Tag Archives: Senate

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Fix the filibuster !

11/21/2012 Nativegrl77

On Tue, Nov 20, 2012 at 11:44 AM, Tim Leahy, Team Merkley <campaign@jeffmerkley.com> wrote:

Friends,

Senator Merkley’s campaign to fix the filibuster is gaining momentum. Over 200,000 people have now signed our petition to the U.S. Senate, and our campaign is getting noticed all across America!

Would you take a moment to join Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Tom Udall, Tom Harkin, and Jeanne Shaheen and sign on to this important campaign?

Senator Merkley is working hard to convince his colleagues in the Senate that the time is now for filibuster reform. And it makes a huge difference when he can point to a groundswell of grassroots support.

Please, sign the filibuster reform petition now – and then share it with your friends and family.

We can do this!

Tim Leahy

Team Merkley

—— Forwarded Message ———

From: Senator Jeff Merkley

Subject: Take Action: Fix the Filibuster

Date: Nov 15, 2012 19:14 a.m. PST

To: Friends

Friends,

Our country faces serious problems. And serious problems deserve serious consideration.

But far too often, we’ve seen good ideas stall in the Senate because a single Senator can stop everything and block an up-or-down vote without a single word uttered on the Senate floor.

Passionate debate is a good thing. Which is why I’ve proposed a “talking filibuster” — a requirement that if a Senator is going to block a vote by arguing that more debate is needed, then he or she must do so by taking the floor and making a case to the American people. That way, the American people can judge for themselves whether the obstruction makes those Senators heroes, or bums.

And when debate stops, it’s time for an up-or-down majority vote.

Please join me and Senators Tom Udall, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tom Harkin and Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren in this fight to reform the Senate by signing our petition.

In a few short weeks, we can make this change happen. But it won’t be easy. And it’s going to require that the American people speak with one, clear, loud voice.

Take action now: Tell the Senate to fix the filibuster.

Thank you.

Onward,

Jeff Merkley

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate

11/16/2012 Nativegrl77

11/15/2012 : There will be no further roll call votes during this week’s session of the Senate.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012; Invoked: 84-12

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1440, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act with a committee-reported substitute amendment and an Alexander amendment by voice vote.

Passed H.R.6570, an Act to amend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to consolidate certain CBO reporting requirements.

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.490, a resolution designating the week of September 16, 2012, as “Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week”, reaffirming the importance of an enhanced and coordinated research effort on mitochondrial diseases, and commending the National Institutes of Health for its efforts to improve the understanding of mitochondrial diseases.

Adopted S.Res.597, a resolution to permit the collection of clothing, toys, food, and house wares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.

Adopted S.Res.598, commending and congratulating the San Francisco Giants for winning the 2012 World Series.

Adopted S.Res.599, expressing vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizing and strongly supporting its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.

Adopted S.Con.Res.60, a resolution providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate pending the adjournment of the House of Representatives.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

-FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #345 Martin J. Gruenberg – to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

-FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #519 Thomas Hoenig – to be Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

If the House does not adopt S.Con.Res.60, the adjournment resolution, the Senate will convene on the following dates and at the following times for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted:

– Friday, November 16^th at 9:30am

– Tuesday, November 20^th at 12:00pm

– Friday, November 23^rd at 3:00pm

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET November 26, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
It will be in order for Senator Sessions or his designee to recognized to make a Budget Act point of order with respect to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012. Subsequently, it will be order for Senator Reid or his designee to move to waive the point of order.
At 5:30pm, all post-cloture time on S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 will be considered expired. The Senate will then proceed to up to two roll call votes:

Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to S.3525 (if a point of order and motion to waive are raised)
Passage of S.3525, as amended by the Tester substitute amendment #2875

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Watch Live House Floor Proceedings

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of November 16, 2012

9:00:23 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:27 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:21 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
9:02:28 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McNerney to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:28 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.
9:14:34 A.M.	H.R. 6156	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 808. H.R. 6156 — “To authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
9:14:39 A.M.	H.R. 6156	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6156 with 1 hour and 30 minutes 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. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides that an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-33 shall be considered as adopted. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill.
9:15:01 A.M.	H.R. 6156	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 6156.
9:50:55 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6570, and S. 1440. Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 60.
9:52:18 A.M.	H.R. 6156	DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H.R. 6156.

10:55:44 A.M.	H.R. 6156	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
10:56:56 A.M.	H.R. 6156	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 6156, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Camp demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on H.R. 6156 until later in the legislative day.
10:57:15 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 60	Considered as privileged matter. S. Con. Res. 60 — “Providing for a conditional adjournment or recess of the Senate and an adjournment of the House of Representatives.”
10:58:03 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 60	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
10:58:29 A.M.	S. Con. Res. 60	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:58:41 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 11:30 a.m. today.
11:30:59 A.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 16.
11:31:05 A.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on passage of H.R. 6156, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
11:31:16 A.M.	H.R. 6156	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6156 — “To authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
12:03:08 P.M.	H.R. 6156	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 365 – 43 (Roll no. 608).
12:03:09 P.M.	H.R. 6156	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:04:10 P.M.	H. Res. 813	Mr. Burton (IN) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
12:04:15 P.M.	H. Res. 813	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 813 — “Expressing vigorous support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizing and strongly supporting its right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism.”
12:05:06 P.M.	H. Res. 813	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:05:09 P.M.	H. Res. 813	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:05:26 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:20:15 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

1:21:15 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:21:32 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:21:34 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to S. Con. Res. 60. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on November 27, 2012.

« Previous Day

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republicans/House : the Democrats/Senate

11/15/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 9:00amET November 15, 2012

Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
The filing deadline for second degree amendments to S.3525, the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012 is 9:10am on Thursday.
At 9:15am, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525.

9:20am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.3525, Sportsmen’s Act of 2012; Invoked: 84-12

———————————————————-

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 15, 2012.

10:00:27 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:37 A.M.		<ACTION_DESCRIPTION>The Speaker designated the Honorable Blake Farenthold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:50 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6118 and H.R. 6131, without amendment.
10:01:10 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:50:38 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:21 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.
12:00:25 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Keiran, Office of the United States Senate.
12:01:38 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:44 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Biggert to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:36 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:24:30 P.M.	H. Res. 808	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 808 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6156) to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
12:24:44 P.M.	H. Res. 808	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 808.
1:25:26 P.M.	H. Res. 808	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 808, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.
1:26:04 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:05:49 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 15.
5:06:06 P.M.	H. Res. 808	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 808 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6156) to authorize the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to products of the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, and for other purposes.”
5:33:26 P.M.	H. Res. 808	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 605).

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

For science (and NOT the election)

11/14/2012 Nativegrl77

Union of Concerned Scientists

Congress: Keep Independent Federal Agencies Independent

After the election, the Senate will likely take up misguided legislation that would give the White House more control over certain federal agencies that protect our health and safety—such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The bill would make it more difficult for these agencies to use the latest science to protect the public from emerging threats—and make it easier for the White House to interfere in the work of these critical independent agencies. As a result, special interests with deep pockets would have even more influence in Washington.

Don’t let the lame duck Congress pass this terrible legislation.

Urge your senators today to strongly oppose the so-called Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act.

Take Action Today!

Sincerely,

Michael Halpern
National Field Organizer
Center for Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists

Black History

CONGRESS: the Republican led House : pro forma sessions : the Senate led by Dems

10/16/2012 Nativegrl77

The Senate will meet on the following dates at the following times for pro forma sessions only with no business conducted:

Friday, October 19th at 11:00am

Tuesday, October 23rd at 1:00pm

Friday, October 26th at 1:00pm

Tuesday, October 30th at 10:00am

Friday, November 2nd at 11:00am

Tuesday, November 6th at 11:00am

Friday, November 9th at 10:00am

———————————————————————————————-

Last Floor Action:
10:03:59 A.M. – The Speaker announced that pursuant to the provisions of section 3(b) of H. Res. 788, the House stands adjourned.

The next meeting of the House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2012.

http://www.houselive.gov/

Time	Bill	Activity
2:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:01:00 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Jaime Herrera Beutler to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:02:55 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Michael Wilker, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Washington, D.C.
2:04:12 P.M.		APPROVAL OF A THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that pursuant to the provisions of section 3(a) of H. Res. 788, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
2:04:18 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Connolly of VA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:05:17 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to the provisions of section 3(b) of H. Res. 788. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 19, 2012.