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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Riding the Reverse Racism Unicorn


mmaSome other things I’ve read this week: Felix Salmon’s explanation of why he’s joining Fusion, an interview with David Leonhardt about The Upshot, and updates about detained Vice reporter Simon Ostrovsky. Also, congratulations to Digby for a well-deserved award.

John Whitehouse
Twitter: @existentialfish

Riding The Reverse Racism Unicorn

Kelly HumeThis week, the Roberts court attacked another race-conscious law. Conservatives responded by attacking established civil rights laws as a form of “reverse racism.” Meagan Hatcher-Mays explains how they are defending the systematic favoring of wealthy whites in the admissions process: http://mm4a.org/1hkWji1
Related: Five things you need to know about the Court’s affirmative action decision: http://mm4a.org/Qw32vp The right is also pushing lies about President Obama’s proposed clemency program:http://mm4a.org/1lCMEY8

The Racist Tirade Of A Conservative Media Hero

Hannity, BundyThe right-wing media spent a long time promoting Cliven Bundy’s dispute with the federal government, even though Bundy was completely in the wrong. Will anything change now that Bundy has made virulently racist statements? http://mm4a.org/1ropemt
Related: This vile rhetoric is strikingly similar to remarks from conservatives from Rush Limbaugh to the WSJ editorial board: http://mm4a.org/1f7jTQz

 

FEATURED VIDEO

StewartJon Stewart blasted Sean Hannity’s transparently hypocritical support of scofflaw Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy: http://mm4a.org/QufpZ0

“NEAR WORTHLESS” OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT

Ben CarsonFox’s Ben Carson has a plan to replace Obamacare. Experts told Media Matters‘ investigative reporter Joe Strupp that it would be a disaster for everyone but the very rich: http://mm4a.org/1i8UuFI

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo Speaks Out On The Right To Choose

 

Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 7/9 ~~ the House


2ebe4-gulfwindsunset

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, July 9, 2014.

 

Following any leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 12:00 noon, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees.

 

At 12:00 noon, the Senate will turn to Executive Session and proceed to a series of votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

 

Executive Calendar #906, Julian, Castro, of Texas, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (roll call vote);

Executive Calendar #797, Darci L. Vetter, of Nebraska, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote); and

Executive Calendar ##904 William D. Adams, of Maine to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities for a term of four years (voice vote).

 

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2363, the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, and proceed to an immediate vote on the motion to proceed.

 

At 12:00 noon, we expect a roll call vote on confirmation of the Castro nomination and voice votes on confirmation of the Vetter and Adams nominations and on the motion to proceed to the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act.

The Senate has reached an agreement that at 12:00 pm, tomorrow, Wednesday, July 9, 2014, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and consider Calendar #’S.906 (Castro), 797 (Vetter), 904 (Adams). There be 2 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form on each nomination. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate proceed to vote, without intervening action or debate, on the nominations in the order listed. All roll call votes after the first will be 10 minutes in length. We expect a roll call vote on confirmation of the Castro nomination and voice votes on the Vetter and Adams nominations.

 

12:00 noon: at least 1 roll call vote

  • Executive Calendar #906, Julian, Castro, of Texas, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (roll call vote expected)
  • Executive Calendar #797, Darci L. Vetter, of Nebraska, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador (voice vote expected)
  • Executive Calendar ##904 William D. Adams, of Maine to be Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities for a term of four years (voice vote expected)
  • Motion to proceed to S.2363, the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act (voice vote expected)

WRAP UP

No Roll Call Votes

Legislative items

Cal. # 440, S.Res.447, a resolution recognizing the threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority in the efforts of the United States Government to promote democracy and good governance, with committee-reported amendments to the resolution and preamble

No Additional Executive items

 

====================================================

Last Floor Action:
5:03:09 P.M. -H.R. 4923
On agreeing to the McAllister amendment (A006) Roll Call 371 – Recorded vote pending.

Last Floor Action:7/8
9:03:43 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 9, 2014.

10:00:00 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:01:23 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Kerry L. Bentivolio to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:44 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.
10:35:20 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:46 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 9.
12:00:57 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. George Dillard, Peachtree City Christian Church, Peachtree City, Georgia.
12:02:20 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:27 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Tonko to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:06 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.
12:31:48 P.M. H. Res. 660 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 660 — “Electing a Member to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”
12:32:06 P.M. H. Res. 660 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:32:12 P.M. H. Res. 660 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:33:35 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:34:11 P.M. H.R. 803 Mr. Kline moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
12:34:34 P.M. H.R. 803 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 803.
1:26:42 P.M. H.R. 803 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:27:38 P.M. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on July 9, 2014, at 10:47 a.m. that that body had agreed to S. Res. 496.
1:28:21 P.M. H.R. 4923 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 641. H.R. 4923 — “Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
1:28:26 P.M. H.R. 4923 For H.R. 4899, the rule makes in order only those further amendments printed in the report. For H.R. 4293, the rule rule provides that the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. All amendments shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent and shall not be subject to amendment.
1:28:50 P.M. H.R. 4923 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 641 and Rule XVIII.
1:28:51 P.M. H.R. 4923 The Speaker designated the Honorable Diane Black to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.
1:29:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4923.
2:20:06 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Walorski, to increase funding for Corps of Engineers Construction (CAP) by $500,000 and to reduce funding for Departmental Administration by a similar amount.
2:21:07 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walorski amendment.
2:24:07 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Walorski amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:25:43 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Murphy (FL), No. 8 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for Corps of Engineers Construction by $1 million and to reduce funding for Corps of Engineers Expenses by a similar amount.
2:25:50 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (FL) amendment No. 8.
2:30:55 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Murphy (FL) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:31:10 P.M. H.R. 4923 RISING INFORMALLY – The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the President.
2:31:43 P.M. H.R. 4923 RESUMED SITTING – The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
2:32:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Cassidy, No. 4 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for Corps of Engineers Construction by $5 million and to reduce funding for Departmental Administration at DOE by a similar amount.
2:32:37 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cassidy amendment No. 4.
2:36:02 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Cassidy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:37:42 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Lujan, Ben Ray (NM), to increase funding for Corps of Engineers Construction by $15 million and to reduce funding for Corps of Engineers Expenses by a similar amount.
2:37:45 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ben Ray Lujan amendment.
2:42:13 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Lujan, Ben Ray (NM) amendment was withdrawn.
2:43:54 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Cicilline, to provide that $44 million in funding be specifically allocated for environmental infrastructure projects for financially distressed municipalities.
2:43:57 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline amendment, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:47:09 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Cicilline amendment was withdrawn.
2:48:54 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. McAllister, to increase funding for Corps of Engineers Flood Damage Reduction projects in the Mississippi River Valley below Cape Girardeau, Missouri by $47 million and to reduce funding for Renewable Energy Programs Construction by $127 million.
2:48:58 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McAllister amendment.
2:53:32 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McAllister amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McAllister demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:54:08 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Crawford, to redirect $18.8 million in funding within the Mississippi River and Tributaries account.
2:54:11 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Crawford amendment.
2:57:47 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Crawford amendment was withdrawn.
2:59:19 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Hahn, to increase funding for Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance by $57.6 million and to reduce funding for Nuclear Energy Programs by $73,309,100.
2:59:21 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hahn amendment.
3:11:32 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hahn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Simpson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:12:31 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Cassidy, to increase funding for Operation and Maintenance by $1 million and to reduce funding for Departmental Administration by a similar amount.
3:12:45 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cassidy amendment.
3:17:11 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Cassidy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:18:07 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Lankford, to provide such sums as are necessary to carry out the study authorized in section 6002 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.
3:18:10 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lankford amendment.
3:19:44 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Lankford amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:21:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to reduce Corps of Engineers Expenses by $4 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:21:20 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
3:28:00 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Simpson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:29:30 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Bilirakis, to strike the $2 million in funding for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:29:33 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bilirakis amendment.
3:32:57 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Bilirakis amendment was withdrawn.
3:35:31 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Ruiz, to reduce and then increase the funding for the Water and Related Resources account by $1 million for the purpose of addressing environmental restoration, specifically the Salton Sea.
3:35:33 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ruiz amendment.
3:40:58 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Ruiz amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:42:00 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gardner, to reduce and then increase funding for the Water and Related Resources account by $3 million for the purpose of addressing the Arkansas Valley Conduit.
3:42:03 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gardner amendment.
3:45:23 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Gardner amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:46:54 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Noem, to increase funding for Water and Related Natural Resources Operation and Maintenance grants and programs for State and Local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes by $10 million and to reduce funding for Renewable Energy Construction by $7 million and Salaries and Expenses of DOE by $6 million.
3:46:59 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Noem amendment.
3:57:19 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Noem amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:58:27 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Castor (FL), to increase funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $112,686,000 and to reduce funding for Fossil Energy Research and Development by $165 million.
3:58:33 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor amendment.
4:04:38 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Castor (FL) amendment; Failed by voice vote.
4:05:47 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Wenstrup, to reduce by $10,421,000 the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and increase by $15,000,000 the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund and reduce the Salaries and Expenses of the Department of Energy for departmental administration by $8,540,000.
4:05:58 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wenstrup amendment.
4:16:10 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Wenstrup amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Wenstrup demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:16:47 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Swalwell (CA), to increase funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $111,641,000 and reduce funding for Fossil Energy Research and Development by $161,879,450.
4:17:03 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Swalwell amendment.
4:26:34 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Swalwell amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Swalwell demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:27:05 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Byrne, to reduce funding for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $1,789,000,000 and including the amount made available for program direction and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
4:27:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Byrne amendment.
4:38:24 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Byrne amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Byrne demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:38:59 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Cohen, to increase funding for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $10,340,000 and reduce funding for Fossil Energy Research and Development by $15,000,000.
4:39:09 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment.
4:49:53 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Cohen amendment was withdrawn.
4:50:52 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock, to reduce funds for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $1,789,000,000; Nuclear Energy Programs by $717 million; Fossil Energy Research and Development Programs by $593 million and to apply $3,099,000,000 to the spending reduction account.
4:51:09 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McClintock amendment.
5:02:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:03:09 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the McAllister amendment (A006) Roll Call 371 – Recorded vote pending.

5:31:03 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the McAllister amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 132 – 284 (Roll no. 371).
5:38:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Hahn amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 281 – 137 (Roll no. 372).
5:42:30 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 104 – 316 (Roll no. 373).
5:46:49 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Wenstrup amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 112 – 309 (Roll no. 374).
5:50:38 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Swalwell (CA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 245 (Roll no. 375).
5:54:09 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Byrne amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 110 – 310 (Roll no. 376).
5:58:18 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the McClintock amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 97 – 321 (Roll no. 377).
5:58:42 P.M. H.R. 4923 Mr. Graves (GA) moved that the Committee rise.
5:59:01 P.M. H.R. 4923 On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
5:59:12 P.M. H.R. 4923 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4923 as unfinished business.
5:59:35 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:06:15 P.M. H.R. 803 On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 6 (Roll no. 378).
6:06:16 P.M. H.R. 803 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:06:41 P.M. Mr. Cole filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 661.
6:07:28 P.M. H.R. 4923 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4923 — “Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
6:07:45 P.M. H.R. 4923 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
6:09:24 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock, to reduce funds for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs by $22 million; Nuclear Energy Programs by $9,810,000; Fossil Energy Research and Development by $30,935,000; Department of Energy Departmental Administration by $9,551,000; Salaries and Expenses for Nuclear Regulatory Commission by $49,062,000 and to apply $121,358,000 to the spending reduction account.
6:09:33 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McClintock amendment
6:20:39 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:21:08 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Perry, to increase funds for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs by $20.1 million and reduce funds for Salaries and Expenses for the Department of Energy by the same amount.
6:21:20 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perry amendment
6:27:09 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Perry amendment was withdrawn.
6:28:01 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Bonamici, to increase funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by $9 million and reduce funds for the Departmental Administration account of the Department of Energy by a similar amount.
6:28:33 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bonamici amendment.
6:33:56 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Bonamici amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Bonamici demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:34:34 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. McNerney, to increase funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by $20 million and reduce funding for Departmental Administration by the same amount.
6:36:10 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney amendment.
6:41:46 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the McNerney amendment; Failed by voice vote.
6:47:56 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Speier, to reduce funding for Fossil Energy Research Development by $30,935,000 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
6:48:07 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment.
6:54:04 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Speier amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Speier demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:55:31 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Kaptur, to reduce funds for the Energy Information Administration by $500,000 and increase funds for Salaries and Expenses for the Department of Energy by the same amount.
6:56:33 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kaptur amendment.
7:01:06 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Kaptur amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:01:30 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Reed, to increase funds for the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup by $4 million and reduce funds for the Salaries and Expenses of the Department of Energy by the same amount.
7:01:35 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Reed amendment.
7:06:17 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Reed amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:07:02 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Foster, to increase funds in the Science account by $40,155,000 and reduce funds funds for Atomic Energy Defense Activities, National Nuclear Security Administration, Weapons Activities account by a similar amount.
7:07:19 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foster amendment.
7:13:36 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Foster amendment was withdrawn.
7:14:31 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Foster, to transfer $300,000 within the Science account.
7:14:37 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foster amendment.
7:18:56 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Foster amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:19:14 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Titus, numbered 15 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the funds for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Disposal Plan and apply the amount ($150 million) to the spending reduction account.
7:19:17 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Titus amendment No. 15.
7:30:23 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Titus amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Titus demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:31:14 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Schiff, to increase funds for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) account by $20 million and reduce funds for the Departmental Administration account of the Department of Energy by a similar amount.
7:31:16 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schiff amendment.
7:38:22 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schiff amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Schiff demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:40:28 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Ms. Kaptur, to transfer $1 million within the Departmental Administration Account for the Department of Energy for the purpose of funding environmental justice programs for minority groups.
7:40:31 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kaptur amendment.
7:45:08 P.M. H.R. 4923 On agreeing to the Kaptur amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:45:43 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Quigley, to reduce funds for the National Nuclear Security Administration, Weapons Activities account (specifically the Long Range Standoff Cruise Missile Warhead Study) by $7.6 million and apply the savingsto the spending reduction account.
7:45:48 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley amendment.
7:53:32 P.M. H.R. 4923 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Quigley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Quigley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:54:07 P.M. H.R. 4923 An amendment, offered by Mr. Fortenberry, to transfer $25 million within the the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account (specifically from the Mixed Oxide Fuel Program to other accounts such as the Global Threat Reduction Initiative).
7:54:10 P.M. H.R. 4923 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 641, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fortenberry amendment.
8:05:32 P.M. H.R. 4923 By unanimous consent, the Fortenberry amendment was withdrawn.
8:07:29 P.M. H.R. 4923 Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The climate crisis isn’t a game


enable images to view this map!

Americans born between 1981 and 2010—the Millennial Generation (MY generation)—will see a massive increase in the number of days over 95° in the course of our lifetimes.

As we grow older, blistering, life-threatening heat waves will become the norm—just as we age into the demographic group most vulnerable to heat-wave-related deaths. Risky Business projects an additional 11,000-36,000 people will die of heat-related conditions per year in the Southeast alone, where residents will experience an additional 4 months of 95° and hotter days each year.

This is what the climate crisis will mean. But, it’s only part of the story. We’re already seeing more severe heat-waves and wildfires, drought and floods, storm surges and coastal flooding. There is literally not one corner of this country or the planet not already feeling the effects of global warming.

It’s a monumental task. But, there is good news. Right now, thanks to the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, we have the best chance we’ve ever had to slash carbon pollution from America’s fossil-fuel-burning power plants, the largest source of carbon pollution in the country. That’s important. And with your help, we’re going to win the fight to implement these common-sense, life-saving standards.

So please, take this opportunity for your generation, my generation, and all future generations. Make a donation today to our $3-for-$1 Summer Match Campaign to quadruple the value of your support.

Let’s solve this crisis together, now, while there’s still time.

Emily StevensonThank you for all your support,
Emily's signature
Emily Stevenson
Manager, Online Membership
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Hooray for Hollywood? ~~


Donate NowDirector D. W. Griffith’s 1915 silent drama, Birth of a Nation, was one of the first major depictions of African Americans on film (actually, white actors in blackface).

Yet the movie portrayed slavery as “civilizing” blacks and made it seem as though African Americans were happier in servitude. Not until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s-60s was Hollywood making an effort to include more African Americans in its movies and television shows.

But it was last year that director Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave brought the full horror of Southern plantation life to the American people.

It is stories like these that we will tell at the new National Museum of African American History and Culture — stories that reflect the full range of the African American experience from great pain to soaring triumph.

Please join as a Charter Member today so that we can finish building the Museum that will tell these stories and countless others.

Hollywood’s portrayal of the African American experience in the movies is only one of the major cultural themes that the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will confront, openly and intelligently, to shatter myths and to educate all Americans about the history we all share.

We are not building the Museum to celebrate black history solely for African Americans. Rather, the Museum will be a place for all Americans. A place where everyone can see how the African American experience has affected and shaped the lives of anyone who calls themselves an American.

You have been among the very first Americans to step forward and offer your support to help us construct this new museum. I cannot thank you enough for your generous contribution.

None of this is possible without support from friends like you. Your tax-deductible donation will ensure that our construction continues to progress and ensure that other elements of this grand project stay on track, too.

Together, you and I are creating a center of learning and inspiration that will attract millions of visitors from across the country and around the world. It is here they will come to understand the African American story in full — the moments of great pain and the moments of soaring triumph.

We’re moving closer to reality with each passing day!

Thank you for your support.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

I can’t afford to feed my daughter …

United Healthcare: Cover baby formula for special needs children

Emi Clayberg
Tulsa, Oklahoma

My beautiful daughter Vivian was born 3 months premature and spent 4 months in the NICU. She survived, but never learned to eat and requires a special formula that costs $290 a case. Our insurance company, United Healthcare, refuses to pay for this.

Vivian was diagnosed with dysphagia and reflux and had to undergo multiple surgeries – including having a g-tube inserted.  She gets 100% of her nutrition through the g-tube and due to absorption and food tolerance issues, the formula that works best for her is “Pediasure Peptide 1.5.”

We thought our insurance would cover it – but after months of purchasing the formula, we received news that United Healthcare was not paying for it – in the form of an $8,000 bill. My family is now in a panic worrying about how we are going to feed our daughter. She needs 6-7 cases a month – about $2,000. That is my entire paycheck.

Just a few years ago, United Healthcare posted a net earnings of $5.142 billion – they can afford to cover this for families that need it. Health insurance companies are susceptible to public pressure — and we believe that with enough signatures, United Healthcare will change its policy — not just for our family but for others, too. Thats why I need you to sign my petition.

Vivian is the most grateful little girl you could ever meet. She is so sweet to everyone and it breaks my heart to see her so physically delayed because she is not getting the medical care she needs and deserves.

Please sign our petition to United Healthcare demanding they cover special formulas like the one that Vivian and other children like her need to survive.