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the Senate CONGRESS 6/9 the House

06/09/2014 Nativegrl77

climate change is real

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, June 9, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes on the following:

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #734, the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia;

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; and

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

If cloture is invoked on any of the nominations, on Tuesday, June 10^th at 10:00am, all post-cloture time will be considered expired and the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above.

For the information of all Senators, during Thursday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the following nominations in the following order:

– Executive Calendar #734, M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia;

– Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts;

– Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada;

– Executive Calendar #769, Lael Brainard, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (8 hours of post-cloture debate);

– Executive Calendar #771, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (8 hours of post-cloture debate); and

– Executive Calendar #767, Stanley Fischer, of New York, to be Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors (8 hours of post-cloture debate).

After the Senate convened today, Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.2432, a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the refinancing of certain Federal student loans. The Senate is now in a period of morning business until 5:30pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 5:30pm today, there will be a series of 3 roll call votes on the following motions:

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #734, the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia;

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; and

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2432, a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the refinancing of certain Federal student loans. The cloture vote is expected to occur on Wednesday, June 11. Another message will be sent once the vote time is scheduled.

5:32pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #734, the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia;

Invoked: 52-32

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; and

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

6:04pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts;

Invoked: 52-33

Cloture on Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada (10 minute vote)

At 6:20, the Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada

Invoked: 53-34

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in several series of votes tomorrow and Thursday, June 12. As a reminder, cloture was also filed on the motion to proceed to the College Affordability bill and that vote will occur at a time to be determined on Wednesday. Additional votes are possible this week, but the current schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, June 10:

10:00am—1 roll call vote:

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #734, the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia

12:00noon — 2 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada

2:30pm,–3 roll call votes:

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #769, Lael Brainard, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #771, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #767, Stanley Fischer, of New York, to be Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors

Wednesday, June 11:

TBD-cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2432, College Affordability

Thursday, June 12:

1:45pm—3 roll call votes—(if cloture is invoked on the Federal Reserve nominations on Tuesday)

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #769, Lael Brainard, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #771, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #767, Stanley Fischer, of New York, to be Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors

At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, with the concurrence of the Republican Leader, there will be up to 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #523, Crystal Nix-Hines, of California, for the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service as the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #734, the nomination of M. Hannah Lauck, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia; invoked: 52-32

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #736, Leo T. Sorokin, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts; Invoked: 52-33

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #739, Richard Franklin Boulware II, of Nevada, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nevada; Invoked: 53-34

No Legislative items

The Senate began the Rule 14 process to place S.2450, Veterans’ Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 (Sanders and McCain), on the Legislative Calendar of Business.

No additional Executive items

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2432, a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for the refinancing of certain Federal student loans

=========================================================

Last Floor Action:
11:15:15 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 10, 2014.

Last Floor Action:6/5
3:04:46 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to section 3(b) of H. Res. 604.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on June 9, 2014.

12:00:11 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:01:29 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:59 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:11:24 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. today. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:21 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 9.
2:00:26 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:38 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:44 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:16 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:08:58 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 5, 2014 at 5:05 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. 1044.
2:09:20 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 604. H.R. 4745 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
2:09:25 P.M.	H.R. 4745	All points of order against consideration of the bills are waived. General debate shall not exceed one hour, after debate the bills shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute for H.R. 4681, an amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in Rules Committee Print 113-45 shall be considered as an original bill. No amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be made in order except those printed in the report.
2:10:00 P.M.	H.R. 4745	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 604 and Rule XVIII.
2:10:01 P.M.	H.R. 4745	The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:10:10 P.M.	H.R. 4745	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4745.
2:30:08 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Meehan, to transfer $3,000,000 from the salaries and expenses account of the Office of the Secretary to the safety and operations account of the Federal Railroad Adminstration.
2:30:12 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Meehan amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:33:50 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Meehan amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment seeks to amend portions of the bill not yet read. The Chair sustained the point of order.
2:35:12 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Farenthold, to transfer $6,000,000 from the salaries and expenses account of the Office of the Secretary to the airport and airway trust fund.
2:35:18 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Farenthold amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:40:32 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Farenthold amendment; Failed by voice vote.
2:41:52 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Walberg, to strike section 102 from the bill regarding proposals related to the reduction of motorcycle fatalities.
2:41:58 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Walberg amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:46:12 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Walberg amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:50:59 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Duffy, to ensure that there be no limit or other prohibition for a vehicle transporting raw or unfinished forest product if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of 98,000 pounds or less.
2:51:03 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Duffy amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:54:38 P.M.	H.R. 4745	By unanimous consent, the Duffy amendment was withdrawn.
2:57:47 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation by $340,000,000 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
2:57:50 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
3:05:48 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by voice vote.
3:05:59 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce the Operating Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation by $34 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:06:02 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
3:08:09 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:09:42 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Butterfield, to reduce the administrative expenses account of FTA and increase the technical assistance and training account by $2,000,000.
3:09:47 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Butterfield amendment under the five-minute rule.
3:11:33 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Butterfield amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:11:59 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Griffin (AR), to transfer $500,000 from the adminstrative expenses account of the FTA to the operational account of PHMSA.
3:12:04 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Griffin amendment under the five-minute rule.
3:15:30 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Griffin (AR) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:16:58 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Poe (TX), to strike section 165 from the bill related to light or heavy rail projects in Houston, Texas.
3:17:01 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Poe (TX) amendment under the five-minute rule.
3:26:53 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Poe (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Poe (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:35:39 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Chabot, to reduce funding in specified accounts by a total of $2,910,252,900 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:35:43 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chabot amendment under the five-minute rule.
3:42:31 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Chabot amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Chabot demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:42:56 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler, to ensure public housing vouchers are renewed.
3:42:59 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Nadler amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:50:25 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Nadler amendment. Mr. Latham stated that provisions of the amendment proposes a net increase of the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
3:56:06 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham moved that the Committee now rise.
3:56:28 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
3:56:38 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4745 as unfinished business.
4:03:26 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:03:40 P.M.	H. Res. 600	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 600 — “Urging the Government of Afghanistan, following a successful first round of the presidential election on April 5, 2014, to pursue a transparent, credible, and inclusive run-off presidential election on June 14, 2014, while ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, poll workers, and election observers.”
4:03:51 P.M.	H. Res. 600	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:03:53 P.M.	H. Res. 600	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 600.
4:17:38 P.M.	H. Res. 600	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:19:33 P.M.	H.R. 4412	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4412 — “To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.”
4:19:50 P.M.	H.R. 4412	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:19:51 P.M.	H.R. 4412	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4412.
4:49:27 P.M.	H.R. 4412	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
4:50:00 P.M.	S. 1254	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. S. 1254 — “To amend the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998, and for other purposes.”
4:50:08 P.M.	S. 1254	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:50:13 P.M.	S. 1254	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1254.
5:05:41 P.M.	S. 1254	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:06:19 P.M.	H.R. 2072	Mr. Benishek moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2072 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the accountability of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
5:06:38 P.M.	H.R. 2072	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:06:40 P.M.	H.R. 2072	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2072.
5:29:17 P.M.	H.R. 2072	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:30:02 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 100	Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 100 — “Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”
5:30:04 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 100	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:30:05 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 100	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 100.
5:50:28 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 100	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
5:51:00 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 36	Mrs. Miller (MI) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. S. Con. Res. 36 — “Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the next of kin or personal representative of Raoul Wallenberg.”
5:51:01 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 36	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:51:03 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 36	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 36.

6:00:07 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 36	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
6:01:12 P.M.	H.R. 3211	Mr. Huizenga (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3211 — “To amend the Truth in Lending Act to improve upon the definitions provided for points and fees in connection with a mortgage transaction.”
6:01:52 P.M.	H.R. 3211	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:01:54 P.M.	H.R. 3211	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3211.
6:07:53 P.M.	H.R. 3211	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:08:20 P.M.	H.R. 1679	Mr. Huizenga (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1679 — “To amend the Expedited Funds Availability Act to clarify the application of that Act to American Samoa.”
6:08:35 P.M.	H.R. 1679	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:08:36 P.M.	H.R. 1679	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1679.
6:14:42 P.M.	H.R. 1679	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:14:43 P.M.	H.R. 1679	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
6:15:32 P.M.	H.R. 4228	Mr. Duncan (SC) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4228 — “To require the Department of Homeland Security to improve discipline, accountability, and transparency in acquisition program management.”
6:15:45 P.M.	H.R. 4228	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:15:46 P.M.	H.R. 4228	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4228.
6:31:32 P.M.	H.R. 4228	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:31:56 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceeding had been postponed.
6:32:19 P.M.	H.R. 4412	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4412 — “To authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.”
6:57:52 P.M.	H.R. 4412	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 272).

6:59:05 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Las Vagas, NV shooting.
7:01:28 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4745 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
7:01:44 P.M.	H.R. 4745	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
7:02:07 P.M.	H.R. 4745	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
7:03:09 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment (A006) Roll Call 273 – Recorded vote pending.

7:07:01 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 273).
7:12:09 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Chabot amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 274).
7:13:40 P.M.	H.R. 4745	VACATING DEMAND FOR RECORDED VOTE – Mr. Poe (TX) asked unanimous consent to withdraw his request for a recorded vote on his amendment to the end that the amendment stand rejected by the earlier voice vote. Agreed to without objection.
7:13:42 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Poe (TX) amendment; Failed pursuant to a unanimous consent agreement
7:54:45 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gohmert, to reduce funding for the Public Housing Capital Fund by $7.1 million; to reduce funding for the Public Housing Operating Fund by $17.6 million and to apply the total savings of $24.7 million to the spending reduction account.
7:54:54 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gohmert amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:00:55 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gohmert amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gohmert demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:07:58 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler, to increase funding for Community Planning and Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS, by $29.1 million and to reduce funding for Information Technology by a similar amount.
8:08:02 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Nadler amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:12:49 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Nadler amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Nadler demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:13:19 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capito, to increase funding for the Community Development Fund by $100 million and to reduce funding for the Home Investment Partnerships Program by a similar amount.
8:13:39 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Capito amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:20:06 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capito amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Capito demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:21:27 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for the Community Development Fund by $200 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
8:21:39 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:25:16 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by voice vote.
8:26:03 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for the Community Development Fund by $20 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
8:26:37 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:29:45 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:31:26 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Duffy, to increase funding for Continuum of Care and Rural Housing Stability Assistance by $10 million.
8:31:28 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Duffy amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:33:15 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Duffy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:34:31 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Conyers, to increase funding for the National Homeless Data Analysis Project by $2 million.
8:34:35 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Conyers amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:40:09 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Conyers amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:44:20 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for Rental Housing Assistance by $7 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
8:44:22 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:48:19 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:50:33 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, to increase funding for Policy Development and Research, Research and Technology, by $1 million and to reduce funding for Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General, by a similar amount.
8:50:36 P.M.	H.R. 4745	The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee amendment under the five-minute rule pending reservation of a point of order.
8:53:42 P.M.	H.R. 4745	By unanimous consent, the Jackson Lee amendment was withdrawn.
8:53:49 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Ms. Lee (CA), to increase funding for Fair Housing Activities by $10 million and to reduce funding for Information Technology by a similar amount.
8:53:52 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lee (CA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:58:33 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Lee (CA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:59:12 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to increase funding for creation and promotion of translated materials and other programs that support the assistance of persons with limited English proficiency in utilizing services provided by HUD by $150,000.
8:59:14 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Grayson (FL) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:02:20 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:10:15 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Himes, to insert a new section providing for establishment of a budget-neutral demonstration program for mulitfamily housing energy and water conservation.
9:10:18 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Himes amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
9:12:54 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Himes amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the Himes amendment proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
9:14:40 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA), to reduce funding for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Office of Inspector General by $1 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:14:43 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:20:17 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:24:52 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Ms. Waters, to prohibit use of funds to require the relocation, or to carry out any required location, of any asset management positions of the Office of Multifamily Housing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
9:24:55 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Waters amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:28:07 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Waters amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:29:41 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Burgess, to prohibit use of funds to authorize a person to operate an unmanned aircraft system in the national airspace system for the purpose, in whole or in part, of using the unmanned aircraft system as a weapon or to deliver a weapon against a person or property; or to manufacture, sell, or distribute an unmanned aircraft system, or a component thereof, for use in the national airspace system as a weapon or to deliver a weapon against a person or property.
9:29:46 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burgess amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
9:33:13 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Burgess amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the Burgess amendment seek to change existing law and constitute legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
9:40:37 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Hartzler, to prohibit use of funds to enforce section 319 of title 23, United States Code.
9:40:39 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hartzler amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:46:32 P.M.	H.R. 4745	PROCEEDINGS POSTPONED – At the conclusion of debate on the Hartzler amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hartzler demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:47:23 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Ms. Norton, to prohibit use of funds in contravention of the 5th or 14th Amendment to the Constitution or title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
9:47:25 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Norton amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:49:57 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Norton amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:50:28 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Daines, to prohibit use of funds to develop, issue, or implement regulations that increase levels of minimum financial responsibility for transporting passengers or property as in effect on January 1, 2014, under regulations issued pursuant to sections 31138 and 31139 of title 49, United States Code.
9:50:31 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Daines amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:58:06 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Daines amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Cartwright demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:59:45 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeFazio, to prohibit use of funds to approve a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption application under U.S. law of an air carrier already holding an air operators certificate issued by a country that is party to the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Nor ay Air Transport Agreement where such approval would contravene U.S. law or the Agreement.
9:59:48 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the DeFazio amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:06:30 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the DeFazio amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:08:02 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, to prohibit use of funds in contravention of section 5309 of title 49, United States Code.
10:08:05 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:09:13 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:10:55 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Lowenthal, to allow unobligated funds made available to a State in FY 2010 for the Interstate Maintenance Discretionary program under section 118(c) of title 23, U.S.C. as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act to be made available to the State upon request.
10:10:58 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lowenthal amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
10:12:15 P.M.	H.R. 4745	By unanimous consent, the Lowenthal amendment was withdrawn.
10:13:44 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSantis, to prohibit use of funds under title II to repay any loan made, guaranteed, or insured by HUD.
10:13:48 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the DeSantis amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:14:31 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the DeSantis amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:16:20 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Amendment offered by Mr. Grayson.
10:16:23 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Grayson amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:17:10 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:18:27 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit use of funds by HUD to retain any legal counsel who is not an employee of HUD or the Department of Justice.
10:18:30 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:24:36 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:27:57 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce the proposed rule entitle “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing”, published by HUD on July 19, 2013 in the Federal Register.
10:28:00 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:35:47 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:36:37 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit use of funds to administer the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Roadside Survey.
10:36:42 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:37:10 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:42:06 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming, to prohibit use of funds to acquire a camera for the purpose of collecting or storing vehicle license plate numbers.
10:42:09 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fleming amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:47:11 P.M.	H.R. 4745	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Fleming amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Fleming demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:48:05 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Amendment offered by Mr. Garamendi.
10:48:06 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garamendi amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
10:50:43 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Garamendi amendment. Mr Latham stated that the Garamendi amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
10:51:00 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to prohibit use of funds to make bonus awards to contractors for work on projects that are behind schedule or over budget.
10:51:02 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Grayson amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
10:58:45 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Grayson amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the Grayson amendment proposed to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
11:00:00 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Amendment offered by Mr. Garamendi.
11:00:03 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garamendi amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
11:03:39 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Garamendi amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the Garamendi amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
11:05:01 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to prohibit use of funds to authorize, approve, or implement a toll on existing free lanes on any segment of Interstate 4 in the State of Florida.
11:05:05 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Grayson amendment under the five-minute rule.
11:08:39 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Failed by voice vote.
11:09:27 P.M.	H.R. 4745	An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to prohibit use of funds to provide a per-passenger subsidy in excess of $250 under the Essential Air Service program.
11:09:31 P.M.	H.R. 4745	DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Grayson amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
11:12:07 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Grayson amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the Grayson amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
11:13:45 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Mr. Latham moved that the Committee rise.
11:14:01 P.M.	H.R. 4745	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
11:14:10 P.M.	H.R. 4745	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4745 as unfinished business.
11:15:05 P.M.		Mr. Chaffetz moved that the House do now adjourn.
11:15:14 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
11:15:15 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 10, 2014.

============================================

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Rape … in India

06/08/2014 Nativegrl77

Two young girls were hanged from a tree after being gang raped in the fields outside their home in India and a high ranking government official just responded by saying that rape “is a social crime … sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong.” Let’s make sure India’s leader knows that this is unacceptable and demand he acts now to stop the rape epidemic. Sign now:

That is the government’s response! It’s disgusting and we can change it.

India’s new leader was just elected on a pro-business platform with increased tourism as one of his top economic growth goals. If two million of us, right now, pledge not go to India until something is done about the rape epidemic across the country, we could get his attention and force him to prioritise urgent action.

Sign now and at two million signers, Avaaz will bring our call to the major Indian tourist companies that have Prime Minister Modi’s ear and lobby for travel advisories until something is done to protect this generation of girls and women:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/womanifesto_modi_21/?biEWLbb&v=40655

When the 14 and 15 year old girls went missing, one girl’s dad went to the police and fell in front of them on his hands and knees pleading for them to do something. They laughed at him and told him to go home. This appalling inaction happens to countless families across India that face this horror. The police, the judiciary, and even ministers are failing them! It’s a culture of acceptance of rape!

Before the elections there was a massive movement building to get urgent action to stop violence against women. Experts drafted a Womanifesto — a common sense plan for urgently needed reforms to stop the rape epidemic. It covers law, policing, medical and psychological support, and crucially — public education. Other major parties signed up to it, but Modi ignored it focusing on economics, and it is still languishing on his desk.

Even Modi’s staff agree with the plan. Now we just need Modi to put it into action.

If millions pledge to not visit India now until action is taken, and that call is bolstered by targeted calls to the mega travel businesses that support Modi and calls to our own governments to issue travel warnings, we could force Modi to act to save his political future. Click below to sign now:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/womanifesto_modi_21/?biEWLbb&v=40655

The shock and horror of opening the newspaper and reading this story can sit with us, or it can spur us into action. This is our chance to come together as a global community and use our power and our hope to help and entire nation set out on the journey towards equality and safety for all.

With hope,

Alice, Alaphia, Dalia, Laura, Shreya, Ricken and the rest of the Avaaz team

More Information:

India State Minister on rape: ‘Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong’
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/05/india-state-minister-rape-crimes-comment

Another girl found hanging in Uttar Pradesh. Rape attempt on judge
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-another-girl-found-hanging-in-uttar-pradesh-rape-attempt-on-judge-1993315

Modi unveils ‘Five Ts’: BJP’s PM candidate says Talent, Tourism, Tech, Trade and Tradition are the watchwords for India’s future
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2542285/Modi-unveils-Five-Ts-BJPs-PM-candidate-says-Talent-Tourism-Tech-Trade-Tradition-watchwords-Indias-future.html

Horrified at reports of violence against women in India: US on Badaun Rape case
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/horrified-at-reports-of-violence-against-women-in-india-us-on-badaun-rape-case-535671

UN condemns gang rape and murder of teenage girls in Uttar Pradesh and calls for justice
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_73685.html

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

JPMorgan Chase dropping mountain destruction

06/07/2014 Nativegrl77

Tell the Banks to Stop Financing Mountain Destruction

This could be the tipping point for the horrific practice of Mountaintop Removal coal mining.

Just this week, JPMorgan Chase updated its environmental policy, revealing that it will be ending financial relationships with Mountaintop Removal coal mining companies.

Wells Fargo and BNP Paribas/Bank of the West have recently taken similar steps. If the other major banks commit to stop financing mountaintop removal, fossil fuel companies will have no choice but to end the obliteration of mountains and poisoning of communities for coal.

tell Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to stop financing Mountaintop Removal coal mining!

Mountaintop Removal (MTR) is a mining practice that uses explosives to literally blow the tops off mountains for the coal inside. The rubble is then pushed into streams and poisons the water supply for thousands of people. This is morally unacceptable and why many, many local communities in Appalachia, along with activists around the world, are taking a stand against MTR.

For more than five years, Rainforest Action Network members like you have demanded JPMorgan Chase and other banks drop MTR financing. And while we’ll have to remain vigilant to ensure JPMorgan Chase stays on the path away from MTR, the bank’s new policy demonstrates that your activism is working.

JPMorgan Chase will no longer be doing business with companies like Alpha Natural Resources—the worst of the worst when it comes to MTR. Last month, the EPA issued Alpha the largest water pollution discharge penalty in the history of the Clean Water Act. The company also faces ten lawsuits over water pollution at its MTR mines.;

JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, shows that the smart money is leaving companies like Alpha Natural Resources. Other major banks do not want to be singled out for continuing to support environmental destruction and poisoning communities.

Tell the banks to drop Alpha Natural Resources and adopt a policy to phase out MTR financing.

Our movement is truly turning the tide against MTR. Companies like Alpha Natural Resources need financing from big banks to continue the destruction. If we make sure the banks can’t hide their responsibility for keeping MTR alive, we can force them to act to protect their image.

JPMorgan Chase is acting to protect its image right now by moving out of MTR financing. Let’s use that momentum. Send the banks a message today and help end Mountaintop Removal coal mining once and for all.

		For healthy communities and a healthy ecosystem,
		Amanda Starbuck Energy and Finance Program Director Twitter:@starbuck

Photo Credit: Kent Kessinger/Appalachian Voices

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Keystone XL: Where Things Stand

06/07/2014 Nativegrl77

It’s been four weeks since the climate movement won a significant delay on the Keystone XL pipeline. Since then, the oil industry and their political and media backers have gotten increasingly desperate:

Oil companies tried to ram a vote on Keystone through the U.S. Senate. This week, that effort collapsed in disarray and finger-pointing among the fossil fuel industry’s biggest political boosters.
TransCanada, the Canadian company behind Keystone, even resorted to threats to sue the U.S. government under NAFTA. Early this month, they were forced to disavow that outrageous tactic.
Pro-Keystone commentators are truly grasping at straws, including claiming that President Obama is delaying a decision to pave the way for a government takeover of the energy sector,¹ and arguing that it’s the poor, under-resourced oil industry—and not the environmental movement—that’s the real underdog in the fight over the pipeline.²

These bottom-of-the-barrel tactics signal that fossil fuel corporations will do anything to avoid facing up to the view that one prominent analyst voiced last week: “We have been of the opinion for nearly a year now that Keystone XL is dead.”³

This delay means another year that tar sands oil stays in the ground, instead of flowing through the pipeline. This delay is another nail in the coffin of this disastrous project. And you—the incredible grassroots tide of resolve and determination—are the ones who made this happen.

Keystone would have been just another routine dirty energy infrastructure project if not for public pressure—like the unprecedented 2.5 million public comments submitted into the approvals process. People all along the pipeline route, from Alberta to the Gulf Coast—especially Indigenous communities and farming communities—mobilized against the project.

Another key factor has been the threat of massive civil disobedience if President Obama approves the pipeline—one veteran environmental campaigner called it the “sharpest arrow in the quiver” of the Keystone opposition movement. Almost 100,000 people signed Keystone XL Pledge of Resistance, committing to take direct action if the administration lights the fuse of the continent’s biggest carbon bomb.

So while we’re proud that the movement won a major delay, the struggle is far from over. Here at Rainforest Action Network, we’re staying vigilant on Keystone. We’re continuing to hone the cutting edge of the climate movement by training committed activists. And we’re taking fast, strategic action to block dirty energy deals.

Thank you for all you’ve done.

		For a healthy climate,
		Amanda Starbuck Energy and Finance Program Director

P.S. Alongside our work on Keystone, RAN is engaged in a range of dirty energy fights. We’ve successfully pressured banks like JPMorgan Chase to move away from mountaintop removal (MTR) coal mining, and we’re approaching a tipping point with Barclays, the world’s biggest financier of MTR. Add your voice!

Sources:

1. “Obama Blocks Keystone To Start Energy Takeover,” Investor’s Business Daily, May 13, 2014 (http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials-perspective/051314-700702-obama-wants-energy-markets-fossil-fuels-under-government-heel.htm)
2. “Mainstream media don’t know Big Green has deeper pockets than Big Oil,” Washington Examiner, May 13, 2014 (http://washingtonexaminer.com/mainstream-media-dont-know-big-green-has-deeper-pockets-than-big-oil/article/2548405)
3. “The Keystone Pipeline is Quickly Becoming Obsolete,” Business Insider, May 7, 2014 (http://www.businessinsider.com/the-keystone-pipeline-is-quickly-becoming-obsolete-2014-5)

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: Pass Restoring Veterans’ Trust Act

06/06/2014 Nativegrl77

VoteVets.org

Like many veterans, when I returned home from Iraq, I sought care at a VA facility near my home.

So you can imagine why the politicization of the disclosures at the VA facility in Phoenix has gotten me down. The truth is, we’ve all known for some time that the veterans’ health system needs real reform.

And while President Obama and Secretary Shinseki have done admirable work to reduce the backlog, we’ve long needed solutions that get to the root of the problems.

This week, the U.S. Senate has a chance to take meaningful action to improve veterans’ health care, and I hope they take it this time.

Join VoteVets and Campaign for Americans Future and tell your Senators to vote for Bernie Sanders’ Restoring Veterans’ Trust Act of 2014.

Here’s what the bill does:

1. Authorizes the VA to hire new doctors and nurses, closing the gap between a growing number of veterans returning home to seek care and the number of health care professionals able to deliver it.

2. Allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of locations delivering care by leasing twenty-seven new health facilities in eighteen states.

3. To address long-term needs, the legislation awards scholarships and forgives student debt for health care professionals willing to accept positions at the VA.

These are important steps Congress should take right now in order to improve short and long-term care for our nation’s veterans.

Tell the Senate to support the Restoring Veterans’ Trust Act of 2014.

http://action.votevets.org/va-reform

In late February, right-wing Senators led a filibuster against similar legislation that would have struck at the root of problems within the VA system.

It’s time to end the talk and take some action.

Jon Soltz
Iraq War Veteran and Chairman
VoteVets.org