Tag Archives: Speaker (politics)

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Call Congress: Tell them to do their job


The President spoke Monday night about the need for Congress to come together to meet our financial obligations by raising the so-called “debt ceiling” — that is, to make sure our country can pay the bills Congress has already racked up.

You’d think this would be fairly straightforward. For many years, regardless of party affiliation, presidents have asked Congress to do this when it’s been necessary — and every time, Congress has acted. Just as an example, Congress granted Ronald Reagan’s request to raise the debt ceiling 18 different times.

Here’s what’s happening: President Obama proposed the balanced approach of raising the debt ceiling paired with responsible steps to reduce our country’s long-term debt — asking oil companies, corporations, and the richest Americans to do their part rather than placing the entire burden on seniors and the middle class.

A deal has been close at times, but an ideological faction of House Republicans has been effectively holding our economy hostage — making extreme demands like ending Medicare as we know it, gutting Social Security, and rejecting any compromises that might make millionaires or big corporations pay their fair share to get our debt under control.

So when President Obama spoke to the nation the other night, he made a suggestion to everyone watching: Call Congress and ask them to do their job. Since then, there have been reports that the flood of calls and emails has been slowing down the phone systems and websites on Capitol Hill.

Our records show you have only Democratic representatives in Congress. But House Speaker John Boehner — who is leading the Republicans in negotiations — needs to hear what Americans like you think.

Call Speaker Boehner‘s office now at (202) 225-0600 — and tell him we can’t afford to let politics hold our economy hostage. It’s time to put ideological demands aside and agree to a balanced approach.

Then click here to let us know how it went.

Here’s what the President said on Monday:

“The American people may have voted for divided government, but they didn’t vote for a dysfunctional government. So I’m asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message.”

The President doesn’t make a direct request of all of us like this very often. Take a minute right now to call Speaker Boehner — then let us know how it went:

http://my.barackobama.com/Debt-Deal-Calls

Thanks,

Messina

P.S. — If you missed it, here’s the full video of the President’s speech. Watch it and spread the word:

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: Are they working for ALL Americans ? the Republican led House -the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 2pmET July 18, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 3:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.
  • At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #82, the nomination of J. Paul Oetken, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York with 30 minutes of debate equally divided between Senators Leahy and Grassley.
  • Upon the use or yielding of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Oetken nomination.

             The pending Johnson-Kirk amendment #556 (report on Arlington National Cemetery) to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill has been modified. The modification provides for additional Senate and House committees to receive the report.

  • At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of J. Paul Oetken, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

VOTES

5:32pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of J.Paul Oetken to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 80-13

&

Adopted S.Con.Res.25, welcoming the independence of the Republic of South Sudan, congratulating the people of South Sudan for freely and peacefully expressing their will through an internationally accepted referendum, and calling on the Governments and people of Sudan and South Sudan to peacefully resolve outstanding issues including the final status of Abyei.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 18, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 18, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

7:36 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.

7:35 P.M. – Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 355.

7:06 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:05 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

7:04 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 244 – 56, 1 Present (Roll no. 602).

H.R. 33:
to amend the Securities Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities issued in connection with church plans are treated as exempted securities for purposes of that Act 

6:57 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 310 – 1 (Roll no. 601).

6:30 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 33which had been debated earlier as well as the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

5:07 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 33:
to amend the Securities Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities issued in connection with church plans are treated as exempted securities for purposes of that Act 

5:06 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.

5:03 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 33.Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:02 P.M. – Mrs. Biggert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

5:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

5:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

2:11 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Nugent demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Nugent objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 18.

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00 P.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress at work -the Republican led House ? – the Senate …consideration of S.1323


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET July 13,2011

 Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees prior to the cloture vote on S.1323.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.1323 is 10:00am on Wednesday, July 14th.

There will be up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 10:30am Wednesday. The first roll call vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, the sense of the Senate bill on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit. If cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2nd roll call vote immediately on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit.

 10:40am the Senate will conduct up to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:

– Motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit

– And if cloture is not invoked on S.1323, on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.

VOTES …

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit. Not invoked: 51-49

At 11:10 am the Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2055 MilCon Appropriations. Invoked: 89-11.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 13, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

9:20 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 13, 2011.

Mr. Luetkemeyer moved that the House do now adjourn.

H.R. 2354:

making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

9:17 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2354 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the Committee rise.

9:13 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Visclosky demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 47 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment No. 47 printed in the Congressional Record to zero out the $250,000 appropriation for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission and to apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

9:01 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Shimkus amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Shimkus demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Shimkus amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Shimkus.

An amendment to reduce the Departmental Administration account under the Department of Energy by $10 million and increase the Nuclear Regulatory Commission account for the Yucca Mountain license application by the same amount.

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

8:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fortenberry amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Fortenberry.

An amendment to reduce the Departmental Administration account under the Department of Energy by $35 million and increase the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account by the same amount.

On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 64 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 64 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Departmental Administration account under the Department of Energy by $2.5 million and increases the Spending Reduction Account by the same amount.

8:39 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 48 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 48 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the funds for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program.

8:34 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schiff amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Schiff demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Schiff amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Schiff.

An amendment to increase the amount appropriated for carrying out the research activities authorized by the America COMPETES Act by $79,640,000 and reduce the Departmental Administration account for the Department of Energy by the same amount.

8:20 P.M. –

Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Heck amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

8:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Heck amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Heck.

An amendment to provide $2.5 million to the State of Nevada for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository.

8:12 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 43 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 43 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Science account under the Department of Energy by $820,488,000 and increase the Spending Reduction account by the same amount.

8:05 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Royce amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Royce demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Royce amendment No. 68 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Royce.

An amendment numbered 68 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Science account under the Department of Energy by $10 million and increase the Spending Reduction account by the same amount.

7:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:38 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Holt amendment No. 65 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 65 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the Science account under the Department of Energy by $42,665,000 and reduce the Weapons Activities account under the National Nuclear Security Administration by the same amount.

7:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.

7:33 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Reed (NY) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Reed (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Reed (NY) amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Reed.

An amendment to increase the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup account under the Department of Energy by $41 million and reduce the account for Departmental Administration under the Department of Energy by $21 million and reduce the account for Departmental Administration under the National Nuclear Security Administration by $20 million.

7:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.

7:21 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Matheson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Frelinghuysen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Matheson amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Matheson.

An amendment to increase the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup account under the Department of Energy by $10 million and reduce the Weapons Activities account under the National Nuclear Security Administration by the same amount.

7:14 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the McKinley amendment was withdrawn.

7:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McKinley amendment No. 25 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. McKinley.

An amendment numbered 25 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $39 million and reduce the Science account by $39 million.

7:03 P.M. –

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

6:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rehberg amendment No. 57 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Rehberg.

An amendment numbered 57 printed in the Congressional Record to increase and reduce necessary expenses for the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $2,200,000.

6:56 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2018:

to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 184 (Roll no. 573).

6:48 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 238 (Roll no. 572).

6:31 P.M. –

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

6:23 P.M. –

Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to retain EPA’s authority to set water pollution standards and review permits when pollutants are being discharged into waters that are a source of public drinking water.

Mr. McNerney moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.

6:22 P.M. –

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.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

6:21 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2018.

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 254 (Roll no. 571).

6:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Carnahan amendment Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 247 (Roll no. 570).

6:13 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 237 (Roll no. 569).

6:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 240 (Roll no. 568).

6:05 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 231 (Roll no. 567).

6:01 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Capito amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 268 – 152 (Roll no. 566).

5:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 252 (Roll no. 565).

5:21 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.

5:20 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 13.

4:27 P.M. –

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

H.R. 2018:

to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

4:26 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2018 as unfinished business.

4:25 P.M. –

On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gibbs moved that the Committee now rise.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Carnahan amendment No. 10, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Carnahan demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carnahan amendment No. 10.

Amendment offered by Mr. Carnahan.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-144 to restrict the application of the bill if a major disaster had been declared in the area due to flooding within the last five years, or the waters in question had contributed to such a declaration.

4:20 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Blumenauer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 9.

Amendment offered by Mr. Blumenauer.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-144 to exclude from coverage under the bill, any waters that EPA determines provide flood protection for communities, are a valuable fish and wildlife habitat that provides benefits to the economy, or are coastal recreational waters.

4:10 P.M. –

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

4:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 8.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-144 to clarify that nothing in the bill can limit the EPA Administrator’s authority to regulate a pipeline that crosses a streambed.

4:05 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly amendment.

3:58 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report to 112-144 to align federal funding with the scope of federal clean water regulations.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gibbs demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment.

3:50 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-144 to exclude from this act permit holders who are on the significant non-compliance list.

On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment as modified Agreed to by voice vote.

3:49 P.M. –

Hanabusa amendment modified by unanimous consent.

3:45 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanabusa amendment.

3:44 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-144 to require the Administrator of the EPA to submit to Congress within one year and then annually thereafter, a report on any increase in waterborne pathogenic microorganisms (including protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and parasites), toxic chemicals, or toxic metals (such as lead and mercury) in waters regulated by a State under the provisions of H.R. 2018, including any amendments to the bill.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capito amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capito amendment.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Capito.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-144 to require the EPA to analyze the impact of certain covered actions on employment levels and economic activity and require public notice and a hearing in those instances where a covered action has more than a de minimis impact on employment or economic activity in any given state.

3:31 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 2.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-144 to allow the EPA to continue to have the authority to set standards for NPDES Permit programs by striking section 2.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gibbs demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 1.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-144 to strike all after the enacting clause.

2:28 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2018.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe 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. 347 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2018 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 Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 347.

H. Res. 347:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2018) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 171 (Roll no. 564).

2:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H.Res. 347 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 13.

1:07 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 347:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2018) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

1:06 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 347, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis (CO) demanded a vote by the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:05 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 347.

12:23 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 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.

12:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Quigley 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.

12:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 13.

10:52 A.M. –

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

10:02 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.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress on the 1st of July – Vacation until 7/5


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 1, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:05 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is
scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 5, 2011.

10:03 A.M. – Pursuant to section 1(k)(2) of H.Res. 895, One Hundred Tenth Congress, and
section 4(c) of H.Res. 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, the Clerk notified the
House that Yvonne Burke, Karen English, Bill Frenzel, Porter J. Goss, Abner, J.
Mikva, David El. Skaggs, Omar Ashmawy, William H. Cable, Laura Cole, Mary K.
Flanagan, Scott Gast, David Hartzler, Kedric L. Payne, Paul Solis, and Nathaniel
Wright have signed an agreement to not be a candidate for the office of Senator
or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress for
purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 until at least 3 years
after he or she is no longer a member of the board or staff of the Office of
Congressional Ethics.

10:02 A.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 June 29, 2011, at 5:45 p.m., stating that
that body had passed S. 679.

10:01 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House 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 Reverend William George, Cathedral of St.
Matthew, Washington, DCThe Speaker designated the Honorable Jeffrey M. Landry to act as Speaker pro
tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Senate convenes on July 5, 2011

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Budget: Shutdown Averted


Late Friday night, just minutes from an impending government shutdown, congressional negotiators and President Barack Obama reached a deal to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, cutting $38.5 billion under current funding levels. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and other Republicans hailed the deal as an important step to reining in the deficit, while Obama lauded it as a bipartisan achievement, comparing it to the compromise he helped broker late last year on extending the Bush tax cuts for two years. “A few months ago, I was able to sign a tax cut for American families because both parties worked through their differences and found common ground,” he said in a statement. “Now the same cooperation will make possible the biggest annual spending cut in history, and it’s my sincere hope that we can continue to come together as we face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead, from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our deficit.” To keep the government running, lawmakers passed a short-term spending measure and are preparing to vote on a final agreement later this week.

CUTS DWARFED BY BUSH TAX CUTS: While the details of the deal are still emerging — the agreement would cut $13 billion from programs at the Departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services, $1 billion more in an across-the-board cut from domestic agencies and $8 billion in cuts to the State Department and foreign aid — the New York Times reports that negotiations came down to the wire, as Republicans sought to move the goal posts on negotiation and press for greater cuts. On Thursday night, for instance, Obama believed that he “had made a breakthrough in the negotiations, when he told Mr. Boehner that he would sign on to spending cuts of roughly $38 billion — $5 billion more than he had offered two days earlier.” But the following morning, Boehner reneged, saying that he would demand “north of the amount we’d offered the night before.” The demand led to a heated exchange between Obama and Boehner in which the President said, “I’m the president of the United States, you’re the speaker of the House. We’re the two most responsible leaders right now. We had a conversation last night, and what I’m hearing now doesn’t reflect that.” The final agreement of $38.5 billion in spending cuts, however, ia still dwarfed by the lost revenue from extending the Bush tax cuts, which the Republicans loudly championed. That policy deprives the government of roughly $150 billion in revenue over a similar period of time. As Alex Seitz-Wald points out, “So while they very nearly shut down the government to extract painful spending cuts, Republicans had already wiped out those spending cuts many times over with the revenue lost from extending the Bush tax cuts.”

RIDERS REMAIN: Despite securing a significant concession on spending, House Republicans were forced to drop over 40 riders or policy demands — including Rep. Mike Pence’s (R-IN) amendment to defund Planned Parenthood and another provision that would have blocked standards to protect public health from carbon dioxide, mercury, and other toxic pollutants — from the short-term budget bill. Instead, they secured a guarantee that the issue would receive an up or down vote on the Senate floor and kept provision that would prohibit the District of Columbia from using its own funds to pay for abortion services. The rider would not save any additional federal dollars, however, since it only prohibits the District from spending its own locally-raised tax dollars on the procedure, reviving a 13-year ban President Obama overturned in 2009. Washington D.C.’s Congressional delegate, Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), condemned the provision and warned that Republicans may still advance an unresolved measure that would ban on the city from running needle exchange programs and would actually increase spending (a study from Yale University found that needle exchange can reduce government spending by millions of dollars by preventing disease transmission.) “The District is still on the auction block during the final negotiations over the budget bill because Republicans want a ban on the use of D.C. local funds for needle-exchange programs in the package, which would guarantee the spread of HIV/AIDS among our citizens,” Norton said. Another rider secured by Republicans would also reinstate a school voucher program in D.C. and make small changes in the Affordable Care Act.

THE NEXT FIGHT: Over the weekend, Republicans reiterated that the short-term funding negotiations were only a dress rehearsal for the looming fight over an increase in the debt ceiling. Boehner insisted on Saturday that there is “not a chance” Republicans will deliver a “clean bill” to raise the debt ceiling and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) predicted that “the White House and the president will actually capitulate” and agree to “spending caps, entitlement reforms, budget process reforms ” in the debt limit increase. It is widely understood, however, that failing to raise the debt ceiling on schedule could have immediate and dire consequences for government services and the global economy. As the Center for American Progress’ David Min has pointed out, it would force an immediate cut of approximately 40 percent to all activities of the federal government — a severe blow to our already struggling economy. It could also erode confidence in U.S. Treasury bonds, causing interest rates to spike and the possible destabilization of global financial markets. If investor confidence is eroded and Treasury rates go up, the higher costs of debt maintenance would counteract (and potentially could even be larger than) any spending cuts at issue. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has acknowledged as much, as has Boehner, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), and conservative columnist George Will . This has not prevented many GOP lawmakers from threatening to vote down an increase in the debt limit if their partisan demands are not met. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said there can be no increase without entitlement cuts and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) demanded an implicit 44 percent cut in all government programs in exchange for an increase.