Tag Archives: United States

the Senate CONGRESS 10/22 the House

10/22/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm on Monday, October 28, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #344, the nomination of Richard F. Griffin, Jr., of the District of Columbia, to be General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board for a term of four years. There will be up to one hour of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Griffin nomination.

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Last Floor Action: 10/22
2:08:50 P.M. – The Speaker announced that
the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.

Last Floor Action:10/16
10:55:07 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to S. Con. Res. 24.

2:00:37 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
2:00:42 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
2:01:12 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:48 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Ms. Foxx demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
2:03:29 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. George Miller of CA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:04:05 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:07:34 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 October 17, 2013 at 11:38 a.m. stating that that body had disagreed to the House amendment to S. Con. Res. 8; agreed to a conference requested by the House; and appointed conferees.
2:08:20 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting pursuant to section 1002(b) of the Continuing Approrpriations Act, 2014, a certification that absent a suspension of the limit under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of the Treasury would be unable to issue debt to meet existing commitments. – referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and ordered tobe printed (H. Doc. 113-68).
2:08:30 P.M.		ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the passing of the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Young, the whole number of the House is 431.
2:08:50 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.

5:00:36 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 22.
5:01:13 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
5:01:40 P.M.	H.R. 185	Mr. Barletta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 185 — “To designate the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the “Paul Brown United States Courthouse”.”
5:02:07 P.M.	H.R. 185	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:02:09 P.M.	H.R. 185	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 185.
5:10:22 P.M.	H.R. 185	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.
5:11:40 P.M.	H.R. 2083	Mr. Rokita moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2083 — “To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require criminal background checks for school employees.”
5:12:02 P.M.	H.R. 2083	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:12:04 P.M.	H.R. 2083	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2083.
5:29:00 P.M.	H.R. 2083	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:29:06 P.M.	H.R. 2083	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
5:29:37 P.M.	H.R. 3205	Mr. Reichert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3205 — “To reauthorize and restructure the adoption incentives grant program, and for other purposes.”
5:29:54 P.M.	H.R. 3205	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:29:56 P.M.	H.R. 3205	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3205.

5:58:58 P.M.	H.R. 3205	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.
5:59:18 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:25 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 22.
6:30:30 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.
6:31:01 P.M.	H.R. 185	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 185 — “To designate the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the “Paul Brown United States Courthouse”.”
6:57:45 P.M.	H.R. 185	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 1 (Roll no. 551).
6:57:52 P.M.	H.R. 3205	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3205 — “To reauthorize and restructure the adoption incentives grant program, and for other purposes.”
7:07:28 P.M.	H.R. 3205	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 552).
7:07:37 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and put the question on agreeing to the Journal de novo.
7:16:52 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 275 – 116, 2 Present (Roll no. 553).
7:17:26 P.M.	H. Res. 383	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 383 — “Expressing the condolences of the House on the death of the Honorable Thomas S. Foley, former Member of the House for 15 terms and Speaker of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred First, One Hundred Second and One Hundred Third Congresses.”
7:18:32 P.M.	H. Res. 383	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
7:18:44 P.M.	H. Res. 383	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:18:55 P.M.	H. Res. 384	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 384 — “Expressing the condolences of the House on the death of the Honorable C.W. Bill Young, a Representative from the State of Florida.”
7:19:59 P.M.	H. Res. 384	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
7:20:05 P.M.	H. Res. 384	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:20:23 P.M.		UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST – Ms. Meng asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 2248, a measure originally introduced by Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of Rule 12. Agreed to without objection.
7:20:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
7:20:58 P.M.	H.R. 3302	Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3302 — “To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Bay Pines, Florida, as the “C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center”.”
7:21:21 P.M.	H.R. 3302	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:21:23 P.M.	H.R. 3302	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3302.
7:57:37 P.M.	H.R. 3302	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:57:52 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
8:00:12 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:04:49 P.M.		Mr. Webster (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 385.
8:05:26 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
9:31:12 P.M.		Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:31:23 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:31:24 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to H. Res. 383 and H. Res. 384. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 23, 2013.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Press On … the move toward 21st Century living

10/21/2013 Nativegrl77

Climate

Organizing to make America a global leader in clean energy and changing the conversation on climate by calling out lawmakers who deny the basic science of climate change learn more »

Gun Violence Prevention

Speaking out for common sense laws that help keep guns out of dangerous hands and keep our communities safe learn more »

Health Care

Helping millions of Americans learn about how Obamacare works for them and how they can find affordable care learn more »

Immigration

Fighting to fix our broken immigration system to grow our economy by creating an earned pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth and their families learn more »

Jobs & the Economy

Working for a better bargain for all Americans, building a stronger and more secure economy for the middle class and for those working to get in the middle class learn more »

Stand with Women

Protecting women’s rights, promoting women’s economic security and advancing women’s leadership learn more »

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

900,000

10/17/2013 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

GOP Crises Alone Have Killed 900,000 Jobs

After shutting down the government for over two weeks in a failed attempt to deny affordable health insurance to millions of Americans, the prospect of a catastrophic economic shutdown caused by an unprecedented default on our obligations has finally brought enough Republicans to their senses. A bipartisan deal negotiated by senators to re-open the government and avoid a default appears set to pass both the House and the Senate this evening.

President Obama and Democrats stood strong and refused to grant Republicans any of their ransom demands in exchange for Congress agreeing to simply do its job, but unfortunately the series of crises manufactured by the GOP over the past few years has already taken a terrible toll on the economy.

A new report out yesterday pins the number of jobs killed by the GOP’s government-by-crisis strategy over the past few years at 900,000.

As ThinkProgress notes, the report also finds that the painful and unnecessary austerity spending cuts (themselves largely imposed by the GOP using crises and threats) in place have cost us more than a million jobs:

The report also finds that cuts to discretionary spending from 2011 to the present have cost the country 1.2 million jobs and 0.7 percentage points of GDP growth. About three-quarters of the $2.4 trillion in total deficit reduction enacted since the fall of 2010 was in the form of spending cuts. The Peterson-commissioned estimate of what that steep reduction in government expenditures has cost is a bit more conservative than previous estimates by other economists, but only slightly less negative.

This graphic from our Center for American Progress colleagues illustrates how many more Americans would have jobs in a world without austerity:

Finally, a different report out this evening finds the current shutdown crisis pulled $24 BILLION out of the economy and will slash more than a half-percentage off GDP growth.

BOTTOM LINE: It’s time for Republicans to stop trying to govern by crisis, hostage-taking, and extortion. The fight over the debt limit is over. Period. It’s now time for us to come to a long-term agreement on the budget that gets rid of the damaging sequester cuts and is instead focused on our real problems: jobs and economic growth.

It’s also time for Speaker Boehner to abandon his failed attempts to appease the extreme Tea Party wing of the GOP and instead seek a bipartisan governing majority focused on doing what’s best for our country, including the passage of immigration reform with a pathway to earned citizenship.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Houston Chronicle regrets endorsing Ted Cruz.

POLLS: Shutdown hurting GOP Senate chances, even in red states.

Right-wing group that orchestrated shutdown overt Obamacare now admits that “everybody knows” Obamacare can’t be repealed.

Ted Cruz admits the shutdown was all about building email fundraising lists.

Anti-tax crusader says defunders owe conservatives an apology.

Senate Republicans: GOP didn’t get anything out of shutdown.

Tea Party already seeking purge of non-extremists in 2014.

Tea Party congresswoman who voted to shut down the government now wants billions in disaster aid.

More than five million poor Americans won’t get health coverage because of the GOP’s refusal to expand Medicaid.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

CNBC Isn’t Reporting the Facts, But You Can

10/17/2013 Nativegrl77

In June, Media Matters released a report showing that business news channel CNBC had cast doubt on science in more than half of its 2013 climate change coverage. [1] As the first analysis of its kind, the report was a wake-up call: by regularly denying climate science, CNBC was falling short of its core mission of providing “fast, accurate, actionable, [and] unbiased” business news to its viewers.

Environmental groups mobilized in response to the findings, collecting 42,000 signatures urging CNBC to improve its climate reporting. [2]

Four months after first sounding the alarm, Media Matters conducted a follow-up study to see if CNBC had adjusted its coverage. [3] Remarkably, we found that climate denial at the network actually increased, rising from 51 percent to 55 percent of climate reporting. Worse, one-third of the segments that did accurately report the science occurred during a limited “special week of climate coverage” on Worldwide Exchange, which airs at 4 AM ET. [4]

Help us let CNBC viewers know that they aren’t getting all the facts.

Scientists overwhelmingly agree that climate change exists, and more and more businesses are deciding that they can’t afford to wait and see. According to a recent study, more than 70 percent of companies think climate change can significantly affect their revenues—and many are already hedging against the risk. [5] In fact, businesses are becoming leading climate advocates: more than 650 major U.S. companies have already signed a letter calling for stronger federal clean energy laws [6], and just last month, nearly two dozen leading U.S. businesses announced support for carbon pollution standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency for new power plants. [7]

In business, there’s a clear trend toward taking climate science seriously—but on CNBC, there’s a clear trend toward dismissing and distorting it. As a network that prides itself on serving the information needs of the business community, CNBC is failing its viewers and damaging its reputation by rejecting science.

Last month, we sent a letter to CNBC, offering to help develop a plan to gradually improve its climate reporting. The network dismissed this outreach.

CNBC is ignoring scientists and media watchdogs, so it’s time to bring the truth to an audience it can’t ignore: its viewers.

CNBC has had multiple opportunities to address its climate denial problem, but has only let it get worse. At this point, the network can no longer claim ignorance: CNBC is intentionally misleading its viewers about climate change, and it needs to stop.

To push back, Media Matters will charter a fleet of fuel-efficient mobile billboards to blanket major U.S. financial districts with ads calling out CNBC for denying climate science.

Can you chip in $5 to help fund a billboard?

With your participation, we can scale up our efforts to expose the bad business of CNBC’s climate denial to the viewers that determine its bottom line.

Cynthia Padera
Campaigns Manager
Media Matters for America

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[1] REPORT: CNBC’s Climate Denial Is Bad For Business http://mm4a.org/12GKKLW

[2] Environmentalists Deliver 42,000-Signature Petition For Better Climate Coverage To CNBC Headquarters http://mm4a.org/1dE9gSI

[3] REPORT: CNBC Still Deeply In (Climate) Denial http://mm4a.org/1doZkKa

[4] After Petition, CNBC Unveils A “Special Week Of Climate Coverage” http://mm4a.org/156wbkn

[5] Carbon Disclosure Project and Accenture: “Reducing risk and driving business value” https://www.cdproject.net/en-US/News/CDP%20News%20Article%20Pages/major-climate-threat-to-global-supply-chains.aspx

[6] CERES: Major U.S. Companies Call For Climate Change Action http://www.ceres.org/press/press-releases/major-u.s.-companies-call-for-climate-change-action

[7] CERES: Major U.S. Companies and Investors Support Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants http://www.ceres.org/press/press-releases/major-u.s.-companies-and-investors-support-carbon-pollution-standards-for-new-power-plants

Black History

the Senate considers S.1569 Congress 10/14 the House considers

10/14/2013 Nativegrl77

SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2013

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, October 14.

When the Senate convenes, Senator Reid intends to renew the motion to proceed to S.1569, a bill to ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until December 31, 2014.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #206, the nomination of Andrea Wood, of Illinois, to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois; and Executive Calendar #207, the nomination of Madeline Haikala, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama. There will be 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a series of up 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations

At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will vote on confirmation of the following nominations:

– Executive Calendar #206, the nomination of Andrea Wood, of Illinois, to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois; and

– Executive Calendar #207, the nomination of Madeline Haikala, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

The Wood nomination is expected to be confirmed by voice vote and the Haikala nomination is expected to be confirmed by roll call vote.

Executive Calendar #206, the nomination of Andrea Wood, of Illinois, to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, was confirmed by voice vote.

5:31pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #207, the nomination of Madeline Haikala, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama.

Confirmed: 90-0

There will be no further roll call votes today.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #207, the nomination of Madeline Haikala, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama; Confirmed: 90-0

No LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #206, the nomination of Andrea Wood, of Illinois, to be a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois by voice vote.

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Last Floor Action:
12:37:54 P.M. – The House adjourned. 10/12

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on October 14, 2013.

12:00:17 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:26 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:43 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:19:25 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

2:00:13 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 14.
2:00:26 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:09 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:02:12 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:38 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:08:16 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 House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on October 14, 2013, at 1:25 p.m., stating that that body had passed S. 812.
2:08:30 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:08:30 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
5:00:46 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 14.
5:01:29 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Considered as unfinished business. H.J. Res. 80 — “Making continuing appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes.”
5:01:37 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	DEBATE – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the House resumed debate on H.J. Res. 80.
5:18:11 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:18:31 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the Chair announced that further proceedings on H.J. Res. 80 were postponed.
5:18:55 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
6:20:20 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of October 14.
6:20:26 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the House resumed consideration of H.J. Res. 80.
6:20:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
6:21:12 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kirkpatrick motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to replace the underlying bill with the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 59, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014.
6:27:46 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Mr. Simpson raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Simpson stated that the proposed amendment contained in the motion to recommit with instructions was not germane to the underlying bill. Sustained by the Chair.
6:27:46 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
6:28:18 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Mrs. Kirkpatrick appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
6:28:38 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Mr. Simpson moved to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair.
6:55:49 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	On motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair. Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 547).
7:04:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	On passage Passed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 548).
7:04:55 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:04:56 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Amendment offered by Mr. Grayson.
7:04:57 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	Pursuant to the rule, the Chair announced the amendment was not debatable.
7:05:56 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment to the title Roll Call 549 – Recorded vote pending.

:22:26 P.M.	H.J. Res. 80	On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 228 (Roll no. 549).
7:22:46 P.M.	H.R. 3190	Mr. Goodlatte asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
7:22:56 P.M.	H.R. 3190	Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 3190 — “To provide for the continued performance of the functions of the United States Parole Commission, and for other purposes.”
7:23:08 P.M.	H.R. 3190	On passage Passed without objection.
7:23:09 P.M.	H.R. 3190	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:24:04 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:27:45 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.