Tag Archives: United State

Two years ago we won a huge victory for transparency when a new law was implemented that ensured oil, gas and mining companies must reveal what they pay to African governments for access to their natural resources.

This law could save millions of people from extreme poverty, but now it’s under attack. »

Without this law, Big Oil was able to spend huge amounts of money on secret deals that was often pocketed by corrupt governments instead going to African people facing extreme poverty.

That meant people facing starvation while their leaders pocketed billions. »

Strongly enforced transparency in these deals could mean this money makes it to the people who need it the most. It could build the infrastructure, hospitals and schools Africa desperately needs to pull millions out of extreme poverty.

But it will be back to business as usual if the SEC caves to Big Oil’s demands for lax regulations and less transparency.

The SEC could be making a decision any day now.

Take action today: It’s up to us to be a voice for the voiceless and stand up to Big Oil’s bullying! »

Thanks for taking action!Ellen B.
ThePetitionSite

~ Culture & History

National Museum of African American History and Culture – Lonny Branch

02/22/2012 Nativegrl77

Dear Charter Members and Friends,As director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I am proud to announce that we will officially break ground for the Museum on Wednesday, February 22, 2012. While we could not invite all our Charter Members and friends to join us at this ceremony, I welcome you to join us virtually through a simulcast of this historic event via this link nmaahc.si.edu/Events/Groundbreaking. Pre-program activities begin at 9 a.m., and the ceremony gets underway at 10 a.m.This day represents a major milestone in our development, keeping us on track to meet our projected opening in 2015!

Circled — Future home of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The ceremonial groundbreaking represents just one of a number of activities planned throughout this year. In addition to our ongoing exhibitions and programs, later this year we will host a public celebration of the Groundbreaking on the National Mall. It will be a prelude to the Smithsonian’s FolkLife Festival that begins on June 27th. And those of you who are Charter Members will be invited to a special “members-only” reception and program as well (details to follow).

Six years ago, we began the journey to create the 19th museum of the Smithsonian family. Now, we have arrived at a singular moment in history — a time that realizes the hopes and dreams of so many who have struggled before us. We could not have reached this moment without the commitment of our Charter Members and friends like you.

Thank you again for your continued support and for joining us in this journey to bring the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the nation and the world.

	In gratitude and celebration,

	Lonnie Bunch Founding Director

P.S. I know you are as excited and proud as all of us are of this Museum as it begins to take its place among the other great Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. Thank you again for your vision and support.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House votes on offshore drilling,Alaska&keystone pipeline – the Senate confirms of Adalberto Jordan for US Circuit Judge 11thCircuit 94-5 & S1813,Transportation bill

02/15/2012 Nativegrl77

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the Senate Convened at 9:30am ET February 15,2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 12:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leader or their designees with Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the second 30 minutes.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and resume consideration of the nomination of Adalberto Jose Jordan, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 11^th Circuit with 2 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. At approximately 12:02pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Jordan nomination.
Upon disposition of the Jordan nomination, the Senate will resume Legislative Session and consideration of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill.
Additional votes in relation to amendments to the Surface Transportation bill are possible on Wednesday.

Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Adalberto Jose Jordan, of FL, to be US Circuit Judge for the 11th Circuit; Confirmed: 94-5

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 3:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 3pm today, the Senate resumed consideration of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill, and Senator Reid withdrew Reid amendment #1515 (Banking title). He then offered amendment #1633, which adds the Banking/Finance/Commerce, as reported by the Commerce committee, titles). He then filled the amendment tree with date changes.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the Reid amendment #1633 (Banking/Finance/Commerce, as reported by the Commerce committee, titles). He then filed cloture on the nomination of Jesse Furman, of New York, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of the nomination of Adalberto Jose Jordan, of Florida, to be US Circuit Judge for the 11^th Circuit; Confirmed: 94-5

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.377, recognizing the 50^th anniversary of the historic achievement of John Herschel Glenn, Jr., in becoming the first United States astronaut to orbit the Earth.

Adopted S.Res.378, expressing the sense of the Senate that children should have a safe, loving, nurturing, and permanent family and that it is the policy of the United States that family reunification, kinship care, or domestic and inter-country adoption promotes permanency and stability to a greater degree than long-term institutionalization and long-term, continually disrupted foster care.

Adopted H.Con.Res.99, authorizing the use of the Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to unveil the marker which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the construction of the United States Capitol.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2105, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 (Lieberman).

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2111, the Cyber Crime Protection Security Act (Leahy).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 15, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.6:47:57 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with further one minute speeches.6:46:21 P.M. -United States Holocaust Memorial Council – Pursuant to 36 U.S.C. 2302, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011 the Speaker appointed the following member of the House to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council: Mr. Israel .6:44:48 P.M. -H.R. 3408Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3408 as unfinished business.6:43:43 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Deutch amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 236 (Roll no. 63).6:40:16 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Landry amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 266 – 159 (Roll no. 62).6:35:39 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Bishop (NY) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 257 (Roll no. 61).6:32:03 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Capps amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 267 (Roll no. 60).6:27:32 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 265 (Roll no. 59).6:23:46 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Doyle amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 234 (Roll no. 58).6:20:04 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Rush amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 149 – 276 (Roll no. 57).6:16:25 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Markey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 254 (Roll no. 56).6:10:43 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 249 (Roll no. 55).5:44:05 P.M. -H.R. 3408UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.5:43:51 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Deutch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Deutch demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day5:33:31 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Deutch Part A amendment No. 12.5:33:23 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Deutch, numbered 12 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to require a person to include in the application for a drilling lease an estimate of the economic impact, including job losses, resulting from a worst-case discharge of oil from facilities operating under the lease.5:32:56 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Landry amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:22:45 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Landry Part A amendment No. 11.5:22:37 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry, numbered 11 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to raise the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act cap to $750 million per year starting in year 2023 until 2055. The amendment keeps the $500 million cap per year in place through year 2022.5:21:27 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Richmond amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.5:18:22 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richmond Part A amendment No. 10.5:18:10 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Richmond, numbered 10 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to allow oil and gas revenues to be used for coastal wetlands conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, or infrastructure projects directly impacted by coastal wetland losses. Currently, H.R. 7 contains a prohibition on how states can use oil and gas revenues. Energy producing states use offshore oil and gas revenues to fund their required state cost share of hurricane protection and coastline restoration programs.5:17:44 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Bishop (NY) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.5:06:57 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) Part A amendment No. 9.5:06:54 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Bishop (NY), numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to prohibit oil and natural gas lease sales in the northeast U.S.5:06:29 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Bilirakis amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:58:51 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bilirakis Part A amendment No. 8.4:58:36 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Bilirakis, numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to require the Secretary to conduct an economic impact survey to determine the economic effects that lease sales within 100 miles of the coast of Florida will have on the Florida fishing and tourism industries.4:58:12 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Capps demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:46:58 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps Part A amendment No. 7.4:46:56 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capps, numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to strike Section 17304, relating to oil and gas lease sales in the Southern California planning area, and part 4, relating to OCS revenue sharing with coastal states.4:46:38 P.M. -H.R. 3408On agreeing to the Hastings (WA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:44:38 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (WA) Part A amendment No. 6.4:44:36 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (WA), numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to change the underlying bill’s requirement that the Department of the Interior substitute two new lease blocks for each one lease block that is deferred from a lease sale at the request of the Department of Defense, to replace each deferred lease block with one new lease block. The amendment also calls attention to the existing authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act for the President to designate National Defense Areas on the outer Continental Shelf that are restricted from exploration and operation. The amendment also requires the North Aleutian Basin lease sale to be conducted by 2015 rather than one year after enactment of the Act.4:43:45 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED 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 noes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:34:07 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis Part A amendment No. 5.4:34:03 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to strike subtitle A of title XVII and provides a five year window offset through increasing the federal share of drilling revenue.4:33:41 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Doyle amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Doyle demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:21:35 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Doyle Part A amendment No. 4.4:21:32 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Doyle, numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to require that a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline is not to be issued or deemed issued unless the permit applicant can certify and provide adequate documentation to FERC that at least 75% of the iron and steel to be used in domestic portion of the pipeline is produced in North America.4:20:58 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:08:51 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush Part A amendment No. 3.4:08:48 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Rush, numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to amend Title XIV to prohibit the issuance of a permit absent conditions that restrict the ability of the permit recipient from initiating or threatening to initiate proceedings to invoke the power of eminent domain against the will of a property’s owner for the purposes of constructing or operating the Keystone XL pipeline.4:08:27 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:55:45 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey Part A amendment No. 2.3:55:41 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to ensure that if the Keystone XL pipeline is built, the oil that it transports to the Gulf of Mexico and the fuels made from that oil remain in this country to benefit Americans. The amendment allows the President to waive this requirement if it can be shown that an export of the oil or fuels won’t increase our dependence on oil or fuels we buy from hostile nations, that prices for refiners and consumers won’t go up if the export occurs, or if an export is needed to comply with any international treaties or other agreements we have to export oil or fuels.3:54:55 P.M. -H.R. 3408POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.3:47:35 P.M. -H.R. 3408DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 547, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo Part A amendment No. 1.3:47:29 P.M. -H.R. 3408An amendment, offered by Ms. Eshoo, numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 112-398 to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review the results of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) study, as required by the bipartisan pipeline safety bill (Public Law 112-90), before issuing a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.2:35:55 P.M. -H.R. 3408GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3408.2:35:45 P.M. -H.R. 3408The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.2:35:44 P.M. -H.R. 3408House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 547 and Rule XVIII.2:35:09 P.M. -H.R. 3408The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 3408. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. Specified amendments printed in part A of the report accompanying this resolution are in order. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 3813. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. Specified amendments printed in part B of the report accompanying this resolution are in order. The resolution provides for one hour of debate on H.R. 7.2:35:04 P.M. -H.R. 3408Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 547. H.R. 3408 — “To set clear rules for the development of United States oil shale resources, to promote shale technology research and development, and for other purposes.”2:34:25 P.M. -H.R. 3248Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:34:24 P.M. -H.R. 3248On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 0 (Roll no. 54).2:28:25 P.M. -H.R. 3248Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3248 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building”.”2:28:03 P.M. -H.R. 3247Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:28:02 P.M. -H.R. 3247On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 – 0 (Roll no. 53).2:21:11 P.M. -H.R. 3247Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3247 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building”.”2:21:02 P.M. -H.R. 2079Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:21:01 P.M. -H.R. 2079On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 418 – 2 (Roll no. 52).2:13:59 P.M. -H.R. 2079Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2079 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the “John J. Cook Post Office”.”2:13:50 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.2:13:35 P.M. -H. Res. 547Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:13:34 P.M. -H. Res. 547On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 235 – 186 (Roll no. 51).2:05:42 P.M. -H. Res. 547On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 229 – 181 (Roll no. 50).12:38:40 P.M. -H. Res. 547DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 547.12:29:23 P.M. -H. Res. 547Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 547 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3408) to set clear rules for the development of United States oil shale resources, to promote shale technology research and development, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3813) to amend title 5, United States Code, to secure the annuities of Federal civilian employees, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7) to authorize funds for Federal-aid highway, public transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs, and for other purposes.”12:02:59 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.12:02:31 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hahn to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:29 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:03 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Rudy Stevens, United States Army, Pinehurst, North Carolina.12:00:46 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 15.11:03:51 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:54 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.10:00:49 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:23 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ Culture & History

History Takes Flight! Lonnie G. Bunch at The NMAAHC

02/14/2012 Nativegrl77

Lonnie Bunch, museum director, historian, lecturer, and author, is proud to present A Page from Our American Story, a regular on-line series for Museum supporters. It will showcase individuals and events in the African American experience, placing these stories in the context of a larger story — our American story.

A Page From Our American Story

Members of the Tuskegee Airmen Circa May 1942 to Aug 1943 Location unknown, likely Southern Italy or North Africa

Not many people know the entire story of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is going to change that. The Tuskegee Airmen epitomize courage and heroism. Their story, however, is more than just their legendary success escorting American bombers over Nazi Germany.

Their story begins more than 23 years earlier. In fact, from the early days of World War I, African Americans wanted to serve as pilots in the Army Air Force. They were repeatedly rejected — because of their race. In 1941, when Congress finally forced the Army Air Force to train African Americans, the powers in the Pentagon created a training program with one purpose — wash out the men who want to be aviators.

However, the Pentagon was in for a surprise — the Tuskegee Airmen did not fail. They would succeed and go on to serve in spectacular fashion. Their success would force military leaders to take a hard look at the policies of segregation that treated black servicemen and women as second class citizens.

Click here to take flight with the Spirit of Tuskegee!

I offer this brief, brief summary of the Tuskegee Airmen story as a way of introducing a short, but fascinating video that features a treasured object in the Museum’s collection — a restored World War II-era PT-13 Stearman used to train many of the Tuskegee Airmen. The video documents this biplane’s historic journey across the nation on its way to being presented to the Museum in the summer of 2011.

The addition of the PT-13 Stearman helps bring the powerful story of the Tuskegee Airmen to life. Together they help fulfill the Museum’s mission to engage, educate, and bring pride to all Americans.

Enjoy!

	All the best,

	Lonnie Bunch Director

P.S. We can only reach our $250 million goal with your help. I hope you will consider making a donation or becoming a Charter Member today.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the newest member of the Smithsonian Institution’s family of extraordinary museums.The museum will be far more than a collection of objects. The Museum will be a powerful, positive force in the national discussion about race and the important role African Americans have played in the American story — a museum that will make all Americans proud.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate moves forward on confirmation of Adalberto Jordan then S.1813

02/14/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET February 14, 2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session and resume consideration of the Adalberto Jordan nomination, post-cloture.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
We expect to confirm the Jordan nomination and resume consideration of S. 1813, the Surface Transportation bill.

The following amendments are pending to S.1813, the Surface Transportation Act:

Johnson-Shelby #1515 (banking title)

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, Senator Bingaman asked unanimous consent to confirm the following Department of Energy nominations:

– Calendar #493, Charles DeWitt McConnell to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil Energy)

– Calendar #494, David T. Danielson to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)

– Calendar #495, LaDoris Guess Harris to be Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact, Department of Energy

– Calendar #496, Gregory Howard Woods to be General Counsel of the Department of Energy

– Calendar #527, Arunava Majumdar to be Under Secretary of Energy

Senator Paul then objected to Senator Bingaman’s request.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.373, recognizing February 14, 2012 as the Centennial of the State of Arizona.

Adopted S.Res.374, supporting the mission and goals of 2012 National Crime Victims Rights Week.

Adopted S.Res.375, celebrating the bicentennial of the City of Columbus, the capital city of the State of Ohio.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2105, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 (Lieberman)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 14, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

. -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 15, 2012.11:19:12 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.11:19:01 P.M. -Mr. Webster moved that the House do now adjourn.11:17:55 P.M. -Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 547.11:17:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.9:45:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.7:17:12 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:13:48 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:12:33 P.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 303 – 89, 1 Present (Roll no. 49).6:30:02 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.6:30:01 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.5:12:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m. today.5:12:12 P.M. -H.R. 3248At 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.5:04:17 P.M. -H.R. 3248DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3248.5:04:13 P.M. -H.R. 3248Considered under suspension of the rules.5:04:03 P.M. -H.R. 3248Mr. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3248 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 112 South 5th Street in Saint Charles, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Drew W. Weaver Post Office Building”.”5:03:34 P.M. -H.R. 3247At 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.4:56:34 P.M. -H.R. 3247DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3247.4:56:32 P.M. -H.R. 3247Considered under suspension of the rules.4:56:21 P.M. -H.R. 3247Mr. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3247 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the “Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos Post Office Building”.”4:56:04 P.M. -H.R. 2079At 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.4:49:12 P.M. -H.R. 2079DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2079.4:49:10 P.M. -H.R. 2079Considered under suspension of the rules.4:49:00 P.M. -H.R. 2079Mr. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2079 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the “John J. Cook Post Office”.”4:48:34 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.4:47:55 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.2:44:39 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 4:45 p.m. today.2:18:10 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the proposed Congressional Budget for the United States Government for FY 2013 – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-78).2:18:00 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 the honor to transmit a sealed envelope received from the White House on February 13, 2012, at 2:14 p.m., which contained a message from the President whereby he submitted his Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2013.2:17:00 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 14, 2012, at 10:25 a.m., stating that that body had passed H.R. 1162, without amendment.2:03:20 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:03:00 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.2:02:00 P.M. -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. Mrs. Foxx 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. Mrs. Foxx demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.2:00:44 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.12:08:44 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today.12:01:04 P.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.12:00:31 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:14 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.