RADICAL RIGHT — CONSERVATIVES TOUT CONSPIRACY THEORY THAT OBAMA WANTED OIL SPILL: Yesterday, former Bush-appointed FEMA director Michael Brown — infamous for severely mismanaged the federal response to Hurricane Katrina — accused the Obama administration of playing politics with the oil spill, claiming that the growing catastrophe is “exactly what they want.” Brown said that the President sought to use the disaster to “pander to the environmentalists,” and even suggested that he intentionally delayed the administration’s response in order to allow the spill to worsen. Brown’s charge, which ignores the fact that every branch of government had been engaged in managing or investigating the crisis for at least a week, follows a spate of similar right-wing conspiracy theories about the incident. As the disaster caused by the explosion became more apparent last week, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh suggested that someone intentionally blew up the rig in order to “head off more oil drilling.” By yesterday morning the meme had found a home on Fox and Friends, where former Bush press secretary Dana Perino said she was “not trying to introduce a conspiracy theory” before asking, “But was this deliberate?” Later in this show, host Steve Doocy asked Fox Business’ Eric Bolling to respond to people who have suggested that “there’s a possibility this could be sabotage.” Citing Perino, Bolling engaged in conspiracy speculation, asking “did they let it leak a little bit and say, ‘boy I don’t know?’ I mean, the conspiracy theorists would say, maybe they let it leak for a while and then they address the issue.” Until Limbaugh and Fox News’ recent speculation, such oil spill truther theories had appeared only on fringe websites. And while federal investigators are not ruling out any possible causes, the President of BP America himself blamed the disaster on “a failed piece of equipment.”
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Tuesday On the floor of Congress …
UPdates as needed
The Senate Convenes: 10:00amET
Morning Business for 1 hour. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.
The first votes for Wall Street Reform might happen today
The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm.
Pending amendments to S.3217:
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute)
Boxer #3737 (no bail outs)
Snowe #3755 (reporting)
#3757 (small business access to credit)
Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S.Res.513, a resolution designating July 9, 2010, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 4, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
- 7:33 P.M. –
- SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
- 7:32 P.M. –
- Mr. Dreier requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 11: Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min, Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Dreier requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 6: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min and Mr. Franks of AZ for 5 min.
Mr. Dreier requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 5: Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Lincoln of FL for 5 min, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for 5 min, Mr. Franks of AZ for 5 min, Mr. King of NY for 5 min, Mr. Paul for 5 min, Mr. Posey for 5 min, and Mr. Thompson of PA for 5 min.
- 7:19 P.M. –
- ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
- 7:16 P.M. –
- The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, is to continue in effect beyond May 11, 2010 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-105). ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 111-105). The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 3:23 p.m., and is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits to the Congress a copy of a notice continuing the national emergency with respect to the Syrian Government.
- H. Res. 1132:
- honoring the USS New Mexico as the sixth Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy to protect and defend the United States
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 – 1 (Roll no. 245). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- H. Res. 1132:
- 7:09 P.M. –
- Considered as unfinished business.
- H. Res. 1213:
- recognizing the need to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, supporting the ideals of National Lab Day, and for other purposes
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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 – 2 (Roll no. 244).
- H. Res. 1307:
- honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the Nation
- H. Res. 1213:
- 6:59 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 the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 – 2 (Roll no. 243).
- 6:31 P.M. –
- Considered as unfinished business.
- 6:30 P.M. –
- UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 4.
- 3:21 P.M. –
- The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
- H. Res. 1132:
- honoring the USS New Mexico as the sixth Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy to protect and defend the United States
- H. Res. 1132:
- 3:20 P.M. –
- 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.
- 3:14 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1132. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Heinrich moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- H.R. 24:
- to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps
- H.R. 24:
- 3:13 P.M. –
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2:58 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 24. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Heinrich moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- H. Res. 1269:
- commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first use of the telescope for astronomical observation by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei
- H. Res. 1269:
- 2:57 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 voice vote.
- 2:52 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1269. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- H. Res. 1231:
- celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Television Infrared Observation Satellite, the world’s first meteorological satellite, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on April 1, 1960, and fulfilling the promise of President Eisenhower to all nations of the world to promote the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all mankind
- H. Res. 1231:
- 2:51 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 voice vote.
- 2:40 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1231. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- H. Res. 1310:
- recognizing the 50th anniversary of the laser
- H. Res. 1310:
- 2:39 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 voice vote.
- 2:33 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1310. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- H. Res. 1213:
- recognizing the need to improve the participation and performance of America’s students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, supporting the ideals of National Lab Day, and for other purposes
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.
- H. Res. 1213:
- 2:17 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1213. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- H. Res. 1307:
- honoring the National Science Foundation for 60 years of service to the Nation
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.
- H. Res. 1307:
- 2:08 P.M. –
- DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1307. Considered under suspension of the rules.
Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
- 2:02 P.M. –
- ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
- 2:01 P.M. –
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Jackson to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
- 2:00 P.M. –
- Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 4.
- 12:40 P.M. –
- The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
- 12:31 P.M. –
- MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of the legislative day
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Tuesday News tips …&C-SPAN
Clearly, we all have woken up to an even more ugly reality this morning… We the People need to be more community oriented; we need to watch out for each other even more than ever. Today, We have what might be considered a test terrorist attack and all things being said a man was arrested while on board a plane going to Dubai.
The investigation is ongoing … he is a US citizen from Connecticut; has a family in Pakistan and while the Pakistani Taliban did take responsibility a few days ago; most didn’t believe it … it was amateurish … it’s just my opinion but we must ask ourselves if this attack was actually meant as a test. The idea that it was a lone wolf, a teabagger and or a mcveigh type …. has suddenly turned into an international connection; who knows if he was on any passenger list but we all should thank the police and any or all intelligence because this is not over… stay tuned; oh by the way someone needs to get a couple of great dinners over to the Vendors who were first responder Heros not just the NYPD; without their eyes and common sense; the outcome could have been quite different.
Other News …
**The bad weather continues on in the South, Tennessee in particular and 29 deaths have been reported in 3 Southern States
**The Boil water alert has been lifted in Boston
**More Private Sector Companies are posting profits
**An 6.4 earthquake has happened in Chile
**Studies show that Oregon has the lowest rate of Childhood Obesity
**Reuters reports that the US reveals size of nuclear arsenal…transparency and truth
**Julia louis dreyfus is getting her Star today
C-SPAN …
Press Conference on Times Square
Pres. Obama: From Earlier 
The Business Council: Background
ADL Conference: Afternoon Session ADL Conference: Evening Session /anti-defamation league national leadership conf
AG Holder: suspect provided “useful information”
In a press conference, Attorney General Eric Holder stated that suspect Faisal Shahzad admitted involvement in the failed car bombing of Times Square in New York City. Holder and other officials provided an update on the investigation. Earlier, Pres. Obama stated that “justice will be done.” Later, DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano and Mexican Interior Sec. Fernando Gómez-Mont will discuss southwest border security.
‘Too Big to Fail,’ Consumer Agency Proposal on List of Amendments
The U.S. Senate continues consideration of amendments on financial regulation reform, the Wall St. Reform Bill (S. 3217). Sen. Barbara Boxer’s (D-CA) amendment prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to prevent the liquidation of a financial company may be voted on today. Reports indicate that Republicans will also submit amendments regarding the proposed consumer protection agency.
Senate Considers New Bank Fee, Wall Street Oversight Rules
Today, the Senate will hold separate hearings on Wall St., TARP funds and financial fraud. First, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee is investigating ways to criminalize Wall Street fraud, looking into the rules and roles for brokers, dealers and investment advisors. Also, Treasury Sec. Geithner goes over President Obama’s plan to recover funds from TARP recipients. The proposed Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee would be applied to financial institutions with over $50 billion in assets.
Senate Committee on Finance
Sen. Judiciary: NOW on c-span.org
Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs
Senate Committee on Finance Sen. Judiciary: NOW on c-span.org Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs Senate Finance Cmte: From Earlier
Senate Committee on Finance
Treasury Secretary Geithner Written Testimony
Sen. Judiciary: Morning Session Sen. Judiciary: Afternoon Session
President Obama Emphasizes Role of Businesses in Stimulating Economy
President Obama addresses the role the business community plays in the fight to get the American people back to work in remarks before the Business Council. The President will also go over his efforts to spur job creation and rebuild the economy during the association’s annual meeting, which brings together business leaders representing major industries.
Pres. Obama: From Earlier The Business Council: Background
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500,000 Marched -make Congress hear us
On May Day, at marches and rallies all over the country, more than half a million people stood up for immigration reform.
Your activism is making a difference – last week, the Democratic leadership stood up and introduced an outline for a bi-partisan bill that will pave the road for real reform. There’s a lot in this outline that we support, like family unification and protection for workers. There are also some provisions that we’re going to work to reform. But none of that can happen until they introduce the bill and start the debate in Congress. That’s why we’ve started an emergency action to Congress – to continue the momentum from this weekend and show our elected leaders that the need for reform is real. Click here to send a fax with this message:
Time and time again, our leaders in Congress and in the White House have told us that they understand how important immigration reform is for families and communities across the country. But they still haven’t turned their words of support into action. We don’t need another statement, or another reassurance. We need a bill on the Senate floor. National comprehensive immigration reform is more than a political catchphrase. It’s standing up for what’s right. And it’s the only way to ensure that more states don’t follow Arizona’s lead in legalizing racial profiling and the politics of fear. Send a fax to your elected leaders now. Thank you, p.s. There’s more coverage of this weekend’s marches on our blog – check it out after you send a fax! |
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ThinkProgess …
MILITARY — GATES URGES CONGRESS TO DELAY ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ REPEAL: In a strongly-worded letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO), Defense Secretary Robert Gates wrote he doesn’t want Congress to take any action on repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) until the Pentagon’s “working group” on the issue has completed its work to determine the impact a repeal would have on the U.S. Armed Forces. Citing the need for a “a thorough, objective, and systematic assessment of the impact of such a policy change,” Gates wrote, “I strongly oppose any legislation that seeks to change this policy prior to the completion of this vital assessment process.” According to Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Gates’ stance “delivered a devastating blow to getting repeal done this year,” which Obama has asked Congress to do. Sarvis called the letter a “joint political decision” by Obama and Gates and and said that it “showed a lack of respect for our LGBT service members who are on the frontlines every day risking their lives for our safety.” There is momentum for a DADT repeal this year as 13 Democratic senators have signed onto an effort to enact a repeal after the Pentagon’s review has completed. One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), responded to the letter by saying, “There is no reason why Congress shouldn’t pass legislation this year that would time the repeal to follow the conclusion of the study.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has also signaled her support for repeal, saying that Congress should “immediately place a moratorium on dismissals under this policy until the review has been completed and Congress has acted.” Democrats in Congress will have a tougher time attracting moderate and Republican co-sponsors in light of Gates’ letter, and if Congress waits until next year — after the Pentagon review is completed — to move forward on legislation, the make-up of the legislature will be different and could again delay repeal. White House Spokesman Tommy Vietor said Friday, “The President’s commitment to repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is unequivocal. This is not a question of if, but how. That’s why we’ve said that the implementation of any congressional repeal will be delayed until the DOD study of how best to implement that repeal is completed. The President is committed to getting this done both soon and right.”
Be a Seed for Change 
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