Tag Archives: Government

The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 28, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 3pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #40, the nomination of Mae D-Agostino, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of NY for one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.

At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the D’Agostino nomination.

Votes:

46: Confirmation of the nomination of Mae D-Agostino, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of NY;

Confirmed: 88-0

This will be the last vote of the day.

Unanimous Consent:

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

Coast Guard

Cal. 69 Brian M. Salerno, to be Vice Admiral

Cal. 70 John P. Currier, to be Vice Admiral

Cal.71 Robert C. Parker, to be Vice Admiral

Cal. 72 Manson K. Brown, to be Vice Admiral

And all nominations placed on the Secretary’s Desk in NOAA and the Coast Guard

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 18, 2011 unless the House sooner receives a message from the Senate indicating its adoption of H. Con. Res. 30, in which case the House stands adjourned until March 29, 2011.

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thirsty Thursday &some News

03/17/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Today has an air of sadness in it because of the events in Japan as well as the uprisings in various parts of the Middle East these days. The impact on our family friends are both sad and rude realities of our lives today but as we all know life goes on so take some time to kiss , hug and love your family, tell them how you feel.

– take time to reach up to the sky slowly while breathing in deeply through the nose and hold and while lowering your arms to your sides exhale through your mouth and roll slowly your head, neck, shoulders torso …. repeat when needed. The weather on the other hand has gone from the upper 50’s back to the cold 30’s and that is maddening to me because spring officially starts this weekend but as we move into the last week of March college Basket Ball or March Madness is now in full effect and will play itself out to its final push toward the big dance in April.

My rant this week, well the last few weeks have been filled with crazy talk from some freshman tea party members and it definitely has driven many mad as the final push toward getting the budget for FY2011 finalized. We all have to wonder at what point do these amateurs of politics and governing understand the words negotiate and compromise. It is disturbing to watch folks from the right play with the rights and lives of Americans by offering up deep budget cuts in spurts let alone anything-long term. What we Americans have seen on the floor of the Republican led House is one after the other of many acts of calamity by Congress and includes DEFUNDING the following: BIG BIRD, Families, volcano and tsunami warning centers, Women ,Children oh and do not forget you old people or anyone else that is in need. The fact is Public Broadcasting only costs around $1.50 per person and as a parent watching Sesame Street with my child was just a great addition to learning … and it’s from home. Americans constantly need reminding that elections have consequences. The party of no plans, cohesiveness, and or experience is itching for a government shutdown, and seemingly wants to force Americans back into the 50’s living in my opinion.

Though both Political Parties support the “stopgap bill”, which is only a temporary solution ;who would have thought that keeping the Government in biz for 2-3 weeks at a time is acceptable let alone and I say that again, let alone have the Democratic Party be the ones who keep the absolutely unacceptable 2012 spending bill alive. This whole thing is offensive to Working Families. I will admit I was not happy that 85 left of centers voted with Republicans to make sure that the latest deal …a 3-week stopgap passed on the floor of Congress. It would have been great if our Democratic party could have said look you do not have the votes let’s negotiate a real CR a good compromise and permanent budget. I don’t know about you but the lack of leadership and or control Boehner has over his freshman tea members is hilarious. It should also be a warning and enlightenment to rightwing backers to see Speaker Boehner is an epic failure. The number of bills that the new members of Congress has blocked, stalled, or voted down by their members of the Tea Party is beyond funny; at least it is funny to this voter.

The great debate or debates among members of Congress, talking heads, so-called journalists and us civilians about WHO WILL VOTE NO on the floor of Congress on any given day and why or do Democrats really want to support the President’s agenda or save themselves has gotten way too much media play for my taste. It has changed my thoughts and opinions on how honest certain reporters and the cable stations they work for are. Most of us have to question just what side of the aisle they represent on any given day or hour in the day. There used to be a time when most maybe not all but most talking heads in “the media” actually did subscribe to “fair and balanced news”. Now, given the rhetoric no one should be representing a side whatsoever but then again we have FOX as an example, who has some sort of pass to all things considered compassion, equal rights, discrimination and just plain ole human being type behavior. Well, let’s remember it is FOX.

The President subjected himself to a FOX interview for the Super Bowl and though he was unable to respond to Fox host Bill O., who clearly was hostile toward the President, butted in, kept asking questions, and seemed to think that interview was all about him. The behavior by the host should have been quite an embarrassment for fox management; actually, for anyone who works for “the Media” and calls themselves a reporter and or journalist who intentionally acts with such bad manners but there were no reports suggesting he was held accountable, which is so typical and offensive.

Other News …

**Dozens of nuke plant workers injured,exposed

**ok, yes low radioactivity heads for N.America

**Senate sends 3wk funding bill to President Obama

**Four NYT journalists reported missing in Libya

**Gahadfi pounds “rebel” his own people -US hints at air strikes

**House is set to vote on defunding BIG BIRD

*Another Earth Quake rocks Japan 6.0

** DEA takes lethat drum from GA dept of Corrections

**Republican led republicans want to cut tsunami warning centers .. odd

**RNC will sell tv rights of republican presidential primary debates

**Diplomats discussing “range of options” beyond no-fly zone

**Mexico confirms presence of the US drones

**The NRA will not talk gun control with Obama ..ask yourself why

CSPAN …

Capitol Hill

Is U.S. Prepared for Next Big Disaster

Also a look at earthquake monitoring

http://c-span.com/Events/Is-US-Prepared-for-Next-Big-Disaster/10737420262/

House To Vote To Defund NPR

http://c-span.com/Events/House-To-Vote-To-Defund-NPR/10737420260/

Republicans Push Drilling to Offset Rising Gasoline Prices

http://c-span.com/Events/Republicans-Push-Drilling-to-Offset-Rising-Gasoline-Prices/10737420263/

Senate Hearing on Winding Down of TARP

http://c-span.com/Events/Senate-Hearing-on-Winding-Down-of-TARP/10737420261/

Press Secretary Jay Carney conducts a daily briefing at the White House. Questions were mostly about the safety of Japan’s nuclear plants, in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and tsunami. Mr. Carney also responded to questions about the unrest in the Arab world.

http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Jay-Carney/10737420233/

Elizabeth Warren, Assistant to President Obama & Special Adviser to the Treasury Secretary on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) said she thinks the President will nominate a director for this new agency soon and added that if it was operational years ago “we won’t be in the mess we’re currently in.” She also said she’s only been offering advice to the Obama Administration involved in a formal settlement with mortgage servicers, but may participate in these discussions when the CFPB becomes operational in July.

http://c-span.com/Events/Warren-Defends-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau/10737420228/

Representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), joined by health and security experts, responded to concerns raised by the use of body imaging technology and other airport security measures at a House Oversight & Government Reform Subcommittee hearing.

http://c-span.com/Events/Congress-Hears-Publics-Concern-with-Full-Body-Scans/10737420257/

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Congress:debates/votes -the Republican led House …will defund BigBird(H.R.1076) -NPR&PBS -the Senate considers…S.493SBIR,STTR,H.J.Res.48-3wkCR

03/17/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET on March 17, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 10:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization.

At 12:00pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.J.Res.48, the continuing resolution through April 8, 2011 with up to 3 hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the two leaders and their designees.

Senators should expect up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 2:45pm in relation to the following:

– Passage of H.J.Res.48, 3-week CR

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #11, Amy Jackson, of the District of Columbia, to be US District Judge for the District of Columbia.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

Votes:

44: Passage of H.J.Res. 48, 3-week CR; Passed: 87-13

45: Confirmation of calendar #11, the nomination of Amy Berman, of the District of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia

Confirmed: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

Confirmed Executive calendar #48, Michael Vickers, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

Adopted S.Res.51, a resolution recognizing the 190th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.

Adopted S.Res.105, a resolution to condemn the December 19, 2010 elections in Belarus, and to call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and for new elections that meet international standards.

Adopted S.Res.106, a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City on March 25, 1911 and designating the week of March 21, 2011 through March 25, 2011 as the “100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Remembrance Week.”

Adopted S.Res.107, a resolution designating April 4, 2011 as National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day.

Adopted H.Con.Res.30, Adjournment Resolution.

““““““““““““““

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 9:00amET on March 17, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 17, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3:40 P.M. –

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

3:39 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 27 and passed H.J. Res. 48.

3:32 P.M. –

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

H. Con. Res. 28:

directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan

3:29 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 93 – 321, 1 Present (Roll no. 193).

3:23 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1076:

to prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 228 – 192, 1 Present (Roll no. 192).

3:15 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 235 (Roll no. 191).

2:51 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

2:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sutton motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the bill back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the underlying legislation from limiting the eligibility of non-commercial educational radio programs from receiving Federal funds to broadcast or disseminate alerts issued by the AMBER Alert communications network regarding abducted children.

2:43 P.M. –

Ms. Sutton moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

2:42 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1076.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1076 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Although the rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, the Committee is not aware of any points of order. The waiver is prophylactic in nature. Although the rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, the Committee is not aware of any points of order against any of the provisions in the bill. The waiver of all points of order against provisions in the bill is prophylactic in nature.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 174.

H. Con. Res. 28:

directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan

1:25 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 28, the Chair put the question on adoption of the concurrent resolution and by voice vote announced the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the concurrent resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:24 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

10:58 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous special order, the House proceeded with 2 hours of debate on H. Con. Res. 28.

Considered pursuant to a previous order.

H. Res. 174:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1076) to prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content

10:57 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 236 – 181 (Roll no. 190).

10:47 A.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Weiner on the content of the measure. Mr. Weiner stated that the underlying bill made in order by H. Res. 174 had not been posted online for 72 hours, and as such, was in violation of the rules of the House. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

10:46 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 179 (Roll no. 189).

9:16 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 174.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 147:

providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Twelfth Congress

9:15 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

9:03 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.

9:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Barrow 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.

9:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

9:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Cost Estimate for H.R. 3, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

03/16/2011 Nativegrl77

•Cost Estimate for H.R. 3, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on March 3, 2011, incorporating a Manager’s Amendment

http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=12105

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what is going on in Congress: debates/votes -the Republican led House & -the Senate …small biz jobs bill

03/15/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 15, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

– Nelson (NE) #182 (Sense of the Senate regarding a 5% cut in Senate budget)

– McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

– Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

– Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

– Snowe amendment #193 (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program)

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 2:15pm, Senator Coats will be recognized to speak for up to 30 minutes to deliver his maiden speech. Following his statement, Senator Portman will be recognized to speak for up to 15 minutes to deliver his maiden speech.

There will be no roll call votes this evening.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.96, congratulating the Army Dental Corps on its 100th Anniversary.

Passed S.J.Res.7, reappointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.8, appointment of Stephen M. Chase as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.9, reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:03 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Sessions moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:01 P.M. –

Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 170.

3:54 P.M. –

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

3:49 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 168:

electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

3:48 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.

3:45 P.M. –

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

3:44 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Marchant . Mr. Marchant submitted his resignation from the Committee on Financial Services. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H. Con. Res. 30:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

3:41 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 197 (Roll no. 180).

3:33 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:32 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H. Con. Res. 30 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.J. Res. 48:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:31 P.M. –

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 271 – 158 (Roll no. 179).

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

3:22 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 – 239 (Roll no. 178).

3:00 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

2:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Critz motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to prohibit use of funds in the joint resolution to develop or implement a system that cuts Social Security benefits, or that privatizes Social Security, or to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors, or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector.

2:50 P.M. –

Mr. Critz moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

2:49 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 48.

1:28 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 48 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. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 167.

1:25 P.M. –

AGREEING TO SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and after putting the question to a voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed and the Journal stood approved.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 181 (Roll no. 177).

1:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:01 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

12:58 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. today.

H. Con. Res. 30:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

12:56 P.M. –

POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 30, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes ha d prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:54 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 167, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:53 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 167.

12:17 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 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.

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

12:02 P.M. –

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

12:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

10:46 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 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.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael R. Turner to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day