Tag Archives: Senate

Not done fighting on DADT


Organizing for America

This afternoon, a discriminatory policy that deprives our military of qualified troops, endangers our national security, and violates the simple American principles of integrity, fairness, and equality was allowed to remain law.

Every Republican senator but one — Senator Susan Collins — voted to prevent the passage of legislation to repealDon’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Several of them had previously claimed to support repeal, but voted “no” today.

It’s a frustrating setback, but here’s the good news: We are just three votes away from moving forward on repeal.

And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and our allies in the Senate are promising another vote on repeal before Congress heads home for the year. There is still a chance for this to pass.

Allies in the Senate are not done fighting. The President is not done fighting. And I know you’re not, either.

Write the Republicans standing in the way in the Senate — and tell them to get on the right side of history.

There’s no question that today’s vote was disappointing.

But we also have a lot of reasons to be proud today.

The letters to the editor you wrote and the phone calls you made — and the 582,000 petitions you signed — have been crucial in building support for repeal.

This morning, OFA volunteers delivered those petitions to Senator Collins’ office. And this afternoon, she voted to move this bill forward.

Now your work can help make sure we secure the votes necessary to finally put an end to this unfair policy.

One final push might be all it takes.

I know we still have a lot of fight left in us. Write Republicans now — and tell them to stop standing in the way:

http://my.barackobama.com/DADTRepealLetters

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

One step away from the DREAM Act


Reform Immigration FOR America Share This Message:
The House passed the DREAM Act
Now we have a fight in the Senate.
Last night, the House of Representatives voted to pass the DREAM Act. It was a big victory, but now we keep up the fight to get it passed in the Senate[1]

The DREAM Act is just one step away from becoming a reality, but we must keep pushing. Call your Senator now and ask them to vote YES on the DREAM Act.

Dial 866-996-5161 or click here to call your Senator.

Your calls have already made a huge difference – keep it up! Make sure your voice is heard.

Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa
Reform Immigration FOR America

[1]A bill must pass both chambers of Congress before being signed into law

lame ducks -Friday in Congress


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 10, 2010

Morning business with Senator Sanders recognized to speak at 10:15am.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.3817, CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010

Passed H.R.2941, a bill to reauthorize and enhance Johanna’s Law to increase public awareness and knowledge with respect to gynecological cancers (with committee reported substitute amendment).

Passed S.372, Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2009 (with committee reported substitute amendment and Akaka amendment).

Adopted S.Con.Res.77, to provide for the approval of final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to the Senate and employees of the Senate.

Adopted S.Res.700, to provide for the approval of final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to the Senate and employees of the Senate.

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

– Ripley Rand to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina
– Charles Oberly III to be United States Attorney for the District of Delaware
– William Conner Eldridge to be United States Attorney for the District of Arkansas
– Frank Leon-Guerrero to be United States Marshal for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands
– Charles Thomas Weeks II to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma
– Kenneth Bohac to be United States Marshal for the Central District of Illinois
– General Claude R. Kehler, to be General, Air Force
– Coast Guard grade – to be Rear Admiral
– All of the nominations on the Secretary’s desk for the Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET December 13, 2010

Thursday in Congress -debates & votes with updates when needed


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET on December 9, 2010


Following any Leader remarks, Senator Durbin will be recognized to speak for up to 10 minutes. Following his remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3992, the DREAM Act, with the time until 11:00am equally divided and controlled between the Leaders or their designees.

At 11:00am, the Senate will proceed to a series of at least 2 and possibly 3 roll call votes. Those votes will be on the following items.

– Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #663, S.3992, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 (DREAM Act); and
– Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #641, H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010.
– Senator Reid may reconsider the failed cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.3454, DoD Authorization.

Following the votes, Senator Bennett will be recognized to speak for up to 20 minutes for his farewell speech.
Senator Bunning will be recognized at 1:00pm for up to 30 minutes for his farewell speech.
Senator Dorgan will be recognized at 2:00pm for up to 20 minutes for his farewell speech.

Votes:
268: Motion to table the motion to proceed to Calendar #663, S.3992, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2010 (DREAM Act);
Not Invoked: 59-40

269: Cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #641, H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010;
Not Invoked: 58-42

270: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3454, DoD Authorization;
Not Invoked 58-40.

271: Reid motion to table the motion to refer with respect to HR4853, Middle Class Tax Relief;
Tabled: 65-11

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

Unanimous Consent:
Passed H.R.5591, a bill to designate the airport traffic control tower located at Spokane Airport in Spokane, Washington, as the “Ray Daves Airport Traffic Control Tower”.

Passed S.841, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (with Kerry substitute amendment).

Passed S.1275, the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition Establishment Act (with committee-reported substitute amendment).

Adopted S.Res.699, a resolution to authorize testimony and legal representation in City of St. Paul v. Irene Victoria Andrews, Bruce Jerome Berry, John Joseph Brau, David EugeneLuce, and Elizabeth Ann McKenzie.

Passed S.2925, Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 (with committee-reported substitute amendment and two Wyden amendments)

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled for December 9, 2010 10:00amET

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 9, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

1:38 P.M. –

Mr. Jackson (IL) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, December 9, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 13, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 6412:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to require the Attorney General to share criminal records with State sentencing commissions, and for other purposes

1:37 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 627).

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

1:18 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:10 P.M. –

The Chair announced that it had been made aware of a valid basis for recognition, and accordingly recognized Ms. Waters to proceed for one hour.

H.R. 4994:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce taxpayer burdens and enhance taxpayer protections, and for other purposes

1:09 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 626).

12:45 P.M. –

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

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

10:41 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 4994:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce taxpayer burdens and enhance taxpayer protections, and for other purposes

10:40 A.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.

10:14 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 4994.

Mr. Stark moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

10:13 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

10:02 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.

10:01 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4337, with amendment, and S. 3167.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Buchanan 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.

10:00 A.M. –

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

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

to Senate: Vacation can wait


Human Rights Campaign

Tell your senators: Our troops are more important than a holiday vacation.

It takes two minutes. It’s their job to take your call – and you could help make history.

Unless we speak out right now, the Senate could put their holiday vacations before fairness and national security.

A group of pro-equality senators is calling on the Senate to stay in session until “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is repealed. But too many others want to go home before the holidays instead of staying to finish the job.

So now, it’s up to us. We’ve got to pressure wavering senators and give those supporting repeal the public backing they need to keep the Senate in business.

We can’t let the Senate close up shop without repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” But we’re running out of time – please call your senators now.

It only takes two minutes to call your senator‘s office and every senator has staff on hand to answer the phones and speak to constituents. Call your senators now:

Sen. Patty Murray at (202) 224-2621 and Sen. Maria Cantwell at (202) 224-3441.

If you don’t get through right away, try again – the phones may be overwhelmed by hateful calls from right-wing activists, but it’s crucial that your voice is heard.

  1. Call one senator’s office, and tell the staff person who answers where you live so they know you’re a real constituent.
  2. Tell them you want the senator to support staying in session for as long as it takes to pass the defense bill, which includes repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year – and that you’ll remember how they vote when they’re next up for election.
       

    • If your senator is opposed to repeal, remind them that the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff believe that if the Senate fails to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” it would leave the military at the mercy of the courts – and potentially in a state of great confusion from the law being suddenly struck down.
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  • Thank them, hang up, and make your second call to the other senator.
  • Click here to let us know you made a call – we use this information to guide our lobbying efforts, so please don’t skip it.
  • You’re not done: Save the Congressional Switchboard number – (202) 224-3121 – in your cell phone right now. Then hand it to a friend, then a co-worker, and ask them to make two calls. While you’re at it, tell your family and your Facebook friends to call as well.

    We need as many calls as possible in order to make repeal happen in 2010.

    The time for debate is over. Let’s end the discrimination and prejudice once and for all.

    I’ll be making calls too,

    Eric Alva
    Joe Solmonese
    President

    P.S. Years of work, thousands of volunteer hours, hundreds of thousands of phone calls, emails, lobby visits and town halls come down to this. Please call now, and tell everyone you know to call!