Tag Archives: United States House of Representatives

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GREENPEACE: This King’s Speech Will Get No Awards


Representative King (R-NY) and the GOP have their priorities backwards.

Representative King and the GOP are playing politics with homeland security. And while they’re busy holding hearings on the ‘radicalization’ of Muslim Americans, they’re also busy extending loopholes in our chemical security law. Tell Rep. King to stop playing politics with homeland security and focus on what really threatens Americans

On the heels of an announcement that he would be holding a series of homeland security hearings on the ‘radicalization’ of Muslim Americans, Rep. King sponsored a bill to extend the loopholes in a chemical security law for seven more years instead of supporting strong legislation that will prevent chemical disasters at plants that store tons of poison gases.

The 300 highest risk chemical plants together put over 100 million Americans needlessly at risk every single day and elected officials like Rep. King and the rest of the GOP are working to keep it that way.

King claimed it’s about jobs. But you and I know better. His support for a weak chemical security law has more to do with the corporate interests of chemical manufacturers than it does jobs. He just hopes his political theater will distract you.

Representative King claims that his hearings on Muslim Americans are ‘essential’. Meanwhile, he’s ignoring one of the biggest threats to homeland security. In fact, just across the river from his district is the highest risk chemical plant in the country, the Kuehne chemical facility in South Kearny, New Jersey. According to the facility’s report to the Environmental Protection Agency, 12 million people in the New York City/New Jersey area are threatened by their bulk storage of chlorine gas.

King and the rest of the GOP need to direct their attention where it should be — protecting our safety. If we continue to ignore these high-risk chemical plants we could be opening the door to real terrorist threats like the risk of a poison gas disaster in New York and other communities around the United States.

This isn’t about saving jobs. It’s a gift to the chemical industry.

For a safer future,

Rick Hind

Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner

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What’s going on in Congress -the Republican led House:eliminated FHA prg (debating&voting) -the Senate dealing with budgets both were voted down


The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET March 9,2011

Morning business until 10:40am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each equally divided and controlled with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

At 10:40am, the Senate will recess until 12:00pm for a Joint Meeting of Congress with the Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia.

At 12pm, the Senate will proceed to H.R.1, the House-passed funding bill with 3 hours of debate equally divided between the two leaders or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, at approximately 3pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 roll call votes:

– Passage of H.R.1 (60-vote threshold)

– Adoption of the Inouye amendment #149, the Democratic alternative to H.R.1 (60-vote threshold)

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

There will be no roll call votes during today’s session.

Votes:

36: Passage of H.R.1 (60-vote threshold)

Not Passed: 44-56

37: Adoption of the Inouye amendment #149: , the Democratic alternative to H.R.1 (60-vote threshold);

Not Agreed To: 42-58

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.63 is a resolution designating the first week of April 2011 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”.

Adopted S.Res.97, a resolution affirming the importance of exercise and physical activity as key components of a healthy lifestyle, including in combating obesity, reducing chronic disease, and lowering health care costs.

 

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 9, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:43 P.M. –

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

2:36 P.M. –

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

2:35 P.M. –

The House received a communication from John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Speaker notified the House that he has appointed the Honorable Jerry Lewis, the Honorable Fred Upton, the Honorable Andy Harris, and the Honorable Frank R. Wolf to act as Speaker pro tempore to sign enrolled bills and joint resolutions through the remainder of the One Hundred Twelfth Congress.

JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE – Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1024(a), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE: Mr. Hinchey, Mrs. Maloney, Ms. Sanchez Loretta of and Mr. Cummings.

2:34 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 326 – 91, 1 Present (Roll no. 167).

2:26 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair annouced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal which had been postponed earlier in the legislative day.

H. Res. 150:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 830) to rescind the unobligated funding for the FHA Refinance Program and to terminate the program

2:25 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 240 – 180 (Roll no. 166).

2:18 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 235 – 186 (Roll no. 165).

1:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 150.

1:16 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 151:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 836) to rescind the unobligated funding for the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program and to terminate the program

1:15 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 151.

12:25 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 P.M. –

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

PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS IN RECORD – Mr. Hensarling asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record of today. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 155:

electing a Member to a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives

12:03 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.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 9.

11:42 A.M. –

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

JOINT MEETING DISSOLVED – The Speaker announced that the Joint Meeting was dissolved and that the House would recess subject to the call of the Chair.

10:50 A.M. –

JOINT MEETING – The House has reconvened in Joint Meeting with the Senate to receive an address by the Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 9.

10:04 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House would recess and would reconvene in a Joint Meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving the Honorable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

10:03 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 23.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Womack to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02 A.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. Mr. Womack 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. Womack 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 Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Congress:debates & votes today -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at  9:30amET March 8, 2011

Morning business for 2 hours with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first hour and the Majority controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.23, the America Invents Act, post-cloture.

By unanimous consent, all time during adjournment, morning business and recess will count post-cloture on S.23.

The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm for the weekly caucus luncheons.

The Majority Leader hopes to reach an agreement regarding H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative. Senators should expect roll call votes during Tuesday’s session of the Senate.

The Senate has reached an agreement to complete action on S.23, America Invents Act, tonight and to set up votes on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye tomorrow at 3pm.

Under the agreement, the Reid amendment #152 was withdrawn and the Reid amendment #143 (EPSCOR), was modified and agreed to. There will now there will be up to 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote on passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act. Senators should expect the vote on passage to begin around 6:15pm, if all time is used. However, time may be yielded back.

Furthermore, at 12:00 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9, there will be up to 3 hours for debate on H.R.1 and the Democratic alternative offered by Senator Inouye. Upon the use or yielding back of time, there will be 2 roll call votes on the following items:

– Passage of H.R.1, Department of Defense Appropriation and Long Term Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011; and

– Inouye substitute amendment #149 (Democratic Alternative).

Each proposal will be subject to 60-vote thresholds. If H.R.1 achieves 60 votes, it will be read a third time and passed and, if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes, Senator Reid will be recognized to offer the Inouye substitute amendment #149. If the Substitute achieves 60 votes, the bill, as amended, would be read a third time and passed, and if it doesn’t achieve 60 votes it will be returned to the calendar. No motions or amendments are in order to the substitute or the bill prior to the votes.

Cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.1 was vitiated.

Votes:

35: Passage of S.23, as amended, the America Invents Act;

Passed: 95-5

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:09 P.M. –

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

7:07 P.M. –

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

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Bishop (UT) filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 150 and H. Res. 151.

H. Res. 149:

electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives

7:03 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Mr. Larson (CT) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.

Considered by unanimous consent.

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

7:01 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 – 138 (Roll no. 164).

6:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

6:52 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 12 (Roll no. 163).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

6:30 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

4:31 P.M. –

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

4:30 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to Iran shall continue – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-13).

H.R. 525:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance and increase the number of veterinarians trained in veterinary public health

4:29 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 525.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 570:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance the roles of dentists and allied dental personnel in the Nation’s disaster response framework, and for other purposes

4:22 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 570.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Burgess moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

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

4:12 P.M. –

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

The House received a communication from Robin Reeder, Archivist, Office of the Clerk. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Reeder notified the House that she had been served with a civil subpoena, issued before the Evidentiary Panel for the State Bar of Texas, for documents and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mrs. Christensen . Mrs. Christensen submitted her resignation from the Committee on Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.

4:01 P.M. –

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

4:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 8.

2:23 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.

2:00 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 4:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Kevin Yoder to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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I Stand with Planned Parenthood


amazing.

Ever since the House of Representatives voted to bar Planned Parenthood from all federal funding, we have seen a massive outpouring of support. I’ve always known how deeply you and other supporters care about Planned Parenthood and the women, men, and teens who rely on us — but I’ve never seen anything like this.

Here are five ways you can help, right now:

(1) If you haven’t already,http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=_-jIsGmjVFAOQgdOGM-RpA  sign our open letter to the members of Congress who voted to bar Planned Parenthood from federal funding — and to the senators who still have a chance to stop it. Half a million people have already signed. Add your name. http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=ZvFWgOcJKA9zlgIeyDEl0g..

(2)Take a stand for Planned Parenthood and the women, men, and teens who rely on us in your community. Click here to find out about local events near you. http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=tciQKH6RcOYijBUBxv8ZZw  

(3)Make a gift to Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The work that lies ahead of us as the bill moves to the Senate for consideration is nothing short of astonishing. We need your help to rise to this incredible challenge.  http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=vPhxU9f1EB9cskZ8CKzEcQ..

(4)Find out how your representative voted on the bill to bar Planned Parenthood from federal funding — and then let him or her know how you feel. http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=MotwfP65IXhiZEXPeiumIQ..  

(5)Share your story. Extreme anti-choice groups and their allies in Congress are spreading lies and misinformation about who we are and what we do. Help set the record straight by sharing your story about how Planned Parenthood has been there for you, your family, or your friends.  http://www.ppaction.org/site/R?i=mH690EBQ5bvfUFL7oA1PZA ..    

I can’t tell you what an enormous difference your unwavering dedication makes right now for Planned Parenthood and the women, men, and teens who rely on us.

Supporters like you truly are the heart and soul of this organization. Thank you for standing with us.

Sincerely,

Cecile Richards, President

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

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Republican​s vote to eliminate net neutrality


By now you may have heard the news: Republicans in the House of Representatives voted last week to block the FCC from enforcing its new net neutrality regulations.

As I’ve said before, these regulations weren’t nearly good enough to ensure that the Internet remains free and open. But they were a step in the right direction. And by voting to eliminate them, House Republicans declared their willingness to let big corporations control the Internet.

We know what this could mean for American consumers — less diversity of viewpoints, less access to independent content through services like Netflix, and higher prices for Internet service.

The good news is that the Senate still has a chance to stop this special interest power play. I’m working as hard as I can to build support for net neutrality in the Senate — but I’m not the only one talking to my colleagues. These corporations have lobbyists of their own, lots of them, and they’re descending upon Capitol Hill en masse.

The only way we’re going to save net neutrality is if ordinary Americans make their voices heard. I’ll update you soon — but for now, please forward this email to your friends and ask them to join our campaign by linking up with me on Twitter or Facebook.

Thanks — and stay tuned.