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Black History

Congress is in Session -Thursday


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 24, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minute each. 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 the House Message to accompany H.R.4213, Tax Extenders. As a reminder, cloture was filed on the Reid motion to concur with the Baucus amendment #4386.

We hope to reach an agreement to consider the Iran Sanctions conference report on Thursday. Roll call votes are expected to occur throughout the day.
Votes:
199: Adoption of the Conference Report to accomany HR2194, Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act;
Adopted: 99-0

200: Now Voting on Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to HR4213, Tax Extenders, with the Baucus substitute amendment #4386: .

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted S. Res.548, as amended, a resolution to express the sense of the Senate that Israel has an undeniable right to self-defense, and to condemn the recent destabilizing actions by extremists aboard the ship Mavi Marmara.

Republicans and Ben Nelson refuse to vote for HR4213 – tax extenders and jobs bill/only 3 votes needed to pass this -suggest calling snowe/collins and scott brown or Congress will move on and no benes will move forward.

HR4213 failed again 57-41

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET June 24, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 24, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:26 P.M. –

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

7:25 P.M. –

Mr. Fortenberry requested the following general leaves to address the House on July 1: Mr. Poe of TX for 5 min, Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Burton of IN for 5 min.

Mr. Fortenberry requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 30.

Mr. Fortenberry requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 29.

Mr. Fortenberry requested that Mr. Burton of IN be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 28.

7:21 P.M. –

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

7:20 P.M. –

Mr. Deutch asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Monday, June 28, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Deutch asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, June 25, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 28, 2010, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Deutch asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Thursday, June 24, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 1457:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the one-year anniversary of the Government of Iran’s fraudulent manipulation of Iranian elections, the Government of Iran’s continued denial of human rights and democracy to the people of Iran, and the Government of Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability

7:19 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.

7:18 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1359:

calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held captive by Hamas, and for other purposes

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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.

7:17 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1373:

expressing support for designation of the week beginning May 2, 2010, as “National Physical Education and Sport Week”

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.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2194:

to amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by expanding economic sanctions against Iran

7:16 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 8, 1 Present (Roll no. 394).

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

7:09 P.M. –

The House proceeded to consider the conference report H.Rept. 111-512 as unfinished business.

H.R. 3962:

to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 – 1 (Roll no. 393).

6:43 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

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.

H.R. 2194:

to amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by expanding economic sanctions against Iran

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2194, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report, and announced by voice vote that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Berman demanded the yeas and nays and pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – By unanimous consent the House proceeded with fifty minutes of debate on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2194.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the conference report, H. Rept. 111-512.

H.R. 3962:

to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes

5:24 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.

4:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3962.

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

H. Res. 1464:

recognizing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and expressing appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Asia-Pacific region

4:37 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 412 – 2 (Roll no. 392).

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

4:29 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5175:

to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit foreign influence in Federal elections, to prohibit government contractors from making expenditures with respect to such elections, and to establish additional disclosure requirements with respect to spending in such elections, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 219 – 206 (Roll no. 391).

4:17 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 208 – 217 (Roll no. 390).

3:59 P.M. –

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

3:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to strike section 401 of the Bill and replace it with entirely new text.

3:43 P.M. –

Mr. Lungren, Daniel E. moved to recommit with instructions to House Administration.

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.

3:42 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate stating that that body had agreed to the conference report accompanying the bill H.R. 2194.

H.R. 5175:

to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit foreign influence in Federal elections, to prohibit government contractors from making expenditures with respect to such elections, and to establish additional disclosure requirements with respect to spending in such elections, and for other purposes

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

3:41 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5175.

3:40 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Murphy, Patrick amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 274 – 152 (Roll no. 389).

3:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to the King (IA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 57 – 369 (Roll no. 388).

3:00 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.

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

2:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1468, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Patrick Murphy amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 111-514 to ensure that citizens know if special interests outside their district or state are trying to impact an election by enhancing advertisement disclaimers to include the city and state of the ad funder’s residence or principle office.

2:48 P.M. –

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

2:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1468, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pascrell amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pascrell.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 111-514 to prohibit political expenditures by corporations with significant foreign government ownership and corporations that have a majority of shares owned by foreign nationals.

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

2:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1468, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kucinich amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Kucinich.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 111-514 to clarify that the bill would prohibit those with leases on the Outer Continental Shelf from making campaign-related expenditures.

2:11 P.M. –

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

2:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1468, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the King (IA) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. King (IA).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 111-514 to eliminate all limitations on federal election campaign contributions.

1:59 P.M. –

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

1:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1468, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ackerman amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Ackerman.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-514 to require covered organizations to report required disclosures to shareholders, members or donors in a “clear and conspicuous manner.”

12:36 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5175.

The Speaker designated the Honorable John T. Salazar 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. 1468 and Rule XVIII.

12:35 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5175 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. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on House Administration now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules, shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1468.

H. Res. 1464:

recognizing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and expressing appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Asia-Pacific region

12:33 P.M. –

The Chair put the question on the resolution, a recorded vote was demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 285:

recognizing the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children and families and supporting the goals and ideals of designating 2010 as the Year of the Father

12:32 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): 423 – 0 (Roll no. 387).

12:23 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

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.

H. Res. 1468:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5175) to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit foreign influence in Federal elections, to prohibit government contractors from making expenditures with respect to such elections, and to establish additional disclosure requirements with respect to spending in such elections, and for other purposes

12:22 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 220 – 205 (Roll no. 386).

12:14 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 181 (Roll no. 385).

10:35 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1468

Considered as privileged matter.

10:09 A.M. –

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

10:08 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 725 amended, and S. 1508.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx 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.

10:06 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Byron Brought, Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis, Maryland.

10:05 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Support Gulf Communities, demand Justice from Big Oil Companies


Donate to support Ecuadorean leaders’ trip to the Gulf
Donate Photo by Win McNamee/Getty
Donate
Donate
Toxic oil pit in Ecuador/ Photo by Lou Demattei

How many times will we let BP and Big Oil destroy our communities?

Next week, RAN along with four Ecuadorean community leaders, Emergildo, Humberto, Mariana and Luis, who have been fighting Big Oil’s toxic legacy for decades in the Amazon Rainforest, hope to travel to the Gulf Coast to stand with local communities who are feeling the impact of our country’s oil addiction firsthand.

This is an incredible act of solidarity that you can make happen. Now is the time to show that BP’s disaster is not an exception, but the rule for a dirty and dangerous industry.

Please donate now to help Ecuadorean leaders travel to the Gulf Coast to stand with communties impacted by BP’s oil disaster.

Whether it’s BP’s ruin of the Gulf, Chevron’s “Amazon Chernobyl” or Exxon’s deadly spill in Alaska, one thing is crystal clear: we must end our addiction to oil and herald in a clean energy future.

Emergildo, Humberto, Mariana and Luis know all too well Big Oil’s legacy of denying, delaying and litigating away responsibility for its reckless behavior. They have been fighting a decades-long legal battle to get Chevron to pay for the 18 billion gallons of highly toxic waste that was dumped into their water.

Next week, with your help, they will share their stories and survival strategies with communities in the Gulf, who, tragically, need support to protect their health, culture and livelihoods.

Your support can help oil-impacted communities from around the world build a movement strong enough to hold companies like BP and Chevron accountable.

From coast to coast and country to country, frontline communities have borne the brunt of Big Oil’s destruction and our country’s addiction to oil. But these communities are also where the movement to demand freedom from oil begins.

We have all seen how the hottest front-page story can fade from political view before companies make good on their promises or politicians make their rhetorical commitments into reality. This delegation is a critical step in building a movement strong enough to hold Big Oil and our politicians accountable even when the TV cameras turn off.

Support frontline communities in coming together to challenge corporate power and Big Oil’s business as usual.

It is our job to make sure that when we look back years from now on the summer of 2010, this horrific disaster will be remembered as a breakthrough moment in the transition to a clean energy future, and not just another deadly symptom of our addiction to oil.

Our job starts today!

For a better world,
Rebecca Tarbotton
Acting Executive Director
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

It feels good to win


Last night, we won again. DFA-List endorsed candidate Elaine Marshall won the Democratic primary runoff in North Carolina with 60% of the vote. That’s not the only good news. Everyone from The Hill newspaper in DC to Talking Points Memo are giving you the credit and Washington insiders are getting the message. Here’s just a sample:

From The Nation:

Progressive Challenger Defeats Washington Establishment in North Carolina

The progressive groups who unsuccessfully backed Bill Halter over Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas’ Democratic Senate runoff on June 8 scored a victory tonight when Elaine Marshall defeated Cal Cunningham in North Carolina’s Democratic Senate primary.

From USA Today:

She defeated a candidate who was handpicked by national Democratic Party leaders. Backed by liberal groups MoveOn-org and Democracy for America, (Elaine) campaigned as a liberal insurgent against Cal Cunningham.

Together with DFA-List candidate Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania, we’re showing Washington insiders we don’t support just any Democrat — we support better Democrats. Now, it’s up to us to make sure she beats Republican Senator Richard Burr in November.

CONTRIBUTE $5 OR MORE TO ELAINE MARSHALL RIGHT NOW

You don’t have to look far to see corporate interests’ fingerprints all over Richard Burr’s campaign. In his reelection kick-off he stood up for Big Insurance and called for the repeal of President Obama’s healthcare bill.

After the oil disaster in the Gulf he stood up for Big Oil and actually called for less restrictions on offshore oil drilling. Now, he’s standing up for Wall Street as Congress debates reform while funding his campaign with over $1 million in Wall Street special interest money.

Wall St. and Big Oil don’t own Elaine Marshall. The people do. She’s working to represent the people of North Carolina and working Americans everywhere, not Goldman Sachs or BP.

But after months of hard campaigning to win the primary and run-off elections, Elaine needs financial support to rebuild her war chest and beat Senator Burr in November.

 SEND BURR PACKING — CONTRIBUTE TODAY FOR PROGRESSIVE VICTORY IN NOVEMBER

DFA members told us to take back the U.S. Senate from corporate interests by supporting progressive candidates who will win. Contribute right now to make it happen.

Thank you for everything you do,

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Stand against unconstitutional attacks

Last September, in the midst of a stunning attack on an organization dedicated to organizing working people to act on their own behalf, the US Congress approved the Defund ACORN Act. It did this without investigating the charges leveled against us and in response to what was, above all, an enormous propaganda campaign. Congress’ move, singling out one organization for sanctions without investigation, is called a “bill of attainder” and it is expressly prohibited by the Constitution of the United States.

We have fought this miscarriage of justice from the beginning and from the beginning we’ve had success, including winning a preliminary injunction against it. Now our appeal is speeding through the courts, with the next hearing scheduled for this Thursday, June 24th. This fight is no longer about ACORN – as you know, we’ve ceased all field operations – it is about the Constitution itself. If this attack is allowed to stand, then any other organization that displeases those with power in the United States can be similarly attacked and, potentially, destroyed.

That’s why I’m asking you to stand up for justice, for the Constitution, and against Congress’ action by sending your members of Congress an email demanding they go on record opposing the defund ACORN act and the continuing efforts of the Administration to defend it in court.

ACORN has been investigated by four separate, independent, sources – former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, the California Attorney General, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) – and each of them has cleared ACORN of any wrongdoing. Three investigations reviewing the videos used to attack ACORN determined that they were “splice jobs” in which “the truth is on the cutting room floor”. The fourth, from the GAO, concluded that ACORN had not misused any of the Federal funds it had received. In other words, the entire set of attacks was a witch hunt driven using modern propaganda techniques and with millions of dollars in dedicated air time on a “news” channel and talk radio.

And you know why. We were simply too good at what we did – engaging low- and moderate-income families and families of color in America’s democratic system. If we hadn’t helped 860,000 new voters get on the voter rolls since 2004 (we believe this is the largest non-partisan voter registration effort ever carried out by a single non-profit organization), if we hadn’t helped raise the minimum wage in seven states, if we hadn’t blown the whistle about predatory lending in the sub-prime market back in 1999, and if we hadn’t brought in over $15 billion in direct benefits to America’s low- and moderate-income neighborhoods from 1994 – 2004, then we wouldn’t have been the targets of smears and attacks going back to the 2004 election. Smears that were exposed during the height of the scandal surrounding the firing of US Attorneys like David Iglesias in New Mexico, who refused to trump up phony voter fraud charges against ACORN.

You can stand up to these smears and for justice for working people by telling Congress to finally do the right thing. Frankly, if the attacks leveled against ACORN had really been about misusing taxpayer dollars, you can bet that defense contractors like Xe (formerly Blackwater), Halliburton, and Kaman Dayron, all of whom have been found guilty of either committing actual crimes or of collectively defrauding the American people of hundreds of millions of dollars, would have been the subject of their own Defund Corporate Criminals Act.

But, of course, they aren’t. Because, unlike ACORN’s low- and moderate-income membership, these corporations can buy influence in the highest levels of political power in the United States. So, our lawsuit against the unconstitutional Defund ACORN Act is not about ACORN and its past federal funding. It is about justice for all organizations that fight for the interests of regular folks against the most powerful interests in America. You can remind Congress that people expect them to tackle the difficult issues facing our country and its working families, not engage in political grandstanding at the expense of constitutional guarantees.

Thank you for all your past support and for taking a stand to make America a fairer and more equitable place for all of us.

In solidarity and strength,

Bertha Lewis
ACORN CEO and Chief Organizer

PS. For those of you living in New York City, we’re inviting you to attend the Thursday hearing with me and other allies. Click here for more information about the hearing and the entire ACORN v USA case prepared by the Center for Constitutional Rights.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Democrats –Senate Newsroom


June 10, 2010

Reid Spokesman: Do Senate Republicans Agree With John Boehner That Taxpayers Should Pay To Clean Up BP’s Mess?

Washington, DC— Jim Manley, spokesman for Nevada Senator Harry Reid, released the following statement today calling on Republicans to explain whether they agree with House Republican Leader John Boehner’s comments that taxpayers should pay to clean up the BP oil spill:

“Leader Boehner just took Republicans’ defense of special interests to a whole new level by saying taxpayers should pay to clean up BP’s mess. This may explain why Republicans have repeatedly blocked Democrats’ attempts to hold BP accountable, and why today they’re trying to hand a $47 billion giveaway to Big Oil.

“Senate Republicans should tell the American people whether they agree with Leader Boehner’s comments.  The public deserves to know whether Republicans are going to join Democrats to hold BP accountable, or just continue to protect big oil companies — the same way Republicans have protected big banks and health care companies.”

June 10, 2010

Baucus, Bingaman, Whitehouse Join Seniors Advocate To Highlight First Wave Of Rebate Checks And Other Benefits Of Health Reform For Seniors

Washington, DC— Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus, Senator Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joined Barbara Easterling of the Alliance for Retired Americans and Stella Johnson, a retired Washington, D.C. school teacher at a press conference today to discuss how America’s seniors will benefit from health care reform.  As part of the new health insurance reform law, seniors across America will be mailed the first wave of rebate checks to help close the Medicare Part D donut hole today. Almost 3.8 million American seniors are affected by the donut hole every year.

“Beginning today, as a result of health care reform, seniors who hit the donut hole will find a $250 check in their mailboxes to help them afford their prescription medicines.  For seniors in my home state of Montana and across the country, these checks will provide real relief from the rising cost of prescription drugs,” said Chairman Baucus said. “The health care reform law we worked to pass will also provide seniors in the donut hole with a 50-percent discount next year and continue working to close the donut hole so all seniors have access to the medicines they need.  These checks are a real victory for America’s seniors and we will continue working to implement all the provisions in health care reform, including those that strengthen Medicare for America’s seniors.”

“The ‘donut hole’ was a major flaw in Medicare Part D,” said Senator Bingaman.  “The new health insurance law will eventually close the gap entirely, but in the meantime these $250 checks are being sent to help seniors to cover the cost of their life-saving prescriptions.”

“Since I ran for the Senate in 2006, I’ve heard countless horror stories about folks affected by the dreaded Medicare Part D doughnut hole,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “Far too many seniors are forced to choose between taking their medication and putting food on the table or paying their bills.  This is unacceptable, and today marks the first step toward fixing the problem.  For Rhode Island seniors who have been hit hard by the long recession, this will be welcome relief.”

“This new law will help Americans of all ages live longer, healthier lives,” said Barbara Easterling.  “Many seniors are still unaware of the specific ways this law will benefit them.  We must all work together to make sure retirees know about these $250 rebate checks and all other parts of the new law.”

“The new health reform law will help me, my family, and my friends by phasing out this Medicare donut hole,” said Stella Johnson.  “I am delighted that the health care bill recently became law and that the benefits for seniors are already upon us. This new law is phasing out the Medicare prescription drug donut hole.  I want to thank the people who stood up for me and every senior in America when they supported the new health reform law.”

June 10, 2010

Reid Statement On Meeting With Clean Energy Legislation Leaders

Washington, DC—Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement this afternoon following a meeting today with key Senate Democratic leaders on clean energy legislation:

“There is a clear need for the Senate to act on comprehensive clean energy legislation that addresses the recent disaster on the Gulf Coast, reduces our nation’s heavy reliance on oil, creates clean energy jobs and enhances our environmental and national security.  In Nevada, we have seen how critical investments in solar, geothermal and wind energy, as well as energy efficiency, are already strengthening and diversifying our economy as well as creating reliable Nevada jobs that can never be outsourced.

“Today’s meeting with key committee chairs and clean energy leaders was another productive step, and we all share the hope that Republicans will join our effort to bring this important bill to the Senate floor.  But Republicans need to stop focusing their efforts on protecting big corporations who want to continue the same polluting energy policy that we know is inadequate.

“There are a variety of opinions within our caucus about how to develop a bipartisan bill that can gain the necessary support, but there is also resolve to move forward with this effort.  I am committed to working with Democrats and Republicans to pass clean energy legislation this year.”

June 10, 2010

Reid Introduces Amendment To Extend Transaction Closing Date For First Time Homebuyers

Amendment would extend first time homebuyer tax credit transaction closing date from June 30th to September 30th

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today joined with Senators Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Chris Dodd of Connecticut to introduce an amendment to the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 that would extend the deadline for closing home purchases in order to qualify for the first time homebuyer tax credit.  The current deadline for purchases made using the popular tax credit is June 30, 2010.  There is growing concern that because of the time it takes for banks to complete transactions such as short sales, many of these home purchases would not be complete before the deadline through no fault of the homebuyer.  The Reid, Isakson and Dodd amendment would extend the deadline to September 30, 2010, to ensure the completion of the sales.

“The first time homebuyer tax credit was very popular and successful in Nevada,” Reid said.  “In addition to making it easier for thousands of Nevadans to purchase their first home, it helped reduce the sitting inventory of homes.  By extending the transaction deadline, we can ensure that everyone taking advantage of this credit can complete the purchase of their new home.”