Tag Archives: politics

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weary Wednesday &some News you might not know about


Today, we are in a  We the People moment from now on … choice needs to be made by us; do we let Republicans continue saying No to the things that will help fix what brought us to a near depression … or

Who would you vote for most -a Political Party who has outed themselves as Corporatist or one with the Democratic ideology and belief of the Constitution. The choice is an easy one if you just remind yourself of the events prior to the 2008 Presidential Elections and the choices we had, an old  guy who definitely served his country in a great way but seemed out of touch, a little creepy and when our economy was tanking he said,” our system was fundamentally sound” top that off with his VP choice who most sane people on both side of the aisle agree was completely unqualified to be considered our next President if anything happened to the old guy let alone the Vice President.

My take  -Republicans are now completely responsible for all negative effects our economy incurs from here on. People may want to ask why? it is because after repeated efforts to pass any jobs bill for homeless Vets, ui benefits, home buyer tax extensions, Republicans have voted them down, now 1.2 or more people will be out on the street. It is my opinion that any jobs numbers announced by Cable heads, The Media, Radio or Newspapers are solely because of the inaction of Republicans to continue to stimulate the economy and help people who are under employed or unemployed due to the financial crash of 2008.

Today, The President will be in Wisconsin for another town meeting, talk about our economic recovery as well as answering questions about recover and hopefully good questions about what he intends to do about Republicans who continue to just say No.

I resent every Republican who has made negative comments about the people out of work people on Social Security, our Homeless Vets as well and their willingness to outsource jobs is just offensive. We need to update, reform and move forward into the 21st Century not go backward, as Republicans obviously want.  If the public is listening and or watching now know where Republicans stand and or maybe remind them what has gone on with Republicans, what with all the stalling, blocking and just say no to any and everything needed to put America back on track.

In addition,  General Patreus is being confirmed and  taking over the military effort in Afghanistan, while Elena Kagan is getting abused, I mean questioned for the third day, the Supreme Court confirmation and hearing process has been an eye opener given the things Republicans have said about Thurgood Marshall, the activist Judge label they gave her and Judge Marshall has been offensive and was meant as a bad thing. I would have to say my response would be to ask Senator Sessions tell everyone who Citizens United is and what exactly they do for your party.

More recently, sadly after Senator Byrd died the reform bill was pulled because a Republican named Scott Brown put up a fuss so Democrats agreed to pull it and hopefully adjust it adequately enough to be voted into law and major financial reform finally happening for Americans today.

My 2nd rant today is this…

Pundits, the Media the GOP will say the President numbers are due to not being able to get the employment numbers down the GOP thinks people will blame our Democratic Party and or our President. It is a time to stop being fooled, any and all negative numbers coming in from now can be attributed to Republicans just say no attitude though Congress leaders are required to do the peoples business. It is clear Republicans are not doing the peoples business but trying to make this President fail but are Republicans just unable to understand that if this President fails all of America fails, our economy goes back to how it was before January 20, 2008. As Americans, we voted them into office but apparently, the GOP decided after the 2008 elections that the only way to move Democrats out of office is to crucify, target and ruin the President whenever possible. In my opinion, this President has accomplished much more than the last guy did and it was for the rich or We the People not for a select few. The Democratic Party with the exception of a couple of Conservadems has tried and is still trying to move Americans into the 21st Century. The constant votes of no regarding any and all legislation that should help all Americans including Health care reform, Climate and Clean Energy and now the Jobs Bill, which according to many in Congress has let other important legislation stack up. Unfortunately, even our own Democratic Party seemed to have felt it is time to move on,  we all know they are tired, have done what they can to get the extensions needed to keep stimulating our economy but it is obvious that is what Republicans want, it’s a great move because they have made our Democrats in the Senate tired. Again, I ask the public to not be fooled if the extensions are voted down again and the people that need to be held accountable is Republicans please do not allow media heads, other politicians, fox news, msnbc anyone make you believe this is the President’s fault.

The day Congress announced they had to move on was the day Republicans became the sole group responsible for any and all negative effects their No Votes will have on homeless Vets, Outsourcing jobs away from America. In addition, there will be 1.2 million people who will no longer be stimulating the economy because they have nothing coming in from anywhere because there are no jobs out there. I ask everyone to think about the domino effect that is coming if the UI benefits extensions continue to be voted down by Republicans. I feel what will happen is the creation of the new poor consisting of not just the real poor but also the middle class, those of us that work all their lives who have a certain amount taken out of their checks in order to live on at the end of their work lives. These are the people Jon Boehner, Bachmann and mostly all Republicans talk about, those who receive entitlements should be slashed and used to pay for wars, raise the retirement age to 70 and those that are wealthy should not get benefits at all as reported in a Pittsburgh Newspaper interview, though Boehner people deny the statements, there is a video. In response to Boehner, House Democratic Whip James Clyburn stated, “Boehner and the GOP want to raise the retirement age to pay for Bush’s war and their failed policies of the past.” Fortunately, for us Mr. Clyburn said, “Democrats will not stand for this.” Moreover, House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has a fact sheet to go to for information.

The bottom line is this … our population is getting older but living longer and learning to say healthier. The idea of raising the retirement age appears to be something no one can avoid and it is a bipartisan issue, which led to a bipartisan commission appointed by President Obama to find ways to reduce the debt and deficit are considering raising the age to 70. Currently, you have options to retire and receive partial payback or stay in the workforce until your reach full retirement age, which btw is different for everyone or continue until age 70 and get even more money. It is something that might be inevitable and in these times of, we just might have to accept the changes but the suggestion to slash it or end Social Security is not an option that should be considered. I think if the options to stay in at three different levels as they have now people will accept and go on with life. The problems we are having with our economy is because the last guy did nothing to update adjust or change our system with reforms, now most people do need to work longer to recoup money lost from bets made with worker investments in stocks that seemed to be meant to fail. I can accept raising the retirement age but I do not agree with anything that is even close to privatizing it; who can trust Republican ideas -they believe in Corporations not providing for the people who pay their salaries.

Other News …

“The recession has directly hit more than half of the nation’s working adults, pushing them into unemployment, pay cuts, reduced hours at work or part-time jobs, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.” Nearly half of the survey’s respondents said “they are in worse financial shape as a result of the downturn, which destroyed 20 percent of Americans’ wealth.”TP

House Democrats have attached $10 billion to the long-stalled war funding bill “to help local school districts avoid teacher layoffs when schools reopen.” The $70 billion bill “is anchored by President Barack Obama’s $30 billion request for the troop surge in Afghanistan and contains money for disaster aid accounts, foreign aid and disability benefits for Vietnam veterans.”TP

Foreclosed homes accounted for nearly a third of all home sales in the first three months of 2010, according to new data from foreclosed property marketer RealtyTrac, Inc. During 2009 alone, 1.2 million property sales dealt with foreclosures. “That number boggled my mind,” said RealtyTrac spokesman Rick Sharga, referring to the jump in foreclosures. “A 2,500% increase over a four-year period surprised even us.”TP

Although nearly every GOP lawmaker has vowed to repeal health care reform, only 30 House Republicans have “actually signed the discharge petition calling for such a repeal.” The petition, if signed by 218 members, would force a vote on repeal. But so far, the measure introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and pushed by the Heritage Foundation’s new political group has fallen very short.TP

C-SPAN …

watch Hearing on Arlington Cemetery

watch Senate Confirmation Hearing: Part One watch Senate Confirmation Hearing: Part Two

watch Conference Committee


Kagan: People Need to trust the Court as Non-Political

The confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan continues today with more questions from Senate Judiciary Committee members. Beginning with a line of questioning by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ms. Kagan defined the relationship of politics to the Supreme Court. She stated, “the people need to trust the court as a non-political body.” Read More »

The nominee then answered questions from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on legal judgment at the Supreme Court level as “not a robotic quality with no judgment in the process.”

Outside witness testimony was scheduled for Thursday, but due to events surrounding the death of Sen. Robert Byrd, the committee schedule is uncertain. The committee hopes to vote out her nomination in July with a Senate floor vote in late July. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens who served his last day on the Supreme Court yesterday.

Commission Questions the Extent of AIG and Goldman Sachs Contribution to the Financial Crisis

The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission has begun a two-day hearing on “The Role of Derivatives in the Financial Crisis,”. They will hear testimony from current and former executives from AIG and Goldman Sachs including former AIG executive Joseph Cassano and Goldman Sachs President Gary Cohn.

The congressionally appointed panel is looking into the ties between the two companies and how their derivatives transactions may have contributed to the financial crisis.

CBO Presents Budget Outlook to President’s Debt Commission

The Presidential Commission charged with finding bipartisan solutions to lowering the nation’s trillion-dollar budget deficit met for the third time since April.

The group heard from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Doug Elmendorf who presented CBO’s 2010 long term budget outlook which was released earlier today. In remarks, Dir. Elmendorf said that if no changes took place, federal spending on health related programs will grow from 5% of GDP today to 10% of GDP in 2035 which at current rates is an increase of spending of $700B dollars.

The commission is co-chaired by former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY) and former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Its non-binding recommendations are due in December.

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An Ant Hurts An Elephant … ThinkProgress.org


With millions of Americans unemployed, the nation struggling to recover from the greatest financial crisis in decades, and “job creation and economic growth” top priorities for the public, President Obama is poised to sign landmark financial regulatory reform meant to ensure the country won’t ever face these same dire problems in the future. MSNBC points to the legislation as a “reminder about how much the White House and the Democratic-controlled Congress have done in the past year and a half. … You can’t say this is a Do-Nothing Congress.” As the Center for American Progress’ Pat Garofalo explains, “There were many reasons for the economic collapse of 2008…but chief among them was a financial system that worked in the interests of Wall Street and too-big-to-fail financial institutions, and against the interests of consumers.” While not perfect, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act would work to improve disclosure, protect consumers, reform the derivatives market, and regulate the riskiest practices of the nation’s biggest banks. Now that final passage is near, however, many Republicans — spouting rhetoric about wanting reform but unwilling to help pass anything that Obama has made a priority — are getting cold feet about voting against the interests of Wall Street.

LOOKING OUT FOR WALL STREET: On Friday, the conference committee reconciling the House and Senate versions of financial regulatory reform legislation approved final language (along a party-line vote) after a marathon 20-hour negotiating session. Lawmakers made a flurry of changes, including the addition of an exemption to the Volcker rule — a ban on banks trading for their own benefit with federally insured dollars — added at the behest of Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA), and a weakening of Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s (D-AR) provision requiring banks to spin-off their derivatives trading desks. However, the final bill retained Lincoln’s language requiring exchanges and clearinghouses for derivatives, as well as a provision that compels banks to hold more capital against losses. Unfortunately, Republicans decided they were not yet done making changes. Yesterday, negotiators had to briefly reopen conference proceedings “after Senate Republicans who had supported an earlier version of the measure threatened to block final approval unless Democrats removed a proposed tax on big banks and hedge funds.” Maine GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe had announced that they would be joining Brown — whose campaign received heavy support from Wall Street — in voting against the reform bill because it imposes a $19 billion fee on the biggest financial firms to cover the cost of the law’s implementation. But as Mother Jones’ Kevin Drum noted, the bank fee is “not there to punish banks or to create a slush fund for new spending. It’s there solely to make the bill deficit neutral.” Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) challenged the Republican hold-outs to find some other way to pay for the bill. “Do they want to add to the deficit?” he asked, calling these peacocks out on their deficit hypocrisy. “Is there another way? What’s their other way?” To appease these Republicans, the conference committee yesterday agreed to eliminate the bank tax and “bring an early end to the Troubled Asset Relief Program,” which would free up about $11 billion to pay for the bill. Every single Republican on the committee voted against this measure, instead opting to add to the deficit and put taxpayers on the hook for the legislation.

COMPARING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS TO A POOR LITTLE ‘ANT’: Brown, Collins, and Snowe haven’t been Wall Street’s only defenders on Capitol Hill in recent days. Perhaps the industry’s greatest ally has been House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH). In a recent interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Boehner blasted Democrats for everything from health care reform and the BP oil spill response to financial reform. “They’re snuffing out the America that I grew up in,” Boehner said, adding, “There’s a political rebellion brewing, and I don’t think we’ve seen anything like it since 1776.” Taking up the GOP agenda of defending big business at all costs, he even compared the financial crisis to a poor little “ant.” Speaking of the financial reform bill, he said, “This is killing an ant with a nuclear weapon.” “An ant, Mr. Boehner? It was the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression — Americans lost 8 million jobs and $17 trillion in retirement savings and net worth,” responded a staffer to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). “The irresponsible fiscal policies of George W. Bush and Congressional Republicans were much bigger than an ant to American workers, their families and small businesses.” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called Boehner “completely out of touch with America.” The Progress Report caught up with Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and asked him about Boehner’s comments. He said that he “basically agree[d]” with his GOP colleague.

BLOCKING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Senate Democrats tried and failed on three separate occasions this month to pass a tax extenders bill that included an extension of expired unemployment benefits. Republicans, along with Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), killed it by threatening a filibuster, potentially forcing states to cut 200,000 jobs, putting in jeopardy health and education programs, and denying benefits to 1.2 million out-of-work Americans. As a result, as Garofalo notes, Senate Democrats whittled the bill down to appease the GOP and “subjected more and more of the bill to spending offsets, ultimately leaving just the jobless benefits extension unpaid for.” While Republicans still refused to budge, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) — who joined the filibuster threat all three times — is now advocating for a benefits-only bill, even if it adds to the deficit. “Of course, passing a stand-alone bill neglects all the other important provisions that were in the extenders bill, including COBRA subsidies to help laid-off workers purchase health insurance and aid to states to help them with their Medicaid bills,” adds Garofalo. “Failing to pass such measures is only going to add to the economic misery that Snowe at least seems aware is occurring.” There are currently 15 million Americans unemployed, and almost half of them have been out of work for at least six months — a post-World War II record. The House plans to vote on extending unemployment benefits again today, after an attempt to do so was blocked by 139 Republicans and 16 Democrats yesterday.

With millions of Americans unemployed, the nation struggling to recover from the greatest financial crisis in decades, and “job creation and economic growth” top priorities for the public, President Obama is poised to sign landmark financial regulatory reform meant to ensure the country won’t ever face these same dire problems in the future. MSNBC points to the legislation as a “reminder about how much the White House and the Democratic-controlled Congress have done in the past year and a half. … You can’t say this is a Do-Nothing Congress.” As the Center for American Progress’ Pat Garofalo explains, “There were many reasons for the economic collapse of 2008…but chief among them was a financial system that worked in the interests of Wall Street and too-big-to-fail financial institutions, and against the interests of consumers.” While not perfect, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act would work to improve disclosure, protect consumers, reform the derivatives market, and regulate the riskiest practices of the nation’s biggest banks. Now that final passage is near, however, many Republicans — spouting rhetoric about wanting reform but unwilling to help pass anything that Obama has made a priority — are getting cold feet about voting against the interests of Wall Street.

LOOKING OUT FOR WALL STREET: On Friday, the conference committee reconciling the House and Senate versions of financial regulatory reform legislation approved final language (along a party-line vote) after a marathon 20-hour negotiating session. Lawmakers made a flurry of changes, including the addition of an exemption to the Volcker rule — a ban on banks trading for their own benefit with federally insured dollars — added at the behest of Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA), and a weakening of Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s (D-AR) provision requiring banks to spin-off their derivatives trading desks. However, the final bill retained Lincoln’s language requiring exchanges and clearinghouses for derivatives, as well as a provision that compels banks to hold more capital against losses. Unfortunately, Republicans decided they were not yet done making changes. Yesterday, negotiators had to briefly reopen conference proceedings “after Senate Republicans who had supported an earlier version of the measure threatened to block final approval unless Democrats removed a proposed tax on big banks and hedge funds.” Maine GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe had announced that they would be joining Brown — whose campaign received heavy support from Wall Street — in voting against the reform bill because it imposes a $19 billion fee on the biggest financial firms to cover the cost of the law’s implementation. But as Mother Jones’ Kevin Drum noted, the bank fee is “not there to punish banks or to create a slush fund for new spending. It’s there solely to make the bill deficit neutral.” Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) challenged the Republican hold-outs to find some other way to pay for the bill. “Do they want to add to the deficit?” he asked, calling these peacocks out on their deficit hypocrisy. “Is there another way? What’s their other way?” To appease these Republicans, the conference committee yesterday agreed to eliminate the bank tax and “bring an early end to the Troubled Asset Relief Program,” which would free up about $11 billion to pay for the bill. Every single Republican on the committee voted against this measure, instead opting to add to the deficit and put taxpayers on the hook for the legislation.

COMPARING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS TO A POOR LITTLE ‘ANT’: Brown, Collins, and Snowe haven’t been Wall Street’s only defenders on Capitol Hill in recent days. Perhaps the industry’s greatest ally has been House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH). In a recent interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Boehner blasted Democrats for everything from health care reform and the BP oil spill response to financial reform. “They’re snuffing out the America that I grew up in,” Boehner said, adding, “There’s a political rebellion brewing, and I don’t think we’ve seen anything like it since 1776.” Taking up the GOP agenda of defending big business at all costs, he even compared the financial crisis to a poor little “ant.” Speaking of the financial reform bill, he said, “This is killing an ant with a nuclear weapon.” “An ant, Mr. Boehner? It was the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression — Americans lost 8 million jobs and $17 trillion in retirement savings and net worth,” responded a staffer to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). “The irresponsible fiscal policies of George W. Bush and Congressional Republicans were much bigger than an ant to American workers, their families and small businesses.” White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called Boehner “completely out of touch with America.” The Progress Report caught up with Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and asked him about Boehner’s comments. He said that he “basically agree[d]” with his GOP colleague.

BLOCKING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: Senate Democrats tried and failed on three separate occasions this month to pass a tax extenders bill that included an extension of expired unemployment benefits. Republicans, along with Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), killed it by threatening a filibuster, potentially forcing states to cut 200,000 jobs, putting in jeopardy health and education programs, and denying benefits to 1.2 million out-of-work Americans. As a result, as Garofalo notes, Senate Democrats whittled the bill down to appease the GOP and “subjected more and more of the bill to spending offsets, ultimately leaving just the jobless benefits extension unpaid for.” While Republicans still refused to budge, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) — who joined the filibuster threat all three times — is now advocating for a benefits-only bill, even if it adds to the deficit. “Of course, passing a stand-alone bill neglects all the other important provisions that were in the extenders bill, including COBRA subsidies to help laid-off workers purchase health insurance and aid to states to help them with their Medicaid bills,” adds Garofalo. “Failing to pass such measures is only going to add to the economic misery that Snowe at least seems aware is occurring.” There are currently 15 million Americans unemployed, and almost half of them have been out of work for at least six months — a post-World War II record. The House plans to vote on extending unemployment benefits again today, after an attempt to do so was blocked by 139 Republicans and 16 Democrats yesterday.

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Tuesday in Congress …BP


The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET June 29, 2010

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 next 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to HR5297, the Small Business Jobs bill.

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

At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the Small Business Jobs bill.

The Senate is considering HR5297, the Small Business Jobs bill. The following amendments are pending to the bill:
– Baucus amendment #4402 (substitute)
– Reid #s 4403-4409 (technical amendments)

Votes:
202: Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to HR5297, Small Business Jobs bill;
Invoked: 66-33

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted H.Con.Res.285, Year of the Father.

Adopted S.Res.554, National Day of the Cowboy.

Adopted S.Res.564, Japan.

Adopted S.Con.Res. a concurrent resolution providing for the use of the catafalque situated in the Exhibition Hall of the CVC in connection with memorial services to be conducted in the U.S. Senate Chamber for the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, late a Senator from the State of West Virginia.

Adopted S.Res.574, a resolution relative to the memorial observances of the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, late a Senator from the State of West Virginia.

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 29, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2/3 votes needed to pass – but the House REJECTS continuing federal benefits 261-155 HR5618

4:43 P.M. –

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

4:42 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on July 2.

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on July 1: Mr. Paul for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Paul be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 30.

4:35 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 1484:

expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Robert C. Byrd, a Senator from the State of West Virginia

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

3:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1484

3:46 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 5623:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the homebuyer tax credit for the purchase of a principal residence before October 1, 2010, in the case of a written binding contract entered into with respect to such principal residence before May 1, 2010, and for other purposes

3:45 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): 409 – 5 (Roll no. 401).

3:38 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5552:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that the payment of the manufacturers’ excise tax on recreational equipment be paid quarterly and to provide for the assessment by the Secretary of the Treasury of certain criminal restitution

3:37 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 6 (Roll no. 400).

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

3:30 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:23 P.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the late Honorable Marvin Esch.

H. Res. 1244:

recognizing the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for its now five-year effort to promote cyber security curriculum in institutions of higher learning

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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 2 (Roll no. 399).

3:16 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5618:

to continue Federal unemployment programs

3:15 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 155 (Roll no. 398).

2:48 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

2:47 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.

H. Res. 1153:

recognizing the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard and local responders for their work rescuing 17 individuals from a downed military helicopter on a rugged, snow-covered mountain on the Pocahontas-Randolph county line

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.

2:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1153.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5623:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the homebuyer tax credit for the purchase of a principal residence before October 1, 2010, in the case of a written binding contract entered into with respect to such principal residence before May 1, 2010, and for other purposes

2:32 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. 5623.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5552:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that the payment of the manufacturers’ excise tax on recreational equipment be paid quarterly and to provide for the assessment by the Secretary of the Treasury of certain criminal restitution

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.

2:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5552.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5611:

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

1:59 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.

1:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5611.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1460:

recognizing the important role pollinators play in supporting the ecosystem and supporting the goals and ideals of National Pollinator Week

1:47 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cardoza 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.

1:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1460.

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

Considered under suspension of the rules.

H.R. 2340:

to resolve the claims of the Bering Straits Native Corporation and the State of Alaska to land adjacent to Salmon Lake in the State of Alaska and to provide for the conveyance to the Bering Straits Native Corporation of certain other public land in partial satisfaction of the land entitlement of the Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

1:35 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Heinrich 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.

1:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2340.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 4445:

to amend Public Law 95-232 to repeal a restriction on treating as Indian country certain lands held in trust for Indian pueblos in New Mexico

1:31 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Heinrich 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.

1:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4445.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 1554:

to take certain property in McIntosh County, Oklahoma, into trust for the benefit of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and for other purposes

1:26 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.

1:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1554.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S.J. Res. 33:

to provide for the reconsideration and revision of the proposed constitution of the United States Virgin Islands to correct provisions inconsistent with the Constitution and Federal law

1:20 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

1:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S.J. Res. 33.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Christensen moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution.

H.R. 5618:

to continue Federal unemployment programs

1:11 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.

12:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5618.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 4307:

to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Artesia, New Mexico, as the “Alejandro Renteria Ruiz Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic”

12:37 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.

12:30 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4307.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1228:

honoring the veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three and their families

12:29 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.

12:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1228.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1446:

recognizing the residents of the City of Tracy, California, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation, for their century of dedicated service to the United States

12:21 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.

12:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1446.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 4505:

to enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces

12:16 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.

12:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4505.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

12:09 P.M. –

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

11:29 A.M. –

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

11:28 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Johnson, Eddie Bernice of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

11:27 A.M. –

On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 23 – 379 (Roll no. 397).

11:11 A.M. –

Mr. Broun (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1439:

congratulating the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship

11:10 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 395 – 5, 1 Present (Roll no. 396).

11:03 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

11:02 A.M. –

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

11:00 A.M. –

MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the late Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia.

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 219 – 175, 1 Present (Roll no. 395).

10:33 A.M. –

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that she had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Melancon demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Melancon demanded the yeas and nays.

10:32 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3249. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 286 with an amendment and S. Res. 572.

10:31 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Paul Powell, First Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas.

10:30 A.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 29.

9:35 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today.

9:31 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 10:30 a.m. for the start of the legislative day.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Donna F. Edwards to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

9:30 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Monday in Congress -timeline of debates &or votes 6/28/2010


Updates as needed throughout the day

Following morning business on Tuesday 6/29/2010, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to HR5297, the Small Business Jobs bill.

The Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET June 28, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 5:00pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Gary Feinerman, of Illinois, to be United States District judge for the Northern District of Illinois. Debate until 5:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Sessions or their designees.

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Votes:

201: Confirmation of the nomination of Gary Feinerman, of Illinois, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois;
Confirmed: 80-0

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.567, electing Senator Inouye as President Pro Tempore.

Adopted s.Res. 568, Notifying the House of Representatives of the election of Senator Inouye as President Pro Tempore.

Adopted S.Res.569, Notifying the President of the election of Senator Inouye as President Pro Tempore.

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

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:30pmET June 28, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 28, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

6:11 P.M. –

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

6:07 P.M. –

Mr. Boozman requested the following general leaves to address the House on July 2: Mr. Jones for 5 min, Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, and Mr. McHenry for 5 min.

Mr. Boozman requested that Mr. McHenry be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on July 1.

Mr. Boozman requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 30: Mr. McHenry for 5 min.

Mr. Boozman requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 29: Mr. Forbes for 5 min and Mr. McHenry for 5 min.

6:06 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 June 28, 2010 at 5:50 p.m: That the Senate agreed to S. Res. 568.

Mr. Obey asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Monday, June 28, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

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

3:22 P.M. –

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

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 June 28, 2010, at 9:26 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 3104.

H.R. 5395:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 151 North Maitland Avenue in Maitland, Florida, as the “Paula Hawkins Post Office Building”

3:21 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.

3:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5395.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 1510:

to transfer statutory entitlements to pay and hours of work authorized by the District of Columbia Code for current members of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division from the District of Columbia Code to the United States Code

3:04 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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

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

2:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1439:

congratulating the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship

2:48 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.

2:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1439.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 3913:

to direct the Mayor of the District of Columbia to establish a District of Columbia National Guard Educational Assistance Program to encourage the enlistment and retention of persons in the District of Columbia National Guard by providing financial assistance to enable members of the National Guard of the District of Columbia to attend undergraduate, vocational, or technical courses

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.

2:30 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3913.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Con. Res. 284:

recognizing the work and importance of special education teachers

2:28 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.

2:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 284.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1244:

recognizing the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for its now five-year effort to promote cyber security curriculum in institutions of higher learning

2:21 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.

2:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1244.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Hirono moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

2:10 P.M. –

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

2:02 P.M. –

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

2:01 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC 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.

2:00 P.M. –

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

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

12:31 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

12:30 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Donna F. Edwards to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.