Tag Archives: Maryland

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

For Ethan …


Joanna,

Earlier this week, I called on Governor O’Malley to open a full investigation and inquiry into how we can prevent another death like that of Ethan Saylor.

Ethan Saylor was a 26-year old man with Down Syndrome. Last winter he was accidentally killed while being arrested by three deputies, attempting to remove him from a movie theater for watching a film for a second time without paying. Ethan never posed a serious threat to those around him, and eyewitness accounts clearly demonstrate that the altercation could have been avoided.

Ethan’s death was both tragic and unnecessary. And it was a wake up call.  At every level, our public servants must be looking out for our most vulnerable citizens and treat all Marylanders with respect and dignity. Join me in calling on Governor O’Malley to launch a statewide audit of existing policies and a review of best practice models that will inform new protocols and statewide standards to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.

We cannot change the outcome for Ethan and his family, but we can change state and local policies to avoid future senseless tragedy.

If you agree, please add your name next to mine in calling on Governor O’Malley to launch a full investigation to protect the thousands of Marylanders with intellectual and other disabilities.

Let’s honor Ethan by protecting thousands more just like him.

Sincerely,

Heather

Black History

~~ the Senate considers S.1243 ~~ CONGRESS ~~ the House considers HR367, HR2009, HR1582,EPA


capitol30

The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Thursday, August 1, 2013.

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #96, the nomination of Raymond T. Chen, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit with up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Chen nomination.
  • Upon disposition of the Chen nomination, the Senate will resume legislative session and proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1243, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies appropriations bill.
  • The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendment to S.1243 is 11:00am on Thursday.
  • Following the cloture vote, the Senate will recess until 2:00pm to allow for a bipartisan caucus meeting.
  • At 2:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #220, the nomination of Samantha Power, of Massachusetts, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations with up to 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (4:00pm if all time is used), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Power nomination.
  • Expected schedule:
  • 12:00pm 2 roll call votes
    • Confirmation of the Chen nomination
    • Cloture on S.1243, THUD Appropriations
  • Recess for bipartisan lunch
  • 2:00pm
    • Up to 2 hours of debate on the Power nomination
  • As early as 2:30pm and as late as 4:00pm:
    • 1 roll call vote on confirmation of the Power nomination
  • There will be up to 10 minutes for debate between the votes at noon. –          Confirmation of the Chen nomination10 minutes for debate–          Cloture on S.1243, THUD Appropriations
  • Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent to discharge the Banking Committee and the Senate take up and pass S.101,  bill to prohibit the provision of Federal funds to State and local governments for payment of obligations, to prohibit the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from financially assisting State and local governments, and for other purposes.Senator Wyden objected
  • 12:01pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #96, the nomination of Raymond T. Chen, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit;Confirmed: 97-0
  • 12:40pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1243, THUD Appropriations;Not Invoked : 54-43
  • The Senate has begun consideration of the Power nomination. We expect to yield back time and we could begin voting in the 2:30pm range.
  • At 2:39pm the Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #220, the nomination of Samantha Power, of Massachusetts, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations;Confirmed: 87-10
  • Senator Reid then moved to proceed to Calendar #154, S.1392, a bill to promote energy savings in residential buildings and industry (Shaheen-Portman).

The Senate adopted S.Con.Res.22, a resolution that provides for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and House of Representatives. Under the provisions of the resolution, there would be a pro forma session at 12:00 noon on Monday, August 12. The House would have to adopt the concurrent resolution in order to the Senate to recess for the month of August, with the mid-month pro forma.

Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #33, H.Con.Res.25; the amendment at the desk, which is the text of S.Con.Res.8, the budget resolution passed by the Senate, be inserted in lieu thereof; and that H.Con.Res.25, as amended, be agreed to. Further, that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate; and that following the authorization, two motions to instruct conferees be in order from each side:

– Motion to instruct relative to the debt limit; and

– Motion to instruct relative to taxes/revenue;

That there be two hours of debate equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, prior to votes in relation to the motions; further, that no amendments be in order to either of the motions prior to the votes; all of the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.

Senator Rubio asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes reconciliation instructions to raise the debt limit. Senator Durbin objected to Senator Rubio’s modification.  Senator Rubio objected to the original request.

Senator McConnell asked unanimous consent to pass Calendar #145, H.R.2668, To delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate, to delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate, and for other purposes.

Senator Reid objected.

Senator Cornyn asked unanimous consent that when the Senate receives H.R.2009, a bill to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from enforcing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, the Senate take up and pass the bill.

Senator Reid objected.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #96, the nomination of Raymond T. Chen, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit; Confirmed: 97-0

2)      Motion to invoke cloture on S.1243, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies appropriations bill; Not Invoked: 54-43

3)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #220, the nomination of Samantha Power, of Massachusetts, to be the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and the Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations; Confirmed: 87-10

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.267, the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013.

Passed H.R.678, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act.

Passed H.R.1171, FOR VETS Act of 2013.

Discharged the Commerce committee and passed H.R.1344, To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to provide expedited air passenger screening to severely injured or disabled members of the Armed Forces and severely injured or disabled veterans, and for other purposes with a Pryor substitute amendment.

Discharged the Commerce committee and passed H.R.2576, the Pipeline Safety Document Availability.

Adopted H.Con.Res.41, encouraging peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula.

Passed S.256, a bill to amend Public Law 93-435 with respect to the Northern Mariana Islands, providing parity with Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa with a committee-reported substitute amendment.

Passed the following postal naming bills:

Cal #156, S.233, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 815 County Road 23 in Tyrone, New York, as the “Specialist Christopher Scott Post Office Building”.

Cal #157, S.668, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14 Main Street in Brockport, New York, as the “Staff Sergeant Nicholas J. Reid Post Office Building”.

Cal #158, S.796, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 302 East Green Street in Champaign, Illinois, as the “James R. Burgess Jr. Post Office Building”.

Cal #159, S.885, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 35 Park Street in Danville, Vermont, as the “Thaddeus Stevens Post Office”.

Cal #160, S.1093, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 130 Caldwell Drive in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, as the “First Lieutenant Alvin Chester Cockrell, Jr. Post Office

Building”.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.199, celebrating the 200th August Quarterly Festival taking place from August 18, 2013, through August 25, 2013 in Wilmington, Delaware.

Adopted S.Con.Res.22, the adjournment resolution.

Adopted S.Res.212, Commending David J. Schiappa.

Adopted S.Res.216, electing Laura C. Dove as Secretary for the Minority.

Adopted S.Res.217, expressing support for designation of October 6, 2013, through October 10, 2013, as “American College of Surgeons Days” and recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the organization.

Authorized the chair to appoint the following conferees to S.954, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013:

Democrats:

Stabenow

Leahy

Harkin

Baucus

Brown Klobuchar

Bennet

Republicans:

Cochran

Chambliss

Roberts

Boozman

Hoeven

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following by voice vote:

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #221 Samantha Power – to be Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations during her tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations

Confirmed all nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Navy and the following items:

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Executive Calendar #199 Janet Lorraine LaBreck – to be Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Department of Education

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #200 Cynthia L. Attwood – to be a Member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for a term expiring April 27, 2019 (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #202 Stuart F. Delery – to be an Assistant Attorney General

NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION

Executive Calendar #210 Richard T. Metsger – to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring August 2, 2017

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Executive Calendar #211 Jason Furman – to be a Member and Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, vice Alan B. Krueger.

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #212 Mary Jo White – to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a term expiring June 5, 2019. (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #213 Kara Marlene Stein – to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a term expiring June 5, 2017

Executive Calendar #214 Michael Sean Piwowar – to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a term expiring June 5, 2018

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #215 Gerald Lyn Early – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2018

Executive Calendar #216 Daniel Iwao Okimoto – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2018

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #217 Daniel Brooks Baer – to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador

Executive Calendar #218 Douglas Edward Lute – to be United States Permanent Representative on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Executive Calendar #222 Catherine M. Russell – to be Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #225 Katherine H. Tachau – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2018

UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

Executive Calendar #226 Stephen J. Hadley – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #227 John Unsworth – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016

Executive Calendar #228 Dorothy Kosinski – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

Executive Calendar #229 Davita Vance-Cooks – to be Public Printer

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #230 F. Scott Kieff – to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for the term expiring June 16, 2020

UNITED STATES TAX COURT

Executive Calendar #231 Joseph W. Nega – to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years

Executive Calendar #232 Michael B. Thornton – to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Executive Calendar #233 Robert Bonnie – to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment

Executive Calendar #234 Krysta L. Harden – to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES

Executive Calendar #235 Timothy Hyungrock Haahs – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2014

CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Executive Calendar #236 Jannette Lake Dates – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, 2016

Executive Calendar #237 Bruce M. Ramer – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, 2018 (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #238 Brent Franklin Nelsen – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, 2016

Executive Calendar #239 Howard Abel Husock – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, 2018

Executive Calendar #240 Loretta Cheryl Sutliff – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, 2018 (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Executive Calendar #243 Mark E. Schaefer, of California, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere

AMTRAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Calendar #244 Thomas C. Carper – to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years (Reappointment)

COAST GUARD

Executive Calendar #245 to be Rear Admiral-

Bruce D. Baffer

Mark E. Butt

David R. Callahan

Stephen P. Metruck

Joseph A. Servidio

Executive Calendar #246 Kurt B. Hinrichs – to be Rear Admiral

Executive Calendar #247 Richard T. Gromlich – to be Rear Admiral

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Executive Calendar #249 Susan J. Rabern – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy

Executive Calendar #250 Dennis V. McGinn – to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy

ARMY

Executive Calendar #251 Gen. Martin E. Dempsey – to be General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #252 Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr. – to be Admiral

Executive Calendar #253 Adm. Cecil E.D. Haney – to be Admiral

ARMY

Executive Calendar #254 Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti – to be General

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #255 Maj. Gen. Stephen W. Wilson – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #256 Lt. Gen. Robin Rand – to be General

Executive Calendar #257 Maj. Gen. Russell J. Handy – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #258 Col. Roger L. Nye – to be Brigadier General

ARMY

Executive Calendar #259 Maj. Gen. David L. Mann – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #260 Maj. Gen. Raymond A. Thomas, III – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #261 Col. Marion Garcia – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #262 Col. John W. Lathrop – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #263 Maj. Gen. Edward C. Cardon – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #264 Brig. Gen. Thomas E. Ayres – to be Major General

Executive Calendar #265 Brig. Gen. Flora D. Darpino – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #266 Maj. Gen. Michael S. Tucker – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #267 Col. Charles N. Pede – to be Brigadier General, Judge Advocate General’s Corps

Executive Calendar #268 to be Brigadier General-

Colonel Carl A. Alex

Colonel Christopher F. Bentley

Colonel James R. Blackburn

Colonel William M. Burleson, III

Colonel Christopher G. Cavoli

Colonel Paul A. Chamberlain

Colonel William E. Cole

Colonel Richard B. Dix

Colonel Jeffrey A. Farnsworth

Colonel Bryan P. Fenton

Colonel Patricia A. Frost

Colonel Douglas M. Gabram

Colonel Jeffrey A. Gabbert

Colonel John A. George

Colonel Randy A. George

Colonel Maria R. Gervais

Colonel David P. Glaser

Colonel Thomas C. Graves

Colonel John F. Haley

Colonel Peter L. Jones

Colonel Richard G. Kaiser

Colonel John S. Kem

Colonel Robert L. Marion

Colonel Dennis S. McKean

Colonel Frank M. Muth

Colonel Leopoldo A. Quintas, Jr.

Colonel Kurt J. Ryan

Colonel Mark C. Schwartz

Colonel Scott A. Spellmon

Colonel John P. Sullivan

Colonel Clarence D. Turner

Colonel Michael J. Warmack

Colonel Eric J. Wesley

Executive Calendar #269 Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Tovo – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #270 Maj. Gen. Robert B. Abrams – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #271 Brig. Gen. Kevin L. McNeely – to be Major General

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #272 Lt. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser – to be Lieutenant General

NAVY

Executive Calendar #273 Capt. Deborah P. Haven – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Executive Calendar #274 Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #275 Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr. – to be Admiral

Executive Calendar #276 Rear Adm. William F. Moran- to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #277 Rear Adm. James F. Caldwell, Jr. – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #278 to be Rear Admiral-

Rear Adm. (lh) David F. Baucom

Rear Adm. (lh) Vincent L. Griffith

Executive Calendar #279 to be Rear Admiral-

Rear Adm. (lh) Colin G. Chinn

Rear Adm. (lh) Elaine C. Wagner

#280 to be Rear Admiral-

Rear Adm. (lh) Paul B. Becker

Rear Adm. (lh) Matthew J. Kohler

Rear Adm. (lh) Jan E. Tighe

Executive Calendar #281 to be Rear Admiral-

Rear Adm. (lh) David H. Lewis

Rear Adm. (lh) Thomas J. Moore

Rear Adm. (lh) James D. Syring

Executive Calendar #282 to be Rear Admiral-

Rear Adm. (lh) John C. Aquilino

Rear Adm. (lh) Peter J. Fanta

Rear Adm. (lh) David J. Gale

Rear Adm. (lh) Philip G. Howe

Rear Adm. (lh) William K. Lescher

Rear Adm. (lh) Mark C. Montgomery

Rear Adm. (lh) Frank A. Morneau

Rear Adm. (lh) Jeffrey R. Penfield

Rear Adm. (lh) Frederick J. Roegge

Rear Adm. (lh) Phillip G. Sawyer

Rear Adm. (lh) Michael S. White

Executive Calendar #283 to be Rear Admiral (lower half)-

Capt. Russell E. Allen

Capt. William M. Crane

Capt. Thomas W. Marotta

Executive Calendar #284 Vice Adm. Kurt W. Tidd – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #285 Capt. Kenneth J. Iverson – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #286 Morrell John Berry – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Australia

Executive Calendar #287 Patricia Marie Haslach – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Executive Calendar #288 Reuben Earl Brigety, II – to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Executive Calendar #289 Daniel A. Clune – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States ofAmerica to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Executive Calendar #290 Patrick Hubert Gaspard – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of South Africa

Executive Calendar #291 Stephanie Sanders Sullivan – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of the Congo

Executive Calendar #292 Joseph Y. Yun – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Malaysia

Executive Calendar #293 Linda Thomas-Greenfield – to be an Assistant Secretary of State (African Affairs)

Executive Calendar #294 James F. Entwistle – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Executive Calendar #295 David D. Pearce – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Greece.

Executive Calendar #296 John B. Emerson – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Executive Calendar #297 John Rufus Gifford – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Denmark.

Executive Calendar #298 Denise Campbell Bauer – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Belgium.

Executive Calendar #299 James Costos – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Spain

Executive Calendar #300 James Costos – to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Andorra.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Executive Calendar #301 Avi Garbow – to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Executive Calendar #302 James J. Jones – to be Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances of the Environmental Protection Agency

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #304 Robert F. Cohen, Jr. – to be a Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for a term of six years expiring August 30, 2018 (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #305 William Ira Althen – to be a Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for a term of six years expiring August 30, 2018

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Executive Calendar #306 Catherine Elizabeth Lhamon – to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Executive Calendar #308 John H. Thompson – to be Director of the Census for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2016

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Executive Calendar #309 Harry R. Hoglander – to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2014 (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #310 Linda A. Puchala – to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2015 (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #311 Nicholas Christopher Geale – to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2016 (Reappointment)

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #312 Matthew Winthrop Barzun – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Executive Calendar #313 David Hale – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Lebanon

Executive Calendar #314 Liliana Ayalde – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federative Republic of Brazil

Executive Calendar #315 Kirk W.B. Wagar – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Singapore

Executive Calendar #316 Terence Patrick McCulley – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire

Executive Calendar #317 James C. Swan – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Executive Calendar #318 John R. Phillips – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Italian Republic, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of San Marino

Executive Calendar #319 Kenneth Francis Hackett – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Holy See

Executive Calendar #320 Alexa Lange Wesner – to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Austria

Executive Calendar #321 Daniel A. Sepulveda – for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Communications and Information Policy in the Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs and U. S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy

BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Executive Calendar #322 Ryan Clark Crocker – to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2013

Executive Calendar #323 Ryan Clark Crocker – to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2016 (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #324 Matthew C. Armstrong – to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2015

Executive Calendar #325 Jeffrey Shell – to be Chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors

Executive Calendar #326 Jeffrey Shell – to be a Member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for a term expiring August 13, 2015

PN631 & PN632  Ellen C. Herbst – Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Administration and Chief Financial Officer

PN667  Margaret Louise Cummisky – Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

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Support Tom Perez


National Women's Law Center
 Tomorrow, the Senate has a chance to do something that could help every single woman in the United States. But we have to make sure they know we care.
This is our last chance. Tell your Senators to support the nomination of Tom Perez for Secretary of Labor.
Throughout his career, including most recently as head of the Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice, Tom Perez has shown that he is committed to enforcing the laws upon which women, and all workers, rely. He’s combined this commitment with extraordinary skill and competence, both in the federal government and when he served as Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
The U.S. Department of Labor enforces laws enabling workers to take job-protected family and medical leave, wage and hour protections that shield workers from exploitation and abuse, and rules requiring federal contractors to advance equal opportunity in their workforces, including equal pay. This critical Department also houses the Women’s Bureau, whose mission is to improve pay and working conditions for women. The next Secretary of Labor will have the opportunity to continue the important progress toward ensuring fairer workplaces for women and for all workers.
Tom Perez is committed to the needs of women and their families. Tell your Senators to support the nomination of Tom Perez for Secretary of Labor.
Thank you for everything you do to advance the rights of women and their families.
Sincerely,
Marcia Greenberger  Marcia Greenberger Co-President National Women’s Law Center    
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Stop the obstructio​nism


National Women's Law Center
What we need in a Secretary of Labor is a commitment to public service, to health and safety legal protections for women and all workers, and to enforcing our discrimination laws. With Tom Perez, this is what we would get.
Throughout his career, including most recently as head of the Civil Rights Division in the Department of Justice, Tom Perez has shown that he is committed to enforcing the laws upon which women, and all workers, rely. He’s combined his commitment with extraordinary skill and competence, both in the federal government and when he served as Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
We can’t let a minority of Senators hold up his nomination. We need your help. Tell your Senators to allow a yes-or-no vote on Tom Perez for Secretary of Labor.
Here’s why this vote matters: The Department of Labor plays a critical role in ensuring opportunities for women in the workplace. It enforces laws enabling workers to take job-protected family and medical leave, wage and hour protections that shield workers from exploitation and abuse, and rules requiring federal contractors to advance equal opportunity in their workforces, including equal pay. The Department also houses the Women’s Bureau, whose mission is to improve pay and working conditions for women. The next Secretary of Labor will have the opportunity to continue the important progress toward fairer workplaces for women and for all workers.
Tom Perez has a proven track record of protecting and advancing legal rights and protections crucial to women. Tell your Senators to allow a yes-or-no vote on the nomination of Tom Perez for Secretary of Labor.
Thank you for everything you do to advance the rights of women and their families.
Sincerely,
Marcia Greenberger  Marcia Greenberger Co-President National Women’s Law Center    
Black History

CONGRESS


State Capitol 047-DSC_4955And5more_fused
State Capitol 047-DSC_4955And5more_fused (Photo credit: Digidave)
  • The Senate stands in adjournment until 10:00am on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.
  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #42, the nomination of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board with up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Medine nomination.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will begin consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.
  • 12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #42, the nomination of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board;Confirmed: 53-45
  • Senator Murray asked consent to go to conference on the Budget resolution. Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.Senator Murray declined to modify her request. Senator McConnell then objected to the request.The Senate stands in recess until 2:15pm.
  • The Senate has begun consideration of S.601, Water Resources Development Act.
    Senator Boxer withdrew the committee reported substitute amendment and called up
    Boxer-Vitter substitute #799. The managers are now giving
    their opening statements. We are working on lining up the first amendments in
    order to the bill.
  • The Senate is in a period for debate only until 6:30pm on S.601, WRDA, while we figure out the first
    amendments to be considered to the bill.
  • The Senate has reached an agreement that provides for the consideration of the first 3 amendments to the WRDA legislation. At 11:30am tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8th, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601 and the following amendments will be the first amendments in order to the pending Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799:-          Coburn #804 (ammunition);-          Coburn #805 (Army Corps lands/guns); and

    –          Whitehouse #803 (oceans).

    No second degree amendments are in order to any of these amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments. The Coburn and Whitehouse amendments are subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. The time until 2pm, will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, for debate on the amendments. Senator Coburn controls 40 minutes of the Republican time.

    At 2:00pm the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the amendments in the order listed. There will be 2 minutes equally divided between the votes and all after the first vote will be 10 minute votes.

    Upon disposition of the Coburn and Whitehouse amendments, the substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, will be agreed to and be considered original text for the purposes of further amendment.

  • WRAP UP
  • ROLL CALL VOTE1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #42, the nomination of David Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; Confirmed: 53-45LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

    Passed H.R.1071, a bill to specify the size of the precious-metal blanks that will be used in the production of the National Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins.

    Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.127, Commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the loss of the State symbol of New Hampshire, the Old Man of the Mountain.

    Adopted S.Res.130, designating the week of May 1 through May 7, 2013, as “National Physical Education and Sport Week”.

    Began the Rule 14 process of S.888, the End User Exemptions from provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act. (Johanns)

    No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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Last Floor Action:
10:00:15 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The
next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 7, 2013

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