Tag Archives: National Mediation Board

a message from … Christian Sweeney AFL-CIO


I wanted to make sure you got this time-sensitive message from Beth at CWA.

Right now, 9,000 American Airlines Passenger Service Agents are trying to form a union. American Airlines is working to block their election by refusing to provide a list of eligible voters to the National Mediation Board (NMB). Please read Beth’s message and take action.

The NMB can move ahead but it needs to hear how the public feels about American Airlines’ actions.

Thanks for everything you do to win fairness.

In solidarity,

Christian Sweeney
AFL-CIO

Is American Airlines above the law?

The National Mediation Board (NMB) set May 17 as the date for a union representation election for over 9,600 ticket, gate and reservation agents at American Airlines. But in a reckless disregard for the rule of law, American Airlines has simply decided to refuse to provide employees addresses so voting instructions for the election can be mailed by the NMB.

Click here to make sure that the NMB stands up to American Airlines and ensures the election moves forward
.

American Airlines is in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings. The company has announced massive layoffs, outsourcing and office closures, as well as dramatic increases in health costs and pay cuts for many of its workers.

American Airlines CEO Tom Horton hopes that by breaking the law, he will be able to postpone the election while laying off hundreds of eligible employees and forcing others to make an immediate and irrevocable decision about early retirement.

Even in this anti-worker climate, American Airline’s disdain for the rule of law and the NMB is stunning. They will be spending thousands of dollars in legal fees to silence workers while telling their employees and creditors in bankruptcy court that they will not be able meet their obligations to them.

Breaking the law to interfere with an election is simply not acceptable in a democracy. Click here to tell the NMB that you stand with the workers at American Airlines and for democracy.

In Unity,

Beth Allen
Online Communications Director

What’s going on in Congress debates/Votes -S.3628


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET September 23,2010

morning business until 10:30am 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 the consideration of S.J.Res.30, a joint resolution of disapproval regarding the National Mediation Board with up to 2 hours of debate with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Harkin and Isakson.

At approximately 12:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.30

Upon disposition of S.J.Res.30, the Senate will proceed to consideration of the motion to proceed to S.3628, the DISCLOSE Act with the time until 2:15pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. At approximately 2:15pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3628.

There will be no further roll call votes on Thursday.

Votes:
239: Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.30, a joint resolution of disapproval of the rule submitted by the National Mediation Board relating to representation election procedures,
Not Agreed to: 43-56

240: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3628, the DISCLOSE Act,
Not Invoked: 59-41

Unanimous Consent:
H.R.4853, Airport and Airway Extension Act (w/ substitute amendment – extends existing authorities until 12/31/10)

S.Res.583, World Veterinary Year

S.Res.640, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding United States engagement with ASEAN and its member-states

S.Res.641, a resolution observing the 5th anniversary of the date on which Hurricane Rita devastated the coasts of Louisiana and Texas

S.Res.642, a resolution congratulating the National Institute of Nursing Research on the occasion of its 25th anniversary

S.Res.643, a resolution designating the week beginning October 3, 2010, as “National Nurse-Managed Health Clinic Week”

**************************************************************

The next meeting scheduled in the House is for 10:00amET September 23,2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:44 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

7:43 P.M. –

Ms. Foxx requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 30: Mr. Jones for 5 min.

Ms. Foxx requested the following general leaves to address the House on September 24: herself for 5 min and Mr. Dent for 5 min.

7:20 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, September 24, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, for morning-hour debate. Agreed to without objection.

6:59 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:55 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1618:

urging the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe National Preparedness Month, and for other purposes

6:54 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.

6:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1618.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Hastings (FL) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 1517:

to allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service

6:42 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

6:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1517.

Mr. Thompson (MS) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 846:

to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty

6:34 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.

6:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 846.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Carson (IN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 1055:

to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II

6:08 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.

5:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1055.

5:23 P.M. –

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Carson (IN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3717:

to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to provide for certain disclosures under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), and for other purposes

5:21 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.

4:57 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3717.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Frank (MA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3814:

to extend the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2011

4:55 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.

4:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3814.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Waters moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1545:

expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the third Monday in September as “National Postdoc Appreciation Week”

4:47 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.

4:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1545.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Polis (CO) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1582:

honoring and saluting Americans for the Arts on its 50th anniversary

4:40 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.

4:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.Res. 1582.

H.R. 5875:

making emergency supplemental appropriations for border security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes

4:23 P.M. –

Senate amendment and accompanying papers returned to Senate pursuant to H.Res. 1653.

S. 3187:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1653, papers are returned to the Senate.

S. 3162:

to clarify the health care provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that constitutes minimum essential coverage

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1653, papers are returned to the Senate.

S. 2799:

to expand the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, to provide for the divestment of assets in Iran by State and local governments and other entities, to identify locations of concern with respect to transshipment, reexportation, or diversion of certain sensitive items to Iran, and for other purposes

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1653, papers are returned to the Senate.

S. 1023:

to establish a non-profit corporation to communicate United States entry policies and otherwise promote leisure, business, and scholarly travel to the United States

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1653, papers are returned to the Senate.

S. 951:

to authorize the President, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the historic and first lunar landing by humans in 1969, to award gold medals on behalf of the United States Congress to Neil A. Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon; Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin Jr., the pilot of the lunar module and second person to walk on the moon; Michael Collins, the pilot of their Apollo 11 mission’s command module; and, the first American to orbit the Earth, John Herschel Glenn Jr

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1653, papers are returned to the Senate.

H. Res. 1582:

honoring and saluting Americans for the Arts on its 50th anniversary

4:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1582.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Polis (CO) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1560:

supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer science and computing careers among the public and in schools, and to ensure an ample and diverse future technology workforce through the designation of National Computer Science Education Week

4:18 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.

4:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1560.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Polis (CO) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 6190:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

4:04 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.

3:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.R. 6190.

3:51 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4853 amended.

H.R. 6190:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

3:46 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6190.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lewis (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5710:

to amend and reauthorize the controlled substance monitoring program under section 399O of the Public Health Service Act

3:43 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 32 (Roll no. 544).

3:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1745:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for volunteer practitioners at health centers under section 330 of such Act

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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 – 1 (Roll no. 543).

3:28 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 3199:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to State emergency medical service departments to provide for the expedited training and licensing of veterans with prior medical training, and for other purposes

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 5 (Roll no. 542).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:20 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5756:

to amend title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to provide for grants and technical assistance to improve services rendered to children and adults with autism, and their families, and to expand the number of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disablities Education, Research, and Service

3:19 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 pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 393 – 24 (Roll no. 541).

3:11 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5307:

to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to include ultralight aircraft under the definition of aircraft for purposes of the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act

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 pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 3 (Roll no. 540).

3:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 5297:

to create the Small Business Lending Fund Program to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 237 – 187 (Roll no. 539).

2:33 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1640, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 5297.

1:32 P.M. –

Ms. Bean moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment.

H. Res. 1653:

returning several measures to the Senate

1:26 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 4823:

to establish the Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area in the Coconino National Forest, Arizona, and for other purposes

1:24 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 258 – 160 (Roll no. 538).

1:15 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5110:

to modify the boundary of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and for other purposes

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 244 – 174 (Roll no. 537).

1:08 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1640:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 5297) to create the Small Business Lending Fund Program to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for small business job creation, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 186 (Roll no. 536).

12:59 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 181 (Roll no. 535).

12:51 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on ordering the previous question, adoption of H.Res. 1640, and on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

12:50 P.M. –

On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 172 (Roll no. 534).

12:23 P.M. –

Mr. Hastings (FL) moved to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair.

The Chair announced that the pending question is will the decision of the Chair stand as the judgement of the House?

Mr. Price (GA) moved to appeal the ruling of the Chair.

12:09 P.M. –

Pursuant to a previous special order, Mr. Price (GA) rose to a question of the privileges of the House and submitted a privileged resolution. The Chair directed the Clerk to report the resolution. The Clerk completed the reading of the submitted resolution and upon examination of the resolution, the Chair announced that the resolution did not constitute a question of the privileges of the House.

H.R. 5307:

to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to include ultralight aircraft under the definition of aircraft for purposes of the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act

12:08 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.

11:54 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5307.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6156:

to renew the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to approve demonstration projects designed to test innovative strategies in State child welfare programs

11:50 A.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.

11:42 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6156.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McDermott moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 1674:

to provide for an exclusion under the Supplemental Security Income program and the Medicaid program for compensation provided to individuals who participate in clinical trials for rare diseases or conditions

11:41 A.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.

11:16 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1674.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McDermott moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

11:15 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

11:14 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3980 amended, H.R. 4667, H.R. 5682, S. 3828, S. 2906, and S. 1448.

H. Res. 1640:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 5297) to create the Small Business Lending Fund Program to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for small business job creation, and for other purposes

11:13 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1640, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

10:26 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1640

Considered as privileged matter.

10:06 A.M. –

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Dahlkemper 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.

10:05 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day