Tag Archives: New START

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF in Congress – lame duck calendar …

12/16/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 17, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the New START Treaty. The treaty will be open to amendments tomorrow.

Senators are encouraged to come to the floor to offer and debate their amendments.

Roll call votes are possible to occur throughout the day.

As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur with respect to HR5281, DREAM Act and on the motion to concur with respect to HR2965, DADT. The first cloture vote will occur early Saturday morning at a time to be determined.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1481, Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009.
Passed H.R.4973, National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act of 2010.

Passed H.R.5901, Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010
(with Baucus substitute and title amendments)

Passed H.R.5116, COMPETE Act (with Hutchison substitute)

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))0

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:18 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5116 amended.

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:10 P.M. –

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 21.

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 20.

5:08 P.M. –

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

5:07 P.M. –

Mr. Garamendi asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, December 17, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

5:06 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 6523.

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

5:05 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

5:04 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 226 – 109 (Roll no. 656).

4:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

4:52 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 210 – 145 (Roll no. 655).

4:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

4:30 P.M. –

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

H.J. Res. 105:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:28 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by voice vote.

4:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 105.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 105 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1776.

4:23 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 17, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1481 and H.R. 4973; passed H.R. 5901 with amendments.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

4:20 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 Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 – 131 (Roll no. 654).

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:12 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 184 – 159 (Roll no. 653).

4:05 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 336:

providing for the sine die adjournment of the second session of the 111th Congress

4:04 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 196 – 153 (Roll no. 652).

3:31 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1776, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

3:29 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1776

Considered as privileged matter.

3:18 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1776.

3:17 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.

1:50 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

1:49 P.M. –

INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 235 of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (PUB. L. 111-211), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION: Ms. Herseth Sandlin and Mr. Pomeroy .

H.R. 628:

to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges

1:48 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 371 – 1 (Roll no. 651).

1:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, 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): 341 – 48 (Roll no. 650).

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

1:27 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1107:

to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 649).

1:19 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1377:

honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes

1:18 P.M. –

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

1:17 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0 (Roll no. 648).

12:50 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:49 P.M. –

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

H.R. 6523:

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.

11:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6523.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

11:47 A.M. –

11:12 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6533:

to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes

11:10 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.

10:53 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6533.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

10:52 A.M. –

10:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3874.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Con. Res. 335:

honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the significant contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict

10:26 A.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

10:01 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 335.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

9:59 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Holt objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

9:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1767.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1621:

recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA

9:48 A.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.

9:39 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1621.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2142:

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.

9:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.

Mr. Cuellar moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H. Res. 1733:

recognizing Mark Twain as one of America’s most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death

9:25 A.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

9:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1733.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3592:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cuellar objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

9:08 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3592.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

9:07 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

9:02 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:01 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Cuellar to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4602, H.R. 5133, H.R. 5605, H.R. 5606, H.R. 5655, H.R. 5877, H.R. 6400, H.R. 6392, H.R. 2142, H.R. 5809, S. 3874, S. 4036, and S. 3592.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

9:00 A.M. –

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

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

lame duck Session in Congress …Thursday

12/15/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 16, 2010

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will turn to Executive session and begin consideration of the New Start Treaty.

Amendments are in order to the treaty and, as a result, roll call votes are possible throughout the day.

Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed H.r.2142, the DPRA Modernization Act

Passed S.3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.

Passed H.R.5809, Safe Drug Disposal Act (with a Voinovich-Carper substitute amendment-Diesel Emissions Reduction and a title amendment).

Passed S.4036, a bill to clarify the National Credit Union Adminstration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury.

Passed S.3592– a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.4602-a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1332 Sharon Copley Road in Sharon Center, Ohio, as the “Emil Bolas Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5133– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 331 1st Street in Carlstadt, New Jersey, as the “Staff Sergeant Frank T. Carvill and Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.5605– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 East Fayette Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as the “George C. Marshall Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5606– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 South 7th Street in Indiana, Pennsylvania, as the “James M ‘Jimmy’ Stewart Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.5655– To designate the Little River Branch facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 NE 84th Street in Miami, Florida, as the “Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5877– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as the “Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.6400– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, as the “Earl Wilson, Jr. Post Office”.

Passed H.R.6392-To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5003 Westfields Boulevard in Centreville, Virginia, as the “Colonel George Juskalian Post Office Building”.

Adopted S.Res.702, Special Education Teachers.

Confirmed Catherine C. Eagles, of North Carolina, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Confirmed Kimberly J. Mueller, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District Judge for the Eastern District of California.

Confirmed John A. Gibney, Jr., of Virginia, to be U.S District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Confirmed James Kelleher Bredar, of Maryland, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Maryland.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 16, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:05 A.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 17, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Polis (CO) moved that the House do now adjourn.

12:03 A.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1771.

H. Res. 20:

calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” with respect to religious freedom

12:02 A.M. –

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

Considered as unfinished business.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

12:01 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 4853:

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

11:59 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 277 – 148 (Roll no. 647).

11:42 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

11:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Levin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 233, 1 Present (Roll no. 646).

11:17 P.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the amendment offered by Mr. Levin is not debatable.

11:16 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Levin.

An amendment to strike Title III of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583 and amend the bill to provide two years of estate tax relief at 2009 levels. In calendar years 2011 and 2012, the estate tax exemption amount would be $3.5 million ($7 million total for a married couple) and the maximum tax rate on estates would be 45%. Additionally, the amendment would provide estates from decedents in 2010 with the ability to elect to be treated under the 2009 levels or to be treated under current law for tax purposes. This election will allow estates to receive a step up in basis on inherited property rather than the 2010 carryover basis rules. The exemption level and rate are consistent with the estate tax proposal included in the President’s FY2010 and FY2011 Budgets. Under the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583, the bill would provide two years of estate tax relief with a $5 million estate tax exemption ($10 million total for a married couple) and a maximum rate of 35%. The amendment saves $23 billion, and affects 6,600 estates in 2011 which would receive an average additional tax cut of more than $1.5 million under the Senate bill.

At the conclusion of general debate, and pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the Chair announced that the Senate amendment would be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule and directed the Clerk to designate the Senate amendment. The Chair then announced that it was in order for Mr. Levin or his designee to be recognized for the purpose of offering the amendment printed in House Report 111-682 to the Senate amendment.

7:40 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with three hours of general debate on the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

7:39 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan to act as Chairman of the Committee.

7:38 P.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the Chair declared the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

On motion to consider the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

The Chair put the question on consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment.

DEBATE – Pending any declaration of the House into the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 1766 the Chair would note that the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4853 contains; an emergency designation for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles under clause 10(c) of rule 21; and an emergency designation pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. Accordingly, the Chair must put the question of consideration under section of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

7:33 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 241 – 166 (Roll no. 645).

7:26 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1766:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) 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

7:25 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 – 201 (Roll no. 644).

7:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Slaughter amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 – 186 (Roll no. 643).

6:44 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered on the amendment and on the resolution without objection.

6:41 P.M. –

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Slaughter.

An amendment to insert a complete new text.

5:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1766

Considered as privileged matter.

5:49 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Daniel J. Strodel, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Strodel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by a grand jury in New York County, New York for doucment and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

5:45 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 16.

2:29 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

S. 3447:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes

2:28 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 3 (Roll no. 642).

2:21 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3860:

to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 – 3 (Roll no. 641).

2:11 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 841:

to direct the Secretary of Transportation to study and establish a motor vehicle safety standard that provides for a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle operation

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 – 30 (Roll no. 640).

1:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

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

H.R. 2941:

to reauthorize and enhance Johanna’s Law to increase public awareness and knowledge with respect to gynecologic cancers

1:41 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.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2941.

Mrs. Capps moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 4005:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent the proceeds or instrumentalities of foreign crime located in the United States from being shielded from foreign forfeiture proceedings

1:28 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.

1:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 4005.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 628:

to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges

1:13 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

12:57 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 628.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H.R. 1107:

to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”

12:56 P.M. –

12:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 1107.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

H.R. 6198:

to amend title 11 of the United States Code to make technical corrections; and for related purposes

12:53 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.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 6198.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

12:46 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 1766:

12:40 P.M. –

WITHDRAWAL OF RESOLUTION – Mr. McGovern withdrew the resolution from consideration.

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 1766.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6516.

H. Res. 1766:

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 1766.

12:16 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 14 – 385, 1 Present (Roll no. 639).

11:28 A.M. –

Mr. Taylor moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1766:

10:43 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1766

Considered as privileged matter.

10:42 A.M. –

On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

10:41 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate on the Flake point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.

10:29 A.M. –

POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Flake stated that the provisions of H.Res. 1766 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?

10:26 A.M. –

By direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Slaughter called up the resolution, H.Res. 1766, and asked for its immediate consideration.

10:03 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schock to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02 A.M. –

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

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: START To End

12/10/2010 Nativegrl77

One year ago today, President Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, which was given in large part because of his commitment to nuclear arms reduction. Today, the administration’s signature foreign policy achievement, the successful negotiation of a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia, which has been essential to rehabilitating relations between the two countries, is languishing in the Senate. Why? Republicans have consistently sought to delay and obstruct the treaty, but this opposition has now faded. It is now a question of time and whether Majority Leader Harry Reid will bring New START to the floor of the Senate. The treaty, if brought up, likely has the 67 votes to achieve ratification. But thus far, START has been put off. Meanwhile, the Senate is taking the weekend off with just one week left to go until the scheduled end of the session. START is critical for our national security and advances a major progressive priority of reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world. Today, leaders from the national security, scientific, and religious communities are sending a letter to Reid urging him to “take up and approve New START now, if need be by extending the Senate in session beyond December 17.”

IT HAS THE VOTES: Early in the lame duck session, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) “blindsided” the White House when he broke off months of negotiations and insisted on a delay of New START. Instead of caving, the White House fought back. The reaction was fierce. In the last month, more than 40 editorial boards from newspapers around the country urged ratification and ripped Kyl for putting politics above America’s national security. Republican threats to delay also exposed a deep rift within the Republican establishment, as a who’s who of Republican officials have come out urging ratification now, including this week President George H.W. Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who joined Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, James Baker, among others, in support of New START. These Republican officials join the U.S. military establishment and our Eastern European allies that live in the shadow of Russia in support of START. A recent CBS News poll found that 82 percent of the American people support the treaty. Against this wave of support, Republican intransigence has softened and now a split has emerged with a significant number of the Republican caucus favor a vote on START in the lame duck session — more than enough to ratify the treaty. Just this morning Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins said they will support START.

REID CAN FORCE A VOTE: Unlike normal Senate legislation, which can be blocked by a filibuster that requires 60 votes to overturn, a treaty only requires 50 votes to proceed to debate and a vote. The New START treaty was therefore not included in the letter from the Senate GOP caucus that threatened to block any legislation that was brought up before tax cuts. Unlike Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, where Republican senators who claimed to support repeal voted to filibuster on process grounds, on START, Republicans will have to vote on the actual treaty and can’t hide behind procedure. However, Foreign Policy’s Josh Rogin reported last night that some Republicans attempt to offer a number of “treaty killing” amendments that would alter the treaty and therefore require renegotiating with Russia. Yet, these amendments can be voted down by 50 votes and were already overcome during the vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee through the work of Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN). Republicans could use the amendment process in an effort to drag out the process, but this is why Reid should make clear that they would only be delaying their Christmas vacation.

DANGER OF DELAY: Some Republicans have suggested that START should be delayed for just a few months until January or February when a new Senate is sworn in. This is a ruse. At every step of the ratification process, Republicans — led by Kyl — have urged delay. Kyl was actually for holding a vote during the lame duck session, until, of course the lame duck session arrived. Furthermore, the willingness to offer treaty-killing amendments only further casts doubt on Kyl’s intentions. At the very least a delay in the treaty ratification process, which has taken nine months, would start from scratch. The new make up of the Senate would also make getting the 67 votes for ratification much harder and would make the ratification process much more dependent on Kyl, likely leading to only more leverage to extort nuclear pork funding. In the end, a delay would in all likelihood mean the death of the New START treaty. This would have huge consequences for our relationship with Russia, which is critical to dealing with Iran and supplying our troops in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the collapse of the verification measures that monitor Russia’s nuclear arsenal were in place under the original treaty, could eventually upset nuclear stability and lead to significant uncertainty in nuclear relations. Failure to ratify START would also send shockwaves around the world and would be seen as the U.S. putting a knife in the back of the whole nuclear non-proliferation regime. The consequences of delay and defeat of New START are grave.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

a message from Gov.Tim Kaine

12/06/2010 Nativegrl77

There are just a few weeks left in this Congress, and we have a lot left to do.

Democrats are rolling up their sleeves, getting to work on all fronts to finish important work that we all set out to accomplish together.

That means pressing, right now, to ratify the New START treaty, furthering our goal of nuclear arms reduction — and securing a safer future for our nation.

That means working to extend much-needed tax cuts to the middle class and unemployment benefits to those who are out of work — making sure Americans get the relief they deserve.

That means fighting to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” a discriminatory law that prevents qualified men and women from serving their country.

And that means pushing to pass the DREAM Act, paving a path to citizenship for undocumented youth willing to work toward a college degree or serve in our military.

We’re working, right now, to draw attention to these crucial measures, and help get them passed — making them impossible for the media to ignore and for Republicans in Congress to obstruct.

But amplifying this message requires resources — and we can’t do it without your help.

Can you donate $3 or more today to support Democrats and fuel these efforts?

If the obstructionist Republicans in Congress have their way, the current “lame duck” session will have lived up to its name. They’ve been blocking the road on every single one of the issues we’ve been fighting so hard for.

They’re willing to hold up an arms treaty that’s critical to our national security. They’re willing to stand in the way of commonsense immigration reform that folks on both sides of the aisle have long embraced. And they’re willing to keep in place an unfair policy that top military leaders across the board have recommended repealing.

It’s not enough for us to just lament how “broken” Washington is. It’s not enough to shake our heads and say that we wished Republicans would stop playing political games, or that the pundits would focus on issues that unite us instead of the petty partisan battles that divide us.

We need to stand up.

We need to raise our voices about where we’d like to see this country go — and the work we know this Congress still needs to accomplish. That means ratifying the New START Treaty, extending tax cuts to middle-class Americans, repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and passing the DREAM Act. And it means extending unemployment benefits so Americans looking for work can keep paying their bills.

Democrats in Congress are going to work for the measures that matter to us — and together, we can send the message that we refuse to stand by and watch while Republicans stand in the way.

Please donate $3 or more today to help send the message loud and clear that Democrats across the country are committed to accomplishing these key initiatives before the year is out:

http://my.democrats.org/LoudAndClear

Together, we’ll make these issues impossible to ignore.

Thank you,

Governor Tim Kaine
Chairman

~ my 2cents ...

weekend review &some News

12/05/2010 Nativegrl77

Sunday Buzzzzz … A good day to reach for the sky while breathing deeply through your nose then slowly exhale through your mouth while slowly lowering your arms, head, shoulders, chest and waist bend knees -repeat when needed …

Tired of “the media” BS yet? and can i just say the only grown-ups on the floor of Congress on Saturday were from the Democratic party but hey that is just my opinion. In his latest commentary, Bloomberg states the President needs better advisors even though President Obama has kept more than half of his campaign promises made to the 53% that voted for him in 2008. I wonder if that information has been readily available in your State.I would like to thank our President for doing such a great job despite the 24/7 News cycle bashing him and the obstructionist called the Republican Tea Party. I would ask our President to keep his campaign promises and heed this alert: the Low Information Voters are not tuning in or paying attention so get out there because according to reports they made up 10% of those that decided to lean right. I say folks have to remember that President Obama does not make, create or pass legislation into laws, our Congress does so all complaints about bills not getting on the floor of Congress should be directed at Republican Tea Partiers who have held most if not all of them up or blocked, stalled and just said no to.

FYI President Obama signs major trade pact agreement with S.Korea -which is a big deal though “The Media” has chosen to ignore it as well as signing the bill to avert a government shut-down.

Today I got up early to see the Bush tax giveaways also called procedural votes on the Senate floor and was quite sad but of course, the media predicted the defeat before hand and unfortunately, they were correct. The point was to get it on the record while showing Americans just what and who they voted for in the Mid-term elections. It is a sad day to realize that a Political Party would put their ideology above the needs of their fellow Americans but the Republican Tea Party did without flinching, thinking of their constituents I guess and all for the love of money. The Bush Tax Cuts of 2001&2003 were given, scheduled to expire 12/31/10 and unpaid for a long with the two wars waged which cost Americans trillions of our money. The fact is the tax cuts, 2Wars, Wall Street bets, AIG insurance selling banking products as well as too much deregulation sent our economy over the cliff -sigh

In great news, The President secured a trade agreement with S.Korea that all Americans should be proud of though if you listen to the News that trade agreement is not as important at least not to “the media” as the defeat or votes against the Obama Administration coming from the cables. Is it just me or does anyone else feel like it is un-American to see so many in the news waiting to report a defeat or any other negative item regarding President Obama. In a time when things are so tough and a large number of voters leaned left we all see the Republican Tea Party gain strength tell the public lies and now the joke is on all of us. They say their focus is on Jobs, economy and doing the work of the People yet RTP continue to vote against UI stating people on UI do not look for jobs. I have to say every time one of them makes a statement that is obviously negative I wonder where the outrage is. I wonder what will be enough BS in order for people to March on DC the reports are that there are five people applying for one job and while members of RTP Congress have jobs it is clear they are all out of touch, engage in elitist behavior and decided a long time ago that not only would they refuse to cooperate with the First Black President they will do whatever is necessary to bring him down even if it means taking us all down and today provided an insight to the horrible people that obviously fooled Americans into voting for them on Nov.2 and that is quite sad.

So, it’s Friday and very cold but we def are not snowbound like the east coast …a lot has happened and it’s only 10am here in the 206. I am hoping the President’s trip goes well and is def a safe one. The debating and or voting going on in Congress today will continue into the weekend and it has my blood boiling. Hopefully, our Democratic Party will hold firm and show Americans the truth of how the Republican Tea Party just is not who the claim to be as shown to us all with the letter stating they will not cooperate unless they get their Bush tax giveaways. If nothing else this should be the evidence Americans need to show they had no intention of focusing on jobs our economy or doing the peoples business. The last two years the focus has been on obstruction, ruining the governing party and President Obama. The jobs numbers tell me that Corporate America has a long and complicit relationship with the Republican Tea Party that is long, deep, probably cannot be broken and or completely be reformed unless and until ALL Americans see the trouble the Republican Tea Party will be and put the Democratic Party back in control…in both Chambers of Congress.

This week the lame duck session restarted on a positive note with a vote of 73-25 passing the Food Safety Bill that will when put into implementation keep most Americans Safe. Unfortunately, due to a Senate error this Bill was put on hold and is probably going to be held hostage along with other legislation that would not only protect Americans it could have been a bill that passed with bipartisanship but that was clearly too much to ask for. While that was taking place, we all waited for the DADT report and most if not all reports were that the response had been better than anticipated. Reports were that 70% were okay with repealing DADT but folks in the Marines were not as responsive. The comments made by Gen.Gates about dadt were definitely positive. It would seem like an easy task to just take the vote and pass dadt but the Republican Tea Party who supported the repeal of DADT now have flip flopped by deciding the reports from Generals were not good enough. Again, my question is where is the outrage from people who support the repeal and or gays who know the impact the repeal would have on so many because contrary to folks out there it is Congress who has the responsibility to make it a law not the President who is getting the blame.

I am quite sure the START treaty is not only a National Security issue but is and has always been a bipartisan issue but is being used by the Republican Tea Party along with other legislation as pawns to again-get those Bush giveaways or else. This kind of behavior is childish and

In other News, our President had his first of many meetings to come with Republicans and the first documented outcome of that meeting by President Obama is below:

Though our President held a positive press conference concerning the meeting with Republicans, it is unfortunate that the Republican Tea Party thumbed their noses at our President and continue to be the Party of No by blocking unemployment today to several million. The Republican Tea Party continues want those Bush tax give always before they will cooperate on the floor of Congress, which Americans or most Americans feel we cannot afford to give them right now. At what point during the course of the lame duck Session in Congress will Republican constituents finally see the carpetbaggers for what they are?

The President has asked the Middle lower class to sacrifice again by freezing federal salaries for two years now he must make the rich sacrifice as well because they have not.

Other News

**If you order online on or before Dec.17th most will offer free shipping -called free shipping day

**A grocery workers have ratified their contract in king, kitsap, snohomish counties and covers indpdt grocery workers as well 95% voted yes

**SKnight was arrested on parole violation

**Did you know the RNC is in debt -15million w/about 2million banked the DNC is in debt -15million but has about 10million banked

** http://www.king5.com/home/Late-TD-gives-Washington-35-28-win-over-WSU-111332549.html <<< copy & paste link for the story

**President Obama secures major trade pact with S.Korea

**The President signs bill that will avert government shut down

**President Obama is met with newly elected Gov. -told them to call w/any and all probs they don’t want to hear it on tv first -sigh-

**Health Care Premiums have gone up 41%

**Alan Simpson debt comm vote to bring there legislation to the floor of Congress needs 14 votes they have 7 at this time. The final vote was 11-7 and failed to get to the flr of Congress

**Temp Fed spending FY 2011 239-178 -with 8Democrats voting No and 2Republicans voting yes

**Rangel censure vote will happen on Thursday with a full Censure

**Food Safety bill may be held up by the House GOP due to Senate errors

**Mid-Class tax cut vote may take place today-Steny Hoyer might allow them

**The START treaty is being debated in the Senate but who knows when the vote will be

**Kathleen Kennedy Townsend has put together a group to battle against the big money used in the Mid-terms

CSPAN …