Tag Archives: United States Senate

Posted: 20 Dec 2012 09:30 AM PST

In 2007, 33-year-old Vuyile moved to Cape Town from rural South Africa in search of work. Unable to complete high school, he worked as a night shift security guard earning $500/month to support his family. During the rush hour commute from his home in Khayelitsha, Vuyile realized that he could earn extra income by selling prepaid mobile airtime vouchers to other commuters on the train.
In rural areas, it’s common to use prepaid vouchers to pay for basic services such as electricity, insurance and airtime for mobile phones. But it’s often difficult to distribute physical vouchers because of the risk of theft and fraud.
Nomanini, a startup based in South Africa, built a device that enables local entrepreneurs like Vuyile to sell prepaid mobile services in their communities. The Lula (which means “easy” in colloquial Zulu), is a portable voucher sales terminal that is used on-the-go by people ranging from taxi drivers to street vendors. It generates and prints codes which people purchase to add minutes to their mobile phones.
Today, Vuyile sells vouchers on the train for cash payment, and earns a commission weekly. Since he started using the Lula, he’s seen his monthly income increase by 20 percent.

Vuyile prints a voucher from his Lula

Nomanini founders Vahid and Ali Monadjem wanted to make mobile services widely available in areas where they had been inaccessible, or where—in a region where the average person makes less than $200/month—people simply couldn’t afford them. By creating a low-cost and easy-to-use product, Nomanini could enable entrepreneurs in Africa to go to deep rural areas and create businesses for themselves.
In order to build a scalable and reliable backend system to keep the Lula running, Nomanini chose to run on Google App Engine. Their development team doesn’t have to spend time setting up their own servers and can instead run on the same infrastructure that powers Google’s own applications. They can focus on building their backend systems and easily deploy code to Google’s data centers. When Vuyile makes a sale, he presses a few buttons, App Engine processes the request, and the voucher prints in seconds.
Last month, 40,000 people bought airtime through the Lula, and Nomanini hopes to grow this number to 1 million per month next year. While platforms like App Engine are typically used to build web or smartphone apps, entrepreneurs like Vahid and Ali are finding innovative ways to leverage this technology by building their own devices and connecting them to App Engine. Vahid tells us: “We’re a uniquely born and bred African solution, and we have great potential to take this to the rest of Africa and wider emerging markets. We could not easily scale this fast without running on Google App Engine.”
To learn more about the technical implementation used by Nomanini, read their guest post on the Google App Engine blog.
Posted by Zafir Khan, Google App Engine

Black History

CONGRESS:

12/21/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 1:00pmET December 21,2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will begin consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act with up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
The filing deadline for all 2^nd degree amendments to the substitute amendment and to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill is 1:30pm.
At approximately 2:00pm, there will be at least one roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, NDAA.
We are working on an agreement on the Supplemental Appropriations bill. If no agreement is reached prior to 2pm, following disposition of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the Senate will then conduct up to 2 roll call votes: the first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 and if cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2^nd cloture vote on H.R.1.
Additional votes are expected Friday. We hope to reach an agreement on the Supplemental and FISA tomorrow

At approximately 2:20pm today the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to adopt the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act.

Following the vote, the Senate will resume consideration of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill. We are working on an agreement to consider amendments to Supplemental. Senators should expect a cloture vote on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 this afternoon, as well as additional roll call votes.

We are also working on an agreement to consider the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) extension.

Another message will be sent when any agreement is reached or additional votes are scheduled.

2:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act;

Adopted: 81-14

3:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental) to H.R.1;

Invoked: 91-1

The Senate has reached an agreement on amendments to the Supplemental Appropriations that results in up to 2 roll call votes now. The first vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental Appropriations). If cloture is invoked and Senator Toomey raises a point of order, the next vote would be on a motion to waive the budget point of order with respect to Reid substitute amendment #3395 (Supplemental).The first vote is a 10 minute roll call vote.

The agreement is as follows:

H.R.1, Supplemental for Sandy

Leader: I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the cloture vote with respect to the substitute amendment to H.R.1; that if cloture is not invoked, the Majority Leader be recognized; that if cloture is invoked, Senator Toomey, or designee, be recognized for the purpose of raising a budget point of order against the pending substitute amendment; that if the point of order is raised, Senator Leahy, or designee, be recognized to move to waive the budget point of order; that there be up to ten minutes of debate prior to a vote in relation to the motion to waive; that no other budget points of order be in order to the substitute or the underlying bill; further, that notwithstanding rule 22, the following amendments be in order:

– Cardin #3393 (surety bonds);

– Grassley #3348 (DOJ – vehicles);

– Feinstein #3421 (Army Corps projects), as modified with changes at the desk;

– Harkin #3426 (technical – grants);

– Landrieu #3415 (emergency reimbursement);

– Leahy #3403 (U.S. embassy security);

– McCain #3384 (Amtrak), as modified with changes at the desk;

– Bingaman #3344 (Palau);

– Coburn #3368 (cost sharing – Army Corps);

– Coburn #3369 (notification triggers);

– Coburn #3370, as modified and with two divisions – delinquent tax debts and fisheries);

– Coburn #3371 (severe disasters);

– Coburn #3382 (Merit based recovery contracts);

– Coburn #3383 (strike certain studies – Army Corps);

– Tester #3350 (Fire management);

– Paul #3376 (Non-application of Davis-Bacon);

– Paul #3410 (Offset)

– McCain #3355 (strike emergency forest restoration);

– Merkley #3367 (extend Agriculture disaster assistance programs), as modified;

– Lee #3373, as modified (special rules – retirement funds); and

– Coats #3391 (Republican alternative).

That no amendments be in order to any of these amendments prior to votes in relation to the amendments; that the amendments be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold; that there will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided in the usual form on each amendment with the exception of the following:

– 20 minutes equally divided on each of the Coburn amendments or divisions and the Lee amendment;

– 40 minutes equally divided on each of the Paul amendments; and

– one hour equally divided on the Coats amendment.

That upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed; that there be two minutes of debate, equally divided, between the votes; that all after the first vote, be ten minute votes; further, that upon disposition of the pending amendments listed, the Senate proceed to vote in relation to the pending substitute amendment, as amended, if amended; that upon disposition of the substitute, the cloture motion on the underlying bill be withdrawn, the bill be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of H.R.1, as amended, if amended.

4:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Mikulski motion to waive the Toomey point of order.

Not Waived: 57-34

This will be the last vote of the week. Senator should expect the next roll call vote to occur as early as noon on Thursday, December 27.

The Senate has reached an agreement that notwithstanding cloture having been invoked and at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republicans Leader, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #510, J.R.5949. The only first degree amendments in order to the bill are the following:

– Leahy (Judiciary committee reported substitute);

– Merkley (declassificiation of FISA court opinions);

– Paul (4^th Amendment-searches/seizures); and

– Wyden (public reporting)

There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided between the proponents and opponents on each amendment and 5 hours of debate equally divided on the bill. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to votes in relation to the amendments in the order listed. No second degree amendments are in order prior to the votes. Upon disposition of the amendments, the bill will be read a third time and the Senate proceed to vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended.

Prior to consenting to the agreement listed above, Senator McConnell objected to Senator Reid’s request and asked that the amendments and passage of the bill be subject to 60 affirmative vote thresholds. Senator Reid agreed to McConnell’s request for 60 vote thresholds.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.4310, the National Defense Authorization Act; adopted: 81-14

2) Motion to invoke cloture on the Reid amendment #3395 (substitute) to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill; invoked: 91-1

3) Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Reid substitute amendment #3395; not waived: 57-34

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.1339, To designate the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.

Passed H.R.4212, the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 with a Vitter substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.5859, to repeal an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code, requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.

Passed H.R.6364, the World War I Centennial Commission Act with a McCaskill-Blunt amendment.

Passed S.3709, to require a Government Accountability Office examination of transactions between large financial institutions and the Federal Government, and for other purposes, with the Vitter/Brown (OH) substitute amendment.

Discharged the Foreign Relations committee and adopted S.Res.613, urging the governments of Europe and the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, and urging the President to provide information about Hizballah to the European allies of the United States and to support the Government of Bulgaria in investigating the July 18,2012, terrorist attack in Burgas.

Passed H.R.1845, the Medicare IVIG Access Act.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

Executive Calendar #834 Matthew W. Brann, of PA, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Executive Calendar #835 Malachy Edward Mannion, of PA, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Executive Calendar #877 Jon S. Tigar, of CA, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California

Discharged the Veterans’ Affairs committee and confirmed PN2024, William S. Greenberg, of New Jersey, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims for the term of fifteen years.

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Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 21, 2012.

2:00:02 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:42 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:08 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:29 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 146	Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 146 — “Providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate.”
2:03:45 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 146	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
2:03:54 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 146	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:04:55 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 December 21, 2012 at 1:37 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 443 with an amendment, H.R. 4053, H.R. 6671, and S. 2388.
2:05:27 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 24, 2012 unless the House sooner receives a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 146, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Black History

CONGRESS: the House: Republican led ::::::: the Senate: Democrat led

12/19/2012 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjournment under the provisions of S.Res.624, as a further mark of respect to the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii.

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 19,2012

The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
At 11:30am, Senator Hutchison will be recognized for up to 30 minutes and at 2:00pm, Senator Kyl will be recognized for up to 30 minutes, each for the purposes of delivering retirement speech.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill:

Inouye amendment #3338 (substitute)
Inouye amendment #3339 (perfecting)
Merkley amendment #3367 (disaster relief for agriculture)
McCain amendment #3355 (strike funding for emergency forest restoration)
Tester amendment #3350 (wildland fire management)
Coburn amendment #3371 (per capita damage indictor)
Bingaman amendment #3344 (Palau)

Senator Bingaman has called up amendment #3344 (Approval of 2010 U.S.-Palau Agreement in response to Super Typhoon Bopha).

The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair. We expect to reconvene around 8:30pm.

Prior to the recess, Senator Coburn modified his pending amendment #3371 and then divided his amendment. The divisions are as follows:

Division I (per capita damage indicator)

Division II (seriously delinquent tax debt)

Division III (return of unused emergency funds)

Division IV(competitively awarded contracts use of funds)

Division V (public notification and website posting of grant funds)

Division VI (cost sharing)

Division VII (Stafford Disaster Relief Assistance Act)

Division VIII (strike transfer of unused funds)

Division IX (flood hazards)recess subject to the call–Coburn amendment modified and divided

This evening Senator Leahy withdrew the Leahy substitute amendment #3338 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations), and, as a result, the pending first degree amendments fell along with it. Then Senate Reid offered a new substitute amendment #3395 (Emergency Supplemental Appropriations), filled the amendment tree with date change amendments, and filed cloture on the substitute amendment #3395 and underlying bill, H.R.1. The text of the new substitute can be found at http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news.cfm?method=news.view&id=994105ef-bcde-483d-8d87-0ca155ff43cf

We hope to reach an agreement to consider amendments and complete action on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill tomorrow. If no agreement can be reached, the cloture vote on the substitute would occur on Friday, December 21.

Before we leave we need to consider the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations, FISA reauthorization, and 3 district court nominations

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Veterans’ Affairs and passed H.R.4057, the Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2012 with a Murray substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.6029, the Foreign and Economic Espionage Penalty Enhancement Act with a Kohl-Lee substitute amendment.

Discharged Homeland Security and Government Affairs and passed the following Postal Naming bills:

H.R.3477, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 133 Hare Road in Crosby, Texas, as the Army First Sergeant David McNerney Post Office Building.

H.R.3870, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6083 Highway 36 West in Rose Bud, Arkansas, as the “Nicky ‘Nick’ Daniel Bacon Post Office”.

H.R.3912, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 Mastic Road in Mastic Beach, New York, as the “Brigadier General Nathaniel Woodhull Post Office Building”.

H.R.5738, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15285 Samohin Drive in Macomb, Michigan, as the “Lance Cpl. Anthony A. DiLisio Clinton-Macomb Carrier Annex”.

H.R.5837, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 26 East Genesee Street in Baldwinsville, New York, as the “Corporal Kyle Schneider Post Office Building”.

H.R.5954, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 7th Street in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, as the “Sergeant Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. Post Office Building”.

S.3630, A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 218 North Milwaukee Street in Waterford, Wisconsin, as the “Captain Rhett W. Schiller Post Office”.

S.3662, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6 Nichols Street in Westminster, Massachusetts, as the `Lieutenant Ryan Patrick Jones Post Office Building’.

Passed S.2318, the Department of State Rewards Program Update and Technical Corrections Act of 2012 with a committee-reported substitute amendment by voice vote.

Discharged and passed Veterans’ Affairs and passed S.3202, the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 with a Murray substitute amendment.

Passed S.3698, to amend Title 40, United States Code to improve veterans service organizations access to Federal surplus personal property.

Discharged Judiciary and adopted S.Res.618, observing the 100^th birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and commemorating her legacy.

Adopted S.Res.625, recognizing the January 12, 2013, opening of the United States Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, and supporting the plans for other educational pavilions and initiatives.

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House hearings

10:00 am	Hearing: CLOSED: Ongoing Intelligence ActivitiesHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Full Committee
10:00 am	Markup: H.R. 6654, To provide for the exchange of information related to trade enforcement, and for other purposes.Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee
10:00 am	Hearing: “Challenges Facing Multiemployer Pension Plans: Evaluating PBGC’s Insurance Program and Financial Outlook”Committee on Education and the Workforce: Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions
10:00 am	Hearing: Update on the Evolving Security Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Implications for U.S. National SecurityCommittee on Armed Services: Full Committee

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 19, 2012.

10:00:02 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:54 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:24 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 63, S. Con. Res. 64, and S. Res. 624.
10:01:45 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.
11:17:45 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:08 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 19.
12:00:25 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:34 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:37 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Chu to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:02 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 63	Mr. Olson asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
12:02:02 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 63	Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 63 — “Correcting the enrollment of S. 2367.”
12:02:51 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 63	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:02:53 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 63	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:03:05 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 64	Mr. Olson asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.
12:03:05 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 64	Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 64 — “Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the remains of the late Honorable Daniel K. Inouye.”
12:03:39 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 64	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:03:41 P.M.	S. Con. Res. 64	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:04:12 P.M.	H. Res. 836	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 836 — “Providing of the printing of a revised edition of the Rules and Manual of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress.”
12:04:29 P.M.	H. Res. 836	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
12:04:34 P.M.	H. Res. 836	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:04:59 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
12:31:45 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:31:58 P.M.	H. Res. 668	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 668 — “To refer H.R. 5862, a bill making congressional reference to the United States Court of Federal Claims pursuant to sections 1492 and 2509 of title 28, United States Code, the Indian trust-related claims of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah) as well as its individual members.”
12:32:12 P.M.	H. Res. 668	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:32:14 P.M.	H. Res. 668	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 668.
12:40:39 P.M.	H. Res. 668	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Lofgren, Zoe objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
12:42:24 P.M.	H.R. 6672	Mr. Rogers (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6672 — “To reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes.”
12:42:48 P.M.	H.R. 6672	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:42:51 P.M.	H.R. 6672	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6672.

1:01:17 P.M.	H.R. 6672	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.
1:02:06 P.M.	S. 1440	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. S. 1440 — “To reduce preterm labor and delivery and the risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications due to pregnancy, and to reduce infant mortality caused by prematurity.”
1:02:36 P.M.	S. 1440	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:02:38 P.M.	S. 1440	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1440.
1:30:11 P.M.	S. 1440	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:30:15 P.M.	S. 1440	>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:30:18 P.M.	S. 1440	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
1:30:42 P.M.	H.R. 1845	Mr. Brady (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1845 — “To provide for a study on issues relating to access to intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for Medicare beneficiaries in all care settings and a demonstration project to examine the benefits of providing coverage and payment for items and services necessary to administer IVIG in the home.”
1:30:57 P.M.	H.R. 1845	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:30:58 P.M.	H.R. 1845	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1845.
1:58:49 P.M.	H.R. 1845	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.
1:59:00 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.
2:00:50 P.M.	H.R. 6672	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6672 — “To reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes.”
2:25:17 P.M.	H.R. 6672	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 383 – 16 (Roll no. 633).
2:25:18 P.M.	H.R. 6672	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:25:21 P.M.	H.R. 1845	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1845 — “To provide for a study on issues relating to access to intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for Medicare beneficiaries in all care settings and a demonstration project to examine the benefits of providing coverage and payment for items and services necessary to administer IVIG in the home.”
2:32:51 P.M.	H.R. 1845	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 3 (Roll no. 634).
2:32:52 P.M.	H.R. 1845	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:32:55 P.M.	H.R. 1845	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
2:33:03 P.M.	H. Res. 668	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 668 — “To refer H.R. 5862, a bill making congressional reference to the United States Court of Federal Claims pursuant to sections 1492 and 2509 of title 28, United States Code, the Indian trust-related claims of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah) as well as its individual members.”
2:40:26 P.M.	H. Res. 668	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 – 5 (Roll no. 635).
2:40:26 P.M.	H. Res. 668	<action_description>Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:41:51 P.M.	H.R. 1509	<action_description>Mr. Johnson, Sam moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1509 — “To amend title II of the Social Security Act to prohibit the inclusion of Social Security account numbers on Medicare cards.”
2:41:58 P.M.	H.R. 1509	>Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:41:59 P.M.	H.R. 1509	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1509.
3:11:49 P.M.	H.R. 1509	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Doggett objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
3:12:17 P.M.	H.R. 6655	Mr. Camp moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6655 — “To establish a commission to develop a national strategy and recommendations for reducing fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect.”
3:12:30 P.M.	H.R. 6655	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:12:31 P.M.	H.R. 6655	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6655.
3:31:11 P.M.	H.R. 6655	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.
3:32:25 P.M.	H.R. 6166	Mr. Denham asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
3:32:29 P.M.	H.R. 6166	Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 6166 — “To designate the United States courthouse located at 333 West Broadway Street in San Diego, California, as the “James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse”.”
3:32:59 P.M.	H.R. 6166	On passage Passed without objection.
3:32:59 P.M.	H.R. 6166	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:33:16 P.M.	H.R. 6633	Mr. Denham asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
3:33:18 P.M.	H.R. 6633	Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 6633 — “To designate the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the “Paul Brown United States Courthouse”.”
3:33:36 P.M.	H.R. 6633	On passage Passed without objection.
3:33:38 P.M.	H.R. 6633	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:34:00 P.M.	S. 3311	Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3311 — “To designate the United States courthouse located at 2601 2nd Avenue North, Billings, Montana, as the “James F. Battin United States Courthouse”.”
3:34:22 P.M.	S. 3311	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:34:23 P.M.	S. 3311	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3311.
3:38:20 P.M.	S. 3311	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:38:25 P.M.	S. 3311	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:39:14 P.M.	S. 925	Mr. Hastings (WA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 925 — “To designate Mt. Andrea Lawrence.”
3:39:36 P.M.	S. 925	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:39:37 P.M.	S. 925	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 925.
3:41:39 P.M.	S. 925	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Grijalva objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
3:44:00 P.M.	S. 2170	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 2170 — “To amend the provisions of title 5, United States Code, which are commonly referred to as the “Hatch Act” to eliminate the provision preventing certain State and local employees from seeking elective office, clarify the application of certain provisions to the District of Columbia, and modify the penalties which may be imposed for certain violations under subchapter III of chapter 73 of that title.”
3:44:13 P.M.	S. 2170	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:44:16 P.M.	S. 2170	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2170.
4:09:04 P.M.	S. 2170	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:09:08 P.M.	S. 2170	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:09:28 P.M.	S. 3564	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3564 — “To extend the Public Interest Declassification Act of 2000 until 2018 and for other purposes.”
4:09:43 P.M.	S. 3564	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:09:45 P.M.	S. 3564	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3564.
4:14:16 P.M.	S. 3564	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.
4:15:19 P.M.	H.R. 6016	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 6016 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for administrative leave requirements with respect to Senior Executive Service employees, and for other purposes.”
4:15:37 P.M.	H.R. 6016	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:15:42 P.M.	H.R. 6016	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6016.
4:24:14 P.M.	H.R. 6016	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.
4:24:21 P.M.	H.R. 4062	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4062 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1444 Main Street in Ramona, California, as the “Nelson ‘Mac’ MacWilliams Post Office Building”.”
4:24:44 P.M.	H.R. 4062	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:24:46 P.M.	H.R. 4062	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4062.
4:31:41 P.M.	H.R. 4062	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:31:44 P.M.	H.R. 4062	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:31:48 P.M.	H.R. 6587	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6587 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 225 Simi Village Drive in Simi Valley, California, as the “Postal Inspector Terry Asbury Post Office Building”.”
4:32:03 P.M.	H.R. 6587	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:32:05 P.M.	H.R. 6587	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6587.
4:35:55 P.M.	H.R. 6587	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Farenthold objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
4:36:18 P.M.		<action_description>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.
4:36:53 P.M.	H.R. 6655	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6655 — “To establish a commission to develop a national strategy and recommendations for reducing fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect.”
5:03:03 P.M.	H.R. 6655	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 636).
5:03:04 P.M.	H.R. 6655	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:03:05 P.M.	S. 3564	Considered as unfinished business. S. 3564 — “To extend the Public Interest Declassification Act of 2000 until 2018 and for other purposes.”
5:09:36 P.M.	S. 3564	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 637).
5:09:36 P.M.	S. 3564	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:09:40 P.M.	H.R. 6016	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 6016 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for administrative leave requirements with respect to Senior Executive Service employees, and for other purposes.”
5:17:16 P.M.	H.R. 6016	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 638).
5:17:19 P.M.	H.R. 6016	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
5:18:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:18:56 P.M.	H.R. 3197	Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3197 — “To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Spokane, Washington, as the “Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center”.”
5:19:19 P.M.	H.R. 3197	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:19:21 P.M.	H.R. 3197	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3197.


5:19:19 P.M.	H.R. 3197	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:19:21 P.M.	H.R. 3197	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3197.
5:28:18 P.M.	H.R. 3197	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Michaud objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
5:28:29 P.M.	H.R. 6443	<action_description>Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6443 — “To designate the facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 9800 West Commercial Boulevard in Sunrise, Florida, as the “William ‘Bill’ Kling VA Clinic”.”
5:28:46 P.M.	H.R. 6443	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:28:48 P.M.	H.R. 6443	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6443.
5:39:30 P.M.	H.R. 6443	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Michaud objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
5:40:24 P.M.		<action_description>Mr. Miller (FL) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on December 20. Agreed to without objection.
5:41:54 P.M.	H.R. 6379	<action_description>Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6379 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6239 Savannah Highway in Ravenel, South Carolina, as the “Representative Curtis B. Inabinett, Sr. Post Office”.”
5:42:17 P.M.	H.R. 6379	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:42:19 P.M.	H.R. 6379	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6379.
5:48:23 P.M.	H.R. 6379	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Maloney objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
5:49:44 P.M.	H.R. 3869	<action_description>Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3869 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 East Capitol Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas, as the “Sidney ‘Sid’ Sanders McMath Post Office Building”.”
5:49:58 P.M.	H.R. 3869	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:50:00 P.M.	H.R. 3869	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3869.
5:57:38 P.M.	H.R. 3869	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Maloney objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
5:58:07 P.M.	H.R. 3378	<action_description>Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3378 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 220 Elm Avenue in Munising, Michigan, as the “Elizabeth L. Kinnunen Post Office Building”.”
5:58:20 P.M.	H.R. 3378	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:58:22 P.M.	H.R. 3378	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3378.
6:05:34 P.M.	H.R. 3378	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Maloney objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
6:06:11 P.M.	H.R. 4389	<action_description>Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4389 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 19 East Merced Street in Fowler, California, as the “Cecil E. Bolt Post Office”.”
6:06:31 P.M.	H.R. 4389	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:06:34 P.M.	H.R. 4389	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4389.
6:13:10 P.M.	H.R. 4389	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Maloney objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
6:14:09 P.M.	H.R. 6260	Mr. Farenthold moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6260 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 211 Hope Street in Mountain View, California, as the “Lieutenant Kenneth M. Ballard Memorial Post Office”.”
6:14:21 P.M.	H.R. 6260	Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:14:24 P.M.	H.R. 6260	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6260.
6:20:43 P.M.	H.R. 6260	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Maloney objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
6:22:21 P.M.	H. Res. 839	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 839 — “Relating to the death of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, a Senator from the State of Hawaii.”
6:22:54 P.M.	H. Res. 839	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 839.
6:59:27 P.M.	H. Res. 839	The previous question was ordered without objection.
6:59:33 P.M.	H. Res. 839	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:59:39 P.M.	H. Res. 839	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:00:12 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

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President Obama’s weekly address

12/17/2012 Nativegrl77

The White House

The President says the nation’s thoughts and prayers are with those who lost a loved one during Friday’s tragic shooting in Newtown, CT.

Watch President Obama’s weekly address.

President Barack Obama tapes the Weekly Address in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Dec. 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

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Defend Science

12/17/2012 Nativegrl77

Union of Concerned Scientists

Facts matter. Don’t let media pundits subvert science.

Chip in and become a member to defend science.

As Hurricane Sandy was wreaking havoc on the East Coast, commentators on Fox News repeatedly claimed that the storm had “nothing to do with climate change.”¹

Hurricane Sandy’s impact was undeniably worse because of rising sea levels caused by global warming—but because our opponents are desperate to keep science out of our political discourse, they tried to hide this fact from you and me. That’s not just misleading. It’s dangerous.

Fox News is willingly, and with full knowledge of their errors, denying science. We don’t say things like that lightly. We’re scientists, so we ran the numbers and found that 93 percent of Fox News Channel’s coverage of climate science was misleading or outright false.²

We need you to help set the record straight. Your support will allow us to reach out to reporters and editors across the country in 2013, so we can share the scientific facts and advance policies that will help protect and prepare our cities and states for the impacts of climate change.

Don’t stand by while science is under attack by the likes of Rupert Murdoch, Bill O’Reilly, and Sean Hannity. Become a UCS member today, and together we’ll show the media and policy makers that facts matter.

Sea levels could rise up to 3.3 feet in the next 80 years.³ Most Americans are connecting the dots between our changing climate and the extreme weather we’ve seen in recent years—from forest fires to flooding from intense storms—and this is our moment to make sure the conversation continues.⁴ But very powerful and cynical interests are trying to keep the public in the dark.

Many Americans unquestioningly accept what they hear on TV or through the internet as undisputed fact. That’s why we’re out there fighting misrepresentations of global warming in the popular media. We have relationships with reporters from New York City to Toledo to Sacramento, and they look to us as a trusted source of facts to counter the distortions and hysteria whipped up by climate deniers.

It’s also why we’re leading the charge on some of science’s most promising solutions to the challenges of our time: cutting harmful pollution, investing in the rapid expansion of renewable energy, and protecting our cities from sea level rise.

Pitch in to become a UCS member today and stand up for science-based solutions to our planet’s most pressing problems.

Together, we are very publicly taking on the media moguls and pundits who spread misinformation. Our groundbreaking report about Fox News and the rest of News Corporation was picked up by outlets across the country, and we backed it up with tens of thousands of signatures calling them out for their distorted coverage. Members of the UCS community power these kinds of campaigns—and we can’t win without you.

The fact that you’re reading this email means you aren’t afraid to take on powerful interests when objective science is on our side. A healthy planet, a safer world, the wellbeing of our families—that’s what’s at stake here. Thank you for your support.