Tag Archives: obama

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Want to Know More About the Tax Deal?

01/02/2013 Nativegrl77

The White House

Last night, President Obama delivered a statement on the fiscal cliff, and the bipartisan agreement that has now passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The agreement keeps income taxes low for the middle class, and helps to grow the economy.

Watch the statement, and find out what you need to know about the deal.

CONGRESS: Republican led House :::doing the People’s Business?::: Democrat led Senate

01/01/2013 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET January 1, 2013

The Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 3:30pm with Senators permitted to speak there in for up to 10 minutes each.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee and Passed H.R.4365, to amend title 5, United States Code, to make clear that accounts in the Thrift Savings Fund are subject to certain Federal tax levies.

Adopted H.Con.Res.147, a concurrent resolution waiving the requirement that measures enrolled during the remainder of the 112^th Congress be printed on parchment.

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.459, theFederal Reserve Transparency Act of 2012. (Republican request)

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #645 Richard B. Berner, to be Director, Office of Financial Research, Department of the Treasury, for a term of six years by voice vote.

Discharged the Foreign Relations Committee and Confirmed the following:

PN1878, Gary T. Greene;

PN1970, a list beginning with Philip S. Goldberg and ending with Robert W. Weitzel;

PN2028, Michael R. Hardegen;

PN2029, a list beginning with Geoffrey W. Wiggin and ending with Eric A. Wenberg, with the exception of Geoffrey W. Wiggin;

PN2030, a list beginning with Stephen J. Gonyea and ending with Katharine Antonia Weber, with the exception of Scott S. Cameron,;

PN2031, a list beginning with Sharon Lee Cromer and ending with Clinton David White, with the exceptions of Sharon Lee Cromer and Maria Rendon Labadan,; and

PN2032, a list beginning with Karl Miller Adam and ending with Daniel Menco Hirsch, with the exception of Daniel Menco Hirsch.

Discharged the following committees and confirmed the following:

COMMERCE

PN1919 Joshua D. Wright (Federal Trade Commission)

PN1774 Polly Ellen Trottenberg, (Under Secretary, Department of Transportation)

PN1924 Mark Doms (Under Secretary, Department of Commerce)

PN1702 Mignon L. Clyburn (Federal Communications Commission)

PN1925 Christopher R. Beall (Amtrak Board of Directors)

PN1509 Yvonne B. Burke (Amtrak Board of Directors)

PN2009 Brigid M. Pavilonis and one other (Coast Guard promotion)

PN2010 Barbara A. Anderson and others (Coast Guard promotion)

PN2011 Charles G. Alcock and others (Coast Guard promotion)

PN2012 Matthew P. Barker and others (Coast Guard promotion)

PN2021 Peter J. Brown and others (Coast Guard promotion)

PN2045 Robert T. Hanley and others (Coast Guard promotion)

PN2046 Austin L. Adcock and others (Coast Guard promotion)

VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

PN1948 Keith Kelly to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training

HSGAC

PN1698 Walter M. Shaub, Jr., to be Director of the Office of Governmental Ethics

EPW

PN1966: Joe H. Ritch, of Alabama, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2016.

PN1965: Michael McWherter, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2016.

PN1964: Vera Lynn Evans, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2017.

PN1398: C. Peter Mahurin, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2016.

PN1950: Beth J. Rosenberg, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five years.

Confirmed the following nominations under the privileged section of the Executive Calendar:

PN2068 Morton H. Halperin, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for a term of three years.

PN1566 Maria Lopez DeLeon (National Council on the Arts)

PN1934 Bruce Carter (National Council on the Arts)

PN1945 Joseph Eldridge (U.S. Institute of Peace)

PN1939 Stewart DeSoto (Board of Trustees, Barry Goldwater Scholarship Foundation)

PN1796 Camila Alire (National Council on the Humanities)

PN1926 William Shaw McDermott (Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board)

PN1927 Nina Mitchell Wells (Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board)

Confirmed the following:

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #870 William P. Doyle – to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for the term expiring June 30, 2013

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Executive Calendar #871 Michael Peter Huerta – to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for the term of five years

OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #878 James M. Demers – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2014

Executive Calendar #879 Naomi A. Walker – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2012

STATE JUSTICE INSTITUTE

Executive Calendar #911 Jonathan Lippman – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2012

Executive Calendar #912 Jonathan Lippman – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2015

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #913 Maria Rosario Jackson – to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2016

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES

Executive Calendar #914 Joseph Byrne Donovan – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences for a term expiring September 7, 2013

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #915 Bruce R. Sievers – to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2018

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #916 Angela Tammy Dickinson—to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri for the term of four years

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #917 to be Brigadier General—Colonel Stephen J. Linsenmeyer, Jr.

Executive Calendar #918 to be Brigadier General—Col. Calvin H. Elam

Executive Calendar #919 to be Major General—

Brig. Gen. Mark E. Bartman

Brig. Gen. Stanley J. Osserman, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Thomas, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Eric G. Weller

Executive Calendar #920 to be Brigadier General—

Colonel Glen M. Baker

Colonel Jeffrey D. Buckley

Colonel Anthony J. Carrelli

Colonel Timothy J. Cathcart

Colonel Andrew J. Donnelly

Colonel Harold S. Eggensperger

Colonel James O. Eifert

Colonel Bryan P. Fox

Colonel Ricky D. Gibney

Colonel Christopher A. Hegarty

Colonel John P. Hronek, II

Colonel Paul Hutchinson

Colonel Kevin J. Keehn

Colonel Christopher J. Knapp

Colonel Michael E. Manning

Colonel Clayton W. Moushon

Colonel Michael A. Nolan

Colonel Michael L. Ogle

Colonel Ronald E. Paul

Colonel Samuel H. Ramsay, III

Colonel William B. Richy

Colonel Adalberto Rivera

Colonel Sami D. Said

Colonel Anthony E. Schiavi

Colonel John D. Slocum

Colonel Ronald W. Solberg

NAVY

Executive Calendar #932 to be Vice Admiral—Rear Adm. Kenneth E. Floyd

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Executive Calendar #933 Edward W. Brehm – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 22, 2017

Executive Calendar #934 Iqbal Paroo—to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 22, 2017

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Executive Calendar #935 T. Charles Cooper—to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Calendar #941 Patrick J. Wilkerson—to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma for the term of four years

Executive Calendar #942 Louise W. Kelton—to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Tennessee for the term of four years

MILLENIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #943 Lorne W. Craner – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millenium Challenge Corporation for a term of two years.

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #944 to be Lieutenant General–Maj. Gen. Lori J. Robinson

Executive Calendar #945 to be Lieutenant General–Maj. Gen. Gregory A. Biscone

Executive Calendar #946 to be Brigadier General–Col. Lisa A. Naftzger-Kang

Executive Calendar #947

to be Major General –

Brigadier General William B. Binger

Brigadier General Keith D. Kries

Brigadier General Maryanne Miller

Brigadier General Jane C. Rohr

Brigadier General Patricia A. Rose

Brigadier General Jocelyn M. Seng

Brigadier General Sheila Zuehlke

Executive Calendar #948

to be Major General –

Brigadier General Paul L. Ayers

Brigadier General Jim C. Chow

Brigadier General Gregory L. Ferguson

Brigadier General Anthony P. German

Brigadier General Rickie B. Mattson

Brigadier General John E. McCoy

Brigadier General John E. Murphy

Brigadier General Brian G. Neal

Executive Calendar #949

to be Brigadier General –

Colonel Stephanie A. Gass

Colonel Mary H. Hittmeier

Colonel Timothy P. Kelly

Colonel Thomas E. Kittler

Colonel Kenneth R. LaPierre

Colonel Mark L. Loeben

Colonel James F. Mackey

Colonel Walter J. Sams

Colonel Christoper F. Skomars

Colonel Wade R. Smith

Colonel Mark D. Stillwagon

Colonel Curtis L. Williams

Executive Calendar #950 to be Lieutenant General–Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke, III

ARMY

Executive Calendar #951 to be Brigadier General–Col. Jody J. Daniels

Executive Calendar #952 to be Lieutenant General–Maj. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux

Executive Calendar #953 to be Brigadier General–Col. Michael L. Scholes

Executive Calendar #954

to be Brigadier General –

Colonel Christopher S. Ballard

Colonel David G. Bassett

Colonel Donald C. Bolduc

Colonel Edward M. Daly

Colonel Malcolm B. Frost

Colonel Donald G. Fryc

Colonel Anthony C. Funkhouser

Colonel Peter A. Gallagher

Colonel William K. Gayler

Colonel Mark W. Gillette

Colonel David B. Haight

Colonel Joseph P. Harrington

Colonel Michael L. Howard

Colonel John P. Johnson

Colonel James E. Kraft, Jr.

Colonel Michael E. Kurilla

Colonel Paul J. Laughlin, II

Colonel Joseph M. Martin

Colonel Terrence J. McKenrick

Colonel Christopher P. McPadden

Colonel John E. O’Neil

Colonel Mark J. O’Neil

Colonel Andrew P. Poppas

Colonel James E. Rainey

Colonel Kent D. Savre

Colonel Wilson A. Shoffner, Jr.

Colonel Mark S. Spindler

Colonel Sean P. Swindell

Colonel Randy S. Taylor

Colonel John C. Thomson, III

Colonel Leon N. Thurgood

Colonel Flem B. Walker, Jr.

Colonel Robert P. Walters, Jr.

NAVY

Executive Calendar #955 to be Rear Admiral–Rear Adm. (lh) Randolph L. Mahr

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #956 to be Lieutenant General–Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer

Executive Calendar #957 to be Lieutenant General–Lt. Gen. Richard T. Tryon

UNITED STATES TAX COURT

Executive Calendar #958 Albert G. Lauber–to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for the term of fifteen years

THE JUDICIARY

Executive Calendar #959 Ronald Lee Buch–to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years

NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

Executive Calendar #960 David Masumoto—to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2018

Executive Calendar #961 Ramon Saldivar—to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2018

SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #962 William J. Mielke—to be a Member of the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

Executive Calendar #963 Arthur H. Sulzer—to be a Member of the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

Executive Calendar #964 George E Moose—to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years

——————————————————————–

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on January 1, 2013.

12:00:25 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:30 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert J. Dold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:00 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:51 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:54 P.M.		>PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Shimkus to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:10 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 8 amended, H.R. 6586 amended, H.R. 6060, and S. 302.
12:02:44 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:29:00 P.M.	H.R. 1464	Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendments.
12:29:30 P.M.	H.R. 1464	On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to without objection.
12:29:45 P.M.	H.R. 1464	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:29:46 P.M.	H.R. 1464	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
12:30:22 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 147	Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 147 — “Waiving the requirement that measures enrolled during the remainder of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress be printed on parchment.”
12:30:37 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 147	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:30:42 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 147	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:31:13 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:31:19 P.M.	H.R. 6726	Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6726 — “To prevent the 2013 pay adjustment for Members of Congress and persons holding other offices or positions in the Federal Government from being made.”
12:31:34 P.M.	H.R. 6726	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:31:36 P.M.	H.R. 6726	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6726.
1:13:58 P.M.	H.R. 6726	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.
1:14:13 P.M.	S. 3662	>Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3662 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6 Nichols Street in Westminster, Massachusetts, as the “Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones Post Office Building”.”
1:14:28 P.M.	S. 3662	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:14:30 P.M.	S. 3662	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3662.
1:18:32 P.M.	S. 3662	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:18:35 P.M.	S. 3662	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:19:00 P.M.	S. 3630	Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3630 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 218 North Milwaukee Street in Waterford, Wisconsin, as the “Captain Rhett W. Schiller Post Office”.”
1:19:06 P.M.	S. 3630	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:19:07 P.M.	S. 3630	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3630.
1:23:01 P.M.	S. 3677	Mrs. Biggert asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
1:23:20 P.M.	S. 3677	Considered by unanimous consent. S. 3677 — “To make a technical correction to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.”
1:23:36 P.M.	S. 3677	On passage Passed without objection.
1:23:45 P.M.	S. 3677	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:23:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

6:30:20 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 1.
6:30:21 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:04 P.M.	H.R. 6726	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6726 — “To prevent the 2013 pay adjustment for Members of Congress and persons holding other offices or positions in the Federal Government from being made.”
6:58:00 P.M.	H.R. 6726	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 655).
6:58:02 P.M.	H.R. 6726	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:59:00 P.M.	H.R. 443	Considered as unfinished business.
7:06:06 P.M.	H.R. 443	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 656).
7:06:07 P.M.	H.R. 443	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:06:39 P.M.	H.R. 4212	Considered as unfinished business.
7:14:22 P.M.	H.R. 4212	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): (Roll no. 657).
7:14:23 P.M.	H.R. 4212	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:15:00 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 1, 2013 at 6:17 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 4365, without amendment; and that the Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 147, without amendment.
7:15:35 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

8:39:53 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of January 1.
8:40:17 P.M.		Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 844.
8:40:53 P.M.	H. Res. 844	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 844 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 8) to extend certain tax relief provisions enacted in 2001 and 2003, and to provide for expedited consideration of a bill providing for comprehensive tax reform, and for other purposes.”
8:41:52 P.M.	H. Res. 844	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 844.
9:18:30 P.M.	H. Res. 844	The previous question was ordered without objection.
9:43:21 P.M.	H. Res. 844	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 408 – 10 (Roll no. 658).
9:43:22 P.M.	H. Res. 844	>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
9:47:06 P.M.	H.R. 8	Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 844, the House moved to agree to the Senate amendments.
9:47:47 P.M.	H.R. 8	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 844, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 8.
10:40:27 P.M.	H.R. 8	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:01:15 P.M.	H.R. 8	On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote: 257 – 167 (Roll no. 659).
11:01:16 P.M.	H.R. 8	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:11:41 P.M.		had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.
11:12:03 P.M.	S.J. Res. 44	Considered as unfinished business. S.J. Res. 44 — “Granting the consent of Congress to the State and Province Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding.”
11:12:14 P.M.	S.J. Res. 44	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
11:12:17 P.M.	S.J. Res. 44	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:12:20 P.M.	H.R. 6328	<On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:12:21 P.M.	H.R. 6328	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:13:09 P.M.	S. 3472	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>Considered as unfinished business. S. 3472 — “To amend the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to provide improvements to such Act.”
11:13:24 P.M.	S. 3472	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
11:13:28 P.M.	S. 3472	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:13:30 P.M.	H.R. 6029	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:13:35 P.M.	H.R. 6029	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:13:40 P.M.	H.R. 6621	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:13:45 P.M.	H.R. 6621	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:14:40 P.M.	S. 3331	<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>Considered as unfinished business. S. 3331 — “To provide for universal intercountry adoption accreditation standards, and for other purposes.”
11:14:53 P.M.	S. 3331	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
11:14:56 P.M.	S. 3331	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:14:57 P.M.	S. 2318	Considered as unfinished business. S. 2318 — “To authorize the Secretary of State to pay a reward to combat transnational organized crime and for information concerning foreign nationals wanted by international criminal tribunals, and for other purposes.”
11:15:18 P.M.	S. 2318	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
11:15:29 P.M.	S. 2318	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:15:55 P.M.	H.R. 2076	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
11:15:56 P.M.	H.R. 2076	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:16:18 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 145	Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 145 — “Calling for universal condemnation of the North Korean missile launch of December 12, 2012.”
11:16:30 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 145	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
11:16:40 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 145	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:16:41 P.M.	H. Res. 134	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 134 — “Condemning the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha’i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.”
11:17:03 P.M.	H. Res. 134	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
11:17:09 P.M.	H. Res. 134	>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:17:17 P.M.	H. Res. 834	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 834 — “Urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hizballah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18, 2012, terrorist attack in Burgas.”
11:19:29 P.M.	H. Res. 834	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
11:19:38 P.M.	H. Res. 834	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
11:19:43 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
11:58:04 P.M.		>Mr. Bilbray moved that the House do now adjourn.
11:58:30 P.M.		>On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
11:58:31 P.M.		<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on January 2, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress Must Protect the Middle Class from Income Tax Hike

12/31/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House

President Obama urges Congress to meet its deadlines and responsibilities, protect the middle class from an income tax hike, and lay the groundwork for future progress on more economic growth and deficit reduction.

Watch President Obama’s weekly address.

Things are different

12/19/2012 Nativegrl77

By ThinkProgress War Room

Ten Pro-Gun Legislators Willing to Consider New Gun Regulations

Following last week’s gun massacre in Newton, Connecticut, public support for commonsense gun safety regulations is surging. One poll out today found that support had risen nearly 20 points since this Spring. hitting a ten-year high.

As we know, overwhelming public support (or opposition) doesn’t guarantee that politicians in Washington will actually listen (e.g. why we still have to fight over giveaways to oil companies and the wealthy). Fortunately, it appears that the Sandy Hook shooting was finally one massacre too many and our elected are stepping up to the challenge of protecting everyone in our society from senseless violence.

ThinkProgress’ Josh Israel highlights ten pro-gun politicians that are now willing to consider sensible new regulations on weapons that have no place on our streets:

1. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)

The Senate Majority Leader has earned high marks from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and has run as a strong gun-rights advocate. In a floor speech Monday, he said, “In the coming days and weeks, we will engage in a meaningful conversation and thoughtful debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow.” He added that “every idea should be on the table” in the discussion. Politico reported Monday that he told a colleague he was now open to more gun control, observing that “something has to be done.”

2. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)

Though he has run for office as a “friend to gun owners” and received an “A” rating from the in his 2008 Senate run, Warner said Monday that he believes, “enough is enough.” Citing urging from his own daughters, he noted “I, like I think most of us, realize that there are ways to get to rational gun control.”

3. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV)

A lifelong NRA member who has received an “A” rating from the anti-gun control group, Manchin announced Monday that the time has come for assault weapon regulations. “We need to sit down and have a common sense discussion and move in a reasonable way,” he said on MSNBC. In a separate interview, he told CNBC that the tragedy in Connecticut, “changed me and it’s changed most Americans, I think.”

4. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)

Casey has received consistently high grades from the NRA and campaigned in his 2012 re-election race on his “record of supporting the Second Amendment and the interests of Pennsylvania sportsmen.” In a statement, Casey said, “These senseless acts of violence are unacceptable. Addressing them will require a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges all of the factors that contributed to this tragedy and takes every appropriate step to protect our citizens, especially our kids. Everything should be on the table.”

5. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD)

Johnson has received an “A” rating from the NRA, but said Monday, ” This tragedy will certainly force us as a country to have a discussion about our gun laws, as well as our mental health system. Like always, I will carefully consider any proposed legislation and listen to the voices of South Dakotans.”

6. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

Collins has been fairly pro-gun — receiving a “C+” rating from the NRA. On Monday, she said in a statement, “While denying the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens won’t change the behavior of those intent on using firearms for criminal purposes, I wholeheartedly agree that we must examine what can be done to help prevent gun violence.” She suggested that “we should examine, among other issues, whether states are reporting data on mentally ill individuals found to be a danger to themselves or others to the national background check database designed to prevent gun purchases by such individuals.”

7. Sen.-Elect Joe Donnelly (D-IN)

As a U.S. Congressman, Donnelly received an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA. In a statement Monday, the Senator-elect said, “Now is the time to work together to make sure this never happens again. All parties must come to the table as we determine the appropriate action to address this extremely concerning problem of senseless violence.” He told CNN he was open to gun control measures, noting, “I’m a Dad too. My kids are a little older now, but I think of when they were 6 and 7 years old, and I think we have a responsibility to make sure this never happens again.”

8. Sen.-Elect Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

As a U.S. Congressman, Heinrich received an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA. Monday, he said the tragedy in Connecticut left him “deeply affected” and that he was willing to consider “sensible policy” to address the problem. He vowed to take a “very serious look all legislative proposals aimed at preventing these horrific tragedies,” and noted that as a hunter, “I don’t need a 25-round clip for effective home defense, and I sure don’t need one for hunting. That’s just too much killing power. It defies common sense.”

9. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA)

The NRA has endorsed Dent and praised him for being “a staunch defender of the Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding gun owners, hunters and sportsmen in Pennsylvania and across America.” After Newtown, he announced he would “push for us to examine all of the possible solutions to this problem,” including ways to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

10. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV)

In his 2012 re-election campaign, Rahall noted on his candidate website that he was “NRA Endorsed, A Rated.” Monday, while noting that the “causes of violence in America are bigger and broader than just firearms,” Rahall said, “I want to hear from all sides before the Congress moves forward, so we can move forward together. Let us act deliberately, but, for the sake of too many already lost, let us act.”

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Michigan’s Republican governor vetoes radical bill that would’ve allowed concealed weapons in schools.

The House GOP’s hypocritical budget math.

Speaker Boehner decides tax hikes on millionaires won’t kill jobs after all.

Defeated Rep. Todd “legitimate rape” Akin is going out with a bang.

Florida lawmaker tried to disenfranchise college students in revenge for them having helped elect an openly gay mayor.

Top gun lobbyist: Americans should be “prepared” to take on lawmakers with their guns.

Non-sexist EZ Bake ovens are on the way.

Republicans need a deal on the fiscal cliff — really badly.

Major businesses are distancing themselves from guns.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Help Your Student Win…

12/18/2012 Nativegrl77

Help Your Students to Win a Chance to Get a Patent on an Invention The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation has partnered with ePals Global Community to sponsor the second annual invention challenge!

Get your students’ creativity flowing. Help them become inventors by choosing a problem and inventing something to solve it. You can use the power point template to submit their ideas. Four lucky winners will have the chance to get a patent filed for their invention! This year, there are chances for students to win across multiple categories and age groups. Entries are due January 4th, 2013. Finalists will be announced on Kid Inventor Day (Jan. 17th 2012) and the winners will be announced on February 4th! Visit ePals Invent-It Challenge Contest Page for more details!