the system now, I shudder to think what they’ll do when their killing is legitimized.
Please donate today. If we’re successful in stopping this attempt to undo decades of our work, we will still need to challenge rogue countries like Japan from carrying on their illegal hunts.
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For the whales, Phil Kline Whales Campaign Director |
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waivering Wednesday in Congress
The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 16, 2010
Following any Leader remarks, the will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senator permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on HR4213, Tax Extenders. Around 10:40am, the Senate will proceed to vote on the Baucus motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Baucus amendment #4301 (perfecting substitute).
Additional votes are expected to occur throughout the afternoon in relation to amendments to the Tax Extenders legislation.
Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to HR4213, Tax Extenders, with an amendment (the Baucus amendment #4369 (Substitute)).
Votes:
190: Baucus motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Baucus amendment #4301: (perfecting substitute);
Not Agreed To: 45-52
191: Reid amendment #4344: (homebuyer tax credit) (60-vote threshold);
Agreed To: 60-37
192: Isakson amendment #4351: (homebuyer tax credit) (60-vote threshold);
Not Agreed To: 45-52
Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.J.Res.32, a joint resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, and reaffirming the United States-Korea Alliance.
Adopted S.Res.557, a resolution commending EyeCare America for its volunteerism and efforts to preserve eyesight throughout the previous 25 years.
Adopted S.Res.558, a resolution designating the week beginning September 12, 2010, as “National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week”.
Adopted S.Res.559, a resolution observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.
—————————————————————————————–
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 16, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
5:13 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
5:12 P.M. –
Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1448.
5:07 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
5:06 P.M. –
Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 23: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 22.
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 21.
Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Wolf be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 17.
4:56 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
electing certain minority members to certain standing committees
4:54 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
Considered as privileged matter.
congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men-Englewood Campus, the Nation’s first all-male charter high school, for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate for all 107 members of its first graduating class of 2010
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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 420 – 0 (Roll no. 367).
4:45 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
honoring the Department of Justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary
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): 416 – 3 (Roll no. 366).
4:36 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 101st anniversary
4:35 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): 421 – 0 (Roll no. 365).
4:08 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
4:07 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
recognizing the 235th birthday of the United States Army
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Ortiz objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:27 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 286.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Ortiz moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance
3:25 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Faleomavaega objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:55 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 86.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended.
to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council
2:54 P.M. –
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2:30 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2142.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
celebrating the symbol of the United States flag and supporting the goals and ideals of Flag 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.
2:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1429.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
commending and congratulating the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the occasion of its 50th anniversary
2:17 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Watson objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1357.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week
2:00 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Watson objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:47 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 879.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
honoring the Department of Justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary
1:46 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.
1:36 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1422.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 101st anniversary
1:35 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.
1:19 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 242.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
to reinstate and transfer certain hydroelectric licenses and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects
1:18 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.
1:12 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4451.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Murphy (CT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
1:11 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.
to create the Small Business Lending Fund Program to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses, and for other purposes
1:10 P.M. –
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5297 as unfinished business.
On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
1:09 P.M. –
Ms. Bean moved for the Committee of the Whole to rise.
On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
1:03 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Al Green (TX) amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Green, Al.
An amendment numbered 17 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to (1) require the inclusion of linguistically and culturally appropriate outreach where appropriate to the applicant’s small business lending plan; (2) provide for linguistically and culturally appropriate minority outreach and advertising; (3) explicitly state minority-owned financial institutions are eligible for consideration of by the Secretary for funding; and (4) require the Secretary, to the extent possible, to disaggregate the results of the report on women-owned and minority-owned business by ethnic group and gender.
1:02 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Loebsack amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:58 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loebsack amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Loebsack.
An amendment numbered 16 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to include a Sense of Congress stating that agriculture operations, farms, and rural communities should receive equal consideration through lending activities for small businesses, particularly small and mid-size farms and agriculture operations; and attention should be given to ensuring there is adequate small business credit and financing availability in the agriculture and farming sectors.
12:57 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Braley (IA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:53 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Braley amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Braley (IA).
An amendment numbered 15 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to require the use of plain writing by the Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration for documents relevant to obtaining a benefit or service under the bill.
12:52 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Cuellar amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:47 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cuellar amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Cuellar.
An amendment numbered 14 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to require the Secretary to take into consideration areas with high unemployment rates that exceed the national average to increase opportunities for small business development.
12:46 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:40 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loretta Sanchez(CA) amendment.
Amendment offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.
An amendment numbered 13 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to include as part of the selection criteria for investment companies the extent to which the applicant will concentrate investment activities on small business concerns in targeted industries.
12:39 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cao amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
12:30 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cao amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Cao.
An amendment numbered 12 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to provide funding to eligible institutions that serve small businesses in communities that have suffered negative economic effects as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with particular consideration to States along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
12:29 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Michaud amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:28 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Michaud amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Michaud.
An amendment numbered 11 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to ensure that state-run venture capital fund programs will be able to qualify as “state other credit support programs,” as long as they do not use funds under H.R. 5297 to lend to businesses with more than 750 employees. It would clarify that state-run venture capital fund programs will be able to qualify as “state other credit support programs,” as long as they meet all other requirements.
12:27 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Driehaus amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:16 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Driehaus amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Driehaus.
An amendment numbered 8 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to institute a new Office of Small Business Lending Fund Oversight.
12:15 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
12:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Al Green (TX) amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Green, Al.
An amendment numbered 7 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to improve disclosures by eligible institutions receiving funding under the program.
12:03 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Price (GA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:58 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Price (GA) amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Price (GA).
An amendment numbered 6 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to express the Sense of Congress that small business lending is being hindered by mixed messages from federal financial regulators.
11:57 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Perlmutter amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:49 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perlmutter amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Perlmutter.
An amendment numbered 5 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to allow small banks to amortize losses or write-downs on commercial real estate loans over a 10-year period, freeing up more capital for these small institutions to lend to small businesses.
On agreeing to the Minnick amendment as modified Agreed to by voice vote.
11:45 A.M. –
Minnick amendment modified by unanimous consent.
11:44 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Minnick amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Minnick.
An amendment numbered 4 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to make non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans eligible for the program.
11:43 A.M. –
On agreeing to the Nye amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:34 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nye amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Nye.
An amendment numbered 3 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to add four stipulations to the Small Business Lending Fund to safeguard small businesses in the bill: 1) base SBLF incentives on number of loans an institution makes, not just the total dollars of loans; 2) include Small Business Lending Centers with less than $10 billion in assets as qualified financial institutions to participate in the SBLF; 3) add the SBA definition to define what a small business is; and 4) change the base lending amount from a comparison of the fourth quarter of 2009, to a full year of data.
11:33 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Israel amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Israel demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
11:29 A.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Israel amendment.
Amendment offered by Mr. Israel.
An amendment numbered 1 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to add veteran- and women- owned businesses to the groups that will receive outreach under the Small Business Lending Fund established by the bill. It adds veteran-owned businesses to those businesses that should receive consideration in the Fund, adds veterans to the study on lending assistance, and requires the study to report not just on the number of loans made to women-, veteran- and minority-owned businesses, but the percent of loans that go to them as a part of the program.
10:35 A.M. –
GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5297.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1436 and Rule XVIII.
10:34 A.M. –
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5486 and H.R. 5297 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of each bill except for clauses 9 and 10 or rule XXI are waived.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1436.
10:33 A.M. –
Ms. Bean asked unanimous consent that the instruction in the amendment printed in part B of House Report 111-506 relating to page 11, line8, be considered to refer to section 4(d)(2)(A) of the matter proposed to be inserted by the amendment printed in part A of such report, as amended by the amendment in part B of such report. Agreed to without objection.
10:03 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.
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3951.
10:02 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Hall of NY 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 Rabbi Joshua Davidson, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua, New York.
10:00 A.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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