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Primaries matter … 2010


How often do we all hear how the GOP will be picking up a significant amount of seats in Congress … we have a special election coming up for Hawaii.  And to make it even more complicated, in the Hawaii election not only is there a Republican on the ballot, but Republican voters will be voting too. That means, it’s two Democrats vs. one Republican but only one winner takes it all.

The  Democratic Party needs to get out in front of any election, plan for transportation and do whatever helps to GOTV, which goes without saying but then  …

This morning a Msnbc host stated that his party(Republican)…should do whatever it takes to win but do it quietly and behind closed doors… Dems need to give all the Community Organizers available the tools to win any and all elections …special or not.  My take is that most Democrats get involved in major elections but it’s a new day, now everyone should get involved at every level to keep Democrats in office on track to getting our broken down system back on track.  We all know what happened and who shoved us toward an enormous ditch; they bet and spent, spent, spent  money without enforcing regulations.  While it’s possible a lot of people saw the problem no one did a thing until it was too late and passed it on to the next Administration.

So, what’s my point to Primaries matter? This is not the time to move away from Democratic ideology, move away from getting things done unlike Republicans, it’s not the time to give up. We have to demand action from Congress.  We need to move into the 21st Century; while Republicans fight to keep us from progressing into a country that has health care for all, climate change because we care about our earth, our children.  We need to demand regulations and financial reform for a failed financial system that they took advantage of. Congress needs to make a good faith effort to reform the way people come into the US … immigration is not going away and the Arizona laws definitely are a catalyst

it’s Friday and we’re following Congress …


Updates when needed

The Senate will convene at 9:30amET  and will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

Unanimous Consent:
The Senate adopted the following resolutions by unanimous consent:

– Cal. #261, S.Res.297, (Webb-Warner) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
– Cal. #262, S.Res.275, (Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Minute Man National Historic Park

The Senate passed the following bills by unanimous consent:

– Cal. #261, S. Res.297 (Webb-Warner) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
– Cal. #262, S. Res.275 (Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Minute Man National Historic Park
– Cal. #287, S.1053 (Murkowski) National Law Enforcement Museum
– Cal. #291, S.1405 (Kennedy-Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Longfellow National Historic Site
– Cal. #295, H.R.689 – Administrative Jurisdiction of certain lands (Feinstein-Boxer)
– Cal. #297, H.R.1121 – Blue Ridge Parkway (Burr-Hagan)
– Cal. #300, H.R.1442 – Mount Olivet Cemetery (Bennett-Hatch)
– Cal. #305, H.R, 2802 – John Adams Memorial (Kerry-Brown)

The committee amendments, where applicable, were agreed to, and the bills were passed as amended, if amended.

Passed Calendar #195, H.R.3619: Coast Guard Authorization w/ substitute amendment

Adopted S.Res.480: Burma w. Gregg amendment

Adopted H.Con.Res.247: Use of Capitol Grounds—Soap Box Derby (June 19, 2010)

Adopted H.Con.Res.263: Use of Capitol Ground—D.C. Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

Adopted S.Res.503: Discharge Judiciary, Endangered Species

Adopted S.Res.515: Physical Education and Sports Day

Adopted S.Res.516: Americorps

Adopted S.Res.517: Train Day

Adopted S.Res.518: Nursing Home Week

Passed S.3333: Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

– Calendar numbers 849 to and including 879 (all militar promotions), and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 7, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

10:01 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on May 11, 2010. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House 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.

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Clete Kiley, Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC

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

Congress … on the Floor


Wednesday on the Floor of Congress

The Senate will Convene and begin a period of morning business 9:30 amET

Thereafter, resume consideration of S.3217, Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010.

Pending amendments to S.3217:
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute)
Boxer #3737 (no bail outs)
Snowe #3755 (reporting)
#3757 (small business access to credit)

The Senate has reached the following agreement that will provide for a series of up to 5 roll call votes to begin at approximately 2:45pm.

At 2:45pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session. There will then be 2 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the following nominations:

– #701 Nancy D. Freudenthal, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming;
– #702 Denzil Price Marshall Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas; and
– #728 Gloria M. Navarro, of Nevada, to be United States for the District Of Nevada

Following the votes listed above, the Senate will resume Legislative Session and there will be 4 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Boxer amendment #3737; and
– Shelby-Dodd amendment.

No amendments are in order to the amendments in this agreement prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Boxer and Shelby amendments, the Senate will agree to the Snowe amendments #3755 and #3757.

The next amendments in order will be one by the Republican Leader, or his designees, on consumer protections and the next one by Senators Tester and Hutchison (Insurance premiums based on risk).

Votes:
128: Confirmation of Gloria M. Navarro, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada;
Confirmed: 98-0

Confirmation of Nancy D. Freudenthal, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming

Confirmation of Denzil Price Marshall Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas

No amendments are in order to the amendments in this agreement prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Boxer and Shelby amendments, the Senate will agree to the Snowe amendments #3755 and #3757.

The next amendments in order will be one by the Republican Leader, or his designees, on consumer protections and the next one by Senators Tester and Hutchison (Insurance premiums based on risk)
128: Confirmation of Gloria M. Navarro, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada;
Confirmed: 98-0

129: Confirmation of Nancy D. Freudenthal, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming;
Confirmed: 96-1

Confirmation of Denzil Price Marshall Jr., of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas;
Confirmed by voice vote

130: Boxer amendment #3737: (no bail outs);
Confirmed: 96-1

131: Shelby-Dodd amendment #3827: ;
Agreed To: 93-5

Snowe #3755 (reporting);
Agreed to by voice vote

Snowe #3757 (small business access to credit);
Agreed to by voice vote

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.311, a bill to establish the commission on Freedom of Information Act processing delays.

Passed H.R.5148, to clarify the isntances in which the term “census” may appear on mailable matter.

Adopted S.Res.514, congratulating the students, parents, teachers, administrators of charter schools across the United States for ongoing contributions to education and supporting the ideals and goals of the 11th annual National Charters School Week to be held May 2 through May 8, 2010.

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

– David B. Fein to be United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,
– Zane Memeger to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
– Clifton Massanelli to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and
– Paul Ward to be United States Marshal for the District of North Dakota

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 5, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:35 P.M. –
The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 6, 2010. Mr. Gingrey (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

5:31 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches. The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Lujan . Mr. Lujan submitted his resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

5:15 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches. Ms. Matsui filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1329.

3:21 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 12: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Paul be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 6.

3:15 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded further with one minute speeches.

3:14 P.M. –
The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the text of a proposed Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-106).

H. Res. 1278:

in support and recognition of National Safe Digging Month, April, 2010

3:09 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 voice vote.

3:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1278. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Con. Res. 247:

authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby

3:03 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:56 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 247. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Brown, Corrine moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 263:

authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

2:55 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:47 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 263. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Brown, Corrine moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1301:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day

2:45 P.M. –
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 296 – 119 (Roll no. 248). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:35 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1272:

commemorating the 40th anniversary of the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings

2:33 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 0, 2 Present (Roll no. 247).

2:23 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1320:

expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism

2:20 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): 418 – 0 (Roll no. 246).

1:51 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

1:50 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 debate earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1301:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Train Day

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

1:27 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1301. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1722:

to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes

1:25 P.M. –
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

1:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1722. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1247:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 3 through 9, 2010, and throughout the year

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

12:51 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1247. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1295:

celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother’s Day

12:50 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.

12:35 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1295. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lynch moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 2421:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Mother’s Day

12:34 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.

12:24 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2421. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Meeks (NY) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1149:

supporting the goals and ideals of National Charter School Week, to be held May 2 through May 8, 2010

12:22 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

12:15 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1149. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1312:

recognizing the roles and contributions of America’s teachers to building and enhancing our Nation’s civic, cultural, and economic well-being

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 voice vote.

12:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1312. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1157:

congratulating the National Urban League on its 100th year of service to the United States

12:00 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 voice vote.

11:44 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1157. Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1272:

commemorating the 40th anniversary of the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings

11:43 A.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.

11:35 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1272. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1320:

expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism

11:33 A.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.

11:09 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1320. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pascrell moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 5160:

to extend the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, to provide customs support services to Haiti, and for other purposes

11:08 A.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.

10:43 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5160. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

10:42 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

10:41 A.M. –
The House received a communication from the Honorable Ms. Wasserman Schultz . Ms. Wasserman Schultz submitted her resignation from the Committee on the Judiciary. The resignation was accepted without objection.

10:40 A.M. –
PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL – Pursuant to Executive Order 12131, and the order of the House of January 6,2009 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the PRESIDENT’S EXPORT COUNCIL: Ms. Sanchez, Linda T. oMr. Wu and Mr. Schauer .

10:06 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

ThinkProgress.org …


UNDER THE RADAR

RADICAL RIGHT — CONSERVATIVES TOUT CONSPIRACY THEORY THAT OBAMA WANTED OIL SPILL: Yesterday, former Bush-appointed FEMA director Michael Brown — infamous for severely mismanaged the federal response to Hurricane Katrina — accused the Obama administration of playing politics with the oil spill, claiming that the growing catastrophe is “exactly what they want.” Brown said that the President sought to use the disaster to “pander to the environmentalists,” and even suggested  that he intentionally delayed the administration’s response in order to allow the spill to worsen. Brown’s charge, which ignores the fact that every branch of government had been engaged in managing or investigating the crisis for at least a week, follows a spate of similar right-wing conspiracy theories about the incident. As the disaster caused by the explosion became more apparent last week, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh suggested that someone intentionally blew up the rig in order to “head off more oil drilling.” By yesterday morning the meme had found a home on Fox and Friends, where former Bush press secretary Dana Perino said she was “not trying to introduce a conspiracy theory” before asking, “But was this deliberate?” Later in this show, host Steve Doocy asked Fox Business’ Eric Bolling to respond to people who have suggested that “there’s a possibility this could be sabotage.” Citing Perino, Bolling engaged in conspiracy speculation, asking “did they let it leak a little bit and say, ‘boy I don’t know?’ I mean, the conspiracy theorists would say, maybe they let it leak for a while and then they address the issue.” Until Limbaugh and Fox News’ recent speculation, such oil spill truther theories had appeared only on fringe websites. And while federal investigators are not ruling out any possible causes, the President of BP America himself blamed the disaster on “a failed piece of equipment.”

500,000 Marched -make Congress hear us


Reform Immigration FOR America

TAKE ACTION

Send a fax:
We cannot wait any longer for immigration reform. Start the debate on the Reid-Schumer-Menendez proposal!

donate

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On May Day, at marches and rallies all over the country, more than half a million people stood up for immigration reform.

  • In Los Angeles, 250,000 people took to the streets to protest family separation
  • In Milwaukee, 70,000 immigration reformers rallied for reforms that would benefit all workers – immigrant and native-born
  • In Chicago, 110,000 activists stood together in Daley plaza to demand a path to citizenship

Your activism is making a difference – last week, the Democratic leadership stood up and introduced an outline for a bi-partisan bill that will pave the road for real reform. There’s a lot in this outline that we support, like family unification and protection for workers. There are also some provisions that we’re going to work to reform. But none of that can happen until they introduce the bill and start the debate in Congress.

That’s why we’ve started an emergency action to Congress – to continue the momentum from this weekend and show our elected leaders that the need for reform is real. Click here to send a fax with this message:

We cannot wait any longer for immigration reform. Start the debate on the Reid-Schumer-Menendez proposal!

Time and time again, our leaders in Congress and in the White House have told us that they understand how important immigration reform is for families and communities across the country. But they still haven’t turned their words of support into action. We don’t need another statement, or another reassurance. We need a bill on the Senate floor.

National comprehensive immigration reform is more than a political catchphrase. It’s standing up for what’s right. And it’s the only way to ensure that more states don’t follow Arizona’s lead in legalizing racial profiling and the politics of fear.

Send a fax to your elected leaders now.

Thank you,
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America

p.s. There’s more coverage of this weekend’s marches on our blog – check it out after you send a fax!