Tag Archives: United States

Congress is threatening to roll back a key energy efficiency victory our movement won in 2007. The “BULB Act” (H.R. 2417) attacks standards that would require new light bulbs to acheive higher efficiency levels – and it may reach a VOTE as early as Monday.

The BULB Act will COST American households $100 to $200 every year in missed energy savings. The bill’s sponsors claim that the lighting efficiency standard is an outright ban on incandescent bulbs. On the contrary, advanced incandescents meet efficiency standards and they have created 2,000 new American jobs.

H.R. 2417 is simply a lose-lose-lose proposition for America. It will COST us money, kill green jobs, and pollute our air. Please, use your influence to stop the attacks on this fundamental energy efficiency mandate. Write your Senators and Representative, speak out against the BULB Act.

Tell Congress to Protect the Cost Saving Light Bulb Efficiency Standard – Strike Down the BULB Act

Passage of the BULB Act will result in 100 million tons of unnecessary global warming pollution per year – the equivalent of putting 17 million additional cars on the road. The missed energy savings will cost Americans $12 billion every single year.

In 2007, light bulb efficiency standards passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, and with backing from the lighting industry. Even George W. Bush supported these energy saving measures.

If Congress pulls away from this fundamental efficiency mandate, WE will foot the bill and our planet will suffer the consequences. Please send a letter Congress today, advocating a NO vote on the BULB Act.

Send a Message to Congress Opposing the Threat to Light Bulb Efficiency Standards

We expect a vote on Monday, please send your letter today. Let’s make some noise and protect our planet!

Kathleen Rogers
President, Earth Day Network

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what is Congress doing -the Republican led House -the Senate

07/11/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 2pmET July 11, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the final half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit.
The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.1323 is at 12:00pm on Tuesday, July 12^th.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
As a reminder to all Senators, Senator Reid filed cloture on S.1323 and on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the MilCon Appropriations bill; the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill . Unless an agreement is reached, there will be up to 2 roll call votes Wednesday morning.
There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.
Adopted S.Res.231, designating September 2011 as National Child Awareness Month.

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

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 11, 2011

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 11, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2354:: making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

7:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

7:54 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Miller (NC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Miller (NC) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Miller (NC) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Miller (NC).

An amendment to increase funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy by $24,018,000) by reducing funds for fossil energy research and development.

7:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Harris amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:35 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Harris amendment No. 4 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Harris.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce nuclear energy allocation by $6,000,000 and increase the spending reduction account by the same amount.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:27 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Connolly amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment to increase allocations for energy and efficiency and renewable energy by $46,000,000.

7:26 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lamborn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lamborn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:17 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lamborn amendment No. 5 under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lamborn.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to strike language related to the allocation of funds relating to weatherization assistance funds.

7:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the McClintock amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 538).

7:07 P.M. – On agreeing to the Woodall amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 537).

7:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scalise amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 536).

7:00 P.M. – On agreeing to the Graves (MO) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 535).

6:56 P.M. – On agreeing to the Tierney amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 534).

6:31 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:30 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 11.

6:18 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 2417:: to repeal certain amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to lighting energy efficiency, and for other purposes

6:17 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2417.Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:30 P.M. – Mr. Barton (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

5:26 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 2354:: making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

5:25 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2354as unfinished business.On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the committee rise.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Markey amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Markey.

An amendment to increase the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by $100 million and reduce the Nuclear Energy account by $50 million and the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $50 million.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. McClintock.

An amendment to reduce various accounts by $3,250,437,000 and transfer the savings to the spending reduction account.

4:56 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kaptur amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:52 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kaptur amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Kaptur.

An amendment to increase the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by 10 million and reduce the Departmental Adminstration account by 10 million.

By unanimous consent, the Kaptur amendment was withdrawn.

4:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Kaptur amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Kaptur.

An amendment to increase the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account by 10 million and reduce the Departmental Adminstration account by 10 million.

4:36 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the McIntyre amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

4:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McIntyre amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. McIntyre.

An amendment to add a new section at the end of the General Provisions, Corps of Engineers-Civil account by amending section 156 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1976.

4:30 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Terry amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

4:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Terry amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Terry.

An amendment to insert a new section at the end of title I stating that not later than 1 year after the date enactment of this Act, the Army Corps of Engineers shall conduct and publish the results of a study regarding the reasons and contributing factors that led to the abnormal flooding of the Missouri River during the spring and summer of 2011, with specific focus on whether the water management activities of the Corps, conducted for any purpose other than flood prevention and control, contributed to the 2011 flooding and in what ways.

4:23 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moran amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Moran demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moran (VA) amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment to strike section 109 of the bill, which prohibits the use of funds to be used by the Army Corps of Engineers to adopt or enforce a change or supplement to the rule or guidance documents pertaining to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

3:47 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sessions amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:40 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sessions amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Sessions.

An amendment to strike section 102 of the bill, which prohibits the use of funds to be used to implement any competitive sourcing actions under OMB Circular A-76 or High Performing Organizations for the Army Corps of Engineers.

3:37 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Courtney amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the provisions of the Courtney amendment sought to propose a net increase in the budget authority of the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

3:29 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Courtney amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Courtney.

An amendment to appropriate $808 million to the Army Corps of Engineers, Operation and Maintenance account, which shall be derived from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

3:28 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Woodall amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Woodall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Woodall amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Woodall.

An amendment to reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by $4,900,000 and increase the Spending Reduction account by the same amount.

3:14 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Bishop (NY) amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the provisions of the Bishop (NY) amendment sought to increase the level of outlays in the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

3:05 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (NY) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (NY).

An amendment to increase the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by 33,535,000 to improve and restore water infrastructure and reduce the Fossil Energy Research and Development account under the Department of Energy.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Scalise amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Scalise demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Scalise amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was withdrawn.Amendment offered by Mr. Scalise.

An amendment to increase the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by $6,360,000 for efficient cargo transportation by improving dredging and navigation of waterways, and reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Administration Expenses acount by the same amount.

2:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Graves (MO) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Graves (MO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Graves (MO) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Graves (MO).

An amendment to reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account by $1,750,000 and increase the Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance account by $1,000,000.

2:43 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.By unanimous consent, the Rivera amendment was withdrawn.

2:38 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rivera amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Rivera.

An amendment to increase the Army Corps of Engineers Construction account by $32,724,000 for everglades restoration and reduce the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy account under the Department of Energy by the same amount.

2:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tierney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tierney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:32 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tierney amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was withdrawn.Amendment offered by Mr. Tierney.

An amendment to increase funds for the Army Corps of Engineers, Construction and Operation accounts and reduce funds for the Nuclear Energy account under the Department of Energy.

By unanimous consent, the Turner amendment was withdrawn.

2:27 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Turner amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Turner.

An amendment to reduce the Army Corps of Engineers Construction, Operation and Maintenance accounts by $241,713,000 and increase the National Nuclear Security Administration account by the same amount.

2:25 P.M. – Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Tierney amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the provisions of the Tierney amendment sought to increase the level of outlays in the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

2:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tierney amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Tierney.

An amendment to increase funds for the Army Corps of Engineers, Construction and Operation accounts and reduce funds for the Nuclear Energy account under the Department of Energy.

2:18 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the King (IA) amendment was withdrawn.

2:12 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the King (IA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. King (IA).

An amendment to provide a transfer of $1 million to the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study of the Missouri River flooding.

2:10 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

2:09 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

2:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Visclosky to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

2:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 11.

12:07 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00 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.The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change™

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77


	The Flip Side of the Coin



	Add your voice to our storybank to support critical domestic programs for women that are at risk.

The temperature is rising in Washington over negotiations on cutting federal spending as part of a deal to reduce the deficit and raise the country’s legal borrowing limit, known as the debt ceiling.

There’s a lot on the line for women and families: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, maternal and child health programs, Head Start, unemployment insurance, and more are at risk of being cut dramatically. At the same time, some political leaders are threatening to cause the United States to default in order to protect tax breaks for the super-duper rich.

It’s a price we can’t afford to pay. Hedge fund managers and CEOs with corporate jets are one side of the coin. The rest of us are the Flip Side of the Coin, and we want to hear from you. Tell us what domestic programs have meant for you and your family!

Women and their families should not bear the brunt of deficit reduction — women need fair change to survive and thrive. Instead of drastic spending cuts, Congress should protect key domestic programs and services and increase revenues from the wealthiest in our society.

Help us protect these critical investments by putting a face on them: add your voice to our “Flip Side of the Coin” storybank! We will compile the stories we gather and use them in our advocacy efforts, from testimony before Congress to important written materials, to protect vital programs.

With your help, we’re going to Demand Fair Change, Not Spare Change™ for women and families in the budget debate.

Sincerely,

Joan Entmacher
Vice President, Family Economic Security
National Women’s Law Center

Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center

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Sign the petition to congressional Democrats asking them to stop a terrible debt deal

07/08/2011 Nativegrl77

BREAKING: Reports say the president just offered to cut Social Security benefits, if Republicans agree not to let the U.S. default on its debts.¹

It’s his offering to the out-of-control Republicans, who are threatening to crash the economy in order to ram through savage cuts to crucial government programs.

It’s sickening to think that millions of seniors would have to sacrifice in order to appease Republican hostage-takers. Especially because every poll shows overwhelming majority of Americans support raising taxes on the rich and protecting Social Security and Medicare.²

But there’s still time to stop this “bargain” in its tracks. Whatever deal the president offers Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass Congress. So we need Democrats in Congress to stand strong and oppose any benefit cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

Can you sign our emergency petition to Democrats in Congress and tell them to stand up and tell the President they will not vote for Social Security and Medicare benefits cuts? Add your name here.

President Obama is making a huge mistake that will cost our country dearly.

This is one of those moments where we either stand up and demand that the Democrats in Congress show a real spine. Or we sit back and watch the Republicans destroy decades’ worth of progress.

Will you help send a message demanding that Democrats draw a clear line in the sand: no cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits?

Click here to add your name: http://pol.moveon.org/bad_debt_deal/?id=28665-17809870-IiKa5ex&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Wes, Elena, Julia, and the rest of the team

Source:

1. “In Debt Talks, Obama Offers Social Security Cuts,” The Washington Post, July 6, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=210871&id=28665-17809870-IiKa5ex&t=5

2. “Poll: To Reduce Deficit, Most Americans say Tax the Rich More,” CBS News, January 3, 2011
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20027036-503544.html

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Higher standards, better cars. Take action! UCS

07/07/2011 Nativegrl77

The Union of Concerned Scientists is proud to unveil the 2011 Hybrid Scorecard. More automakers are delivering real environmental benefits at good value, yet others continue to try and use the “hybrid halo” to peddle small benefits, bigger, dirtier engines, and lots of unnecessary bells and whistles. To find out how they stack up, check out the fully updated Hybrid Scorecard homepage.

Hybrid technology stands poised to play an important role in transforming vehicles in America. But only strong clean car standards will push the automakers to produce more of the hybrids that will rate high on our scorecard for environmental impact, efficiency, and value. The vehicles occupying the top of our scorecard prove such an expansion CAN be done. Strong clean car standards ensure that it WILL be done.

The Obama administration is deciding right now whether to set clean car standards as high as 60 miles per gallon (mpg) through 2025. That number matters—for our wallets and for our environment. And right now, we need big numbers of people telling the White House to deliver for U.S. consumers.

You and your fellow UCS supporters have taken public action, engaging the Department of Transportation on their blog and commenting on President Obama’s weekly address on YouTube—now it’s time to go right to the source.

We need you, and as many of your friends as you can muster, to send emails straight to President Obama telling him you want the kind of cars a 60 mpg standard can deliver.

Take Action Today!

Let’s make history together,

Scott Nathanson
National Field Organizer
UCS Clean Vehicles Program