Tag Archives: Senate

Congress: what’s going on 2/9


 The Senate will not be in session on Wednesday, February 9th

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 The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 9, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 9, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:12 P.M. –

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

2:06 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 78:

The title of this measure is not available

2:05 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

2:04 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 519:

to secure the return to the United States the $179 million overpaid into the United Nations Tax Equalization Fund as of December 31, 2009, and for other purposes

2:03 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 259 – 169 (Roll no. 28).

1:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 188:

to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the “John M. Roll United States Courthouse”

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 429 – 0 (Roll no. 27).

1:30 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:29 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 had been postponed.

H.R. 519:

to secure the return to the United States the $179 million overpaid into the United Nations Tax Equalization Fund as of December 31, 2009, 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.

12:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 519.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 188:

to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the “John M. Roll United States Courthouse”

12:38 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.

12:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 188.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

12:15 P.M. –

United States Capitol Preservation Commission – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 2081, the Minority Leader appointed Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, (re-appointment) .

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission – Pursuant to section 4(b) of House Resolution 5, 112th Congress, the Minority Leader appointed James P. McGovern of Massachusetts, Co-Chair, (re-appointment) .

Congressional Award Board – Pursuant to section 803(a) of the Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Act (2 U.S.C. 803(a)), the Minority Leader appointed Shelia Jackson Lee of Texas .

12:01 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.

12:00 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.

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

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 9.

10:29 A.M. –

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

10:00 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: both Chambers will be in Session …2/8


The Senate Convenes at 10:00am ET February 8, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Wicker amendment #14, as modified (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

Inhofe amendment #6 (liability protection to volunteer pilots)

– Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

– Leahy amendment #50 (liability protection for volunteer pilots)

– Reid amendment #54 (noise buffering)

– Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

– Udall (NM) #49 (Dona Ana County airport)

– Udall (NM) #51 (Advanced Imaging Technology)

– Nelson (NE) #58 (criminal penalties for distribution of airport screening x-rays)

– Paul amendment #18 (Memorandum of understanding re: OSHA)

At 10:20am, there will be 10 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA).

Senators should expect a roll call vote at approximately 10:30am in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA) to S.223, FAA Authorization.

That will be the only roll call vote of the day.

Votes:

14: Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA); Agreed to: 96-1

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The next meeting in the House is at 2pm ET February 8, 2011

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:23 P.M. –

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

7:08 P.M. –

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

7:07 P.M. –

RONALD REAGAN CENTENNIAL COMMISSION – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-25), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Schock of Illinois to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission .

7:06 P.M. –

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 3003, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Chairman; Mr. Pitts of Pennsylvania; Mr. Aderholt of Alabama; and Mr. Gingrey of Georgia to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe .

7:05 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 72 and H. Res. 73.

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that the chair of each committee be permitted to submit their respective committee rules for publication in the Congressional Record and that the chair of the Committee on the Budget be permitted to submit material related to the budget process for publication in the Congressional Record.

H.R. 514:

to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

7:03 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 277 – 148 (Roll no. 26).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:30 P.M. –

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

3:12 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

3:11 P.M. –

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 111-25) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission: Mr. Reyes .

House Democracy Partnership – Pursuant to Section 4(b) of H.Res. 5, 111th Congress the Minority Leader appointed the following members of the House to the House Democracy Partnership: Mr. Price of NC, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Holt, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Payne, Mr. Farr, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Hirono and Ms. Roybal-Allard .

3:10 P.M. –

Board of Trustees of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program – Pursuant to Section 4404(c)(2) of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2002 (2 U.S.C) 1161, the Minority Leader appointed Mr. James P. McGovern of Worchester, Massachusetts .

National Council on the Arts – Pursuant to the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 955(b) note) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the National Council on the Arts: Ms. McCollum .

H.R. 514:

to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

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.

2:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 514.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:25 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 4, 2011 at 11:52 a.m. stating that that body had approved an appointment to the Senate National Security Working Group.

2:24 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 3, 2011 at 10:33 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Senate National Security Working Group, Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University, United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, United States-China Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Japan Interparliamentary Group conference, Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Russia Interparliamentar

2:23 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 2, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 188 and approved appointments to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the President’s Export Council.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 1, 2011 at 10:52 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 27, 2011 at 4:03 p.m. stating that that body had approved an appointment to the Congressional Budget Office.

2:22 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 26, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 366 and approved an appointment to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.

2:18 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

2:17 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006, with respect to the situation in or in relation to Cote d’Ivoire is to continue in effect beyond February 7, 2011. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-8).

2:16 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 a sealed envelope from the White House on January 26, 2011, at 3:55 p.m. which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the national emergency with respect to Cote d’Ivoire first declared by Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006.

2:02 P.M. –

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC 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.

2:01 P.M. –

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

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: The Senate -is in Session on 2/7


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET Monday February 7, 2011 

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 3:00pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3:00pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization bill. If senators have amendments to the bill they would like to offer they should contact the bill managers.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Wicker amendment #14, as modified (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Nelson (FL) #34 (NASA)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Inhofe amendment #6 (liability protection to volunteer pilots)

– Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

– McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive session to consider the following nominations with one hour for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas;

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

– Calendar #8 Marco Hernandez, of OR, to be US District Judge for the District of Oregon.

At approximately 5:30pm, the nomination of Marco Hernandez will be confirmed by unanimous consent and the Senate will immediately proceed to a series of 2 votes on confirmation of the Saldana and Holmes nominations.

As a result, senators should expect 2 stacked roll call votes at 5:30pm on confirmation of the following nominations:

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, and

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in a roll call vote at 10:30am tomorrow. At 10:20am, the Senate will resume consideration of Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA) to S.223, FAA Authorization, and there will be 10 minutes for debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Nelson (FL) and Hutchison, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the amendment. The agreement precludes any amendments, motions or points or order to the amendment prior to the vote.

Votes:

12: Confirmation of Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

Confirmed: 94-0

13: Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas;

Confirmed: 95-0

This is the last vote of the day.

Congress -what is going on in the Senate 2/2, 2/3 & 2/4


 The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET Friday 4, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of 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.

By unanimous consent, the Senate locked in the agreement outlined below with respect to Executive nominations. As a result of this agreement, there will be 2 roll call votes at 5:30pm on Monday.

On Monday, February 7, 2011, at 4:30 pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas;

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

– Calendar #8 Marco Hernandez, of OR, to be US District Judge for the District of Oregon.

There will be one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form. Upon the use or yielding back of time, Calendar #8 will be confirmed and the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of Calendar #3 and Calendar #6 in that order.

As a result of this agreement, at 5:30pm on Monday, February 7, there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

– Calendar #3 Paul Holmes, of AR, to be US District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas; and

– Calendar #6 Diana Saldana, of TX, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas;

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The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET February 3, 2011

Morning business until 10:30am.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the FAA Authorization bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Whitehouse amendment #8 (laser pointers)

– Wicker amendment #14 (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Nelson (FL) #34 (NASA)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Paul #19 (Davis Bacon)

Other Senators are waiting to offer their amendments. Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

1-3pm morning business for the purpose of giving remarks relative to the upcoming centennial of the birth of President Ronald Reagan.

3:00pm Senator Manchin will give his maiden speech to the Senate.

The Senate has entered into an agreement that provides for 2 roll call votes around 5:20pm, if all time is used. Please note that some time may be yielded back and the votes could begin earlier.

Under the agreement, Senator Paul will call up amendment #19 (Davis Bacon). There will then be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Paul and Rockefeller, or their designees. There will then be up to 10 minutes for debate equally divided on the Whitehouse amendment #8 (laser pointers) between Senators Whitehouse and Hutchison, or their designees.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Whitehouse #8 (laser pointers)

– Paul #19 (Davis Bacon)

There will be no amendments or points of order in order prior to the votes.

Votes:

10: Whitehouse amendment #8: (laser pointers);

Agreed To: 96-1

11: Rockefeller motion to table the Paul amendment #19: (Davis Bacon);

Tabled: 55-42

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.42, a resolution making Majority Party committee appointments.

Adopted S.Res.43, a resolution making Minority Party committee appointments.

Adopted S.Res.44, a resolution supporting democracy, universal rights, and the peaceful transition to a representative government in Egypt.

Adopted S.Res.45, a resolution congratulating the Eastern Washington University Football team for winning the 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision title.

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 the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET Wednesday

Following any Leader remarks, Senator Paul will be recognized for up to 20 minutes in morning business to deliver his maiden speech.

Following his remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.223, FAA Authorization:

Stabenow #9 (1099 Reporting)

McConnell #13 (Health Care Repeal)

Levin #28 (1099 repeal)

This morning in his opening statement, Senator Reid announced to his colleagues that he spoke to Senator McConnell and they agreed to work towards having up to 3 roll call votes in the 5-6pm range this evening.

Those votes would be in relation to the following amendments to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Possible Democratic amendment (1099 Reporting);

– Stabenow amendment #9 (1099 Reporting); and

– McConnell amendment #13 (Health Care Law Repeal).

At 5:15pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of 3 roll call votes in relation to the following amendments to S.223, FAA Authorization:

– Levin amendment #28 (repeal of 1099 with oil and gas offset);

– Stabenow amendment #9 (repeal of 1099 with unspent discretionary funds offset, exempts DoD, VA and Social Security Administration); and

– McConnell amendment #13 (repeal of health care reform).

The Levin amendment is subject to an affirmative 60-vote threshold for its adoption. No other amendments, points of order or motions are in order to these amendments prior to the votes except a Budge point of order, if applicable.

There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to each vote. The first vote will be 15 minutes in duration and the remaining 2 votes will be 10 minutes in duration.

Votes:

7: Levin amendment #28: (repeal of 1099 with oil and gas offset) (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 44-54

8: Stabenow motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to Stabenow amendment #9: (repeal of 1099 with unspent discretionary funds offset, exempts DoD, VA and Social Security Administration);

Waived: 81-17 (subsequently agreed to by consent)

9: McConnell motion to waive Budget Act with respect to McConnell amendment #13: (repeal of health care reform);

Not Agreed To: 47-51

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.30, a resolution celebrating February 2, 2011, as the 25th anniversary of ‘National Women and Girls in Sports Day’.

Adopted S.Res.36, a resolution raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2011 as “National Stalking Awareness Month”.

Adopted S.Res.37, a resolution recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week.

Adopted S.Res.38, a resolution congratulating Brooklyn Center, Minnesota on its 100th anniversary.

Adopted S.Res.39, a resolution congratulating the Auburn University football team for winning the 2010 Bowl Championship Series National Championship.

Adopted S.Res.40, a resolution congratulating the University of Akron men’s soccer team on winning the National Collegiate Athletic Associate Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.

Lift our country


In this new Congress, it is not enough to talk about common ground. We must — together — seek it.

We must enact an agenda that will lift our country from this recession and confront the challenges of this new decade.

One key group of individuals will be champions of this effort: the Democrats in the Senate. They will keep the agenda focused on progress — on growing the economy, on adding jobs. They will keep us moving forward.

In the weeks and months ahead, we must do everything we can to support these lawmakers.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee stands ready to do just that — and lay the groundwork to protect our majority in the next round of elections.

The DSCC has set a goal of raising $50,000 by January 31 to ensure they have the resources to beat back mistruths and distortions, hire staff for the next set of races, and support the work of Democrats in the Senate.

This is a moment that calls for respect and a seriousness of purpose from lawmakers of every party and persuasion.

The challenges we face as a people demand nothing less.

We must spur innovation and renew our nation’s infrastructure so that the United States remains competitive and prosperous in a global economy.

We must reform our education system so that America’s young people have the knowledge and skills to create and fill the jobs of a new age.

We must discover and implement the solutions that will allow us to stop the warming of our planet, create green jobs, and deliver security for future generations.

As this new year unfolds, Senator Harry Reid and other Democrats will lead the effort to answer these challenges. And they will be supported in all their work by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

To lay the groundwork for that kind of progress, the DSCC must raise $50,000 before January 31. Chip in $5 or more to help them meet their goal.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama