Tag Archives: United States Senate

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Make them debate


The Senate is broken. Republicans have perverted its rules so that a 60-vote supermajority is needed to pass virtually anything.

Now we have a chance to reform the Senate rules and get it working for the people again. Last month, all 53 Democratic Senators signed a letter saying they supported rules reform that returned the filibuster to its original form, forcing Senators to hold the floor and talk for hours if they want to block legislation.

Call your Democratic Senators right now and tell them to support rules reform that fixes the filibuster:

1-877-426-8013

Thank you for everything you do.

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America

Democracy for America relies on you and the people-power of more than one million members to fund the grassroots organizing and training that delivers progressive change on the issues that matter. Please Contribute Today and support our mission.

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SENATE: Time To Fix The Senate


“I’m not a member of any organized party,” Will Rogers once quipped. “I am a Democrat.” Yet, the Democratic Party showed remarkable unity when every single returning Democratic senator signed a letter last month to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) “urging him to change the Senate’s filibuster rules when Congress reconvenes in January.” Among the proposed revisions that are most likely to be championed by these Democrats include a role that senators have to “remain on the floor to sustain” filibusters. Indeed, during the past few years, the filibuster has been transformed from a rarely used procedure into an unprecedented tool for obstruction and, along with other obstructive procedures like secret holds, has prevented the passage of  hundreds of bills and the confirmation of countless previously uncontroversial nominees. By pursuing reform of the filibuster and other Senate procedures, progressive reformers in the Senate are embracing what Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) calls the “Constitutional Option” — the right of a Senate to write its own rules at the beginning of each Congress. Soon, these reformers will make their case before the U.S. Senate and the American people. At stake in this battle is the very notion of an open and accountable government that can respond to the public’s wishes and not be obstructed by an obstinate minority.

A VERY MODERN TOOL OF OBSTRUCTION: One common misperception about the filibuster is that it has always been a feature of the U.S. Senate and thus, American government. Yet the filibuster as we know it today did not exist at the country’s founding. Originally, “both the Senate and House of Representatives had a rule called the Previous Question Motion, where a simple majority [of votes] ended debate. … But the Senate dropped this provision in 1806,  leaving open the potential for a filibuster.” Even then, the first filibuster in American history didn’t take place until 1841. In the 19th century, there were “less than a dozen filibusters enacted.” In 1917, the cloture rule was adopted, requiring that two-thirds of senators to agree to stop debate. In 1975, this was  pared down to three-fifths’ approval. In the past few decades, the use of the filibuster has dramatically spiked. From 1991-1992, there were only 59 cloture filings. During the 2007-2008 legislative year, there were a record 139 (compared to just seven during a time as politically polarized as the 1969-1970 Senate session). And while many Americans may imagine that the filibuster is   used the same way that James Stewart’s character used it in the 1930s film classic Mr. Smith Goes To Washington — where the actor kept talking until he collapsed in order to keep his filibuster going — the modern day practice does not even require a senator to stay on the floor to sustain a filibuster, rather it requires 60 votes to end one.

OBSTRUCTING PROGRESS: As previously mentioned, the use of the filibuster to obstruct the will of the democratically elected majority from enacting the agenda voters want has been slowly rising over the past few decades and grew dramatically over the past couple years as Senate Republicans sought to block President Obama and the Democratic majority’s programs. According to official Senate records, there were  136 cloture motions filed from 2009 to 2010, just three motions short of the record-breaking 2007-2008 year. This unprecedented use of the filibuster by the Senate minority dramatically slowed down the government, and made hundreds of bills passed by the House stall on the Senate floor. In many cases, a minority of legislators, often buoyed by special interests, deployed the filibuster to kill legislation that was supported by huge majorities of the American people. For example, the threat of a filibuster was a major factor in the death of the public health insurance option, which had the support of 72 percent of Americans, according to a June 2009 CBS News/New York Times poll. Sen. Byron Dorgan’s (D-ND) amendment that would have allowed drug reimportation from Canada was defeated even though it  received 51 votes; 77 percent of Americans supported that policy according to Kaiser Health polling. Last month, Senate Republicans deployed the filibuster to   defeat the DREAM Act, which a November 2010 Lake Research poll found had the support of 66 percent of Americans, including 57 percent of Republicans. Additionally, obstructionists have also made use of secret holds to “anonymously block bills or confirmations of presidential nominees from reaching the floor for an unlimited time span, making naked obstructionism politically safe“; this process has left almost one in nine federal judgeships vacant. Also, current Senate rules even allow filibustering senators to force up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate once a filibuster is broken, continuing to delay progress on important legislation.

PATHS OF REFORM: Earlier this year, Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) delivered an address about conservative obstruction at an event at the Center for American Progress Action Fund titled “Deliberation, Obstruction or Dysfunction? Evaluating the Modern U.S. Senate and its Contribution to American Governance.” At the event, Udall discussed what he called the “Constitutional Option,” which he described as the Senate having the ability to alter its rules with a simple majority vote at the beginning of each Congress. Udall has enlisted the support of a number of other senators, and they plan to push for a reform of the chamber’s rules starting on its first day, January 5. There are several different plans being proposed for changing Senate rules. Udall, along with others such as Sen.  Claire McCaskill (D-MO), wants to end secret holds. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has proposed requiring a “specific number of Senators…to be on the floor to sustain the filibuster. This would be required even during quorum calls. At any point, a member could call for a count of the senators on the floor who stand in opposition to the regular order, and if the count falls below the required level, the regular order prevails and a   majority vote is held.” “The American people believe that you have to go defend your position, hold the floor, and if you’re not there, the Senate goes forth and holds a majority vote. And so that is the model we’re  trying to create,” the senator said during an appearance on The Big Picture With Thom Hartmann. Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) is calling for ending the filibuster altogether. The sentiments of the reformers are in line with 50 percent of Americans, who said in a February 2010 CBS/New York Times poll that the filibuster should be changed (44 percent were opposed).

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lame duck Session 12/21 -debates,UPDATES &major votes -updates when needed


Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 21, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, Senator Alexander will be recognized to speak for up to 10 minutes in morning business. Following his remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to concur with respect to H.R.3082, which is the legislative vehicle for the Continuing Resolution (CR through March 4, 2011). At approximately 10:15am, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to HR3082, with an amendment (CR).

Following the cloture vote on the CR, Senator Specter will deliver his farewell remarks to the Senate.

If cloture is invoked on the CR, there would be up to 30 hours for debate. We hope that some of the time will be yielded back. Upon disposition of the CR, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the START Treaty. Senators will be notified when that vote is scheduled.

The Senate is considering the START Treaty post-cloture.

Votes:
288: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3082, with amendment #4885: , (Continuing Resolution through March 4, 2011)
Invoked: 82-14.

289: Motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3082, with an amendment (CR through March 4, 2011);
Agreed To: 79-16

290: Confirmation of Benita Y. Pearson, of Ohio, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio;
Confirmed: 56-39

291: Confirmation of William Joseph Martinez, of Colorado, to be U.S. District Judge for the district of Colorado;
Confirmed: 58-37

292: Cloture on the New START Treaty;
Invoked: 67-28.

293: Ensign #4855 (rail mobile missiles);
Not Agreed To: 32-63

294: Kerry motion to table Risch #4878 (military equipment);
Tabled: 61-32.

295: Wicker amendment #4895: (Bilateral Consultative Commission);
Not Agreed To: 34-59

296: Now Voting on Kyl amendment #4860: (sea launched missiles)

Next vote in relationto Kyl amendment #4893: (telemetry)

Unanimous Consent:
Passed H.R.3481, a bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution (with Cardin amendment).

Passed H.R.5470, a bill to to exclude an external power supply for certain security or life safety alarms and surveillance system components from the application of certain energy efficiency standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

Passed H.R.4445, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Clarification Act

Passed S.3903, a bill to authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 21, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

7:58 P.M. –

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

7:50 P.M. –

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

7:49 P.M. –

UNITED STATES-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001,(22 U.S.C. 7002) as amended, the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Larry Wortzel to the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission, effective January 1, 2011 .

7:48 P.M. –

INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION – Pursuant to Section 235 of the Tribal Law and Order Act (P.L. 111-211), the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Thomas Gede of San Francisco, California to the Indian Law and Order Commission .

7:47 P.M. –

COMMISSION ON KEY NATIONAL INDICATORS – Pursuant to Sec. 5605 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Marcus Peacock of Washington, DC and Mr. Thomas J. Philipson of Chicago, IL to the Commission on Key National Indicators .

7:46 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Donna F. Edwards to act as Speaker pro tempore to sign enrolled bills and joint resolutions through the remainder of the 2nd session of the 111th Congress.

7:45 P.M. –

Mr. McGovern asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 6547:

to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require criminal background checks for school employees

7:44 P.M. –

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

7:43 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 314 – 20 (Roll no. 663).

7:35 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

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.

H.R. 3082:

making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes

7:34 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 193 – 165 (Roll no. 662).

7:06 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

6:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3082.

6:06 P.M. –

Mr. Obey moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1782, the Chair recognized Mr. Obey for a motion.

H. Res. 1782:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 3082) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes

6:05 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.

5:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1782

Considered as privileged matter.

S. 2925:

to establish a grant program to benefit victims of sex trafficking, and for other purposes

5:41 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.

4:57 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2925.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

4:56 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

4:55 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1782.

S. 3592:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”

4:54 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 voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3243:

to require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administer polygraph examinations to all applicants for law enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to complete all periodic background reinvestigations of certain law enforcement personnel, and for other purposes

4:53 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 voice vote.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2751:

to accelerate motor fuel savings nationwide and provide incentives to registered owners of high polluting automobiles to replace such automobiles with new fuel efficient and less polluting automobiles

4:49 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 144 (Roll no. 661).

4:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

4:41 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 216 – 139 (Roll no. 660).

4:32 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5116:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

4:31 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 130 (Roll no. 659).

4:04 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

4:03 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5116, H.R. 2142, and H.R. 2751, and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.R. 2751:

to accelerate motor fuel savings nationwide and provide incentives to registered owners of high polluting automobiles to replace such automobiles with new fuel efficient and less polluting automobiles

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2751, the Chair announced that pursuant to the order of the House of December 21, 2010, further proceedings on the motion would be postponed until a time to be announced.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

3:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2751.

Mr. Dingell moved that the House agree to the Senate amendments.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1781, the Chair recognized Mr. Dingell for a motion.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

3:20 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142, the Chair announced that pursuant to the order of the House of December 21, 2010, further proceedings on the motion would be postponed until a time to be announced.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

3:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3082, with an amendment.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

3:02 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.

3:01 P.M. –

Mr. Cuellar moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1781, the Chair recognized Mr. Cuellar for a motion.

3:00 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Cuellar asked unanimous consent that the Speaker may postpone further proceedings on the following measures as though under clause 8(a)(1)(A) of rule XX: motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2142 and motion to agree to Senate amendment to H.R. 2751. Agreed to without objection.

2:59 P.M. –

Commission on Key National Indicators – Pursuant to section 5606 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Chair appointed Dr. Stephen Heintz, New York, NY and Dr. Martha Tienda, Princeton, NJ .

National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics – Pursuant to section 306(k) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k) and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Chair appointed Dr. Vickie M. Mays, Los Angeles, CA for a term of 4 years .

H.R. 5116:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

2:57 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5116, the Chair announced that pursuant to the order of December 21, 2010, further proceedings on the motion would be postponed until a time to be announced.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

2:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5116.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3481.

H.R. 5116:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

1:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5116.

1:39 P.M. –

Mr. Gordon (TN) moved that the House agree to the Senate amendment.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1781, the Chair recognized Mr. Gordon (TN) for a motion.

H. Res. 1781:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 5116) to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to the bill ( H.R. 2751) to accelerate motor fuel savings nationwide and provide incentives to registered owners of high polluting automobiles to replace such automobiles with new fuel efficient and less polluting automobiles; and providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 2142) to require quarterly performance assessments of Government programs for purposes of assessing agency performance and improvement, and to establish agency performance improvement officers and the Performance Improvement Council

1:37 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.

1:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1781

1:08 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 6540:

to require the Secretary of Defense, in awarding a contract for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Program, to consider any unfair competitive advantage that an offeror may possess

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 Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 325 – 23 (Roll no. 658).

1:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:59 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.

H. Res. 1771:

waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 199 – 151 (Roll no. 657).

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

12:30 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1771

Considered as privileged matter.

12:16 P.M. –

Mr. McGovern filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1781.

H.R. 1746:

to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize the pre-disaster mitigation program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

12:15 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1746.

Ms. Norton moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H.R. 4748:

to amend the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 to require a northern border counternarcotics strategy, and for other purposes

12:03 P.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

11:55 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 4748.

Mr. Scott (VA) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 3243:

to require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to administer polygraph examinations to all applicants for law enforcement positions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to complete all periodic background reinvestigations of certain law enforcement personnel, and for other purposes

11:54 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) 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.

11:43 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3243.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Jackson Lee moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 1481:

to amend section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to improve the program under such section for supportive housing for persons with disabilities

11:42 A.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 voice vote.

11:26 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1481.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Murphy (CT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 118:

to amend section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959, to improve the program under such section for supportive housing for the elderly, and for other purposes

11:25 A.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 voice vote.

11:12 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 118.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6547:

to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require criminal background checks for school employees

11:11 A.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.

11:04 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6547.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Miller, George moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6540:

to require the Secretary of Defense, in awarding a contract for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Program, to consider any unfair competitive advantage that an offeror may possess

11:03 A.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.

10:41 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6540.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5809:

to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for take-back disposal of controlled substances in certain instances, and for other purposes

10:40 A.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

10:25 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5809.

Mr. Waxman moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

H.R. 81:

to amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks

10:23 A.M. –

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

10:19 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 81.

Ms. Bordallo moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

10:18 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

10:17 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 20, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 2751, with amendments.

10:16 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 20, 2010 at 9:49 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 118, H.R. 4915 with amendments, H.R. 6510, H.R. 6473, H.R. 6533, and H.Con.Res. 335.

10:15 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 18, 2010 at 3:54 p.m.: That the Senate concurred in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2965.

10:14 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 17, 2010 at 8:40 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.J.Res. 105.

10:12 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

10:11 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 81 amended, H.R. 6412, H.R. 4748 amended, and H.R. 1746 amended.

10:04 A.M. –

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

10:03 A.M. –

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

10:02 A.M. –

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 Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

only 5 more days til Xmas …Congress is in Session this week


Senate Convenes: 10:00amET December 20, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive session and resume consideration of the New START Treaty.The Senate will recess at 1:30pm and reconvene in closed session at 2:00pm in the Old Senate Chamber. 

Following the closed session, the Senate will reconvene in open session in the Senate chamber.

Senators with amendments to the START Treaty are encouraged to come to the floor to offer and debate their amendments.

Roll call votes are expected to occur throughout the day.

The following amendments are pending to the START Treaty.:

– Corker amendment to the resolution #4904, as modified, (Missile Defense)
Votes:
285: Inhofe #4833 (inspections);
Not Agreed to: 33-64 

286: Thune #4831 (delivery vehicles);
Not Agreed To: 33-64

287: LeMieux amendment #4847: (tactical stockpiles);
Not Agreed To: 35-62.
Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR81, Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (with Kerry-Snowe amendment, International Fisheries)


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The next meeting in the House is Tuesday at 10:00amET on  December 21, 2010

~ my 2cents ...

wicked weekend & some News


It has been a tough December what with the wicked wind, rolling thunder, and flashes of lightening. I say that knowing folks are out there taking incredible photos of what it all looks like and will be online soon which most of us enjoy. It is cold here but not anywhere close to the mid-west and or east coast.

Today, we all woke up knowing dadt is now a thing of the past and while I have no friends severing in the military, anymore we all know people with friends, co-workers, and neighbors serving who will sigh with relief once President Obama signs the repeal and it becomes law as soon as possible. We all need to be reminded that dadt is a civil rights issue on all angles and as one wants to move into the 21st Century repealing dadt clearly is not only a great achievement it is another move toward equality for all.

I will admit i was sad but not surprised that the Dream Act failed to pass. The Dream Act failure as the media remarks is only a postponement of what will become a reality some day hopefully. I dare anyone in Congress who voted against Dream Act to say there were no dreamers in their own families who came to the U.S. We are a country built by immigrants (Dreamers) by the way. The unconscionable behavior on the floor of Congress during the Dream Act debate was offensive, embarrassing and quite sad because my family like so many of us would not be here today had people been as discriminatory as those speaking out against the Dream Act on the floor of Congress. I would like to tell Republicans that the current Dreamers though young are future American Dreamers who will be voters.

The bad and or guilty party if the tax deal had not passed would have definitely been on the backs of the Republican Tea Party. It is obvious some in our own democratic party have to be held accountable too as our President encouraged them to get certain legislation done 20 months ago but even our own blew him off with comments of we have plenty of time before the midterm elections. The fact that most if not all members of Congress spent a lot of time posturing at the podium with banter of lets debate this thing, lets go through this bill line by line blah blah was disappointing with the end result being a Congress that will be controlled by the Tea Party and not democrats. The frequent delays has put some of President Obama’s most important campaign promises at risk with only a few days left in 2010 to debate, vote, and pass legislation. Thankfully, the tax deal passed and President Obama signed it. I know a lot of our democratic members of Congress had to hold their noses while voting for the tax deal. This voter thanks all those who decided to think about, support, and give help to folks that needed though it is with great sadness the 99ers left out of the deal will be included in some legislation soon.

It is my opinion that President Obama has proved himself to be one of only a few grown-ups in the negotiation room and while the Republican Tea Party decided to use Americans as pawns over two years ago, their effort to not only get what they want but make the President look bad by holding Americans hostage continues. I know we all see the Republican Tea Party putting one over on Americans who voted them into power during the Midterm elections on a daily basis. The lying, laughing while on the floor of Congress is getting old, tiring and most certainly seems un-American. The tax deal took the President a couple of days, maybe a week, or two to get done with some objections in both political parties. The biggest revelation folks should take from the midterm elections – is if you voted for Republicans, you made a big mistake. The overt and relaxing but negative position certain Republican members of Congress have and it definitely is not with Americans. In addition, the RPT campaigned on listening to Americans, creating JOBS JOBS JOBS, and fixing the economy. They actually succeeded in showing us exactly what is most important to them and it is all about money for the rich. It also shows how cold they are by announcing a lock step decision to vote against the very legislation that could help Americans and participated in with plenty of perks for various Republican Tea Party members only to back away from the agreed upon changes and vote the bills down. The political games began two years ago and yes I keep saying the same thing…they continue. Even with all the nonsense, the Republicans have thrown at him. It is outstanding, incredible that President Obama has achieved more successes than previous President’s have and or in Congress. It is obvious that President Obama’s successes need more recognition by the media and those who have been on the negative bandwagon for the last two years.

Lastly, we only have a few days left before the new Congress gets seated and the current debates going on in the Senate over the last few weeks regarding START, FY2011 and the 9/11 Responders  not only shows a clear disrespect from Republicans but a determination to stay dedicated to what Jon Boehner said 2 years ago. The Republican Tea Party has tried to ruin President Obama and his Presidency hoping to find that one legislation that will become his waterloo. I would like to ask -How is that working out for you so far. I do not know about anyone else but I say stay the course until and unless leaning left is required President Obama because We the People voted you in to fight for the Middle Class and in doing so we expect you to as well as keep those campaign promises. I think the Democratic Party looks better when our President is bipartisan yet achieves wins for the Middle Class and in doing so 2012 looks good for him and the Democratic Party.

The choice is easy, either you vote for helping out your fellow American or you vote no so that the President does not get a victory and gotta say if a political party can vote against  helping the 9/11 responders we have to wonder who these people truly represent.

CSPAN …