![]() |
|
|
Just moments ago, Senate Republicans blocked the bill that contains the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” from even receiving an up-or-down vote. Not a single one broke ranks. It’s an outrage. But this doesn’t mean the fight is over. Senate majority leader Harry Reid has committed to bringing the bill back up after the November elections – and we’ll have a fighting chance to get it passed then – so we’ll put everything we have into that effort. In the meantime, we need to pursue every possible avenue to get rid of this law. And the Justice Department may be our best hope. Here’s why: A federal district court recently ruled that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is unconstitutional. Now, the Justice Department has a choice: they can fight the decision, or they can let it stand and bring “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” one step closer to the dustbin of history. Today’s move by Senate Republicans is an outrage. Not a single Republican senator was willing to even begin debate on this important legislation, which includes a pay raise for our service members. But we’ve faced setbacks before, and this is not the end of the road. We’ll keep our efforts at full steam as we prepare for another showdown in the Senate after the election. And if Attorney General Eric Holder agrees not to appeal the recent court decision, discharges under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” could become a relic of the past. We need to make sure the Attorney General gets the message: he may very well be our best hope to bring about the repeal of this discriminatory law. Then spread the word by email, Facebook, and Twitter. Thanks for your help. Together, we can and we will end this law once and for all. Sincerely,
|
Tag Archives: Law
Fight for the DREAM Act
![]() |
| The Senate is about to vote on the DREAM Act — the legislation that offers undocumented children, who are American in every way but their papers, a fair chance at a future.
Young people who are willing to work for a college degree or serve in our armed forces would be able to contribute their talents to this country and earn the rights that come with being an American. President Obama has supported this bipartisan bill for years — he even sponsored it when he was in the Senate — and he’s ready to go all in with us to see the DREAM Act passed. But a group of Republican lawmakers is threatening to block this legislation. They’re led by people like Sen. Jon Kyl, who has called the proposal “a mistake,” and Rep. Lamar Smith, who has said, “The DREAM Act is a nightmare for the American people.” Mitch McConnell — the GOP leader in the Senate — has the ability to ensure that the DREAM Act gets a vote. Will you ask Mitch McConnell to support the DREAM Act? Call his office now: (202) 224-2541. We know the immigration debate can be contentious, but this a point on which the American people agree: It’s time to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents. Those who are willing to work hard for an education or serve their country deserve a shot at earning American citizenship. The DREAM Act has incredible support: I’ve seen research that shows 70 percent of the voters in this country would like to see it become law — and both parties have backed it in the past. We can’t let a group of Republicans hijack this process now, and together, we can ensure they won’t. Tell Sen. McConnell to support the DREAM Act: (202) 224-2541. Thanks, Mitch Mitch Stewart |
Congress:the Senate/House debates & votes today!
The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET September 14, 2010
Resume consideration of H.R.5297, the Small Business Jobs bill with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees.
At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on Johanns amendment #4596 (1099 reporting). If cloture is not invoked, the Senate would proceed to a cloture vote on the Nelson (FL) amendment #4595 (1099 reporting). If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours for debate. If cloture is not invoked, the Senate would proceed to a cloture vote on the substitute amendment #4594 to HR5297, Small Business Jobs.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm – 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
By unanimous consent, the filing deadline for second degree amendments to the substitute amendment #4594 and HR5297 is 12:00 noon today, Tuesday. September 14.
Votes:
231: Cloture on Johanns #4596 (1099 reporting);
Not Invoked: 46-52
232: Cloture on Nelson (FL) #4595 (1099 reporting);
Not Invoked: 56-42
233: Cloture on Substitute amendment #4594: to H.R.5297, Small Business Jobs bill;
Invoked: 61-37 <<- this means that HR5297 will now move forward to a final vote this week; Reid tweets dadt may get a vote as well this week
There will be no further roll call votes.
Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.597, a resolution designating September 2010 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”
Adopted S.Res.603, a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Council for International Visitors, and designating February 16, 2011, as “Citizen Diplomacy Day”
Adopted S.Res.607, a resolution recognizing the month of October 2011 as “National Principals Month”
Adopted S.Res.620, a resolution to designate September 12, 2010, as “National Day of Encouragement”
##########################################################
The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 2:00pmET September 14, 2010
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
7:00 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
6:59 P.M. –
Mr. McClintock requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 21: Mr. Jones for 5 min.
Mr. McClintock requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 16: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, and Mr. Bishop of UT for 5 min.
6:57 P.M. –
Mr. McClintock requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 15: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Gohmert for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min.
6:45 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with further one minute speeches.
acknowledging and congratulating Miami Dade College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of service to the students and residents of the State of Florida
6:43 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): 378 – 0 (Roll no. 520).
6:32 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
honoring the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of Oklahoma for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 11, 2001
6:31 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): 378 – 0 (Roll no. 519).
6:01 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
6:00 P.M. –
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 14.
3:50 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. today.
expressing support for designation of the week beginning September 19, 2010, as “National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week”
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.
3:40 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1611.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
commending the University of Southern California Trojan men’s tennis team for its victory in the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Tennis Championship
3:39 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.
3:29 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1480.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
commending and congratulating Michigan Technological University on the occasion of its 125th anniversary
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.
3:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1564.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
acknowledging and congratulating Miami Dade College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of service to the students and residents of the State of Florida
3:17 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.
3:04 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1571.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to extend the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for F/A-18E, F/A-18F, and EA-18G aircraft
3:03 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2:53 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6102.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
recognizing and honoring the United States troops who gave their lives on D-Day at the Battle of Normandy
2:52 P.M. –
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
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.
2:45 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1251.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
honoring the members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of Oklahoma for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States since September 11, 2001
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.
2:38 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1052.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Boren moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001
2:37 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.
2:13 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1610.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Connolly (VA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
2:12 P.M. –
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.
2:03 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 House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 14, 2010 at 9:21 a.m.: That the Senate agreed to H.Con.Res. 292, without amendment.
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 House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on August 12, 2010 at 12:04 p.m.: That the Senate agreed to S.Res. 617.
2:02 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 House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on August 12, 2010 at 10:37 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 6080, without amendment.
2:01 P.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX 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.
2:00 P.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Laura Richardson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.



