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Congress: – Republican led House – the Senate


The Senate will re-convene at 2pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011.

 Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Calendar #88, S.J.Res.20, the Kerry-McCain resolution regarding Libya.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 5, 2011.

Black History

what is Congress doing for or against Americans today –


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 23, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:49 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:43 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 2219:
making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

6:41 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2219as unfinished business.On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (FL) moved to rise.

5:52 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2219.

5:51 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland 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. 320and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2219with 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 read by paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 320.

5:50 P.M. – Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 328.

5:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 1249:
to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform 

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1249.

5:48 P.M. – On passage Passed by recorded vote: 304 – 117 (Roll no. 491).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:42 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 251 (Roll no. 490).

5:24 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

5:19 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same to the House with an amendment to require the U.S. Patent Office to prioritize patent applications filed by entities that pledge to develop or manufacture their products, processes, and technologies in the U.S., including, specifically, those filed by small businesses and individuals.

5:17 P.M. – Mr. Miller (NC) moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.

Mr. Miller (NC) moved to recommit the bill H.R. 1249 to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � Add at the end of the bill the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): � SEC. 34. PRIORITY IN PROCESSING PATENT APPLICATIONS. ***

5:16 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.

5:15 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

5:14 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1249.On agreeing to the Schock amendment Failed by recorded vote: 158 – 262, 1 Present (Roll no. 489).

5:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rohrabacher amendment Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 342 (Roll no. 488).

5:07 P.M. – On agreeing to the Manzullo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 92 – 329 (Roll no. 487).

5:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sensenbrenner amendment Failed by recorded vote: 129 – 295 (Roll no. 486).

4:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Conyers amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 198 (Roll no. 485).

4:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to restore language for calculation of 60-day period for application of patent term extension that the managers amendment strikes.

4:54 P.M. – PROCEEDINGS VACATED – By unanimous consent, the disposition proceedings for the Conyers amendment No. 9 were vacated and the Committee of the Whole proceeded to re-vote the Conyers amendment.

4:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Baldwin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 342 (Roll no. 483).

4:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Conyers amendment Failed by recorded vote: 105 – 316 (Roll no. 482).

4:14 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

4:13 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schock amendment, the Chair put t he question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schock amendment no. 15.Amendment offered by Mr. Schock.

An amendment numbered 15 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike section 18 of H.R. 1249, the Transitional program for covered business method patents.

3:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rohrabacher demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment no. 14.Amendment offered by Mr. Rohrabacher.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to eliminate the burden of post-grant reviews and reexaminations on individual inventors and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

3:47 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Manzullo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Manzullo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:38 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Manzullo amendment no. 13.Amendment offered by Mr. Manzullo.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to eliminate the ability of the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to set fees, retaining that authority for Congress.

3:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sensenbrenner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment no. 12.Amendment offered by Mr. Sensenbrenner.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike Section 3 of the legislation, which would convert the U.S. patent system from `first-to-invent’ to `first-to-file.’

3:25 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the Watt amendment was withdrawn.

3:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Watt amendment no. 11.

3:23 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Watt.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add a severability clause protecting the remainder of the bill if the Supreme Court determines that certain sections or provisions are unconstitutional.

3:22 P.M. – On agreeing to the Speier amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:17 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment no. 10.Amendment offered by Ms. Speier.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to direct the PTO to prescribe a requirement that parties provide sufficient evidence to prove and rebut a claim of derivation.

3:16 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Conyers amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:07 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment no. 9.Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to restore language for calculation of 60-day period for application of patent term extension that the managers amendment strikes.

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by voice vote.

2:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment no. 8.Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to clarify that the new legislation would apply only to new tax planning patents, not already filed patents which would disclose patent information leaving the applicants vulnerable.

2:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Peters amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:49 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters amendment no. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to mandate a USPTO-led study on what USPTO, SBA, and other agencies can do to help small businesses obtain, maintain, and enforce foreign patents. This study is to be conducted using existing resources.

2:48 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lujan amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lujan amendment no. 6.Amendment offered by Mr. Lujan.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add requirements to the satellite office location selection process to ensure that (1) the purposes, as described in the bill, of establishing satellite offices are achieved, (2) recruitment costs are minimized by considering the availability of knowledgeable personnel in the region, and (3) the economic impact to the region is considered. It would also require that the Director in the required report to Congress on the rationale in selecting the location of any satellite office include an explanation of how the selected location will achieve the purposes of satellite offices and how the required considerations were met.

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment no. 5.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add a sense of Congress that it is important to protect the rights of small businesses and inventors from predatory behavior that could result in cutting off innovation and may provide an undue advantage to large financial institutions and high-tech firms.

2:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moore amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:34 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment no. 4.Amendment offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to direct the USPTO to develop methods for studying the diversity of patent applicants, including those applicants who are minorities, women, or veterans. Any results of the study shall not be used for preferential treatment in the patent process.

2:33 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Baldwin amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Baldwin demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:23 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Baldwin amendment no. 3.Amendment offered by Ms. Baldwin.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike Section 5, the `prior user rights’ language, and conform H.R. 1249 to H.R. 1908, as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 7, 2007, and S. 23, as passed by the U.S. Senate on March 8, 2011.

2:22 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Conyers amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:11 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment no. 2.Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to insert language to move the United States to a first to file system only upon a Presidential finding that other major patent authorities have adopted a similar one-year grace period.

2:09 P.M. – On agreeing to the Smith (TX) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 283 – 140 (Roll no. 481).

1:51 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 320:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2219) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

1:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 251 – 173 (Roll no. 480).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:33 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 247 – 168 (Roll no. 479).

12:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 320.

12:30 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:28 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

12:26 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans -referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-41).

12:24 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea that destabilize the Korean Peninsula – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-40).

12:04 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:03 P.M. – ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the Gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 432.

12:02 P.M. – The House received a communication from Cesar A. Perales, Secretary of State, State of New York. Mr. Perales informed the House he had received the resignation of Anthony D. Weiner as New York’s 9th Congressional District Representative in the United States House of Representatives. The New York State Department of State filed the letter on June 20, 2011. A copy of Mr. Weiner’s letter of resignation was attached.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Altmire to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. – SPEAKERS APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Hultgren 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. Hultgren 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.Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 23.

11:12 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 DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

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

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  • The Senate Convenes: 10am June 23, 2011
    • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:30am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
    • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act with the Vitter amendment #499 regarding czars and the DeMint amendment #510 regarding Bureau of Justice Statistics debated concurrently with up to 30 minutes of debate, with Senators Vitter, DeMint, Reid, and McConnell, or their designees, each controlling 7 ½ minutes.
    • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12pm), the Senate will conduct 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:
      • Vitter amendment #499 regarding czars (60-vote threshold)
      • DeMint amendment #510 regarding Bureau of Justice Statistics (majority-vote threshold)
    • The following amendments are pending to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act:
      • DeMint amendment #501 (IMF bailouts)
      • DeMint amendment #511 (legislative & public affairs)
      • Portman amendment #509 (Comptrollers of Navy, Army, Air Force; Controller of OMB and department CFOs)
      • Cornyn amendment #504 (strike provisions re: Comptroller of the Army, Navy and Air Force)
      • Toomey amendment #514 (strikes the provision relating to the Governors and alternate governors of the IMF and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
      • Carper amendment #517 (GAO report)
      • McCain amendment #493 (Navajo and Hopi Relocation Office)
      • Akaka amendment #512 (Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans)
      • Paul amendment #502 (Treasurer of the United States)
      • Paul amendment #503 (Director of the Mint)
      • VOTES
    • The Senate began a roll call vote on the Vitter amendment #499 (czars) to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act (60-vote threshold); Not agreed to: 47-51.
    • The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #510 (Bureau of Justice Statistics) to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act; Not Agreed to: 41-57

Adopted S.Res.215, designating the month of June 2011 as “National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.”

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mashup Monday &some News


The featured picture is of the I-5 Peace Arch.

  I needed some feeling of peace today. Actually, we probably will all feel the need for some peaceful thoughts as we watch members of Congress play politics with American lives. Congress might have until August to raise the debt ceiling but the evidence is becoming quite clear that Republicans have absolutely no intention of helping their Fellow Americans and or the Economy move toward that path of progress let alone the 21st Century, so the picture on the left is of our I-5 Peace Arch on the Canadian Border.

 In 2010, right around this time a vote was taken and while the Democratic Party was trying to get Americans back to work by introducing legislation to be passed Republicans acted and continue to act as if Corporate America is the only people, they trust and the following was what happened.  Last night, June/2010 the following comments were made after the jobs/tax extenders bill failed in the Senate again 56-40 -”Tonight, every single Republican voted to deny states critical aid that would keep firefighters, police offices and teachers employed,” said Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). “And tonight, every single Republican voted to tell the one in ten Americans who have lost their jobs that they are on their own.” Please call your representative in Congress.  The American people are about tired of the BS offered up by both sides of the aisle but after watching  listening to TV and or radio the sad sad reality is that people are willing to vote against their best interest.

Apparently, folks have forgotten that it has been a Republican mission to vote against their fellow Americans calling it unnecessary spending though if anyone recalls that these are the same folks who voted against stimulus money while  taking the stimulus money, shoot every state was going to get it whether they said no because it was an emergency. It was slightly amusing though shortly lived and definitely offensive now that the number of Politicians with negative comments about the stimulus funds even though they held elaborate ceremonies with ribbon cutting, offering huge checks, took responsibility for the effort and some even asked for more money.  I am not sure how anyone else feels but knowing that the number of Governors that took the stimulus money to balance their budgets was disturbing enough. It was not just disturbing but hearing how Republican Governors made a choice of Profits over the People in their states by giving money  to private sector who turned out to be friends like the Koch brothers is felonious at best . It is also quite possible some of those very Republican Governors have businesses that received direct or non- direct advantages sort of like those drug testing clinics that belong to the governor who has decided that all state employees be tested for drug use. I may be wrong but reports are he is the only one with those clinics and this past weekend there were reports that rep. Paul Ryan stands to make a lot of money if his plan is implemented. If all that we have heard about our so-called Public Servants is correct, the stimulus money was obviously misused and some folks in office abused their positions.  We have Governors saying their states are broke though some had surpluses while the private sector being a Republicans best friend is still unwilling to open up the purse strings or stop sending jobs offshore until Americans accept lower wages and or compete for  what used to be Public Service jobs turned private and fee based . The current attitudes coming from Republicans will only drive unemployment up.  The obvious choice would be to place a Public Jobs Works bill on the table that would create jobs that will take care of our crumbling infrastructure, accept that at this moment in time we need everyone to participate. The idea that people are actually against fair share is beyond me but that Republican view currently being forced upon our fellow Americans in some states right this very moment is a reality.  It’s the 21st Century people. We need members of Congress to walk through a feature like our Arch to bring peace over them and maybe they will all come to the same conclusion two and a half years later. That all members of Congress need to participate in fair share as well as vote yes to Jobs bills that include county, state, or federal workers. Since when do we have  to tell companies like BP or other big Corporations that they should be held completely accountable for their errors; let us hope all Americans heard the Barton, Bachmann; cable heads and Boehner comments about a year ago because those- Corporatist-Republicans are still at it. The escrow was for We the People and was not a Chicago style take down as suggested. Republican Congressmen like Barton came out in support and the protection of a company that has ruined not only the Gulf Coast, the livelihoods, the environment the Marshes, Estuaries and now the beaches in Louisiana are suffering, which may affect every aspect of their economy for decades. Barton pulled those comments back but as I have said, those comments cannot be put back into any bottle and hopefully Americans will not forget or forgive.

If you just cannot enjoy our I-5 Peace Arch on the Canadian Border try breathing deeply in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth … repeat as needed

Other News ….

Your tributes to the Big Man, Clarence Clemons

Casey Anthony Trial Update: Defense case continues after dramatic beginning

Protesters take to streets in Syria after Assad speech

Euro, Stocks Recover as Debt Concern Eases

Tunisia’s Ousted President Says He Was Tricked Into Leaving

Is Rick Perry Going to Run for President?

Inappropriate Jokes

CSPAN

Governors Discuss Job Creation

Study released on states and job growth

A Look at “Mystery Phone Fees”

Huntsman announcement, Panetta Vote, Clinton on Capitol Hill

Senate to vote Tuesday on Panetta as SecDef
Issue for Jon Huntsman: His family’s Iran Business

~ my 2cents ...

Wednesday &some News


Today,President Obama and The First Lady host a Congressional Picnic at the White House at 7pm ET.

My rant today … Two and a half years ago the democratic party controlled both chambers in Congress and both leaders of the House and Senate were on their way to establishing a new path toward the 21st Century with several bills that included among others a jobs bill, dream act, dadt, start treaty, UI and health-care reform. The legislation our representatives brought to the floor of Congress were supposed to address American issues. However, great legislation has been difficult to pass due to Republican filibusters and more recent the lies that won them control of the House of Representatives. While we now know what the true Republican mission is, the Democratic Party has stated they will not give up trying to help the middle class.

Then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressing the status of the middle class stated that in the near future people would be paying 1dollar out of every 5dollars for health-care. Nancy Pelosi also stated that the problem of health-care costs will not go away and we can solve the issue by repealing the anti-trust exemptions, increase, and lower cost and improves choices for all Americans. Though the new health care law allows children under 26 to be covered under their parents insurance, has eliminated discrimination that includes pre-existing conditions, more coverage for our elders and maintaining the health care rights for women. The Republican Tea Party continues to berate the achievement call it Obamacare in order to demean it. Thankfully, the new Affordable Health Care Law passed though the new Congress has made cutting, slashing, and burning it their main mission along with so many other social programs without giving Americans any idea how they will replace hcr or social security, Medicare/Medicaid. The new effort to attack a woman’s right to choose has become more important than creating jobs and as Republicans offer up bills, amendments and comments, it is obvious it should embarrass Americans at how narrow this new party has become since the last guy was in office. The party of no has become the party of let us cut spending, decrease the deficit but they are and or will do so in on the backs of the middle class, poor and we all know minorities by giving them less. The obvious culture wars have become an issue and while candidates running for Congress not only engaged in race baiting, exclusion and outright discrimination. Most if not all were defeated at the polls thankfully but some did get through and are sitting either in the Senate or House. Honestly, I want Republican constituents to ask themselves if these people are true public servant and how upset were you when your own party voted against helping firefighters, teachers, and police while stripping away worker rights. The idea to help maintain these jobs, helping those who lost jobs by voting yes to unemployment and or create them until the lame duck session happened because the RTP wanted something, not that they wanted to help their fellow American. The Republican Tea Party, as we all know managed to hold the middle class hostage and traded the bush bonus dollars for helping Americans even though the house of bush set a date for the bush bonus dollars to expire. Is it just me or does it seem less than American to hold or use money as a tool to insure those Bush bonus tax cuts …That top 2% of our population got those tax cuts but have failed to significantly improve the job numbers even though speaker Boehner stated they were the job creators.

Two and a half years ago, in a series of votes that dramatized the conflicting pressures Democrats face to spur job growth and control the deficit. The House voted 217-212 to raise the government is borrowing authority to a record level, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans opposing the measure. The then Speaker Pelosi reminded people that among other things that the Democratic Party, focused on jobs, concerned and working toward equal rights for the people, proud that the lily Ledbetter law  passed as well. Well, that was two years ago. After gaining control of the House of Representatives, the Republican Tea Party decided that taking apart any legislation that has President Obama’s stamp of approval is the only thing the people elected them for last November. This is not just offensive it is one of several issues that has divided Americans and will continue to until the Republican Tea Party stops playing games with the lives of all Americans and gets to work for the citizens of the United States instead of what seems like only for Corporate America.

Two and a half years ago, in an effort to make it hard to fill the Obama Administrations cabinet, like appointee Martha Johnson. Now, with half of President Obama’s term over, the Republican Tea Party has managed to hold up over 20% of his appointments and some have withdrawn completely, the result is a less than complete cabinet for the governing party.

This behavior by the Republican Tea Party is just not acceptable and be considered un-American. In a moment of emotion, Senator Dorgan voiced my feelings at the time,” that for over 8months Republicans have blocked her nomination and now almost unanimously vote to put her in, which raises doubts in the integrity of Republicans.”

Yes, some good things came out of the hard work that the House and Senate Democrats performed but it is obvious they need to do more while the Republican Tea Party has put the future of America at risk and will continue to do so unless Americans begin to push back.

Other News …

Life expectancy of US women slips in some regions

Washington Day Ahead: Fed Officials Discuss Inflation Target

 Why Michele Bachmann is no Sarah Palin

Latest union proposal exempts Wis. transit workers

Pakistan’s arrest of CIA informants exposes Bin Laden raid frustrations …

Police Fire Tear Gas, Stun Grenades Amid Fresh Athens Clashes

Despite Crackdown, Syria Calls for Refugees to Return Home

‘US says it won’t support UN Palestinian statehood bid’

CSPAN …

House Panel Continues Look into “Fast and Furious”

Defense Secretary & Joint Chiefs Chairman Testify on Pentagon Spending

Lawmakers Review Islamic Radicalization in Prisons

AP sources: Pakistan arrests 5 CIA informants from bin Laden raid in latest US-Pakistan rift – The Washington Post

F.D.A. Unveils New Rules About Sunscreen Claims – NYTimes.com

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what’s going on in Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 10:30amET June 7, 2011
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.782, the Economic Development Act. Prior to adjourning on Monday, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.782. We are hopeful we will reach an agreement to begin consideration of the bill on Tuesday. However, if no agreement is reached, Senators should expect this cloture vote to occur on Wednesday.

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

By unanimous consent, the cloture motion with respect to the motion to proceed to S.782, the Economic Development Act, was withdrawn, the Senate adopted the motion to proceed and the Senate has begun consideration of S.782.

The committee-reported amendment was agreed to and will now be considered original text for the purposes of amendments.

The following amendments are currently pending to S.782, the Economic Development Act:
-Tester amendment #392 (swipe fees)
-Durbin 2nd degree amendment #393 (technical change) to amendment #392

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 The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 7, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 7, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:03 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 9, 2011.

10:02 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:01 A.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:00 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Carter Griffin.The Speaker designated the Honorable Jerry Lewis to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.