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Black History

Congress: Republicans led House – the Senate considers S.1925,VAWA, S.1789,Postal Reform Bill


the Senate Convenes: 9:30am

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with the time until 2:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.  The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes; the Majority will control the second 30 minutes.  Additionally, Republicans will control the time from 11:30am until 12:30pm and the Majority will control the time from 12:30pm until 1:30pm.
  • At 2:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.  There will be several votes beginning at 2:00pm in order to complete action on the Postal Reform bill.
  • The following amendments are the only amendments remaining in order.  Upon disposition of the amendments, the Senate will vote on passage of S.1789, as amended.  The amendments with an asterisk following them are amendments we hope can be disposed of without a roll call vote.

2:12pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings); Not Agreed To: 43-53

Senator Paul asked unanimous consent to call up amendment #2023 (prohibit foreign assistance to Egypt) . Senator Lieberman objected.

2:46pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64

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

The following amendments to S.1789 have been considered:

3:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76

3:28pm  The Senate began a roll call vote on Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54

3:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed to: 46-53

4:29pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37

The Senate has adopted the motion to proceed to S.1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, with debate only for the remainder of the night and until 11:30am tomorrow.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Manchin amendment #2079 (extend moratorium on closings) to S.1789, the Postal Reform bill; Not Agreed To: 43-53

2)      Paul amendment #2028 (alternative methods pilot program); Not Agreed To: 35-64

3)      Paul amendment #2039 (prohibit collective bargaining); Not Agreed To: 23-76

4)      Casey amendment #2042 (delivery time); Not Agreed To: 44-54

5)      DeMint amendment #2046 (unions); Not Agreed To: 46-53

6)      Passage of S.1789, the Postal Reform bill, as amended; Passed: 62-37

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.437, congratulating the Boston College men’s ice hockey team on winning its fifth National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Hockey Championship.

Adopted S.Res.438,  to support the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.

By unanimous consent, read S.2366, a bill to extend student federal loan interest rates for undergraduate Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Alexander, McConnell, Enzi and others) twice and placed it on the calendar.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

At 11:30am tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, the Senate will turn to Executive Session with 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a series of 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

–          Cal. #509 Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas; and

–          Cal. #510 David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas.

As a result, senators should expect 2 roll call votes at approximately 12:00 noon tomorrow.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 25, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION.

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2012.7:34:10 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.7:34:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent moved that the House do now adjourn.7:33:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 631.5:36:47 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:35:52 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with futher one minute speeches.5:31:56 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration of secs. 141 and 142 of the House bill, and secs. 1801, 40101, 40102, 40201, 40202, 40204, 40205, 40301-40307, 40309-40314, 100112-100114, and 100116 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Camp, Tiberi, and Blumenauer.5:31:45 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration of secs. 121, 123, 136, and 137 of the House bill, and sec. 1534, subtitle F of title I of Division A, secs. 20013, 20014, 20029, 31101, 31103, 31111, 31204, 31504, 32705, 33009, 34008, and Division E of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hall, Cravaack, and Johnson, E. B.5:31:30 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Natural Resources for consideration of secs. 123, 142, 204, and titles III and VI of the House bill, and sec. 1116, subtitles C, F, and G of title I of Division A, sec. 33009, titles VI and VII of Division C, sec. 40101, subtitles A and B of title I of Division F, and sec. 100301 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Hastings (WA), Bishop (UT), and Markey.5:31:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration of sec. 142 and titles II and V of the House bill, and secs. 1113, 1201, 1202, subtitles B, C, D, and E of title I of Division C, secs. 32701-32705, 32710, 32713, 40101, and 40301 of the Senate amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Upton, Whitfield, and Waxman.5:31:12 P.M. -H.R. 4348The Speaker appointed conferees – from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration of the House bill (except sec. 141) and the Senate amendment (except secs. 1801, 40102, 40201, 40202, 40204, 40205, 40305, 40307, 40309-40312, 100112-100114, and 100116), and modifications committed to conference: Mica, Young (AK), Duncan (TN), Shuster, Capito, Crawford, Herrera Beutler, Bucshon, Hanna, Southerland, Lankford, Ribble, Rahall, DeFazio, Costello, Norton, Nadler, Brown (FL), Cummings, Boswell, and Bishop (NY).5:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 1038Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 1038On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 1 (Roll no. 181).5:21:13 P.M. -H.R. 1038Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1038 — “To authorize the conveyance of two small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest containing private improvements that were developed based upon the reliance of the landowners in an erroneous survey conducted in May 1960.”5:20:59 P.M. -H.R. 3336Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:20:58 P.M. -H.R. 3336On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 312 – 111 (Roll no. 180).5:12:32 P.M. -H.R. 3336Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3336 — “To ensure the exclusion of small lenders from certain regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.”5:12:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:12:21 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 181 – 242 (Roll no. 179).4:45:32 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348 and adoption of motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.4:45:28 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25.3:24:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  4:45 P.M. today.3:23:21 P.M. -H.R. 4348POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, the Chair put the question on the motion and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rahall demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.3:23:04 P.M. -H.R. 4348The previous question was ordered without objection.2:24:18 P.M. -H.R. 4348DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Rahall motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House at conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4348 be instructed to recede from disagreement to the amendment of the Senate.2:23:57 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Rahall moved that the House instruct conferees.2:23:25 P.M. -H.R. 4348On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection.2:23:03 P.M. -H.R. 4348Mr. Mica asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.2:22:13 P.M. -H.R. 3336At 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.1:56:23 P.M. -H.R. 3336DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3336.1:56:22 P.M. -H.R. 3336Considered under suspension of the rules.1:56:07 P.M. -H.R. 3336Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3336 — “To ensure the exclusion of small lenders from certain regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.”1:55:32 P.M. -H.R. 2146Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:55:25 P.M. -H.R. 2146On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:30:52 P.M. -H.R. 2146DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2146.1:30:49 P.M. -H.R. 2146Considered under suspension of the rules.1:30:38 P.M. -H.R. 2146Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2146 — “To amend title 31, United States Code, to require accountability and transparency in Federal spending, and for other purposes.”1:29:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.1:08:36 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.1:02:10 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Stutzman to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:02:07 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:00:49 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Matthew Barnes, Capital Commission Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana1:00:37 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25.10:51:38 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  1:00 P.M. today.10:01:01 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 1:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.10:00:38 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven M. Palazzo to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:27 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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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