Tag Archives: United States House of Representatives

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American Diabetes Association


Washington State … Make sure Rep. McDermott doesn’t vote for these cuts.

Your Representative’s vote this week will impact the future of programs essential to both preventing diabetes and improving the health of people with diabetes and all Americans.

Take action now to protect vital public health and prevention programs!

Last week, you took action to protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which includes the initial funding for the critical National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). The NDPP will save both lives and money only if it is expanded to communities around the country. However, the Prevention Fund is still being threatened. Members of the House of Representatives will vote again this week on whether to fully repeal this vital fund, gutting efforts to improve our nation’s health!

The bill under consideration also repeals key provisions and funding established as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and weakens Medicaid eligibility, programs needed to protect people with diabetes and improve their access to affordable healthcare. In addition to cuts in funding for state insurance exchanges, the bill repeals portions of ACA that make health care more affordable for low- and moderate- income families. Further, it repeals the state requirement to uphold their end of the bargain when it comes to Medicaid, which would allow states to roll back eligibility standards and create barriers to coverage for millions of people with diabetes.

We need to make sure diabetes programs and prevention efforts don’t get slashed. Tell your legislators RIGHT NOW to oppose the budget reconciliation legislation!

Take this chance to make your voice heard and tell your legislators to oppose any efforts to eliminate funding for these vital programs!

Thank you for your help in the fight to Stop Diabetes®.

Sincerely,
L. Hunter Limbaugh Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association

L. Hunter Limbaugh L. Hunter Limbaugh signature L. Hunter Limbaugh Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association

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AFL – CIO: Workers in the construction and transportation sectors urgently need jobs


 

 

URGENT
If Speaker John Boehner and his obstructionist friends in the House of Representatives don’t pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill by March 31, thousands of construction and transportation workers—who already have an unemployment rate of 17 percent—will be out of work.Demand a bipartisan surface transportation bill now!
   


It’s staggering. More than 17 percent of construction trades workers are looking for jobs. (And in some areas of the country, it’s 20 percent, 30 percent or more.)

Meanwhile, 68,842 American bridges are deficient. More than 282 million vehicles cross those bridges every day. And many public transit systems have serious problems and are in need of critical upgrades.

Workers in the construction and transportation sectors urgently need jobs. And there’s tons of work to be done to fix our crumbling infrastructure and ensure public safety. But obstructionists in the House of Representatives—led by House Speaker John Boehner—are refusing to pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill.

Tell House Speaker John Boehner and GOP leadership: Pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill now.

The Senate already has done its job. A supermajority—74 out of 100 senators—came together to pass a bipartisan surface transportation bill. This two-year, $109 billion funding bill will support millions of jobs and help build and maintain safe and strong highways, roads, bridges and transit systems.

But Speaker Boehner and other House GOP leaders are holding jobs and public safety hostage while they push an extreme, partisan agenda. Their proposed legislation guts transit funding, privatizes public-sector work to reward campaign donors, kills thousands of jobs and raids the pensions of federal workers.

Although the economy is slowly getting better, construction and transportation workers cannot afford to go without work while House Republican leaders engage in power grabs.

Tell Speaker Boehner and GOP obstructionists: Stop holding jobs and public safety hostage—pass the Senate’s bipartisan surface transportation bill immediately.

Thanks for all the work you do.

In Solidarity,

Manny Herrmann
Online Mobilization Coordinator, AFL-CIO
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a message from sen.Barney Frank … Help build a working Washington State!


 
Help elect a pro-equality governor.

Last year, New York state showed what a difference a governor can make in the fight for marriage equality.

In 2012, Washingtonians have a chance to elect another governor who will always stand up and fight for equal rights: my friend, Jay Inslee.

Jay is facing a tough race against a well-funded opponent — one whose stance on equality couldn’t be further from Jay’s. With landmark marriage equality legislation making its way through the Washington legislature as we speak, Washington will need a governor who can be counted on to stand up and fight for all Washingtonians’ equal rights.

Will you join me and contribute $5 or more to Jay’s campaign today?

All it takes is a quick look at each candidate’s previous statements to figure out where they stand on marriage equality.

Jay is unequivocal. He says, “I believe in marriage equality,” and that equality for all couples is a “quintessential Washington value.”

And Jay took this principled stand at the very beginning of his campaign for governor — before everyone’s eyes were focused on the marriage equality fight in Washington.

Not Rob McKenna. He thinks marriage equality “threatens to destroy all standards we apply to the right of marriage” and has equated it to polygamy.

As Washington’s next governor, one of these men will be responsible for enforcing Washington’s marriage equality legislation. One of these men will lead a state government that will have to choose whether or not to stand by Washington’s gay and lesbian families when that legislation’s validity is challenged.

Only one of these men can be trusted to take on that job: Jay Inslee.

Join me today and help make sure Washington’s next governor is one who stands on the side of equality and will stand in defense of the progress we’ve made.

Make a contribution of $5 or more to Jay’s campaign today.

As a long-time advocate of marriage equality, the progress we have made across this country in the last few years is inspiring.

We couldn’t have done it without the grassroots efforts of millions of people standing together, and we couldn’t have done it without courageous elected officials who refuse to accept discrimination any longer.

The grassroots momentum for marriage equality is building in Washington. As Jay said earlier this week — “We are standing at the edge of history.”

Now we need to make sure Washington’s next chief executive is one who will champion this movement and fight for us.

Contribute $5 or more to support Jay Inslee and help elect a pro-equality governor for Washington.

Thank you for your generous support of Jay’s campaign.

Sincerely,

Barney Frank
United States Congressman
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WA State – Support Jay Inslee FOR Governor … Building a Working Washington


Dear Supporter,

Read my jobs planEarlier today, I unveiled my jobs plan, Building a New Economy for Washington, and the proposals I will pursue to create jobs as Washington’s next governor.

If there’s one state I believe can turn its economy around, that can harness an innovative and creative vision for the future, it’s our state. We are uniquely suited to build a new economy that raises the quality of life for middle-class families for generations to come — and that’s because our state has a unique blend of innovation and values not found anywhere else.

We create. We invent. We build.

This is our first major policy proposal, but it won’t be our last. Over the weeks and months to come, this will be the trailhead as we chart a path to Building a Working Washington.

I want to know you’re standing with me.

Read my plan, Building a New Economy for Washington, today and then sign on as a citizen endorser.

Washingtonians are at a crucial point in our history.

We are still trying to recover from this recession. We are in an international competition for jobs. The middle class is being squeezed like never before. For the first time, parents are facing the prospect of diminished opportunity for their kids.

It’s a wake-up call, and I refuse to let it go unanswered.

My plan takes into account these challenges, the potential we have right now to take steps in the right direction, and the opportunity we have to build on Washington’s innovative past and grow industries of the future like clean tech.

We accomplish this by focusing on existing industry clusters where Washington already can — or has the potential to — out-compete national and international competitors. Then we examine what is standing in the way of growing these industries further, what competition we face from out of state, and what changes we can make that will immediately make Washington more competitive to keep existing jobs while creating new ones.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my plan and let me know you’re with me.

Read my plan, Building a New Economy for Washington, today and then sign on as a citizen endorser.

In the coming year, we have a choice. We can choose to go small, and tinker around the edges, and suffer from the same tired economic results.

Or we can choose a different approach — a bold, innovative, forward-thinking approach — led by someone who isn’t afraid to think outside the box, be independent, and take the difficult, but right, path.

Together, we will build this new economy. It will take hard work, but that is in our state’s history — and in our future.

I’m committed to this fight. I hope you are too. Read my plan today, and join me.

Very truly yours,


Jay Inslee
Black History

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate


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the Senate Convened at 10amET February 7, 2012

    • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 12:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the second 30 minutes.
    • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm to 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
    • We hope to begin consideration of S.1525, the surface transportation bill during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

Morning business has been extended until 7:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the time from 4:00-5:00pm and the Majority controlling the time from 5:00-6:00pm

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to Calendar #311, S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill.

By unanimous consent, there will be a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1813 at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.369, congratulating the New York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLVI.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2079, a bill to extend the pay limitation for Members of Congress and Federal employees (Heller).

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Calendar #545, Colonel Bradley D. Spacy to Brigadier General in the Air Force.

—————————————————————————————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY  7, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

— -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.4:46:17 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.4:45:33 P.M. -H.R. 2606Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:45:29 P.M. -H.R. 2606On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:44:57 P.M. -H.R. 2606Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2606 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to allow the construction and operation of natural gas pipeline facilities in the Gateway National Recreation Area, and for other purposes.”4:44:44 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.4:44:43 P.M. -NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION – Mr. Bishop (NY) notified the House of his intent to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3630. The Chair announced that the text of the proposed motion would be printed in the Congressional Record of today.4:43:42 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 540.4:43:25 P.M. -H.R. 3581Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:43:24 P.M. -H.R. 3581On passage Passed by recorded vote: 245 – 180 (Roll no. 42).4:36:22 P.M. -H.R. 3581On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 – 238 (Roll no. 41).4:19:32 P.M. -H.R. 3581The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.4:14:03 P.M. -H.R. 3581DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walz (MN) motion to recommit. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a provision which would specify that the risk component for loans for students or veterans is zero.4:12:52 P.M. -H.R. 3581Mr. Walz (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to The Budget.4:12:17 P.M. -H.R. 3581The 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.4:12:02 P.M. -H.R. 3581The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.4:11:10 P.M. -H.R. 3581The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3581.4:10:54 P.M. -H.R. 3581On agreeing to the Tonko amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 187 – 238 (Roll no. 40).3:39:54 P.M. -H.R. 3581DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 539, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Tonko amendment No. 3.3:39:51 P.M. -H.R. 3581An amendment, offered by Mr. Tonko,  numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-388 to establish a Commission of budgeting and accounting experts to provide recommendations to Congress regarding the best measure to accurately account for the costs of Federal credit programs. The amendment also allows the Commission to delay and or supersede the provisions of the bill.3:39:44 P.M. -H.R. 3581By unanimous consent, the Dold amendment was withdrawn.3:35:56 P.M. -H.R. 3581DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 539, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Dold amendment No. 2.3:35:53 P.M. -H.R. 3581An amendment, offered by Mr. Dold,  numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-388 to require the OMB Director to prepare all budgets submitted to the President according to both accrual-basis and cash-basis GAAP accounting standards.3:34:47 P.M. -H.R. 3581The Chair announced its understanding that amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-388 would not be offered.2:49:59 P.M. -H.R. 3581GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3581.2:49:48 P.M. -H.R. 3581The Speaker designated the Honorable Candice S. Miller to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.2:49:47 P.M. -H.R. 3581House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 539 and Rule XVIII.2:49:05 P.M. -H.R. 3581Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3581 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. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Budget now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 112-13.2:49:00 P.M. -H.R. 3581Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 539. H.R. 3581 — “To amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase transparency in Federal budgeting, and for other purposes.”2:48:35 P.M. -H. Res. 539Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:48:35 P.M. -H. Res. 539On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 181 (Roll no. 39).2:40:08 P.M. -H. Res. 539Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 539 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3581) to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase transparency in Federal budgeting, and for other purposes.”2:40:00 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H. Res. 539 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:39:38 P.M. -H.R. 1734Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:39:36 P.M. -H.R. 1734On passage Passed by recorded vote: 259 – 164 (Roll no. 38).2:31:59 P.M. -H.R. 1734On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 238 (Roll no. 37).2:12:55 P.M. -H.R. 1734The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:05:06 P.M. -H.R. 1734DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Michaud motion to recommit. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a provision which states “Properties owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs or other properties used in connection with providing services for veterans, including hospitals, clinics, and facilities that provide job training, post traumatic stress disorder treatment, housing assistance, homeless services, and rehabilitative care.”.2:04:47 P.M. -H.R. 1734Mr. Michaud moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.2:04:07 P.M. -H.R. 1734Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1734 — “To decrease the deficit by realigning, consolidating, selling, disposing, and improving the efficiency of federal buildings and other civilian real property, and for other purposes.”2:03:27 P.M. -ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE HOUSE – Under Clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the Oath of Office to the Gentlewoman from Oregon, the whole number of the House is 434.1:56:18 P.M. -OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Suzanne Bonamici, First District, State of Oregon, presented herself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.1:54:57 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a facsimile copy of a letter received from Mr. Steve Trout, Director of Elections, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Oregon, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held January 31, 2012, the Honorable Suzanne Bonamici was elected Representative to Congress for the First Congressional District, State of Oregon.1:53:49 P.M. -H.R. 1734POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that further proceedings on H.R. 1734 would be postponed.1:53:14 P.M. -H.R. 1734The 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.1:53:04 P.M. -H.R. 1734The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.1:52:22 P.M. -H.R. 1734The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1734.1:52:11 P.M. -H.R. 1734On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 230 (Roll no. 36).1:26:01 P.M. -H.R. 1734UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of the Connolly (VA) amendment numbered 3 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.1:25:18 P.M. -H.R. 1734The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.1:24:58 P.M. -H.R. 1734Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1734 — “To decrease the deficit by realigning, consolidating, selling, disposing, and improving the efficiency of federal buildings and other civilian real property, and for other purposes.”1:24:20 P.M. -H. Res. 539POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 539, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote announced that the yeas had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the resolution were postponed.1:24:11 P.M. -H. Res. 539The previous question was ordered without objection.12:42:24 P.M. -H. Res. 539DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 539.12:39:40 P.M. -H. Res. 539Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 539 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3581) to amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase transparency in Federal budgeting, and for other purposes.”12:05:23 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued with further one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.12:05:17 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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 7, 2012 at 10:40 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 347 with an amendment and S. 1794.12:02:34 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.12:02:15 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Turner of NY to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:13 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:25 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan, Temple Beth Israel, York, Pennsylvania.12:00:08 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 7.10:24:00 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:56 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 the legislative day.10:00:26 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Todd C. Young to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:11 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.