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Black History

CONGRESS: the House: Republican led ::::::: the Senate: Democrat led


capitol30the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 19,2012

  • The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
  • At 11:30am, Senator Hutchison will be recognized for up to 30 minutes and at 2:00pm, Senator Kyl will be recognized for up to 30 minutes, each for the purposes of delivering retirement speech.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill:

Senator Bingaman has called up amendment #3344 (Approval of 2010 U.S.-Palau Agreement in response to Super Typhoon Bopha).

 

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair. We expect to reconvene around 8:30pm.

 

Prior to the recess, Senator Coburn modified his pending amendment #3371 and then divided his amendment. The divisions are as follows:

 

Division I (per capita damage indicator)

Division II (seriously delinquent tax debt)

Division III (return of unused emergency funds)

Division IV(competitively awarded contracts use of funds)

Division V (public notification and website posting of grant funds)

Division VI (cost sharing)

Division VII (Stafford Disaster Relief Assistance Act)

Division VIII (strike transfer of unused funds)

Division IX (flood hazards)recess subject to the call–Coburn amendment modified and divided

This evening Senator Leahy withdrew the Leahy substitute amendment #3338 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations), and, as a result, the pending first degree amendments fell along with it. Then Senate Reid offered a new substitute amendment #3395 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations), filled the amendment tree with date change amendments, and filed cloture on the substitute amendment #3395 and underlying bill, H.R.1. The text of the new substitute can be found at http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news.cfm?method=news.view&id=994105ef-bcde-483d-8d87-0ca155ff43cf

 

We hope to reach an agreement to consider amendments and complete action on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill tomorrow. If no agreement can be reached, the cloture vote on the substitute would occur on Friday, December 21.

 

Before we leave we need to consider the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations, FISA reauthorization, and 3 district court nominations

 

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Veterans’ Affairs and passed H.R.4057, the Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012 with a Murray substitute amendment.

 

Passed H.R.6029, the Foreign and Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act with a Kohl-Lee substitute amendment.

 

Discharged Homeland Security and Government Affairs and passed the following Postal Naming bills:

H.R.3477, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 133 Hare Road in Crosby, Texas, as the Army First Sergeant David McNerney Post Office Building.

H.R.3870, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6083 Highway 36 West in Rose Bud, Arkansas, as the “Nicky ‘Nick’ Daniel Bacon Post Office”.

H.R.3912, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 Mastic Road in Mastic Beach, New York, as the “Brigadier General Nathaniel Woodhull Post Office Building”.

H.R.5738, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15285 Samohin Drive in Macomb, Michigan, as the “Lance Cpl. Anthony A. DiLisio Clinton-Macomb Carrier Annex”.

H.R.5837, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 26 East Genesee Street in Baldwinsville, New York, as the “Corporal Kyle Schneider Post Office Building”.

H.R.5954, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 7th Street in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, as the “Sergeant Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. Post Office Building”.

S.3630, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 218 North Milwaukee Street in Waterford, Wisconsin, as the “Captain Rhett W. Schiller Post Office”.

S.3662, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6 Nichols Street in Westminster, Massachusetts, as the `Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones Post Office Building’.

 

Passed S.2318, the Department of State Rewards Program Update and Technical Corrections Act of 2012 with a committee-reported substitute amendment by voice vote.

 

Discharged and passed Veterans’ Affairs and passed S.3202, the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 with a Murray substitute amendment.

 

Passed S.3698, to amend Title 40, United States Code to improve veterans service organizations access to Federal surplus personal property.

 

Discharged Judiciary and adopted S.Res.618, observing the 100th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and commemorating her legacy.

Adopted S.Res.625, recognizing the January 12, 2013, opening of the United States Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, and supporting the plans for other educational pavilions and initiatives.

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House hearings

10:00 am Hearing: CLOSED: Ongoing Intelligence ActivitiesHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Full Committee
10:00 am Markup: H.R. 6654, To provide for the exchange of information related to trade enforcement, and for other purposes.Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee
10:00 am Hearing: “Challenges Facing Multiemployer Pension Plans: Evaluating PBGC’s Insurance Program and Financial Outlook”Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
10:00 am Hearing: Update on the Evolving Security Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Implications for U.S. National SecurityCommittee on Armed Services: Full Committee

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 19, 2012.

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CONGRESS: the Republican led House ::::: the Senate led by Democrats


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the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET December 17,2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

At 2pm today, there will be a moment of silence to honor the victims and their families of the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT.

At 5:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 votes on confirmation of the nominations listed below. We expect a voice vote on confirmation of the Olguin nomination and a roll call vote on confirmation of the Durkin nomination. – Executive Calendar #833 Fernando M. Olguin, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; and – Executive Calendar #875 Thomas M. Durkin, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.

The Senate has begun consideration of H.R.1, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011. Senator Leahy, for Senator Inouye, offered a substitute amendment #3338 (the text of the Hurricane Sandy Emergency Supplemental Appropriations). Text and a summary of the amendment can be found on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s website (http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/). Senator Leahy, for Senator Inouye, then offered amendment #3339 (technical).

The Senate confirmed the nominations of Executive Calendar #833, Fernando M. Olguin, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, and Executive Calendar #875 Thomas M. Durkin, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, by voice vote.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1792, the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act of 2011.

Passed S.1793, to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes with a Whitehouse substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.2076, to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice of providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Whitehouse amendment.

Passed H.R.6223, To amend section 1059(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to clarify that a period of employment abroad by the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces as a translator, interpreter, or in a security –related position in an executive or managerial capacity is to be counted as a period of residence and physical presence in the United States for purposes of qualifying for naturalization, and for other purposes.

Passed S.3687, To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, to designate certain Federal buildings, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.619, a resolution relative to the appointment of President pro tem – Senator Leahy.

Adopted S.Res.620, a resolution authorizing Senator Reid to administer the oath of office of President pro tem to Senator Leahy.

Adopted S.Res.621, a resolution condemning the horrific attacks in Newtown, Connecticut and expressing support and prayers for all those impacted by that tragedy.

Discharged the HELP committee and passed S.3472, a bill to amend the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to provide improvements to such Act with a Landrieu substitute amendment.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #833, Fernando M. Olguin, of CA, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California by voice vote.

Confirmed Executive Calendar #875, Thomas M. Durkin, of IL, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois by voice vote.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 17, 2012.

Black History

CONGRESS: the House : : : : : the Senate


capitol21the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET December 11,2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3637, the Transaction Account Guarantee (TAG) extension legislation with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3637.
  • If cloture is invoked, the motion to proceed will be agreed t0

2:17pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3637, a bill to temporarily extend the transaction account guarantee program (TAG program);

Invoked: 76-20

Under the previous order, the motion to proceed to S.3637, TAG bill, was agreed to. Senator Reid then filled the “amendment tree” with technical amendments and filed cloture on the bill. The cloture vote is expected to occur on Thursday.

For the information of senators, at 4:00pm today, the Senate will execute the order with respect to the Dowdell and Bernal nominations. There will be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. We expect a roll call vote on confirmation of the Dowdell nomination and a voice vote on confirmation of the Bernal nomination. As a result, senators should expect one roll call vote at approximately 4:30pm today.

At 4:00pm today, the Senate will execute the order with respect to the Dowdell and Bernal nominations. There will be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. We expect a roll call vote on confirmation of the Dowdell nomination and a voice vote on confirmation of the Bernal nomination. As a result, senators should expect one roll call vote at approximately 4:30pm today.

4:32pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #762 John E. Dowdell, of Oklahoma, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma;

Confirmed: 95-0

The Bernal nomination was confirmed by voice vote. There will be no further roll call votes during today’s sessions of the Senate.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3637, the transaction account guarantee (TAG) extension legislation; Invoked: 76-20

2) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #762 John E. Dowdell, of Oklahoma, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma; Confirmed: 95-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.4014, to amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act with respect to information provided to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

Passed H.R.4367, to amend the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to limit the fee disclosure requirement for an automatic teller machine to the screen of that machine.

Passed H.R.2467, a bill to take certain Federal lands in Mono County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Bridgeport Indian Colony.

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee and passed S.3564, a bill to extend the Public Interest Declassification Act of 2000 until 2014 and for other purposes with a Lieberman substitute amendment and a Lieberman title amendment.

Discharged the Indian Affairs committee and passed H.R.3319, a bill to allow the Pascua Yaqui Tribe to determine the requirements for membership in that tribe.

Passed H.R.6328, the Clothe a Homeless Hero Act with a Gillibrand amendment.

Star printed the report to accompany S.76, the Strengthening Protections for Children and Communities From Disease Clusters Act.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #829, Jesus G. Bernal, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California by voice vote.

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House Hearings …

3:00 pm Hearing: The Devastating Crisis in Eastern CongoCommittee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights
5:00 pm Hearing: CLOSED: Ongoing Intelligence ActivitiesHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Full Committee
5:00 pm Hearing: H. Res. – Providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.Committee on Rules:

 The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 11, 2012.

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

12:00:19 P.M.   The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:01:36 P.M.   MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:31:28 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:45 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 11.
2:00:49 P.M.   Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:20 P.M.   <SPEAKER’S class=hiddenSpellError pre=”Mr ” Dold demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Dold objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
2:02:54 P.M.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:21 P.M.   ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:05:22 P.M.   The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h)of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 11, 2012, at 11:08 a.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 3187, without amendment and agreed to S. Res. 612
2:08:17 P.M.   The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:30:34 P.M.   The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 11.
6:30:45 P.M.   Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 827.
6:31:21 P.M.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed from earlier in the day.
6:31:36 P.M.   On approving the Journal Roll Call 620 – Yea and Nay vote pending.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from .. Lindsey Twombly


Human Rights Campaign

Thank you for all you did to secure marriage equality in Washington

Planning on getting married? Or know someone who’s getting ready to walk down the aisle?

This past election, people across the county watched as you made history in Washington. Washingtonians voted to approved Referendum 74, which allows loving same-sex couples to legally marry in the state. This law will take effect tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, 2012. We wanted to make sure you have access to this information about implementation of marriage equality in Washington.

How do I obtain a marriage license in Washington?
Once licenses are made available to same-sex couples, the procedures will be the same as the existing ones for other married couples. They are issued at the county level and procedures/fees may vary slightly; links to information from individual counties is available online. Marriage licenses will be available starting Thursday, December 6. Don’t forget about the three-day waiting period – marriages will begin to take place on Sunday, December 9.

What rights and responsibilities do same-sex couples who legally marry receive in Washington?
Same-sex spouses receive the same rights and responsibilities provided to different-sex spouses under Washington law, including health care decision-making, property and inheritance rights. Married same-sex couples do not receive access to the more than 1,100 federal rights and responsibilities based on marriage because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, and the new law in Washington does not change that.

What do I have to do if I’m a Washington resident who is legally married in another jurisdiction?
You do not have to get married in Washington or otherwise register your marriage in Washington. Washington’s marriage equality law recognizes as valid lawful marriages between same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.

What does the law mean if I have entered into a domestic partnership with my partner in Washington?
In 2007, Washington enacted statewide domestic partnerships, and expanded them in 2009 to grant all the rights and benefits of marriage to registered domestic partners. A couple who is currently in a registered domestic partnership can marry and their domestic partnership will dissolve. On June 30, 2014, the remaining domestic partnerships will automatically convert to marriages unless they are dissolved. Domestic partnerships will continue, however, for couples (gay and straight) where at least one partner is at least 62.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Twombly

Lindsey Twombly
Associate Director, Online Mobilization
And soon-to-be married Seattle, WA resident