Tag Archives: Republican

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House passes HR1021,Temporary Bankruptcy Judgeships Extension Act of 2011 – the Senate considers S.1925,S.JRes.36,NLRB,Judicial nominees and S.1789


the Senate Convenes at 12:00pmET April 23, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 2:00pm, the Republican Leader or his designee will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to representation election procedures with 2 hours of debate, equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 4:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #528, the nomination of Brian C. Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Wimes nomination.
  • On Thursday, the Senate reached an agreement to complete action on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  The Majority Leader announced that the time from 12:00pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm and the time following the vote on Monday evening will be for Senators to debate their amendments to the Postal Reform bill.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #528, the nomination of Brian Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; Confirmed: 92-1

The following amendments are pending to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill:

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

ROLL CALL VOTE

1)      Confirmation of the nomination of Brian C. Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; Confirmed: 92-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2327, a bill to prohibit direct foreign assistance to the Government of Egypt until the President makes certain certifications related to treatment of nongovernmental organization workers, and for other purposes. (Paul)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2338, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. (Hutchison, Grassley and Cornyn)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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House Floor Activities                

Legislative Day of April 23, 2012  

-The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 24, 2012.11:03:39 A.M. -The House received a communication from Eric With, District Director, Office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. With notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by the 362nd Judicial District Court in Denton, Texas, for testimony in a criminal case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.11:03:02 A.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on April 23, 2012 at 9:15 a.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 1021 with an amendment.11:02:10 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.11:02:06 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.11:01:03 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.11:00:34 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Abney Culberson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.11:00:24 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 24, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fundraising … 2012 Gap


DSCC Has Record Breaking Quarter Thanks to Strong Grassroots Support

The first three months of 2012 showed the incredible enthusiasm of Democratic supporters. The DSCC set a first quarter fundraising record by raising almost 20% more than our Republican counterparts.

You played a big role in our success; 97% of the gifts came from grassroots donors.

Thank you for your continuing support!

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Top Action

Critical Vote on Protecting Women Just Days Away

In what is just the latest in a series of Republican attacks on women, Senate Republicans are trying to eliminate the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

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Twice before, VAWA was reauthorized with widespread, bipartisan support from both houses of Congress. But now, Republicans have grown so radical they won’t even commit to protecting women from violence.

Join Democrats and demand Senate Republicans stop trying to eliminate VAWA!

Add your name »

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Enthusiasm Gap Felt in Senate Races Around the Country

The enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans is stretching to Senate races as well. According to Politico, “In the dozen most competitive contests across the country, Democrats once again collected more cash during the first three months of the year than Republicans, who are expected to wage an aggressive battle for the Senate majority.”

Among the strongest performers this quarter were Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Baldwin, Debbie Stabenow, and Claire McCaskill.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – Congress takes Friday off – the Senate considers S.1925,Judicial nominees & S.1789


the Senate Convenes at  12:00pmET April 23, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 2:00pm, the Republican Leader or his designee will be recognized to make a motion to proceed to S.J.Res.36, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to representation election procedures with 2 hours of debate, equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 4:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #528, the nomination of Brian C. Wimes, of MO, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri with 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on confirmation of the Wimes nomination.
  • On Thursday, the Senate reached an agreement to complete action on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  The Majority Leader announced that the time from 12:00pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm and the time following the vote on Monday evening will be for Senators to debate their amendments to the Postal Reform bill.

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The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on April 23, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

speaking of truth to power … 6


What a week — Rick Santorum dropped out of the race, Mitt Romney continued to attack women’s rights, and the Republican National Committee dropped an ad we absolutely have to debunk. On top of all that, Thursday marked the six-year anniversary of Mitt Romney’s health reform in Massachusetts — one of the models for Obamacare — but you won’t hear him taking any credit for it.

Check it out all in this week’s tips:
#1 Video: Mitt Romney — Memories to last a lifetime With Rick Santorum leaving the GOP primary on Tuesday, it’s almost certain that Mitt Romney will be the nominee. To commemorate the GOP primary, and remind people of the extreme positions Romney’s taken over the course of it, we put together a short videolaying out some of his most “severely conservative” moments. Check them out, then share them with anyone who still thinks he’s a moderate:

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#2 Keeping his word: 5 ways our president supports economic opportunities for women Governor Romney spent a good deal of this week attacking President Obama’s economic record among women. President Obama has said, “Every decision I make is all about making sure … all our daughters and all our sons grow up in a country that gives them the chance to be anything they set their minds to.” That includes supporting economic policies that help women, like extending the payroll tax cut — which helps 75 million women — or granting more than 16,000 business loans to small businesses owned by women. Check out the top five waysour President has kept his word to women, then pass them on:

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#3 Fair Pay Act for women: Romney’s campaign not sure he would’ve signed if president The morning after Rick Santorum left the race, the Romney campaign was asked whether Romney supports the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which helps to ensure women can get equal pay for equal work. Their answer (which should’ve been a no brainer): “We’ll get back to you on that.” This is a basic step to stop pay discrimination in the workplace, the first bill President Obama signed into law in office — and Romney’s campaign isn’t sure if their candidate would’ve signed it. We put together a short video, featuring Lilly Ledbetter, on why equal pay is “not Republican and it’s not Democrat. It’s civil rights.” Watch it, and share it with folks who should see it, too:

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#4 The six-year anniversary of Romneycare (Where’s the celebration?) Exactly six years ago yesterday, Mitt Romney signed Massachusetts health reform, or Romneycare, into law. At the time he called it a model for the nation. Six years later, and you don’t hear him celebrating it. Why? Because this godfather of Obamacare is promising to repeal national health reform on Day One in office. So much for a model for the nation. We put together a videoexplaining it — check it out, pass it on, and make sure people know he’s trying to take away the very protections he once fought for:

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#5 Debunk this new RNC ad The Republican National Committee is out with a new ad smearing President Obama’s record, saying he hasn’t kept any of his promises from four years ago. You and I both know that’s a lie, so we put together a charge-by-charge rebuttal of the ad, laying out exactly what our president has done. Check it out, and make sure none of the RNC’s lies stick:

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#6 Fact check the Koch Brothers on Obamacare The George Mason University Mercatus Center released a report this week claiming Obamacare will actually add to the deficit, to the tune of $340 billion. But don’t for a minute believe that they don’t have an agenda — this center is primarily funded by the Koch brothers, and was founded by their chief lobbyist. A quick look at studiesfrom actual non-partisan sources, like the Congressional Budget Office, back up what the President has said about Obamacare all along — it will actually cut the deficit by $127 billion. Make sure their report doesn’t pick up any steam — share the truth:

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Thanks,
Stephanie
P.S. — Now that Mitt Romney is almost surely our opponent, the race is on. We created this Facebook graphic for folks to say they’ve got our president’s back. Share it on your wall here:

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Black History

Congress: the Republican led House vote on Highway&Mass Transit bill attached XL pipeline – the Senate resumes S.1789 & S.1925


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET April 18, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill on Tuesday. If no agreement is reached, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur Thursday morning.
  • The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789 is 1:00pm on Wednesday.

At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified.  If cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.

We continue to work on an agreement regarding amendments to the Postal Reform bill and will notify Senators if such an agreement is reached.

The filing deadline for 2nd degree amendments to the Lieberman-Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified and to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill is 11:00am on Thursday. If your Senator has a germane 2nd degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline.  If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Judiciary and adopted S.Res.406, a resolution commending the achievements and recognizing the importance of the Alliance to Save Energy on the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of the Alliance.

Adopted S.Res.425, designating April 23, 2012, as “National Adopt a Library Day”.

Adopted S.Res.426, congratulating the Lady Bears of Baylor University on winning the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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the Republican led House plans to cut Military Food Stamps from Budget

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 18, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:08:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.5:08:16 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable James P. McGovern, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. McGovern notified the House that he had been served with a subponea for testimony issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Industrial Accidents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that because the subpoena is not “material and relevant”, compliance with the subpoena is inconsistent with the privileges and precedents of the House.5:07:34 P.M. -Mr. Gibson asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on April 19. Agreed to without objection.5:07:07 P.M. -H.R. 2453Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:07:06 P.M. -H.R. 2453On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 4, 2 Present (Roll no. 171).4:59:41 P.M. -H.R. 2453Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2453 — “To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.”4:59:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:59:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On passage Passed by recorded vote: 293 – 127 (Roll no. 170).4:49:23 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 176 – 242 (Roll no. 169).4:32:11 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.4:22:08 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the use of Highway Trust Fund revenues from being used for the construction of highways in foreign countries, and rescinds over $12 million in funds available for a road in Canada. It would also eliminate a $3.7 billion corridor earmark under the Appalachian Development Highway System program.4:21:47 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Polis moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.4:20:59 P.M. -H.R. 4348The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.4:20:47 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.4:20:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4348.4:19:58 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the Ribble amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 255 – 165 (Roll no. 168).3:51:00 P.M. -H.R. 4348UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Ribble amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:50:43 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:37:50 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKinley amendment.3:37:48 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. McKinley,  numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-446 to insert the text of H.R. 2273, Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act. Would leave regulation and enforcement of coal combustion residuals to the states, and utilize the existing framework and requirements of federal regulatory programs for those states to follow.3:37:03 P.M. -H.R. 4348POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ribble amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:25:06 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ribble amendment.3:25:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. Ribble,  numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-446 to add to the bill the environmental streamlining provisions from Title III of the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7).3:24:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On agreeing to the Boustany amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:07:58 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 619, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boustany amendment.3:07:56 P.M. -H.R. 4348An amendment, offered by Mr. Boustany,  numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-446 to include a guarantee that requires that the total amount available for spending from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) each fiscal year be equal to the Trust Fund receipts as estimated by the President’s budget for that year.1:55:12 P.M. -H.R. 4348GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4348.1:55:01 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.1:55:00 P.M. -H.R. 4348House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 619 and Rule XVIII.1:54:46 P.M. -H.R. 4348Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4348 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. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill, and provisions in the bill. The resolution waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report.1:54:41 P.M. -H.R. 4348Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 619. H.R. 4348 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes.”1:54:26 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 295 – 118, 2 Present (Roll no. 167).1:48:00 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which the yeas and nays had been demanded and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:47:44 P.M. -H. Res. 619Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:47:43 P.M. -H. Res. 619On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 177 (Roll no. 166).1:40:25 P.M. -H. Res. 619On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 180 (Roll no. 165).12:28:21 P.M. -H. Res. 619DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 619.12:26:21 P.M. -H. Res. 619Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 619 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4348) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes.”12:04:18 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.12:04:10 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Lankford to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:07 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. Wilson (SC) 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. Wilson (SC) demanded the yeas and nays 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.12:02:14 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:11 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 18.10:46:05 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:58 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.10:00:29 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:13 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.