Tag Archives: Republican

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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate Considers 2 US Dist Judges &HR2354,the Energy and Water appropriations bill

11/15/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET November 15, 2011

Following the prayer and pledge, there will be a period of morning business until 11am, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first half and the Republicans will control the next half.
At 11am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nominations of Sharon Gleason, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Alaska, and Yvonne Rogers, to be U.S. District Judge for the district of Northern California. There will be 1 hour for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the nominations. Therefore, senators should expect a series of 2 roll call votes to begin at noon.
Following the votes, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 2354, the Energy and Water appropriations bill.

12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Sharon Gleason, of Alaska, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Alaska. Confirmed: 87-8

12:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California. Confirmed: 89-6

Recess until 3pm for Caucus Mtgs

4:17pm Reid Substitute amendment to Energy and Water appropriations is pending

When the Senate resumed consideration of HR 2354, the Energy and Water appropriations bill, Senator Reid withdrew the committee reported substitute amendment. He then offered a new substitute amendment #956, which included the text of Energy and Water, Financial Services/General Government; and State/Foreign Operations appropriations. Senator Menendez raised a Rule 16 point of order that was well taken and the amendment fell.

Senator Reid then offered a new substitute (Reid amendment #957), which includes the 3 appropriations bills minus the offending Cuba related language.

The Divisions of the Reid substitute amendment #957 are as follows:

Division A: text of the withdrawn committee-reported amendment (Energy and Water appropriations)

Division B: text of Calendar #171, S.1573 with the exception of sections 620 and 624 (Financial Services/General Government appropriations minus the offending Cuba language)

Division C: text of Calendar #179, S.1601 (State/Foreign Operations appropriations)

Senator Reid then asked consent that HR 2434, as reported by the House Appropriations Committee and Division C of amendment #957 be deemed House passed text in HR 2354 for purpose of Rule 16 and that amendment #957 for the purposes of paragraph 1 Rule 16 be considered a committee amendment. In English, that means Senator Reid was seeking consent to use the following bills for defense of germaneness purposes: HR 2354 (Energy and Water), HR 2434 (Financial Services), S.1601 (State/Foreign Operations).

Senator Moran objected to Senator Reid’s request and Senator Vitter also spoke in opposition to the request.

Senator Reid then filled the amendment tree so that we can continue to work on an agreement to consider the Energy and Water appropriations bill.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of Sharon Gleason, of AK, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska; Confirmed: 87-8

2) Confirmation of Yvonne Rogers, of CA, to be United States District Judge for the District of Northern California; Confirmed: 89-6

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.241, a resolution expressing support for the designation of November 16, 2011, as National Information and Referral Services Day.

Adopted S.Res.323, recognizing the 75^th Anniversary of the Welfare Program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:57:07 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:54:35 P.M. -H. Res. 463Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:54:33 P.M. -H. Res. 463On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 271 – 153 (Roll no. 842).2:43:30 P.M. -H. Res. 463Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 463 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 822) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”2:43:29 P.M. -H.R. 2838Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:43:05 P.M. -H.R. 2838On passage Passed by voice vote.2:43:03 P.M. -H.R. 2838On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 – 235 (Roll no. 841).2:25:40 P.M. -H.R. 2838The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:20:00 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Larsen(WA) motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the Coast Guard from awarding a contract to anyone convicted of fraud or other specified criminal offenses. Subsequently, the reservation of a point of order was removed.2:18:51 P.M. -H.R. 2838Mr. Larsen (WA) moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.2:17:47 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.2:17:37 P.M. -H.R. 2838The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:16:50 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2838.2:16:27 P.M. -H.R. 2838On agreeing to the Pierluisi amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 322 – 100 (Roll no. 840).1:48:12 P.M. -H.R. 2838On agreeing to the Young (AK) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.1:47:05 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 455 and the previous order of the House, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young(AK) amendment.1:47:04 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (AK), pertaining to the the Conveyance of Decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter STORIS.1:46:50 P.M. -H.R. 2838POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on Pierluisi amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Larsen(WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.1:42:27 P.M. -H.R. 2838DEBATE – Pursuant to provisions of H. Res. 455, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pierluisi amendment.1:42:04 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Pierluisi, numbered 15 printed in House Report 112-267 to clarify the application of the Passenger Vessel Services Act to vessels operating in Puerto Rico that are not otherwise qualified to transport passengers for hire and that are more than 100 gross tons. Would allow such vessels to transport passengers between ports in Puerto Rico–a non-contiguous jurisdiction of multiple islands.1:40:38 P.M. -H.R. 2838By unanimous consent, the Landry amendment was withdrawn.1:40:35 P.M. -H.R. 2838An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry, numbered 13 printed in House Report 112-267 to clarify Coast Guard guidance regarding the ability of U.S. flagged offshore supply vessels to carry unlimited amounts of Grade D and Grade E cargo (combustible liquid) when said vessel is operating outside of U.S. waters, provided the vessel meets the safety requirements of the International Maritime Organization.1:32:15 P.M. -H.R. 2838The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.1:31:32 P.M. -H.R. 2838Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2838 — “To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2012 through 2015, and for other purposes.”1:31:25 P.M. -H.R. 2838ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. LoBiondo asked unanimous consent that, during further consideration of H.R. 2838 in the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 455, the amendment by Mr. Young(AK) at the desk be considered as though printed as the last amendment printed in House Report 112-267 and be debatable for 10 minutes. Agreed to without objection.1:30:02 P.M. -H. Res. 463POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 463, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.1:29:31 P.M. -H. Res. 463The previous question was ordered without objection.12:33:17 P.M. -H. Res. 463DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 463.12:32:25 P.M. -H. Res. 463Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 463 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 822) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide a national standard in accordance with which nonresidents of a State may carry concealed firearms in the State.”12:02:09 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.12:01:48 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Fudge to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:45 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:28 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:15 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.11:10:05 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:53 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.10:00:28 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Allen B. West to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:14 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Monday mashup … &some News

11/14/2011 Nativegrl77

just another rant …

Fall back y’all and we did.

The President and Mrs. Obama are at the APEC summit in Hawaii. The rest of us have to hear the continuous drone from Teapublicans who still think Americans want repeal HCR, Wall Street reform, cut Education by 20%, replace and eliminate social service programs that women, vets, older folks and the new poor use. I have to say Teapublicans in Congress must have taken a Pledge to wear earplugs in order to get through all their just say not campaign. Suffice it to say if these Teapublicans continue to go after the Middle Class Social Security Medicare/caid instead of JOBS it would definitely seem to be a recipe for trouble and likely force the USA into a double dip or deeper recession and will be the reason they will become unemployed; hopefully. I happen to think we went right into a depression what with losing 750 thousand jobs a month even before President Obama took office. The current rhetoric has absolutely nothing to do with JOBS or the Economy …If people are listening they have no intention of helping Americans unless it is on the backs of the Middle and Lower classes people …get that in your head!!! The Party of NO will be in control for about a minute and what we as Democrats need to remember is that we have to call Teapublicans out on every move they make to ruin the current President instead of focusing on and or creating Jobs. I have to say anyone with any common sense knows that the top 2% will not spend their tax cuts to create an environment so that people will be hired or create jobs and if they do it will be to outsource them for lower wages in China, Mexico etc. If you do not believe it, just tune into CNBC occasionally, and hear the words coming from various Teapublicans Ludlow and associates trot out on any given day.

I hope everyone is asking their Teapublican member of Congress what exactly the top 2% did with the Bush giveaways because it could not have been on hiring and creating jobs or we would not be in worse shape since the 2010 Midterm elections or see the mess all around us. I feel that after three years of gridlock from the Teapublican Party of No things are about to get heated within their own Family Values Platform party. Reports are and maybe Teapublicans need reminding that over 70% of Americans want to tax millionaires and billionaires, most do not want cuts to Soc.Security or Medicare, over half of us want the new Affordable Health Care Act to be law. Yet, conservative members of Congress have given themselves over to Mr. Norquist as well as the big money brothers Koch and if you start to think about it that ditch President Obama pulled us from is a whole lot closer now that we have an extreme part of Congress controlling the House of Representatives … The question is do Teapublicans care what happens to their own family friends and co-workers jobs and status in life if they continue this lemming march toward disaster?

Anyway –

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” –George Orwell

I personally do not want to go back to colonial days we must move forward stay in the present so discrimination fails …the past fails and equal rights for all prevails.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the World. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

Jus sayin

Other News …

Congress Returns to Negotiate Another Short-term Funding Bill

House Considers Expanding Gun-Carry Laws

Blue Cross CEO Discusses Health Care Business

House Democrats Examine Voting Law Changes

President Obama Opens APEC Summit

Grover Norquist Discusses Taxes and the “Super Committee”

News and Documentary Emmys Awarded

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Congress: the Republican led House of Representatives – the Senate debates H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill votes on US Dist. Judges

11/14/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET November 14, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.2354, the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, for debate only.
The next roll call votes will be Tuesday morning in relation to two US District Judges.

The Senate confirmed all nominations on the Secretary’s desk in the Coast Guard.

Adopted S.Res.199, supporting the goals and ideals of ‘Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week.’

Adopted S.Res.322,designating November 2011 as “COPD Awareness Month”

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:10:23 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:09:37 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 463.7:07:38 P.M. -H.R. 2422Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:07:37 P.M. -H.R. 2422On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 – 0 (Roll no. 839).7:01:19 P.M. -H.R. 2422Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2422 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.”7:01:14 P.M. -H.R. 298Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:01:12 P.M. -H.R. 298On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 0 (Roll no. 838).6:53:49 P.M. -H.R. 298Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 298 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”.”6:53:45 P.M. -S. 1412Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:53:44 P.M. -S. 1412On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 837).6:31:02 P.M. -S. 1412Considered as unfinished business. S. 1412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the “Officer John Maguire Post Office”.”6:30:42 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:27 P.M. -H.R. 2112Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent that managers on the part of the House have until midnight on Nov. 14 to file a conference report on H.R. 2112. Agreed to without objection.6:30:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.5:51:52 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:51:48 P.M. -H.R. 1791At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Napolitano 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.5:43:12 P.M. -H.R. 1791DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1791.5:43:10 P.M. -H.R. 1791Considered under suspension of the rules.5:42:59 P.M. -H.R. 1791Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1791 — “To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 101 South United States Route 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the “Alto Lee Adams, Sr., United States Courthouse”.”5:42:04 P.M. -H.R. 2415At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings 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.5:33:44 P.M. -H.R. 2415DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2415.5:33:43 P.M. -H.R. 2415Considered under suspension of the rules.5:33:30 P.M. -H.R. 2415Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2415 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the “Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office Building”.”5:32:56 P.M. -H.R. 2660At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings 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.5:25:12 P.M. -H.R. 2660DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2660.5:25:10 P.M. -H.R. 2660Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:01 P.M. -H.R. 2660Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2660 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 122 North Holderrieth Boulevard in Tomball, Texas, as the “Tomball Veterans Post Office”.”5:24:12 P.M. -H.R. 2422At 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.5:16:42 P.M. -H.R. 2422DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2422.5:16:40 P.M. -H.R. 2422Considered under suspension of the rules.5:16:31 P.M. -H.R. 2422Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2422 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45 Bay Street, Suite 2, in Staten Island, New York, as the “Sergeant Angel Mendez Post Office”.”5:15:55 P.M. -H.R. 298At 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.5:05:51 P.M. -H.R. 298DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 298.5:05:50 P.M. -H.R. 298Considered under suspension of the rules.5:05:27 P.M. -H.R. 298Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 298 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the “Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building”.”5:05:04 P.M. -S. 1412At 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.4:56:22 P.M. -S. 1412DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1412.4:56:21 P.M. -S. 1412Considered under suspension of the rules.4:56:11 P.M. -S. 1412Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 462 Washington Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, as the “Officer John Maguire Post Office”.”4:55:37 P.M. -H.R. 3004At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cummings 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.4:48:16 P.M. -H.R. 3004DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3004.4:48:15 P.M. -H.R. 3004Considered under suspension of the rules.4:47:46 P.M. -H.R. 3004Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3004 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 260 California Drive in Yountville, California, as the “Private First Class Alejandro R. Ruiz Post Office Building”.”4:46:11 P.M. -WITHDRAWAL OF MOTION TO SUSPEND – Subsequently, Mr. Farenthold asked unanimous consent to withdraw the motion to suspend the rules with respect to H.R. 2079. Agreed to without objection.4:42:10 P.M. -DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2079.4:42:08 P.M. -Considered under suspension of the rules.4:41:00 P.M. -Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill H.R. 2079.4:40:04 P.M. -H.R. 588Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:40:01 P.M. -H.R. 588On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.4:33:38 P.M. -H.R. 588DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 588.4:33:36 P.M. -H.R. 588Considered under suspension of the rules.4:33:21 P.M. -H.R. 588Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 588 — “To redesignate the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.”4:33:13 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:32:46 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 14.2:05:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. today.2:05:39 P.M. -The House received a communication from The Honorable Lee Terry, Member of Congress. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Terry notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena duces tecum for the production of documents, issued by the District Court of Sarpy County, Nebraska, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.2:05:15 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 14, 2011 at 10:19 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 398 and S. 363.2:04:51 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on November 10, 2011 at 5:52 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 674 with an amendment.2:03:02 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:40 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Burgess to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:10 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:51 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.2:00:37 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Stop Michigan’s “license to bully” bill … Eden James, Change.org

11/11/2011 Nativegrl77

Stop Michigan‘s “license to bully” bill

When Katy Butler was in junior high, bullies who called her a “dyke” slammed a locker door on her hand. Katy never reported the assault because she was afraid her school wouldn’t do anything to help.

If the Michigan state Senate has its way, Katy’s school won’t have to help students bullied in the future, either.

Last week, the Michigan state Senate passed an anti-bullying bill. But minutes before they voted, Republican lawmakers inserted special language into the bill to create a huge loophole: Bullying done because of a “sincerely held religious or moral conviction” isn’t covered by the law.

Rather than protecting students, the new law actually provides a road map that teaches kids how to bully — and how to get away with it.

Katy and her friend Carson Borbely know what it’s like to be bullied for who they are. They started a Change.org petition demanding that the state legislature enact a strong anti-bullying law with no exceptions. Click here to sign their petition.http://www.change.org/petitions/help-michigan-students-stop-the-license-to-bully-bill?

The Michigan House of Representatives will consider the Senate’s weak anti-bullying bill soon. Katy and Carson want them to strengthen the bill and eliminate the religious exemption inserted by the state Senate, and Change.org members are rallying around their demand.

Some legislators are wavering in the face of public outrage, and Republican Speaker of the House Jase Bolger is now said to be considering a stronger, more comprehensive version of the bill. But Katy and Carson need your help to keep up the pressure.

Please sign Katy and Carson’s petition demanding the Michigan House of Representatives pass an anti-bullying law that will actually protect students:

http://www.change.org/petitions/help-michigan-students-stop-the-license-to-bully-bill

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Eden and the Change.org team