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Just this month, a man drove barreling through the gates of a chemical plant in Texas, shouting, “We’re all gonna die!” before slamming his SUV into an 18-wheeler. On the very same day, one worker was killed and another injured by an explosion at a chemical plant in New York. Chemical plants across the country present a real danger to nearby communities. In fact, millions of Americans are at risk. If an accident or a terrorist attack happens at any one of 484 chemical plants, 100,000 or more people would be at risk of injury or death.
Despite these clear and present dangers, Congress has so far failed to protect us. But right now, there’s a window of opportunity to pass legislation before the end of the year to make water treatment plants safer. The Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency, and more than 100 non-profits, including major unions, fire fighters, environmental and public health groups are all in favor of this legislation. But Congress needs to hear from YOU. Safer alternatives are already being used in hundreds of plants. It’s up to all of us to convince Congress to protect us. Please, take just a second to tell your friends. The time you take could help save lives.
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Tag Archives: New York
Congress -debates & votes 11/18
The Senate Convenes at 9:30am ET
| Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, post-cloture.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 3:00pm to allow for a Democratic caucus meeting. Time during any recess, adjournment or period of morning business will count post-cloture. The Leaders will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the Food Safety bill. There will be no further roll call votes tonight. The next vote is expected to occur on Monday, November 29. This evening, Senate Reid filed cloture on S.510, the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act, and the substitute amendment. The cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29. Under the agreement reached this evening, if cloture is invoked, all post-cloture debate time will be yielded back except for the time specified in this agreement. The only amendments or motions in order are the ones specified below: – Johanns motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4702 (1099 forms) There will be a total of 60 minutes for debate with respect to these 2 motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Baucus and Johanns. – Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4696 (substitute) There will be a total of 4 hours for debate with respect to the Coburn motions with the time equally divided and controlled between Senators Coburn and Inouye or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time specified in this agreement, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the motions to suspend in the order listed: If any motion is successful, then the Senate would proceed to vote immediately on the amendment. No further motions or amendments are in order. The substitute amendment, as amended, if amended, would be agreed to and the Senate would proceed to vote on passage of S.510, as amended. The cloture on the underlying bill will be withdrawn. As a result of this agreement, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur at 6:30pm on Monday, November 29. If cloture is invoked, the motions to suspend would be in order. Upon the use or yielding back of debate time allotted by this agreement, the Senate would proceed to vote on the motions to suspend, any amendments if the motions are successful, and then on passage of S.510, as amended. |
Votes:
251: Motion to proceed to S.510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act;
Agreed to: 57-27
| Unanimous Consent: Passed HR5712, with subst amdt (SGR extension)Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget |
Unanimous Consent:
The Senate passed/adopted the following by unanimous consent:
• An act to provide for certain clarifications and extensions under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (H.R.5712, as amended by Baucus amendment in the nature of a substitute (#4711) and Baucus amendment to amend the title (#4712), which were agreed to by unanimous consent.)
• A bill to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes. (S.1609)
• A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Rotunda for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy. (S.Con.Res.75)
• A concurrent resolution to recognize and honor the commitment and sacrifices of military families of the United States. (S.Con.Res.76)
• A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency, and well-being for all children. (S.Res.647)
• A resolution recognizing the recent accomplishments of the people and government of Moldova and expressing support for free and transparent parliamentary elections on November 28, 2010. (S.Res.683)
• A resolution recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975. (S.Res.684)
• A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of sickle cell disease by Dr. James B. Herrick. (S.Res.685)
• A concurrent resolution providing for an additional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate. (H.Con.Res.332)
Confirmed the nomination of Jacob Lew, of New York, to be Director on the Office on Management and Budget
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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 18, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
2:25 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
2:23 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
United States – China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed Mr. Michael Wessel, Falls Church, Virginia .
condemning the Burmese regime’s undemocratic upcoming elections on November 7, 2010
2:19 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 agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Considered as unfinished business.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Res. 1677 to the end that the resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Agreed to without objection.
recognizing the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
2:18 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.
Considered as unfinished business.
2:17 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Hastings (FL) asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which the yeas and nays were ordered on the question of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.Con.Res. 329 to the end that the concurrent resolution be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Agreed to without objection.
to extend the deadline for Social Services Block Grant expenditures of supplemental funds appropriated following disasters occurring in 2008
2:16 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): 366 – 40 (Roll no. 580).
2:08 P.M. –
ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 435.
2:03 P.M. –
Representative Peter King addressed the House and introduced Representative Tom Reed, Twenty Ninth District, New York.
2:02 P.M. –
OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Tom Reed the Twenty Ninth Congressional District, State of New York, presented himself in the well of the House to take the Oath of Office administered by the Speaker of the House.
2:01 P.M. –
The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Todd D. Valentine and Mr. Robert A. Brehm, Co-Executive Directors of the New York State Board of Elections, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held November 2, 2010, the Honorable Tom Reed was elected Representative to Congress for the Twenty-Ninth Congressional District, State of New York.
to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes
2:00 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 Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 258 – 154 (Roll no. 579).
1:52 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes
1:24 P.M. –
On motion to agree to the Senate amendment Roll Call 578 – Yea and Nay vote pending.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
1:23 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722, and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes
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.
to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the further extension of emergency unemployment benefits, and for other purposes
12:46 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6419.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
12:45 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.
to improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every 2 administrative workweeks, and for other purposes
12:44 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to H.Res. 1721, further proceedings on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722 has been postponed.
11:56 A.M. –
Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Lynch motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1722.
11:55 A.M. –
Mr. Lynch moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment
11:54 A.M. –
Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1721, Mr. Lynch took from the Speaker’s table H.R. 1722 with the Senate amendment thereto, and was recognized for a motion.
providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules
11:52 A.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 235 – 171 (Roll no. 577).
providing for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 1722) to require the head of each executive agency to establish and implement a policy under which employees shall be authorized to telework, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules
11:43 A.M. –
On agreeing to the resolution Roll Call 577 – Recorded vote pending.
On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 576).
10:25 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1721
Considered as privileged matter.
10:02 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1421.
The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
10:01 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.
10:00 A.M. –
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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Elections and the New Health Care Law
Yesterday was obviously a huge day in politics that will have a big impact on health care and other progressive issues. While it was certainly a dissappointing day, our collective job is to keep fighting to make sure the new law is fully implemented and fulfills its promise. I know people have lots of questions about the election and health care. For starters, below is a Huffington Post blog entry from HCAN‘s Ethan Rome on the federal elections.
In Soldarity,
Melinda Gibson
Here’s a crucial fact that should not be obscured by the ballyhoo surrounding the shift in control of the House: Most of the Republicans who won last night got a lower percentage at the ballot box than the percentage of Americans who support the new health care law‘s requirement that insurance companies cover people regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.
That’s why yesterday was hardly a repudiation of the health care law.
Furthermore, this election was clearly dominated by voter worries about the economy and jobs. Only 19 percent of voters named health care as their top concern, a distant second to the 61 percent most focused on the economy, according to CNN. There were winners and losers among both supporters and opponents of health reform. For example, more than half of the 34 Democrats who voted against the health care legislation still lost their races.
After a wildly toxic political debate over the issue, people are split over the larger question of “reform” and key components of the law enjoy overwhelming public support. Specifically, over the last several months, even as the public has been divided on reform, two-thirds of Americans have supported the outlawing of pre-existing condition exclusions (Anzalone Liszt Research poll conducted for the Herndon Alliance of 1,000 2010 likely voters, conducted April 19-25, 2010. Margin of error +/-3%). For example, while a recent New York Times/CBS poll showed the public split over on the new law, only one-quarter of repeal supporters stuck with their position when told repeal would mean that insurance companies would no longer be required to cover people with medical conditions or prior illnesses.
This is the reality even after a contentious political season marked by an unprecedented deluge of attack ads that spread one lie after another about health reform. In fact, opponents of the new law spent $108 million since March to advertise against it – six times more than supporters.
That’s something members of the new Republican majority will have to navigate as they square real-world legislative proposals on health care (if they have any) with their campaign rhetoric about repeal. They may try on Day One to repeal the health care law’s individual mandate, but they can’t do that without also throwing out the many new consumer protections, including the prohibition on insurers denying people care simply because they’re sick or ending lifetime limits on coverage. Both of those provisions are more popular with the American public than the Republicans are.
The Republicans also talk about de-funding the law, interfering with its implementation and holding endless oversight hearings to gratuitously harass Obama administration officials. That’s not progress, that’s pointless, cynical politics.
We all know that the law is not going to be repealed, so the debateisn’t going to be about what gets done–it will be about defining whose side members of Congress are on. For Republican repeal-mongers, that will be clear. They’re for the insurance companies and against consumers.
The Republicans want to protect the excessive profits of the insurance companies and the bloated salaries of company CEOs, no matter how badly that hurts America’s consumers. That’s what repeal means. It means rolling back the clock and letting the insurance companies deny people coverage due to pre-existing conditions and drop people’s coverage when they get sick. It means that small businesses will continue paying higher rates for health insurance than big corporations. It means repealing measures to cut down waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. It means opposing much-needed relief in prescription drug costs for seniors. That’s the Republican repeal agenda – the insurance companies get the profits and we get the shaft.
The American people don’t want to give our health care back to the insurance companies. Repeal would cause real harm to real people. That may not matter to the Republican majority, but it matters a great deal to the people they now represent.
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The final weekend
Forget the “enthusiasm gap.” Here’s the real story about who is more fired up and ready to go — just as our campaigns shift into GOTV (get-out-the-vote) mode.
Reports are coming in from across the country of record early voting turnout in key states like Ohio and Iowa — with Democratic turnout far outpacing our opponents.
On Saturday, OFA volunteers reached out to more than 1 million voters in a single day — levels we haven’t seen since the closing days of the presidential campaign two years ago.
And on Sunday night, Barack and Michelle Obama spoke to more than 35,000 Ohioans about these final two weeks. It was the largest rally since the inauguration.
But none of that will be enough unless we continue building through the final days of this election.
Will you sign up to fill a crucial GOTV shift in the final four days of our Vote 2010 campaign?
As the President said in Columbus,”there’s no more important time to be out there knocking on doors, making phone calls, and helping voters get to the polls” than on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before Election Day — and on Election Day itself, November 2nd.
Supporters across the country will come together in the final days to help eke out every last vote we can — from the grandmother who would like nothing more than to vote and just needs a ride, to that last call to convince a first-time voter from 2008 that he needs to get back to the polls this year.
And from New York to California, Alaska to Florida — and everywhere in between — there are key races that will need every ounce of energy you can spare.
Please sign up to help in the closing days of this campaign:
http://my.barackobama.com/ShiftGOTV
Thanks,
Mitch
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America
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It’s dirty trick #1 in the Rove playbook
When you’ve got dirty laundry, don’t apologize for it. Instead, just throw it at your opponent.
That’s exactly what the Republican attack squad is trying to pull off.
They’re claiming that my fellow House Democrats who consistently stand up for good paying American jobs are actually the ones to blame for jobs getting shipped overseas. Worse yet, they’re relying on millions of dollars from pro-outsourcing special interests to launch their attacks. Shameless.
We can’t let their lies take hold because we failed to act. The DCCC has got rapid response ads ready to fight back with the truth, but we simply must raise $117,337 more by tomorrow’s ad buy deadline to get them on the air.
Contribute $5, $10 or more to House Democrats’ October Rapid Response Fund before tonight’s Midnight Tomorrow and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a group of committed Democrats. Your generous support is urgently needed to help our Democratic candidates fight back against Republican attacks.
It won’t surprise you that the Pulitzer Prize winning Politifact called the Republicans’ baseless attacks “FALSE.” It would be comical if the stakes of this election weren’t so high.
With early voting already under way, sitting on our hands is not an option. We all know what happens when you let smears like this go unchallenged. None of us can afford to look back on Election Day wishing we did more to fight back. And we certainly can’t let the Republicans and their front groups dominate the airwaves in the final days of this Election.
A gift of $10 will go a long way to getting ads on the air before tomorrow’s midnight deadline hits.
Thank you for standing with us.
Carolyn Maloney
Congresswoman, New York’s 14th District
Be a Seed for Change 
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