ETHICS — LOBBYING FIRMS WORK TO SAVE FUNDING FOR JET ENGINE THE PENTAGON DOESN’T WANT:Last month, the House passed the fiscal year 2011 defense authorization, which includes funding for a second engine for the F-35 fighter jet that the Department of Defense doesn’t want. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the second engine and even recommended that President Obama veto the defense authorization if it includes money for the “costly and unnecessary” engine. The Senate Armed Services Committee, to its credit, chose not to include the funding in its version of the bill, which it passed late last month. Now, the defense industry has unleashed 13 different lobbying firms, plus “each contractor’s in-house lobbyists,” to influence senators’ decision-making on the engine before the full Senate takes up the bill in coming weeks. There are “75 lobbyists working on defense issues at the firms engaged in the second-engine showdown,” Politico reports, of which, “at least 33 are registered to work on the engine issue specifically.” The F-35 project is already far over budget, with the projected cost recently raised to $382 billion. The second engine’s development for next year alone would cost $485 million. Gates has said that “every dollar additional to the budget that we have to put into the F-35 is a dollar taken from something else that the troops may need,” while Obama has stated, “[O]ne reliable engine will do just fine.” The Pentagon “ceased its support for a second engine by GE and Rolls-Royce” in 2006, but Congress has “annually overruled the Pentagon” by adding funds to continue the engine’s development.

June 8, 2010

Reid Spokesman: Republicans Push For $47 Billion Giveaway To Big Oil, Protecting Yet Another Special Interest Over The Middle Class

Washington, DC— Jim Manley, spokesman for Nevada Senator Harry Reid, released the following statement today  regarding the Murkowski resolution of disapproval, which amounts to a Republican giveaway to big oil companies:

“Even with thousands of barrels of oil still gushing into the Gulf, Republicans are trying to hand a $47 billion giveaway to big oil companies later this week.

“This giveaway, otherwise known as the Murkowski disapproval resolution, is backed by oil company lobbyists because it would increase the nation’s consumption of oil by at least 455 million barrels, and probably waste several billion more. This latest attempt by Republicans to protect big oil companies comes after they repeatedly blocked Democrats’ attempts to hold BP fully accountable for its negligence by increasing the grossly insufficient $75 million oil spill liability cap.

“With Republicans standing up for Wall Street, health insurance companies and now big oil companies, this begs the question – is there any special interest Republicans will not protect?”

June 8, 2010

Schumer, Merkley Discuss How Democrats Are Working To Close Outsourcing Loopholes, Cut Taxes And Create Jobs

Washington, DC— Senate Democratic Conference Vice Chairman Chuck Schumer and Senator Jeff Merkley held a press conference this morning to discuss Democratic efforts to close outsourcing loopholes, cut middle-class taxes and create new jobs.  Some of the same Republicans who voted to pass tax cuts for CEOs who ship American jobs overseas are now threatening to block this bill that would create jobs and protect the middle class.  Democrats are calling on Republicans to support this bill and stop putting the interests of big corporations over those of middle-class families and small businesses.

“We are keeping our eye on the ball by keeping jobs number one on the agenda,” said Senator Schumer.  “This legislation will improve the jobs picture by stopping outsourcing and providing critical support to small businesses. We are trading offshoring for shoring up of U.S. jobs.”

“We should be doing everything we can to create new jobs here in America, not subsidizing the outsourcing of jobs abroad,” said Senator Merkley.  “Multinational corporations use legions of lawyers to avoid paying taxes altogether.  This bill will close egregious loopholes and at the same time help businesses that create jobs here in America.”

June 8, 2010

Reid Statement On Nomination Of General James Clapper For Director Of National Intelligence

Washington, DC—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today in reaction to the recent nomination of General James Clapper for Director of National Intelligence:

“The next Director of National Intelligence (DNI) will inherit a tremendous set of challenges. We will ask him to continue the reform of our Intelligence community undertaken in the wake of the 9/11 attacks – streamlining, integrating and directing the 16 disparate elements of the Intelligence community.  We will ask him to coordinate and strike a sound balance between often competing interests of our military and civilian intelligence programs.  Most importantly, we will ask him to ensure that policymakers receive the timely, relevant and precise intelligence we need to keep our nation safe.

“A strong DNI who has the confidence of the President, the trust of the Congress and the necessary influence over the entire Intelligence community is critical to our national security.  With his distinguished record of service, it is clear why General James Clapper has been nominated by President Obama to meet these challenges.  During his four decades of public service, he has earned a reputation for sound judgment, strong leadership and close familiarity with the work of our 16 intelligence agencies.  I am pleased that General Clapper has stated his intention to work closely with the Congress if confirmed.  Fulfilling that commitment will be critical if he is to achieve the results and reform our national security demands.

“The next step in this process is for the Senate Intelligence Committee to conduct a thorough examination of General Clapper’s record and obtain his views on important issues, including conducting a hearing.  Chairman Feinstein has indicated she intends to do just that and I look forward to learning the Committee’s views on this critical nomination.”

The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET June 8, 2010

Today on the floor of Senate… Extending Tax Breaks and Unemployment Benefits/Speeches all continue Wednesday

When it is available, it is the Majority Leader’s intention to ask the Chair to lay before the Senate the House Message with respect to HR4213, the Tax Extenders legislation.

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

Roll call votes are expected to occur throughout the day in relation to amendments to the Tax Extenders legislation.

The following amendments are pending to the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment with an amendment to the house  Message with respect to HR4213:

Baucus #4301 (Substitute)
Sessions #4303 (Discretionary Spending Caps)
Cardin #4304 (FEHB)
Cornyn #4302 (Foreign Held Debt)

The next meeting in the  House is at 2pmET June 8, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 8, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:49 P.M. –

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

6:48 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 15: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 14: himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 11: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 10: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 9: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, himself for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, and Mr. Latta for 5 min.

6:39 P.M. –

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

6:37 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the emergency with respect to Belarus first declared in Executive Order 13405 of June 16, 2006 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-119).

6:36 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 3:08 p.m., which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the emergency with respect to Belarus first declared in Executive Order 13405 of June 16, 2006. The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the emergency with respect to Western Balkans first declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-118).

6:35 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 3:08 p.m., which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the emergency with respect to Western Balkans first declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001.

H. Res. 518:

honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation

6:34 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): 354 – 0 (Roll no. 338).

6:27 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1061:

to transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes

6:26 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 347 – 0 (Roll no. 337).

6:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:02 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 debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:01 P.M. –

Mr. Perlmutter filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1424.

6:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 8.

2:48 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. today.

H. Res. 518:

honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation

2:47 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.

2:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 518. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1061:

to transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes

2:38 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.

2:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1061. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Bordallo moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2008:

to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of hydroelectric power on the Diamond Fork System of the Central Utah Project

2:26 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.

2:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2008. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Napolitano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4349:

to further allocate and expand the availability of hydroelectric power generated at Hoover Dam, and for other purposes

2:21 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.

2:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4349. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Napolitano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:00 p.m. today.

2:04 P.M. –

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

H.R. 5136:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

2:03 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. The House received a communication from Sarah Gerber, Chamber Support Services. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Gerber notified the House that she had been served with a trial subpoena issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for testimony in a criminal case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.

2:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx 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.

2:01 P.M. –

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

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

The Afghanistan War is now the longest war in U.S. history. If an end-date isn’t set, we could be there forever. We want a responsible withdrawal that’s complete no later than December 2011. Can you contribute $15 to help us send a strong message that politicians will understand?

As Pentagon Papers whistle-blower Daniel Ellsberg says in our new video, “It was always a bad year to get out of Vietnam.” We need to make sure the same doesn’t happen with Afghanistan.

If we can raise $10,000.00 by Wednesday, Rethink Afghanistan and our partners at TrueMajority.org will buy a full-page in Politico telling Congress and the President that we want our combat troops out of Afghanistan by December 2011.

Can you contribute $15 to send a strong message to our elected officials that this war has gone on long enough? We’re spending $1 million per troop, per year, and we’ve already lost 1,000 people in Afghanistan. Please donate today, and watch our latest video showing why we need to end this war next year.

Sincerely,
Robert Greenwald & Derrick Crowe
and the Brave New Foundation Team

Keep Families and States Out of the Red Tell your Senators to support struggling families.

The last time we checked, our economy hasn’t fully rebounded, state budgets are still in dire straits, too many families are living from paycheck to paycheck ― if they are lucky enough to have a paycheck at all ― and the health of too many families is at risk.

So we must ensure that our Senators support legislation that extends a lifeline to struggling families. We need legislation that allows jobless workers to continue their health insurance coverage through COBRA, supports funding for states to prevent families from losing Medicaid, and extends vital unemployment insurance benefits and cash assistance to low-income families through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

Make sure your Senators get it. Tell them to support critical extensions for at-risk families today.

States are running in the red. Without these funds, many states will make deeper cuts to health care, emergency assistance and other vital services for children and families. Don’t let our Senators short-change our country ― tell your Senators to pass legislation that helps America grow and families thrive.

Thank you for continuing to fight for women and families during these hard times.

Sincerely,

National Women’s Law Center

P.S. Women and families need help now more than ever. Please donate today to support our fight for real solutions for the unemployed.