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Tag Archives: United States Congress
Wednesday &some News
Today,President Obama and The First Lady host a Congressional Picnic at the White House at 7pm ET.
My rant today … Two and a half years ago the democratic party controlled both chambers in Congress and both leaders of the House and Senate were on their way to establishing a new path toward the 21st Century with several bills that included among others a jobs bill, dream act, dadt, start treaty, UI and health-care reform. The legislation our representatives brought to the floor of Congress were supposed to address American issues. However, great legislation has been difficult to pass due to Republican filibusters and more recent the lies that won them control of the House of Representatives. While we now know what the true Republican mission is, the Democratic Party has stated they will not give up trying to help the middle class.
Then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressing the status of the middle class stated that in the near future people would be paying 1dollar out of every 5dollars for health-care. Nancy Pelosi also stated that the problem of health-care costs will not go away and we can solve the issue by repealing the anti-trust exemptions, increase, and lower cost and improves choices for all Americans. Though the new health care law allows children under 26 to be covered under their parents insurance, has eliminated discrimination that includes pre-existing conditions, more coverage for our elders and maintaining the health care rights for women. The Republican Tea Party continues to berate the achievement call it Obamacare in order to demean it. Thankfully, the new Affordable Health Care Law passed though the new Congress has made cutting, slashing, and burning it their main mission along with so many other social programs without giving Americans any idea how they will replace hcr or social security, Medicare/Medicaid. The new effort to attack a woman’s right to choose has become more important than creating jobs and as Republicans offer up bills, amendments and comments, it is obvious it should embarrass Americans at how narrow this new party has become since the last guy was in office. The party of no has become the party of let us cut spending, decrease the deficit but they are and or will do so in on the backs of the middle class, poor and we all know minorities by giving them less. The obvious culture wars have become an issue and while candidates running for Congress not only engaged in race baiting, exclusion and outright discrimination. Most if not all were defeated at the polls thankfully but some did get through and are sitting either in the Senate or House. Honestly, I want Republican constituents to ask themselves if these people are true public servant and how upset were you when your own party voted against helping firefighters, teachers, and police while stripping away worker rights. The idea to help maintain these jobs, helping those who lost jobs by voting yes to unemployment and or create them until the lame duck session happened because the RTP wanted something, not that they wanted to help their fellow American. The Republican Tea Party, as we all know managed to hold the middle class hostage and traded the bush bonus dollars for helping Americans even though the house of bush set a date for the bush bonus dollars to expire. Is it just me or does it seem less than American to hold or use money as a tool to insure those Bush bonus tax cuts …That top 2% of our population got those tax cuts but have failed to significantly improve the job numbers even though speaker Boehner stated they were the job creators.
Two and a half years ago, in a series of votes that dramatized the conflicting pressures Democrats face to spur job growth and control the deficit. The House voted 217-212 to raise the government is borrowing authority to a record level, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans opposing the measure. The then Speaker Pelosi reminded people that among other things that the Democratic Party, focused on jobs, concerned and working toward equal rights for the people, proud that the lily Ledbetter law passed as well. Well, that was two years ago. After gaining control of the House of Representatives, the Republican Tea Party decided that taking apart any legislation that has President Obama’s stamp of approval is the only thing the people elected them for last November. This is not just offensive it is one of several issues that has divided Americans and will continue to until the Republican Tea Party stops playing games with the lives of all Americans and gets to work for the citizens of the United States instead of what seems like only for Corporate America.
Two and a half years ago, in an effort to make it hard to fill the Obama Administrations cabinet, like appointee Martha Johnson. Now, with half of President Obama’s term over, the Republican Tea Party has managed to hold up over 20% of his appointments and some have withdrawn completely, the result is a less than complete cabinet for the governing party.
This behavior by the Republican Tea Party is just not acceptable and be considered un-American. In a moment of emotion, Senator Dorgan voiced my feelings at the time,” that for over 8months Republicans have blocked her nomination and now almost unanimously vote to put her in, which raises doubts in the integrity of Republicans.”
Yes, some good things came out of the hard work that the House and Senate Democrats performed but it is obvious they need to do more while the Republican Tea Party has put the future of America at risk and will continue to do so unless Americans begin to push back.
Other News …
Life expectancy of US women slips in some regions
Washington Day Ahead: Fed Officials Discuss Inflation Target
Why Michele Bachmann is no Sarah Palin
Latest union proposal exempts Wis. transit workers
Pakistan’s arrest of CIA informants exposes Bin Laden raid frustrations …
Police Fire Tear Gas, Stun Grenades Amid Fresh Athens Clashes
Despite Crackdown, Syria Calls for Refugees to Return Home
‘US says it won’t support UN Palestinian statehood bid’
CSPAN …
House Panel Continues Look into “Fast and Furious”
Defense Secretary & Joint Chiefs Chairman Testify on Pentagon Spending
Lawmakers Review Islamic Radicalization in Prisons
F.D.A. Unveils New Rules About Sunscreen Claims – NYTimes.com
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Your vision propels us forward! a message from NMAAMC
It is a tremendous and rewarding challenge to build something the size and scope of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Your willingness to get involved in this historic project during these early stages is inspiring. It underscores your vision; your ability to see the entire scope of the plan, and the promise of things to come!
Equally important is the work your support makes possible. Just look for a moment at the Museum’s image above. You can see that you are helping to create a truly spectacular museum on the National Mall.
What will be featured inside will be equally exciting. A collection of exhibitions and treasures that will tell the entire, rich story of the African American experience and its role in our history. Simply put, the African American story is America’s story.
You can tell I am proud and excited about this Museum. I believe you share that pride and anticipation.
That is why I am asking for your financial support today. We cannot build this museum without your help. http://go.si.edu/site/R?i=mhj_5OJO7nPU690Zcjf6EA..
The entire project will cost $500 million, with Congress providing half of that amount. The remaining $250 million must be raised via private resources and, most importantly, from individual contributions from men and women who, like you, share the greater vision of what this Museum will be when we open our doors in 2015.
There are many good reasons to support the Museum: the powerful history and culture that will be presented in exhibitions and public programs; the opportunity to be part of something that will inspire and educate future generations; and the telling of this important story in the grand tradition of a Smithsonian museum.
Whatever your reasons, we are honored by your commitment to the Museum. Our campaign to build the Museum continues to gain momentum. With the help of supporters like you we remain on schedule to break ground in 2012.
However, the bottom line is that we need your steadfast support now and are very grateful to receive it. http://go.si.edu/site/R?i=mhj_5OJO7nPU690Zcjf6EA..
So, please, take a moment right now to make a contribution to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Again, thank you very much.
All the best,
Lonnie Bunch
Director
P.S. I just want to remind you of the great tax benefit your contribution to the Museum represents. Whatever amount you are able to generously contribute today is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law. $250 million is a tremendous goal. We truly need and are grateful for your support.
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Congress: the Republican led House love fest w/Bibi @11am -the Senate deals with S.1038
The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 24, 2011
Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.1038, a bill to provide for the extension of expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act until June 1, 2015 with the time until 5pm equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees.
Votes:
75: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1038, a bill to provide for the extension of expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act until June 1, 2015;
Invoked: 74-8
There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session.
adopted S.Res.195, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 24, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
9:40 P.M. –
The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 25, 2011.
On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. Bartlett moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:30 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 276.
8:41 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:39 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
H.R. 1216:
to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations
8:38 P.M. –
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1216 as unfinished business.
On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. Guthrie moved that the Committee rise.
8:26 P.M. –
Mr. Guthrie raised a point of order against the Weiner amendment Mr. Guthrie stated that the amendment violated clause 10 of rule XXI by increasing mandatory spending. The Chair sustained the point of order.
8:21 P.M. –
DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Weiner amendment under the five-minute rule pending reservation of a point of order.
Amendment offered by Mr. Weiner.
An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new paragraph providing that provisions of the bill shall not take effect until the date that the Comptroller General of the United States determines there is no primary care physician shortage in the United States.
8:20 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Foxx amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the Foxx amendment until a time to be announced.
8:02 P.M. –
DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole continued with debate on the already pending Foxx amendment.
8:01 P.M. –
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
Considered as unfinished business.
H.R. 1540:
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes
7:58 P.M. –
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1540 as unfinished business.
6:48 P.M. –
GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1540.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack 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. 269 and Rule XVIII.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1216 and H.R. 1540. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate and waives all points of order against consideration of the measures. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1216 with or without instructions. The rule also provides that after general debate on H.R. 1540, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion and that no further consideration of the bill shall occur except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 269.
H.R. 1216:
to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations
6:45 P.M. –
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1216 as unfinished business.
On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
6:44 P.M. –
Mr. Guthrie moved that the committee rise.
On agreeing to the Cardoza amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 232 (Roll no. 337).
6:37 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Tonko amendment Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 231 (Roll no. 336).
6:29 P.M. –
On motion that the committee rise Failed by recorded vote: 14 – 397 (Roll no. 335).
6:02 P.M. –
Mr. Weiner moved that the committee rise.
3:55 P.M. –
DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment number 7 under the five-minute rule.
Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.
An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to to prohibit the use of funds provided for graduate medical education from being used to provide abortion or training in the provision of abortion. Additionally, funds would not be provided to a teaching health center if the institution discriminates against individual health care entities that refuse to provide abortion under go training in the provision of abortion, or offer referral for abortion services.
3:54 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cardoza amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cardoza demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:42 P.M. –
DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cardoza amendment number 9 under the five-minute rule.
Amendment offered by Mr. Cardoza.
An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of the extent of physician shortages in areas with significant shortages. The study should also examine the effects of expanding and establishing new medical graduate programs as directed by the health care overhaul law on the number of physicians were the funding not rescinded by the bill
3:41 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tonko amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tonko demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:33 P.M. –
DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tonko amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule.
Amendment offered by Mr. Tonko.
An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to conduct a study of the number of primary care physicians that would be trained as a result of the funding provided in the health care overhaul law compared to the number of physicians that would be trained should funding be eliminated or rescinded.
2:43 P.M. –
GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1216.
2:42 P.M. –
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. 269 and Rule XVIII.
2:41 P.M. –
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1216 and H.R. 1540. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate and waives all points of order against consideration of the measures. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1216 with or without instructions. The rule also provides that after general debate on H.R. 1540, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion and that no further consideration of the bill shall occur except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 269.
H. Res. 269:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1216) to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations; providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1540) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules
2:39 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 181 (Roll no. 334).
2:31 P.M. –
On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 179 (Roll no. 333).
1:13 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 269.
Considered as privileged matter.
1:10 P.M. –
PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS IN RECORD – Ms. Foxx asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record of today. Agreed to without objection.
H. Res. 274:
electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives
1:09 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
Considered as privileged matter.
S. 990:
to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes
1:06 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 voice vote.
1:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 990.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Mr. Graves (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
1:00 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.
12:46 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.
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 24.
12:16 P.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:45 P.M. today.
JOINT MEETING – The Speaker announced that the Joint Meeting was dissolved. The House remains in recess until approximately 12:45 p.m.
10:58 A.M. –
JOINT MEETING – The House has reconvened in Joint Meeting with the Senate to receive an address by His Excellency Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 24.
10:05 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The House will reconvene in Joint Meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving His Excellency Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
10:02 A.M. –
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Ros-Lehtinen 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.
10:01 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Conservative Synagogue, Westport, Connecticut
10:00 A.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Eric Cantor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
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Obama’s immigration speech
The time for reform is now.
Almost 15,000 of you told the President that change takes courage.
http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/1227?akid=696.164689.D7b–
Yesterday he renewed his push for comprehensive immigration reform painting a picture of a nation built on a rich heritage of immigration; a nation in which you can come to America and write the next chapter of our history.
http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/1198?akid=696.164689.D7b-al&t=6
Today, we’re a nation where DREAM students are being deported, families are separated, and enforcement is at all-time high. The President has given the other side the space to come to the table and they haven’t shown up.
Now is the time for Congress to give us a permanent solution. Congress needs to address the economic and human costs of the millions of people living in the shadows of society and the broken immigration system that has broken up countless families and communities.
Tell Congress the time for excuses is up – it’s time to act on immigration reform. http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/go/1227?akid=696.164689.D7b-al&t=7
The President is right – we each have the opportunity to write the next chapter of our history and that opportunity is now.
Thanks,
Marissa Graciosa
Reform Immigration FOR America
Be a Seed for Change 
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