Tag Archives: politics

Congress: back in Session 3/1/11 …Budget debates & possible votes


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 1,2011

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 Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, Patent Reform Act of 2011.

The following amendments are pending to S.23:

– Leahy amendment #114 (Title amendment)

– Vitter for Toomey-Vitter amendment, #112, as modified,(Debt Limit)

– Bennet amendment #116 (small business fast track)

– Bennet amendment #117 (regional PTO offices)

– Lee amendment #115 (to express the sense of the Senate in support of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution)

– Leahy amendment #121 (managers’ amendment)

– Kirk amendment #123 (Ombudsman for small busienss concerns)

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 5pm, there will be 2 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments to S.23, Patent Reform Act:

– Leahy-Grassley amendment #121, as modified (managers’ amendment); and

– Vitter for Toomey-Vitter amendment #112, as modified (Priority of payments if debt limit is reached).

The time until 5pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. No amendments are in order to the amendments in this agreement prior to a vote. The Vitter amendment #113, as modified, is withdrawn.

Votes:

27: Leahy-Grassley amendment #121: , as modified (managers’ amendment);

Agreed To: 97-2

28: Now Voting on Baucus motion to table Vitter for Toomey-Vitter amendment #112: , as modified (Priority of payments if debt limit is reached).

There will be no further roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 1, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

4:28 P.M. –

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

4:26 P.M. –

Mr. Sessions filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 128 and H. Res. 129.

4:19 P.M. –

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

4:14 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.J. Res. 44:

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

4:13 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 335 – 91 (Roll no. 154).

4:05 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 176 – 249 (Roll no. 153).

3:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Keating motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the Committee on Appropriations to report the bill back to the House forthwith with an amendment which inserts a section prohibiting the use of funds to be used for tax benefit or relief for any major integrated oil company.

3:31 P.M. –

Mr. Keating moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

Mr. Keating moved to recommit the joint resolution H.J. Res. 44 to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report the same to the House forthwith with the following amendments: ¢ Page 18, line 21, strike the quotation marks and final period. ¢ Page 18, after line 21, insert the following: ¢ “Sec. 227. For the period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Further Continuing Appropriations Amendments,***

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

2:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 44.

2:07 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 44 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.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 115.

H. Res. 115:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 44) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

2:05 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: 251 – 170 (Roll no. 152).

1:58 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 179 (Roll no. 151).

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 115.

Considered as privileged matter.

12:11 P.M. –

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

12:10 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 8 and S. Res. 78 .

12:03 P.M. –

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

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

12:02 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Duncan (TN) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Duncan (TN) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

12:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Pastor Alisa Lasater Wailoo, Capitol Hill Methodist Church, Washington, DC.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 1.

11:28 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:02 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress:the Senate & the Republican led House are both back in Session@2pm 2/28/2011


 The Senate re-Convenes at 2pmET 2/28/2011

Following the prayer and pledge, Senator Isakson will deliver Washington’s Farewell Address.

Following the address, there will be a period of morning business until 3:30pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:30pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.23, the Patent Reform Act of 2011.

The following amendments are pending to S.23:

– Leahy amendment #114 (Title amendment)

– Vitter amendment #112 (Debt Limit)

– Bennet amendment #116 (small business fast track)

– Bennet amendment #117 (regional PTO offices)

– Lee amendment #115 (to express the sense of the Senate in support of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution)

At 4:30pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session to consider the following nominations:

– Amy Totenberg, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia; and

– Steve C. Jones, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia.

The time until 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled in the usual form. At 5:30pm, senators should expect a voice vote on the Tottenberg nomination and a roll call vote on the Jones nomination.

The Senate is in a period of morning business.

This evening, Senator Reid moved to proceed to a house vehicle for a short term continuing resolution (HR359) and filed cloture on the motion. If necessary, this cloture vote would occur on Wednesday morning.

Votes:

26: Confirmation of Steve C. Jones, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia; Confirmed: 90-0

Unanimous Consent:

Confirmed Amy Totenberg, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, by

Adopted S.Res.78, relative to the death of former U.S. Senator James McClure.

Adopted S.Res.8, Women in the US Armed Forces

************************************ 

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 28, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION



8:11 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 1, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mrs. Christensen moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:23 P.M. –

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

7:11 P.M. –

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

7:10 P.M. –

Mr. Price (GA) asked unanimous consent That it may be in order at any time on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting The Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 368:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, and for other purposes

7:09 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 4 (Roll no. 150).

7:03 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 347:

to correct and simplify the drafting of section 1752 (relating to restricted buildings or grounds) of title 18, United States Code

7:02 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 – 3 (Roll no. 149).

6:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 394:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal courts, and for other purposes

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 148).

6:33 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:32 P.M. –

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

6:31 P.M. –

Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 115.

ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announces to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Harman, the whole number of the House is 433.

The House received a communication from Representative Harman wherein she resigns as a member of the House of Representatives effective at 6:30 p.m. on February 28, 2011.

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 28.

2:45 P.M. –

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

H.R. 347:

to correct and simplify the drafting of section 1752 (relating to restricted buildings or grounds) of title 18, United States Code

2:44 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 347.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 368:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts, 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.

2:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 368.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 386:

to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide penalties for aiming laser pointers at airplanes, and for other purposes

2:27 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 386.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 394:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the jurisdiction of the Federal courts, and for other purposes

2:18 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 394.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

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

2:13 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 for documents issued by a grand jury in the County of New York 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.

2:03 P.M. –

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

2:02 P.M. –

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

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

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Gene Hemrick, Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC.

2:00 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert E. Latta to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

mashup Monday …&some News


The World is watching …

As more and more uprisings and demands for freedom break out all over the Middle East. Unfortunately in some cases a lot of violence against the Protesters …We see the people have not only had enough, they made an independent choice to speak up out, demand freedom, fair wages and an opportunity to vote for those who truly represent them.

To those people I say remember that there is always strength in numbers

People dying for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures is not new … mothers with children, older men and women and college students are coming out in droves to let the current dictators know it’s time for a change –

I just want people to know that 30 years of rule will be a hard thing to change given the Army and it’s police were paid well to keep the peace. The question for them and other parts of the middle east will be can they give up some of their power and money in exchange for a democratic society?

We see numerous countries and or regions in possible transition, definitely a movement against a dictatorship run by clerics, the military, or those who are in line to have control without a vote. The votes of millions have gone uncounted for decades… the demand to be heard is great but to get the change they need and want, means the fear of authority is not an option… and the possibility of death imminent.

In Iran the supreme leader tried to cut off all connections to the outside world, stated the US meddled in the process to divert responsibility and was definitely willing to use extreme force —other parts of the Middle East are also choosing to crack down starting with shutting access to the social networks. We all know that Mubarak tried to keep the truth from the world by shutting down TV and the social networks but as we, all saw, it was just something that the protesters worked around and obviously were able to beat.

Those of us in countries who have the freedom to express personal opinions, against or for our government, vote freely, have relatively good wages, and live where we want. We all wonder why the police and or military in countries under rulers choose not to rise up against oppression. We ask out loud –why don’t they want personal freedom too … a change from the old ways to a more positive way of life … human rights, a chance for a better economy and a chance to be heard, to participant in the process of life. Unfortunately, reality is that the trickle down financial idea stops at those who help keep the peace whether that is by words and mostly with force.

Iran had a dictator/supreme ruler making threats and a militia shooting/ killing their own for non-violent protest the last time the World watched in horror as people protested against tyranny and of course, the response was shameful to watch. The 18-day effort to topple the dictatorship in

Cairo, Egypt; done with somewhat peaceful protests the demand for freedom was not easy. It took millions to decide that there was strength in numbers; it also could be a road map to how others can achieve such a historic opportunity –for freedom.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

I pray for all those involved in the change they want to believe in and want and if we do have Americans living in places engaging in uprisings for freedom – hope they are safe.

Other News …

**Egypt is a work in progress while other parts of the region protest for freedom

**Obama defends budget priorities

**US state dept starts Farsi twitter feed

**Sony announces new PlayStation smartphone

**Oil prices jump as unrest becomes the norm

**Nintendo hacker gets arrested 

**Boeing unveils intercontinental plane

**Italy alert over Tunisian influx of immigrants

CSPAN …

President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2012 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Overview

OMB on President”s Budget (Today) http://c-span.com/Events/President-Submits-37T-Budget-for-FY-2012/10737419543-1/

Pres. Obama’s Remarks on the Budget (Today) http://c-span.com/Events/President-Submits-37T-Budget-for-FY-2012/10737419543-2/

Threats to Social Security Are Not Over


The threats to undermine Social Security continue. This week the Wall Street Journal reported that four Senators, Crapo, Coburn, Conrad, and Durbin(!), are meeting regularly on a plan to reintroduce the ideas from the Deficit Commission that include raising the retirement age and cutting Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, in the House, Rep. Cantor says that Social Security is still on the table to be cut. We can’t let this happen.

We want to make sure that Congress understands what they are doing when they plan to cut the rug out from under working people who need Social Security to support themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s why we are collecting stories from folks like you to share with Congress and to put in TV ads for everyone to see.

Yes! I have a Social Security story I want to share! http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/466?akid=436.1480546.lkcsxe&t=3

I don’t have a Social Security story, but I’ll contribute $5 to put these stories on the air. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/467?akid=436.1480546.lkcsxe&t=2

Social Security is a promise we made with each other to support one another in retirement or in cases of disability. This promise is how we keep our communities stable and secure when we need it most.

We will share these stories with Progressive Members of Congress to talk about on the House and Senate floor, we will send your stories to all Members of Congress, and we will use some stories for a TV ad to make sure that everyone knows the faces of people who depend on Social Security.

Yes! I want to make sure members of Congress hear my story! http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/466?akid=436.1480546.lkcsxe&t=1

I don’t have a Social Security story, but I’ll contribute so that others’ stories can be shared. http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/467?akid=436.1480546.lkcsxe&t=4 

Thank you for all that you do.

-Levana

Levana Layendecker, Communications Director

Democracy for America

Monday mashup &some News …


did you know …it’s Black History Month

Campaign 2011…

Today, President Obama will meet with the Chamber of Commerce …whom in my opinion helped the Republican Tea Party hold the middle class hostage until they gave the bush bonus giveaway to the rich.

I do not know about anyone else but debates are just a fraction of what i use to make my choice of who to vote for elections. I have been following what the Republicans have been saying and or doing over the months let alone the last few years, gone to YouTube to check out comments, questions and the behavior on the part of these candidates. What stands out for me is that they continue to backtrack, lie and or ignore legitimate questions. They often choose to be interviewed only on one station, usually with the same party line -that is troubling and should give pause to anyone who doesn’t know who they will vote for-words matter, anyone practicing exclusion, targeting minorities and willing to throw fellow Americans under the bus to take back their America-(what does that even mean)? In addition, politicians that are so extreme are not worthy to hold Public office or seat in Congress. These positions of power call for working for “We the People” not some or a select few -they say they want the Government out of our lives yet when it comes to “social issues”; they want to control All Americans by way of privatizing most if not all social programs. If you want less government, why among other things tell women what they can do with their own bodies. The stance on less government is definitely a joke when they pull out that whole family values platform. Republicans are for Profits before the People on steroids. They are into privatizing everything, which will put our democracy at risk from the bottom up -the real world understands that the government works for the people -Cops, Teachers, EMT, and Firefighters! In addition, shame on States that make people pay for such services. It makes you wonder about what these States did with the stimulus money targeted toward government programs. I wonder is there “a dirty little secret” in States that would choose to let your house burn down if you have not paid up your privatized service and let’s be honest if the Republican Tea Party gets back in control that is what will happen. If Republicans repeal replace or eliminate –Social Security and other governmental programs, which is more likely to happen because as of late -they, the Republican Tea Party have not announced an alternative plan. When will Republican Tea Party constituents ask themselves how will going back to the failed spending of 2007 be a good thing, telling people how to live or love and practice discriminatory behavior to folks considered under protected status.

Politicians say, do and offer up resolution or promises that are over the top and because the fight is on to win a seat in Congress or keep your seat, it is obvious it does not mean candidates will give great politics or ideology, but how much money you have to look good and out PR your opponent. I have to say it was nice to see that even with all the money thrown out there by Whitman, Fiorina, angle, O’Donnell and others running for midterm elections. The people were listening, watching and made a decision that these embarrassing women were unqualified to hold public office let alone be described as possible public servants of all the people not just some or a select few. In the en People with or without money can be offensive.

We live in a time when money is speaking excessively loud in the world of Politics, protected by activist judges like some in the Supreme Court. I absolutely believe it is time for all of us to complain and or call them out when one side decides to push the envelope too far right of center instead of the so-called “fair and balanced” news of old. The wonders and need to tweet, FB and or blog about how Republicans have all the cable, major newspapers, magazines and whatnot that dominate the airwaves are offensive. If you listen folks or companies like the Chamber of Commerce, who seems to not only represent right of center Corporate America but pushes business to outsourcing jobs. A guy like Murdoch gives to both sides of an issue and when one side becomes more of a commodity and gets more airtime he feeds it. The NRA supports 58 democrats as well as a whole lot of Republicans because they can make money on both sides of the issue, which is hypocritical and offensive.

Americans cannot do a thing about all the money given up by these corporate giants yet. We can object to the lies coming from Fox, fear mongering and race baiting this station engages in what seems like on a daily basis…even CNN has moved right of center and though that rhetoric has 1st amendment on its side it is still offensive. As a person of colour and as a mom hearing Glenn beck send subliminal nonsense out into the airwaves with actual people choosing to do the wrong thing instead of right -and people get hurt and now worse …that is my prob.

My sense of democracy means total cooperation from both sides of an economic collapse yet the Republican Tea Party has decided they will take all the money you’re handing out but vote no or scale down most if not all legislation as well as throw their own constituents under the bus in order to regain power -that is not democracy.

Other News …

**Packers defeat the Steelers -Superbowl

**Palestinians watch Egypt with a sense of hope

**Huff Post/ AOL deal -for $315million

**Missing Google exec released by authorities after sev days

**Thailand/Camboida still trading military fire…charges over ancient temple

**Cuomo’s budget moving through NY has hit NYC schools

**merger deals causing stocks to climb

**Groupon – epic failure –Superbowl commercial -tasteful comments on the back of what seems like Tibetans

**Justice Thomas‘s wife has decided to try her hand at being a lobbyist …

**Factories are doing well but no new hiring being done

CSPAN

Senate Ethics Committee appoints special counsel in John Ensign case

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/feb/01/senate-ethics-committee-appoints-special-counsel-j/

House Republicans move to slash domestic programs

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110203/ap_on_re_us/us_congress_budget_3

Obama signs nuclear treaty documents Wednesday

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110202/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_russia_nuclear

Shortly after announcing an overhaul of the nation’s homeland security measures, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), joins C‑SPAN’s Newsmakers to expound on the new approach to prevent terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. http://c-span.com/Events/DHS-Secretary-Janet-Napolitano/10737419403/

**

Egypt will not back to the way it was before protests disrupted the country, President Obama said tonight in a pre-Super Bowl interview. Speaking to Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, the President would not say when Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak would step down http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-Egypt-Not-Going-Back/10737419356/ 

Professor Elizabeth Varon teaches a class on fugitive slave laws in the run up to the Civil War at the University of Virginia. Passed in 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act indirectly resulted in the expansion of the Underground Railroad by which slaves could escape from Southern slave-holding states. http://c-span.com/Events/Lectures-in-History-Fugitive-Slave-Laws/10737419325/