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Congress: Shutdown Fever

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The federal government is now hours away from a shutdown, after House Republicans once again refused to compromise with Senate Democrats and the White House on funding for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. The third White House meeting in two days failed to produce a deal last night, with Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) releasing a joint statement saying, “We have narrowed the issues, however, we have not yet reached an agreement. We will continue to work through the night to attempt to resolve our remaining differences.” President Obama added that he is “not yet prepared to express wild optimism” about avoiding a shutdown, even though the parties are about $5 billion apart when it comes to the level of spending cuts they say are acceptable (which “amounts to one-half of 1 percent of the trillion dollars in spending”). Unless the situation is resolved by midnight, the shutdown will go into effect, marking the first time that the federal government has shut down in 15 years.

NOT ABOUT THE MONEY : Reid took to the Senate floor early yesterday to announce that the parties had essentially settled on a level of spending cuts for the remainder of FY2011, and that the holdup is because of various policy “riders” that Republicans want to include on the funding bill, including one cutting funding for Planned Parenthood and another blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases. “The two main issues that are holding this matter up are the choice of women, reproductive rights, and clean air,” Reid said. Republicans attached more than 80 riders to their initial funding bill, including several that actually increase federal spending . “We will continue to insist that the policy riders passed in H.R. 1 are on the table. It’s just as important to many of our members as the spending cuts themselves,” Boehner said. If it occurs, this would not be the first time that the GOP has shut down the government over matters unrelated to the budget. In fact, “It was this same insistence on unrelated policy riders by Republicans that prompted the last government shutdown in 1995.” As the Denver Post reported at the time, “[Speaker] Gingrich and [Senate Majority Leader] Dole are offering the funding and higher-debt bills but have loaded them with ‘riders’ such as the Medicare bill that the president won’t accept and with other items such as limits on appeals by death-row inmates.” Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) has urged his party to drop the policy riders in order to avoid a shutdown. “And my recommendation to my friends in the House is, you know, it’s highly unlikely many riders are going to get passed…so why don’t you take the spending [cuts] and let’s get on to the budget,” he said. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) had the same message for his GOP colleagues. “If it is repeal Obamacare, do we think in two weeks or a month Obama’s going to go — ‘you guys were right, and sign onto it?’ I don’t think so. So you better look at what your goals are and what you’re willing to accept or don’t do it,” Simpson said.

PROCEDURAL SHENANIGANS : Democrats, after bringing H.R. 1 up for a vote in the Senate and defeating it, eventually agreed to more than $30 billion in cuts, essentially conceding to the GOP’s original position. But House Republicans, in an attempt to shift blame for the shutdown, have been passing various pieces of legislation that they know have no chance of becoming law. The first simply reasserted that, if the Senate approved, H.R. 1 would become law. Yesterday, the House Republicans tried a different tactic, bringing to the floor another stopgap funding bill that would keep the government open for one week. However, the Republicans attached several poison pills to the measure that they knew were unacceptable to Senate Democrats and the administration, including a restriction against the District of Columbia using its own local funds for abortions and several anti-environmental provisions, plus an extra $12 billion in cuts. The White House issued a veto threat against the bill, calling it “a distraction from the real work that would bring us closer to a reasonable compromise.” Because the stopgap measure would have funded the military for the rest of the fiscal year, House Republicans then decried the President for opposing a “troop funding bill.” Of course, they left out of their rhetoric the fact that House Democrats “tried three times to pass a measure that would ensure the troops received pay,” and that the clean continuing resolution requested by the White House would also fully fund the military.

HURTING THE ECONOMY : If the government shuts down tonight, all government functions deemed non-essential will be stopped in their tracks. But non-essential describes a wide variety of important government functions, which, if they stop, can do economic harm to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy. According to analysts at Goldman Sachs, a shutdown “could shave 0.2 percent off the growth of Gross Domestic Product for every week it continued.” Since it would come during tax season, a shutdown would also “delay $42.1 billion of refunds to about 14 million U.S. taxpayers,” the majority of whom are middle-class or low-income. A shutdown could possibly increase the deficit by increasing the costs of funding the nation’s debt (which it did in 1995). $50 million in small business loans per day from the Small Business Administration will be blocked, workplace safety complaints will go unanswered, and insider trading investigations will grind to a halt. And, of course, 800,000 federal employees will be furloughed, costing the Treasury about $174 million per day in back wages. A shutdown also threatens the already fragile housing market, as “the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development‘s Federal Housing Administration — which insures and guarantees a large number of single-family mortgages and even more rental and multifamily properties — would cease operations,” thereby preventing home closings and the issuance of new private sector loans.

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Congress: debates&votes -the Republican led House -The Senate


The Senate Convenes at 11amET April 8, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 10:30pm for debate only with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees and that any time spent in quorum call be equally divided.

We are hopeful we will reach an agreement on the budget tomorrow. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The Senate will recess from 1-2pm in order to allow for a special Democratic caucus meeting.

At 11am on Tuesday, April 12, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider calendar #45, the nomination of Vincent Briccetti, of New York, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York; and calendar #46, the nomination of John Kronstadt, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California. There will be 1 hour for debate on the nominations, with the time equally divided.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Briccetti nomination will be confirmed by consent. Senators should expect a roll call vote at approximately 12 noon on Tuesday on confirmation of the Kronstadt nomination.

Unanimous Consent:

Passed H.R.1363, as amended, Continuing Resolution through Friday, April 15, 2011 ($2 billion in cuts).

 

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 1363:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

12:40 A.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll No. 253).

12:12 A.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:04 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to a previous order of the House, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1363.

Mr. Rogers (KY) moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment.

12:03 A.M. –

Pursuant to a previous order of the House, the Chair recognized Mr. Rogers (KY) for a motion.

12:02 A.M. –

ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent 1) that it be in order at any time to take from the Speaker’s table the bill H.R. 1363, with the Senate amendment thereto, and to consider in the House, without intervention of any point of order, a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee that the House concur in the Senate amendment; 2) that the Senate amendment be considered as read; 3) that the motion be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations; and 4) that the previous question be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption without intervening motion. Agreed to without objection.

12:01 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 8, 2011, at 11:35 p.m. stating that the Senate passed H.R. 1363 with an amendment.

12:00 A.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 8.

3:42 P.M. –

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

H.J. Res. 37:

disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices

3:40 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 240 – 179 (Roll no. 252).

3:32 P.M. –

On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair Agreed to by recorded vote: 235 – 181 (Roll no. 251).

3:09 P.M. –

Mr. Walden moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair

Mr. Hoyer appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.

3:02 P.M. –

Mr. Walden raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Walden stated that the provisions of the motion to recommit are not germane to the joint resolution. Sustained by the Chair.

Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.

2:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hoyer motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the joint resolution to be reported back to the House with an amendment stating that the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011, is further amended by striking the date specified and inserting “April 15, 2011”.

Mr. Hoyer moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

2:55 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 37.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 37 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. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived. All points of order against provisions in the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 200.

1:38 P.M. –

On motion to consider the joint resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 174 (Roll no. 250).

1:16 P.M. –

QUESTION OF CONSIDERATION – Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays on the question of consideration pursuant to clause 3 of rule XVI.

Mr. Walden moved to consider the joint resolution.

1:15 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 8.

12:14 P.M. –

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

12:04 P.M. –

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

12:03 P.M. –

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

12:02 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe 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. Poe objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

12:01 P.M. –

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

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 8.

11:49 A.M. –

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

10:01 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.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 658 amended.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Cory Gardner to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress: Shutdown Showdown

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Congressional leaders failed to reach an agreement to fund the federal government late last night in a White House meeting with President Obama, increasing the possibility of a government shutdown. Emerging from the 90-minute meeting just before midnight with House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Obama said that while no final deal had been reached, both sides narrowed the differences between their positions. He added, “I remain confident that if we’re serious about getting something done, we should be able to complete a deal and get it passed and avert a shutdown.” But it’s unclear how serious all parties have been in these negotiations. Funding for the government runs out at midnight tomorrow, and Republicans have thus far been unwilling to make any meaningful concessions, setting up the possibility of the first shutdown in 15 years. In fact, many analysts believe that a shutdown is already inevitable, as a deal had to be reached Tuesday night in order to allow enough time for the bill to work its way through the House and Senate and be signed by the president.

MOVING THE GOAL POSTS: Congressional leaders have been negotiating over funding the government for months, but while Democrats have repeatedly ceded ground, Republicans have so far refused to budge. Last week, Senate Democrats and the White House agreed to a compromise that would cut $33 billion below current levels. Obama has consistently said that he’s willing to meet the GOP halfway, but with the $33 billion figures, Democrats went more than half the way to the GOP bill to fund the government for the rest of the year. In fact, the figure goes even further than the GOP’s original version of the funding bill, which would have cut only $32 billion. GOP leaders quickly withdrew that proposal after it was introduced in February under intense pressure from Tea Party activists and conservative Republicans in Congress. Their newer proposal would cut $61 billion. Noting that Democrats had already agreed to “the Republicans’ original proposal,” Reid said last night, “I guess they were for it before they were against it. But now they’re moving the goal post again .” Meanwhile, Republicans are insisting on using this crisis to advance their unrelated political agenda by demanding that any funding bill include “policy riders” to prohibit funding for abortion and family planning, the EPA’s enforcement of climate change rules, and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. These issues are irrelevant to funding the government and simply complicate negotiations while increasing the likelihood of an impasse, and thus a shutdown. As Obama said Tuesday, “What we can’t be doing is using last year’s budget process to have arguments about abortion, to have arguments about the Environmental Protection Agency, to try to use this budget negotiation as a vehicle for every ideological or political difference between the two parties.”

CHEERING A SHUTDOWN: While Republican congressional leaders repeatedly insisted there’s not “one Republican in Congress who wants a government shutdown,” this simply isn’t true. Numerous Republican representatives and senators — especially those backed by the Tea Party movement — have called for a shutdown if Democrats don’t concede to virtually everything Republicans want. And at a closed door meeting of House Republicans late Monday night, the caucus reportedly gave Boehner “an ovation when he informed them that he was advising the House Administration Committee to begin preparing for a possible shutdown.” For his part, Boehner appears averse to a shutdown, telling his GOP colleagues that if there is a shutdown, Democrats “win.” “The Democrats think they benefit from a government shutdown. I agree,” he said. But freshmen GOP lawmakers and Tea Party favorites like Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) are charging toward a shutdown anyway. And the Tea Party activists that put many of these lawmakers in office are even more eager, rallying in front of the Capitol last week with chants demanding Republicans “Shut it down!” They repeated those calls at another rally outside the Capitol yesterday. A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds that 68 percent of self-identified tea partiers and 56 percent of self-identified Republicans want the GOP to refuse to compromise on budget talks, even if it shuts down the government. Only 28 percent of tea partiers advised GOP leaders to compromise, compared to 66 percent of independents. This puts Boehner in a very tough position. While publicly, he says he does not want a shutdown, he’s been completely beholden to the Tea Party. For instance, on ABC’s Good Morning America today, Boehner called a shutdown “irresponsible”; yet moments later said, “there’s no daylight between the Tea Party and me.” “What they want is they want us to cut spending. They want us to deal with this crushing debt that’s going to crush the future for our kids and grandkids. There’s no daylight there.”

WHAT A SHUTDOWN MEANS: While it’s still unclear exactly what government agencies and services would be taken offline in a shutdown, it is clear that “a shutdown would have real effects on everyday Americans,” as the President said last night, and federal agencies have already prepared contingency plans in case one occurs. Nearly all “non-essential” government functions — those that don’t directly protect life or property — would be shutdown, furloughing some 800,000 federal workers (out of 2.1 million). “The cost of back pay for furloughed government workers would be $174 million for each day the government is closed,” according to a Bloomberg Government analysis. Indeed, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s shutdowns in the mid 1990s cost taxpayers over $800 million in lost productivity. Ironically, a shutdown would also likely grow the the deficit, by increasing the costs of funding our debt, just as it did in 1995. The timing of the shutdown near tax day is particularly inconvenient, as it means the IRS “would not audit tax returns and would not issue refunds to taxpayers who file returns on paper.” For Social Security, a shutdown means that while current beneficiaries could still receive checks, “[a] huge backlog of applications for Social Security disability benefits would grow even larger.” The National Institutes of Health would stop accepting new patients. The State Department would stop or delay issuing passports for Americans and visas for foreigners. The Federal Housing Administration, “the world’s largest insurer of mortgages, could not make new loan guarantees for home buyers,” while the Small Business Administration would stop processing loan applications. And the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission would shut down much of their activities, while “95 percent of workplace safety complaints” would go unanswered. National Parks and Smithsonian Institution museums would close. Meanwhile, “If a shutdown were to happen, the federal money that helps states pay the administrative costs of their stretched unemployment programs could dry up.” This could put immense strain on states that are already struggling to deal with big budget shortfalls from the Great Recession. But the most troubling outcome of a shutdown is that troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan would not be paid. While the Pentagon could pay one week’s worth of work, “all uniformed military personnel would continue to work but would stop receiving paychecks” after that. Speaking to troops in Iraq today, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said an interruption in pay would hurt military families, many of whom now live paycheck to paycheck. “I hope this thing doesn’t happen,” Gates said.

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Congress in Session … the Republican led House -the Senate deals with the CR


The Senate Convenes at 10amET April 7, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the second 30 minutes.

Senator Hoeven will be recognized at noon for up to 25 minutes to deliver his maiden speech to the Senate.

We continue to work to complete action on the small business bill. We also hope to deal with the

CR by the end of the week.

There will be no roll call votes this evening.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.136, United States v. Douglas D. Hampton

Adopted S.Res.137, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of take our daughters and sons to work day.

Passed HR658, as amended with the text of S.223 as a substitute amendment (FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011). Appointed the following conferees: Rockefeller, Boxer, Nelson (FL), Cantwell, Baucus, Hutchison, Ensign, DeMint, and Hatch.

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

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 7, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 7, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:54 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 8, 2011.

Mr. Jackson (IL) moved that the House do now adjourn.

4:19 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order Speeches.

4:18 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13536 of April 12, 2010, with respect to Somalia, is to continue in effect beyond April 12, 2011 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-16).

3:09 P.M. –

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

3:08 P.M. –

Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, April 7, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011 for Morning-Hour Debate Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 910:

to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating any regulation concerning, taking action relating to, or taking into consideration the emission of a greenhouse gas to address climate change, and for other purposes

3:07 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by voice vote.

Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment to change the title of the bill.

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 255 – 172 (Roll No. 249).

3:00 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 251 (Roll No. 248).

2:43 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

2:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney 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 underlying bill from limiting EPA’s Clean Air Act authority to protect the health of children, seniors, and those with asthma and lung diseases from the effects of air pollution emitted by large sources (those that emit 75,000 tons or more of carbon pollution annually).

2:34 P.M. –

Mr. McNerney moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

2:33 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.R. 910 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 1363:

making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 – 181 (Roll no. 247).

2:26 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 191 – 236 (Roll no. 246).

2:10 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

2:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Owens 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 add a new section to the end of title VIII of division A which provides that salaries to members of the armed forces would not be interrupted in the event of a federal government shutdown.

Mr. Owens moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

2:02 P.M. –

On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 187 (Roll no. 245).

1:39 P.M. –

Mr. Rogers (KY) moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair

Mr. Hoyer appealed the ruling of the chair.

1:37 P.M. –

Mr. Rogers (KY) raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Rogers (KY) stated that the provisions of the motion to recommit propose a net increase in budget authority in the bill. Sustained by the Chair.

1:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the 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 that strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts the following: “That the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (Public Law 111-242) is further amended by striking the date specified in section 106(3) and inserting April 15, 2011”.

1:30 P.M. –

Mr. Hoyer moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

1:29 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

12:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1363.

12:09 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1363 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill and the provisions of the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 206.

12:08 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 307 – 113, 2 Present (Roll no. 244).

12:02 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 206:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1363) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules

11:51 A.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 228 – 189 (Roll no. 243).

11:44 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 185 (Roll no. 242).

10:16 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 206.

Considered as privileged matter.

10:04 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

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

10:03 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) 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. Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) objected to the voice vote based upon the absenceof a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

10:01 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Goodbye Medicare, Hello More Corporate Welfare? a word from pfaw.org


Government shutdown looms … and instead of offering real solutions so that Congress and the White House can pass a budget that works for real Americans, the GOP is going off the deep end, proposing plans to shift even more of our nation’s money into the pockets of their corporate donors.

The latest: a proposal by House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI) that guts Medicare. The Republican’s new blueprint shifts costs for health care for seniors and the poor to beneficiaries and the states, but does NOTHING to close tax loopholes and subsidies which allow mega corporations like G.E. to pay zero in U.S. taxes.

Republicans actually have the gall to pretend that this proposal is somehow courageous, because of its massive scope and the supposedly “tough” decisions it includes. But taking medicine from seniors is not courageous, it’s cowardly. Courage is standing up to big corporations and making them pay their fair share.

Speak Up! Tell Congress to LEAVE MEDICARE ALONE. If they’re serious about deficits, they will end corporate welfare before gutting the vital programs on which Americans depend for survival.

Medicare will go away, but subsidies to Exxon will be untouched? There is something seriously wrong with that picture.

Americans have already paid for their Medicare benefits. Taking that money to pay for tax cuts for corporate special interests, and billionaires like the Koch brothers and Donald Trump — who incredibly pays the same tax rate as one of his mid-level managers — amounts to theft, plain and simple, even if members of Congress are using the law to do it.

We can address the deficit and still protect necessities like Social Security, Medicare, unemployment benefits and education assistance. Those on the Right who say otherwise are lying to you and every other American — right to your faces — and they’re offering a false choice. Billions in subsidies for oil companies (which Republicans voted to extend last month) … tax loopholes that allow corporations like G.E. and several of Wall Street’s largest banks to get a free ride … that’s are where Congress needs to put its focus.

Tell Congress: Hands off Medicare; Stop Corporate Welfare.

Thank you as always for your activism and your commitment to the American Way.

Sincerely,

Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

P.S. Under Rep. Ryan’s plan, 90% of Americans would have their taxes increased but the richest would get another tax cut. Perversely, as a share of income, the poorest 20% would have by far the biggest increase and richest 1% would get the bulk of the cuts — a massive 15%.

This assault on the poor and middle class is NOT the American Way. Speak out now.