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Senator Patty Murray

05/28/2010 Nativegrl77

Thank you for contacting me regarding energy exploration off our nation’s coastlines.

Since the passage of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in 1952, the federal government has leased the underwater terrain extending for 200 miles beyond states’ jurisdiction. Due to environmental concerns, Congress limited energy exploitation of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to clearly-defined areas in the Gulf of Mexico and off Alaska’s coast, and affirmed a moratorium on the expansion of drilling outside those areas. In 2008, President George W. Bush removed the moratoria on offshore leasing for most areas of the OCS. In March 2010, President Obama approved new offshore oil and gas drilling in the waters of the mid and south Atlantic, the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico and certain waters surrounding Alaska. The waters that remain restricted to offshore oil and gas development are located off the West Coast and Bristol Bay in Alaska.

As you may know, after the explosion and heartbreaking deaths of 11 crewmembers of the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has temporarily halted all new offshore drilling permits. Additionally, a moratorium on new permits is in effect until a thorough federal investigation of this catastrophic incident can be completed. I believe the companies responsible for atrocities of this nature should be held financially accountable. I recently cosponsored the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Liability Act of 2010 (S. 3305) and the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Trust Fund Act of 2010 (S. 3306) to ensure taxpayers will not pay to clean up spills and oil companies are held accountable for all of the costs resulting from their accidents. Both of these bills are currently pending in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Throughout my Senate tenure, I have opposed efforts to expand offshore drilling. Additionally, I have long championed banning all offshore development along the West Coast. I recently became an original cosponsor of the West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2010 (S. 3358). This bill would amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from authorizing leases for exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in any area of the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California. This bill is currently being considered in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Like you, I am deeply concerned about record-high energy prices and our continuing dependence on foreign oil. I firmly believe that we must move forward with policies that promote alternative energy, energy conservation and efficiency. As Congress continues to deal with energy and natural resource extraction issues, I will be working to ensure that we institute a sensible, comprehensive energy policy that focuses on renewable energy and decreases our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.

I appreciate hearing your comments and concerns with offshore oil and gas development. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my weekly updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. Thank you for contacting me about this important issue, and please keep in touch.
Sincerely,

Patty Murray
United States Senator

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follow Friday &Congress …

05/28/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 10:00am Et

Morning Business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

Unanimous Consent:
Confirmed the following Executive Calendar items:
#909-915, military promotions
#918, Gervin Miyamoto, US Marshal, HI
#919, Scott Parker, US Marshal, Eastern District NC
#920, Laura Duffy, US Attorney, Southern District CA
#921, Daryl McPherson, US Marshal, Northern District IL
#922, Stephanie Finley, US Attorney, Western District LA
All nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps and Navy

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 28, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:25 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

4:20 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 407:: expressing support for designation of May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month”

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

4:19 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 proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 5136:: to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

4:18 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 5136.Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 229 – 186 (Roll no. 336).

4:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Skelton amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:09 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment to prohibit the use of funds for the transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by recorded vote: 282 – 131 (Roll no. 335).

3:53 P.M. –

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

3:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Forbes motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to prohibit the use of funds for the transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

3:46 P.M. –

Mr. Forbes moved to recommit with instructions to Armed Services.

3:45 P.M. –

On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 183 (Roll no. 334).

3:28 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chairMrs. Bachmann appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.

3:22 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr.Skelton stated that the motion was not germane to the bill Sustained by the Chair.Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.

3:21 P.M. –

Mrs. Bachmann moved to recommit with instructions to Armed Services.

3:20 P.M. –

The 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.The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5136.

On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by recorded vote: 416 – 1 (Roll no. 333).

3:03 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton asked unanimous consent that the demand for a recorded vote on the Shea-Porter amendment numbered 81 be withdrawn.

3:02 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of the Skelton en bloc amendment numbered 9 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

3:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5330, without amendment, and agreed to H.Con.Res. 282, without amendment. And, the Senate passed H.R. 4899, with amendments, and ask for a conference with the House and appointed conferees.

H.R. 5116:: to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 262 – 150 (Roll no. 332).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:54 P.M. –

On agreeing to ninth portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 706 Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 234 (Roll no. 331).

2:48 P.M. –

On agreeing to eighth portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 705 Agreed to by recorded vote: 348 – 68 (Roll no. 330).

2:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to seventh portion of the divided question, proposing to add a section 704 Agreed to by recorded vote: 409 – 0 (Roll no. 329).

2:35 P.M. –

On agreeing to sixth portion of the divided question, proposing to amend section 702 Failed by recorded vote: 197 – 215 (Roll no. 328).

2:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to fifth portion of the divided question, proposing to strike subtitle C of title VI Failed by voice vote.On agreeing to fourth portion of the divided question, proposing to strike section 503 Failed by voice vote.

2:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to third portion of the diveded question, proposing to strike section 502 Failed by voice vote.

2:27 P.M. –

On agreeing to second portion of the divided question, proposing to strike sections 406(b) and (c) Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 244 (Roll no. 327).

2:20 P.M. –

On agreeing to the first portion of the divided question, proposing to strike section 228 Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 243 (Roll no. 326).

1:55 P.M. –

Mr. Gordon of Tennessee demanded the question of adoption on the amendment be divided into each 9 of its components. The Chair announced that the question would be divided and began putting the question of adoption on each portion.Amendment offered by Mr. Gordon (TN).

1:54 P.M. –

The Chair announced the unfinished business was the resumption of proceedings on H.R. 5116. At the time when proceedings had been postponed on May 13, 2010, the motion to recommit with instructions had been adopted and pursuant to the instructions contained in the motion, the amendment required to be reported back to the House had not yet been submitted. Pursuant to the instructions contained in the motion, the Chair recognized Mr. Gordon for the purpose of offering the amendment.

1:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 4213:: to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes

1:52 P.M. –

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

1:51 P.M. –

On concurring in Senate amendment with portion of amendment comprising section 523 Agreed to by recorded vote: 245 – 171 (Roll no. 325).

1:38 P.M. –

On concurring in Senate amendment with amendment (except portion comprising section 523) Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 204 (Roll no. 324).

1:09 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

11:41 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1403, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4213 with an amendment. Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1403 and at the conclusion of debate on the motion, the Chair will put the question in divided portions.

11:40 A.M. –

Mr. Levin moved that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.The Chair put the question on consideration of the motion to concur in Senate amendment with an amendment. Agreed to by voice vote.

H. Res. 1415:: electing minority members to certain standing committees

11:37 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

11:36 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1392:: waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

11:35 A.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1403, H. Res. 1392 is laid on the table.

H. Res. 1403:: providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4213) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 199 (Roll no. 323).

11:27 A.M. –

On agreeing to the Slaughter amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 215 – 206 (Roll no. 322).

11:17 A.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 182 (Roll no. 321).

11:09 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1391:: congratulating Israel for its accession to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 – 0 (Roll no. 320).

10:59 A.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 182, 1 Present (Roll no. 319).

10:33 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and on motions to suspend the rules which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H. Res. 1403:: providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4213) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes

10:32 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 860, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

10:28 A.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Slaughter.

9:21 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1403

9:19 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

9:06 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.

9:05 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Walz to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Ms. Tsongas demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Tsongas demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

9:02 A.M. –

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

9:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable David R. Obey to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

9:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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What BP doesn’t want you to see

05/27/2010 Nativegrl77

I just finished watching this video — and I hope every American sees it.

Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famous explorer Jacques Cousteau, went underwater off the Gulf Coast to see first-hand what the Deepwater Oil Disaster looks and feels like. And the answer he came back with: “This is a nightmare.”

Watch this video and share it with all your friends.

We’ve seen the oil start to wash up on shore, and we’ve seen satellite images of the slick. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg: Take a look at the underwater impact of the oil geyser and the dangerous chemicals BP is using to “disperse” it — effects that could last for decades, even if today’s risky “Top Kill” maneuver to plug the well works.

It’s never been clearer: The consequences of our dependence on oil, from the Deepwater Oil Disaster to the climate crisis, are completely unacceptable.

Sincerely,

David Boundy
Campaign Manager
Repower America

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ThinkProgress.org

05/27/2010 Nativegrl77

ECONOMY — ANTI-STIMULUS CRUSADER GOV. RICK PERRY BALANCES HIS STATE’S BUDGET WITH STIMULUS FUNDS: Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) joined a handful of Republican governors last year in rejecting various portions of the economic recovery package. Perry explained his position: “[It] was pretty simple for us. …We can take care of ourselves.” The Texas state legislature eventually pushed Perry to accept the money but he still insisted he believes “there are better ways to reinvigorate our economy and believe [the stimulus] will burden future generations with unprecedented levels of debt.” However, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that “billions of dollars from that initiative helped Texas legislators balance the current budget.” Perry is not the only governor to rail against the stimulus while relying on it to balance his budget. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) called the stimulus “incoherent” and “largely wasted,” but still used it to fix one-third of his state’s budget hole. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office recently found that the Recovery Act not only prevented key state budget cuts around the country, but also raised GDP by up to 4 percent and created 2.8 million jobs.

Black History

Thursday debates/votes in Congress

05/27/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET May 27, 2010

Things that might be on the Floor today …UI benefits, Medicare payments to Doctors, Defense, DADT and JOBS

House Democrats say they have the votes to pass their new campaign finance reform bill. The bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act, now has 114 co-sponsors and will be voted on either at the end of this week or after the Memorial Day weekend and Senate Armed Services Committee member Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he announced last night. Byrd’s support was won with the insertion of language that would “give Congress an additional 60 days to thoroughly review the implementation policy once certified.”

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. There will be up to 20 minutes for debate prior to a series of votes.

The Senate has reached the following agreement.

The Senate is now voting on the DeMint motion to Suspend the rules in order to consider the DeMint amendment #4177. No amendment s are in order to the motion. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the DeMint motion to suspend. If the DeMint motion to suspend is not agreed to, then no further amendments or motions on the subject of the DeMint motion be in order.

There will then be up to 2 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Collins and Boxer prior to a vote in relation to the Collins amendment #4253 (EPA lead ruling). No amendments are in order to the Collins amendment prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Collins amendment, there will be up to 8 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Inouye #4299 (Filipino Veterans)
– Burr #4273 (Filipino Veterans)

Upon disposition of the Inouye and Burr amendments, the remaining pending amendments will be withdrawn. No further amendments are in order, expect for a managers’ amendment which has been cleared by the managers and leaders. If offered, the amendment will be considered and agreed.

All post-cloture debate time will be yielded back and without further intervening action or debate the substitute amendment, as amended, will be agreed to. The Senate will then proceed to vote on passage of HR4899, as amended.

Upon passage, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the 2 houses, and the Chair authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate, with the Appropriations Committee appointed as conferees.

The cloture motion on the bill is withdrawn.

After these votes, there will be no further votes this week. We expect the House to send us Tax Extenders in pieces late tonight. If that is the case, we would consider Extenders when we return on Monday, June 7th. Senators have expressed interest in considering amendments to the bill and we would not be able to reach an agreement this week.

Votes:

165: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the McCain amendment #4241: ;
Not Waived: 51-46

166: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Kyl #4228, as modified (Courthouse funding);
Not Waived: 54-44

167: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Cornyn #4202, as modified (border security);
Not Waived: 54-43

168: Feingold amendment #4204: (report of Afghanistan drawdown);
Not agreed to: 18-80

169: Inouye Motion to Table Coburn amendment #4231: (offset including real property);
Tabled: 53-45

170: Now Voting on Inouye Motion to Table Coburn amendment #4232: (offset with spending cuts);
Tabled: 50-47

171: Now Voting on Motion to Invoke Cloture on the committee-reported substitute amendment to HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Invoked: 69-29

172: Now voting on the DeMint motion to suspend the rules in order to consider the DeMint amendment #4177: (border fence)

173: Collins amendment #4253: (EPA lead ruling)
Agreed To: 60-37
(8 minutes for debate)

174: Inouye amendment #4299: (Filipino Veterans)
Agreed To: 60-35

175: Burr amendment #4273: (Filipino Veterans);
Not Agreed To: 37-58

176: Passage of HR4899, as amended, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations;
Passed: 67-28

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5330, a bill to amend the Antitrust Criminal Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004

Adopted S.Res.542, a resolution designating June 20, 2010, as “American Eagle Day”

Adopted S.Res.543, a resolution expressing support for the designation of a “National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month”

Adopted S.Res.544, a resolution supporting increased access for exports of United States beef and beef products

Adopted S.Res.545, a resolution authorizing the production of records by the permanent subcommittee on Investigations

Adopted H.Con.Res.282, Adjournment Resolution

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10amET May 27, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 27, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

11:06 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

11:04 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Shuster . Mr. Shuster notified the House of his intent to resign from the Committee on Armed Services. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 5136:: to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5136 as unfinished business.

11:03 P.M. –

On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.Mr. Skelton moved that the Committee now rise.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Skelton demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 9.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 8, 15, 30, 32, as modified, 55, 61, 64, 66, 67, 74, and 77 printed in House Report 111-498.

10:38 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Shea-Porter amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Shea-Porter demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:35 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shea-Porter amendment No. 81.Amendment offered by Ms. Shea-Porter.

: An amendment numbered 81 printed in House Report 111-498 to require a penalty for prime contractors that do not provide information to databases on contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it adds a reporting requirement. The penalty would withhold award and incentive fee payments.

On agreeing to the Teague amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Teague amendment No. 68.Amendment offered by Mr. Teague.

: An amendment numbered 68 printed in House Report 111-498 to provide health insurance to dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans, as well as veterans who died from serviced connected disabilities, through the age of 26. Currently under CHAMPVA, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), coverage can only be provided to dependent children up to the age of 23.

10:31 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

10:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 8.

10:19 P.M. –

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 56, 58, 59, 65, 69, 71, 76, and 78 printed in House Report 111-498.

10:18 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

10:17 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5136 as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

10:16 P.M. –

Mr. Skelton moved that the Committee now rise.On agreeing to the Sarbanes amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 253 – 172 (Roll no. 318).

10:08 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Murphy, Patrick amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 194 (Roll no. 317).

9:51 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Pingree (ME) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 231, 3 Present (Roll no. 316).

9:35 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 210 (Roll no. 315).

9:26 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 372 – 52 (Roll no. 314).

9:18 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Inslee amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 410 – 8 (Roll no. 313).

8:52 P.M. –

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.

8:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McKeon demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

8:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment No. 79.Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick.

: An amendment numbered 79 printed in House Report 111-498 to repeal Dont Ask Dont Tell only after: (1) receipt of the recommendations of the Pentagon’s Comprehensive Review Working Group on how to implement a repeal of DADT (due December 1, 2010) and (2) a certification by the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and President that repeal is first, consistent with military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion & recruiting, and second, that the DoD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to implement its repeal. It would also include a 60 day period after certification before the repeal took effect.

8:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

7:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 7.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 38, 49, 53, 60, 72, 73 and 75 printed in House Report 111-498.

7:51 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McMahon amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McMahon amendment No. 62.

7:40 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. McMahon.

: An amendment numbered 62 printed in House Report 111-498 to express a Sense of Congress concerning the implementation of the Congressionally-mandated recommendations of the Institute of Medicine study.

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

7:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 6.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 39, 41, 43, 50, as modified, 51, and 57 printed in House Report 111-498.

7:12 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Andrews gave notice that amendment numbered 79 may be offered out of order.On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

6:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 5.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, 19, 31, and 33 printed in House Report 111-498.

6:50 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sarbanes amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Issa demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sarbanes amendment No. 47.Amendment offered by Mr. Sarbanes.

: An amendment numbered 47 printed in House Report 111-498 to require non-Defense agencies to establish contractor inventories and insourcing programs to mirror current law for the Department of Defense. It would also prevent agencies from establishing any numerical goal, target, or quota for the conversion to performance by Federal employees, require OMB to report to Congress on agency insourcing policies and GAO to evaluate OMB reporting.

6:38 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Thorberry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 42.Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

: An amendment numbered 42 printed in House Report 111-498 to require the DNI to cooperate with GAO inquiries that are initiated by Committees. Would allow all committees of jurisdiction to request that GAO perform audits of the intelligence community. Would allow the DNI to designate certain reports or portions of reports as sources and methods sensitive or reportable only to the intelligence committees, and those reports or portions would go only to the intelligence committees. Would establish certain procedures to ensure that GAO safeguards information.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gutierrez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gutierrez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment No. 21.Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

: An amendment numbered 21 printed in House Report 111-498 to stipulate that, should the Secretary of Defense determine that BP or its subsidiaries performing any contract with the Department are no longer a “responsible source,” the Secretary shall consider debarring BP or its subsidiaries from contracting with the Department no later than 90 days after making such determination.

6:16 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

6:13 P.M. –

The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.

6:12 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 68 and 81 may be offered out of order.

6:03 P.M. –

The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.

6:02 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 15 and 62 may be offered out of order.

5:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 12, 17, 18, as modified, 25, 28, 35, 37, and 44 printed in House Report 111-498.

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

5:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 3

5:22 P.M. –

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

: An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 29, 34, 40, 46, 48, 52 and 54 printed in House Report 111-498.

5:20 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McGovern amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 341 – 85 (Roll no. 312).

5:11 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Marshall amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 423 – 0 (Roll no. 311).

5:03 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Skelton amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 421 – 0 (Roll no. 310).

4:31 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Inslee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Inslee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Inslee amendment No. 82.

4:17 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

: An amendment numbered 82 printed in House Report 111-498 to require the Department of Defense to take into consideration during the KC-X or any successor aerial tanker replacement program any unfair competitive advantage an offeror may possess, and to report any such unfair competitive advantage to Congressional defense committees within 60 days of bid submissions.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pingree amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Pingree demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pingree amendment No. 80.Amendment offered by Ms. Pingree (ME).

: An amendment numbered 80 printed in House Report 111-498 to strike funding for the Joint Strike Fighter’s Alternate Engine Program.

3:59 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

3:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendments en bloc number 2.

3:33 P.M. –

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, and 45 printed in House Report 111-498.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McGovern amendment number 13, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McGovern amendment number 13.Amendment offered by Mr. McGovern.

: An amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 111-498 to include a Sense of Congress stating that hunger and obesity are impairing military recruitment and must be properly addressed.

3:20 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

2:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendments en bloc number 1.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 9, 10, 16, 24, 36, 63, and 70 printed in House Report 111-498.

2:53 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 21, 42, and 47 may be offered out of order.

2:52 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Marshall amendment number 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Marshall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Marshall amendment number 4.Amendment offered by Mr. Marshall.

: An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 111-498 to express the sense of Congress that the Chief of the National Guard Bureau should issue fire-resistant utility ensembles to National Guard personnel who are engaged, or likely to become engaged, in defense support to civil authority missions that routinely involve serious fire hazards, such as wildfire recovery efforts.

2:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Smith (WA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment number 3.

2:30 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Smith (WA).

: An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 111-498 to ensure that the spouse, children and parents of a deployed or deploying member of the Armed Forces, who are not covered under the Family Medical Leave Act, have the ability to take at least two weeks of unpaid leave from their job in order to address issues that arise over the course of a deployment cycle.

2:28 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Bartlett amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bartlett amendment number 2.Amendment offered by Mr. Bartlett.

: An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 111-498 to prohibit funds authorized to be appropriated in section 101(5) for other procurement, Army, from being obligated or expended by the Secretary of the Army for line-haul tractors unless the source selection is made based on a full and open competition.

2:25 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Skelton amendment number 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Andrews demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendment number 1.Amendment offered by Mr. Skelton.

: An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-498 to correct a variety of technical errors in the bill.

2:00 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 80 and 82 may be offered out of order.

1:45 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 5136 in the Committee of the Whole, and following consideration of Amendment No. 4 printed in House Report 111-498, the following amendments be considered: Amendments en bloc No. 1, Amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 111-498, Amendments en bloc No. 2, and Amendments en bloc No. 3. Agreed to without objection.

12:56 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5136.

12:55 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Chairman of the Committee.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1404and Rule XVIII.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1404.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5136 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 or rule XXI.

12:54 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the National Security Strategy of the United States – referred to the Committee on Armed Services .

H. Res. 1372:: honoring the University of Georgia Graduate School on the occasion of its centennial

12:53 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 412 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 309).

12:39 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1161:: honoring the Centennial Celebration of Women at Marquette University, the first Catholic university in the world to offer co-education as part of its regular undergraduate program

12:38 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 380 – 0, 36 Present (Roll no. 308).

12:32 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1404:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5136) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes

12:31 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 178 (Roll no. 307).

12:24 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:23 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 1404and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 282:: providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses

12:18 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 187 (Roll no. 306).

11:49 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1404:: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5136) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes

11:48 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1404, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceeding on agreeing to the resolution until later in the legislative day.The previous question was ordered without objection.

10:35 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1404

10:31 A.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

10:09 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:08 A.M. –