Tag Archives: United States

The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 25, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak 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 first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.990, the legislative vehicle for the PATRIOT Act extension.

Prior to adjournment on Tuesday, the Majority Leader filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.990. Under the rule, the cloture vote on the motion to concur in the House message will occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, May 26th.

At 2pm, Senator Paul will be recognized for up to one hour for debate only. Following Senator Paul’s remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 5pm for debate only, with the time equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, with the final 5 minutes controlled by the Majority Leader or his designee.

Unless further agreement is reached, at approximately 5pm, we anticipate Senator Reid to make a motion to proceed to Calendar #36, H.Con.Res.34 (House-passed budget) and ask for the yeas and nays.

Once this motion is disposed of, additional motions to proceed to other budget resolutions are possible.

Therefore, Senators should expect at least one and up to 4 roll call votes at approximately 5pm.

The other budget resolutions currently on the calendar are:

– Calendar #61, S.Con.Res.18 (Sessions)

– Calendar #65, S.Con.Res.21 (Toomey)

– Calendar #63, S.Con.Res.20 (Paul)

The Senate is in a period of morning business for up to 2 hours for debate only with Senator Sessions controlling the first hour and Senator Conrad controlling the final hour.

Votes:

77: the motion to proceed to Calendar #36, H.Con.Res.34 (House-passed budget); Not Agreed to: 40-57

78: McConnell motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.18 (Sessions); Not Agreed to: 0-97

79: the McConnell motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.21 (Toomey); Not Agreed to: 42-55

80: the McConnell motion to proceed to S.Con.Res.20 (Paul); not agreed to: 7-90

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

Unanimous Consent:

Discharged Armed Services of and adopted S.Con.Res.13, A concurrent resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in, or have served in, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn and added all Senators as cosponsors.

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 25, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 1540:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes

9:20 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Campbell amendment No. 54.

Amendment offered by Mr. Campbell.

An amendment numbered 54 printed in House Report 112-88 to reduce the baseline number of civilian employees at the Department of Defense by 1% every year for the next five years.

9:19 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Campbell amendment No. 53, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Campbell demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Campbell amendment No. 53.

Amendment offered by Mr. Campbell.

An amendment numbered 53 printed in House Report 112-88 to terminate the Human, Social, and Culture Behavior (HSCB) Modeling program at the Department of Defense.

9:08 P.M. –

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

8:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – By unanimous consent, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Amash amendment, equally divided and controlled.

Amendment offered by Mr. Amash.

An amendment numbered 50 printed in House Report 112-88 to strike section 1034 of the bill, relating to the authorization for use of military force.

8:41 P.M. –

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

8:32 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Langevin.

An amendment numbered 49 printed in House Report 112-88 to coordinate federal information security policy through the creation of a National Office for Cyberspace, updating information security management practices, and establishing measures for the protection of critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

8:31 P.M. –

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

8:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mack amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Mack.

An amendment numbered 48 printed in House Report 112-88 to make changes to the language of the Sunken Military Craft Act of H.R. 1540, (the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012)by clarifying the language of the Sunken Military Craft Act to restore its original intent, and would specify that a sunken military craft would be defined as a vessel only when on military noncommercial service when it sank.

8:24 P.M. –

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

8:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney (NY) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 47 printed in House Report 112-88 to clarify that the exemption from Freedom of Information Act for Data Files of the Military Flight Operations Quality Assurance Systems of the Military Departments is for “information contained in data files of the military flight operations quality assurance system of a military department that would reveal flight patterns or tactical techniques or tactical procedures from disclosure under section.”

8:16 P.M. –

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

8:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Buchanan amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Buchanan.

An amendment numbered 43 printed in House Report 112-88 to require all foreign terrorists, with links to terrorist networks, who attack the U.S. or the Government be considered enemy combatants to be tried by military tribunals, not in the civilian court system.

8:07 P.M. –

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

7:43 P.M. –

DEBATE – By unanimous consent, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment, equally divided and controlled.

Amendment offered by Mr. Smith (WA).

An amendment numbered 42 printed in House Report 112-88 to amend Section 1039 to allow transfer of detainees to the US to testify in federal court. The amendment strikes language barring transfer of detainees held abroad to the US. The amendment requires certification by the Attorney General prior to transfer.

7:42 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Schakowsky amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schakowsky amendment no. 41.

Amendment offered by Ms. Schakowsky.

An amendment numbered 41 printed in House Report 112-88 to freeze Department of Defense funding at current levels until the Pentagon can successfully pass an audit. The amendment contains a national security waiver and exceptions for overseas contingency operations, defense personnel, and wounded warrior accounts.

7:33 P.M. –

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

7:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment no. 40.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 40 printed in House Report 112-88 to repeal the establishment of the National Drug Intelligence Center.

7:21 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Flake amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment no. 39.

Amendment offered by Mr. Flake.

An amendment numbered 39 printed in House Report 112-88 to add a Sense of Congress indicating that the deployment of National Guard personnel along the southwestern border should continue through the end of fiscal year 2011.

7:15 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Richmond amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 353).

7:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Andrews amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 352).

7:07 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 351).

7:03 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Himes amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 350).

6:56 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 349).

6:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Garamendi amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 348).

6:47 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Cole amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll No. 347).

6:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 346).

6:37 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Sarbanes amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 345).

6:33 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Hunter amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 344).

6:29 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Woolsey amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 343).

6:04 P.M. –

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

6:02 P.M. –

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

5:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mica amendment no. 38.

Amendment offered by Mr. Mica.

An amendment numbered 38 printed in House Report 112-88 to require that the rules of engagement allow any military service personnel assigned to duty in a designated hostile fire area to have rules of engagement that fully protects their right to proactively defend themselves from hostile actions.

5:55 P.M. –

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

5:45 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richmond amendment no. 37.

Amendment offered by Mr. Richmond.

An amendment numbered 37 printed in House Report 112-88 to prevent the payment of certain incentives with respect to a Navy shipyard in Avondale, Louisiana, saving the Department of Defense up to $310 million.

5:44 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the Lee (CA) amendment was withdrawn.

5:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lee amendment no. 33.

Amendment offered by Ms. Lee (CA).

An amendment numbered 33 printed in House Report 112-88 to return Defense Department spending to 2008 level, with exemptions for personnel and health accounts.

5:38 P.M. –

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

5:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Andrews amendment no. 32.

Amendment offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment numbered 32 printed in House Report 112-88 to temporarily suspend the implementation and enforcement of workforce management and sourcing policies pursuant to the DODs efficiency initiative.

5:30 P.M. –

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

5:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee(TX) amendment no. 31.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 31 printed in House Report 112-88 to require the Secretary of Defense, prior to awarding of defense contracts to private contractors, to conduct an outreach program to benefit minority and women-owned businesses.

5:21 P.M. –

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

5:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Himes amendment no. 30.

Amendment offered by Mr. Himes.

An amendment numbered 30 printed in House Report 112-88 to require any savings as a result of shifting to civilian employees from contractors within the Department of Defense be directed towards deficit reduction.

5:11 P.M. –

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

5:02 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment no. 26.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 26 printed in House Report 112-88 to require public disclosure of information submitted under Section 847 of this act.

5:01 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

5:00 P.M. –

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. McKeon asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 1540 pursuant to H.Res. 276, amendment number 26 printed in House Report 112-88 may be considered out of order. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 1540:

4:59 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1540 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. McKeon moved that the Committee rise.

4:58 P.M. –

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

4:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garamendi amendment no. 28.

Amendment offered by Mr. Garamendi.

An amendment numbered 28 printed in House Report 112-88 to require the Secretary to ensure that each contractor of the Department of Defense performing a prime contract at a military installation in the United States to set aside 40 percent, by dollar value, of its subcontracting work under the contract for local qualified subcontractors. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a subcontractor shall be considered local if its headquarters is within 60 miles of the military installation.

4:46 P.M. –

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

4:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cole amendment no. 27.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cole.

An amendment numbered 27 printed in House Report 112-88 to preclude an executive agency from requiring an entity submitting an offer for a Federal contract to disclose political contributions as a condition of participation.

4:36 P.M. –

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

4:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy(CT) amendment no. 25.

Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (CT).

An amendment numbered 25 printed in House Report 112-88 to give manufacturers the opportunity to provide information to DoD regarding how their bid for a contract will affect domestic employment. It allows DoD to take this information into consideration, but does not mandate that DoD consider this information when awarding the contract.

4:27 P.M. –

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

4:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sarbanes amendment no. 24.

Amendment offered by Mr. Sarbanes.

An amendment numbered 24 printed in House Report 112-88 to strike Section 937 of the bill relating to Modification of Temporary Suspension of Public-Private Competitions for Conversion of Department of Defense Functions to Contractor Performance.

4:16 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McKeon amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

4:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon en bloc #2 amendments as modified.

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. McKeon.

An amendment comprised of the following amdnements printed in House Report 112-88 offerd as en bloc #2: Nos. 44, 45, 51, 52, 58, 68, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 98, and 99 with appropriate modifications submitted to the desk.

4:07 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Carson (IN) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carson amendment no. 19.

Amendment offered by Mr. Carson (IN).

An amendment numbered 19 printed in House Report 112-88 to direct the Department of Defense to provide mental health assessments to service members during deployment. When possible, these assessments would include review of all past health records originated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

4:00 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hunter amendment no. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith(WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hunter amendment no. 12.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hunter.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in House Report 112-88 to create a five-year pilot program to provide opportunity scholarships to dependent children with special education needs. Opportunity scholarships are set at $7,500 a year and would be available to approximately 250 children under the pilot program for the purpose of attending a private, public or charter school of choice. The Department of Defense would administer the program, in coordination with the Secretary of Education

3:48 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Carter amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:38 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carter amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Carter.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-88 to expand existing military whistleblower protections, from retaliatory personnel actions, to include communications by Armed Forces Members of ideologically based threats or actions of another Member that the reporting Member reasonably believes could be counterproductive or detrimental to United States interests or security.

3:37 P.M. –

On agreeing to the McKeon amendments as modified Agreed to by voice vote.

3:23 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon en bloc #1 amendments as modified.

McKeon amendment modified by unanimous consent. Various amendments contained in the en bloc were modified by unanimous consent.

3:22 P.M. –

Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. McKeon.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments printed in House Report 112-88 offered as en bloc # 1: Nos. 3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13, 14,15,17,29,34,35, and 36 with appropriate modifications submitted to the desk.

3:21 P.M. –

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

3:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Woolsey amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Woolsey.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-88 to eliminate the availability of funds for procurement of the Navy and Air Force V-22 Osprey aircraft.

On agreeing to the Wittman amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 276, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wittman amendment.

3:05 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Wittman.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-88 to allow the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for the start of major construction of the Ford-class aircraft carriers designated CVN 79 and CVN 80 and for the construction of major components, modules, or other structures related to such carriers subject to appropriations. Allows the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for the construction of FORD Class Carriers CVN 79 and CVN 80 to be funded on a five year centers.

3:03 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

3:02 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:01 P.M. –

Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on May 26. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 276:

providing for further consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1540) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 170 (Roll no. 342).

2:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Bishop (UT) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:50 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 181 (Roll no. 341).

2:38 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1216:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 234 – 185 (Roll no. 340).

2:31 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 236 (Roll no. 339).

2:11 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

2:00 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clyburn motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House with an amendment to require that the Secretary prioritize qualified teaching health centers in underserved areas, when determining the amounts payable to such centers in a given fiscal year.

Mr. Clyburn moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

1:59 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:50 P.M. –

The Speaker and Democratic leader were recognized for one minute to introduce Father Patrick J. Conroy as the new Chaplin of the House of Representatives.

1:49 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1216.

On agreeing to the Foxx amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 182 (Roll no. 338).

1:25 P.M. –

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

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 278:

electing Chaplain of the House of Representatives

1:24 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

1:23 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Father Daniel Coughlin wherein he resigns as the Chaplin of the House of Representative effective at 6:00 p.m. April 30, 2011.

H. Res. 276:

1:21 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and on ordering the previous question on the resolution, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded a recored vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment and order the previous question until later in the legislative day.

1:18 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (UT).

An amendment to provide that the amendment specified in section 6 shall be in order in lieu of amendment number 5 in House Report 112-88.

12:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 276.

12:38 P.M. –

Point of order raised by Mr. Garamendi on the content of the measure. Mr. Garamendi made point of order against the measure and the Chair announced that the disposition of the point of order would be resolved by the question of consideration on H.Res. 276. The House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the point of order, and if necessary, the Chair will put the question on consideration. Point of order overruled by the Chair.

12:28 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:03 P.M. –

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

12:02 P.M. –

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

12:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Gene Mills, Louisiana Family Forum, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 25.

11:08 A.M. –

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

10:02 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:01 A.M. –

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 1893.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Wisconsin update -Kristina Powell, Democracy for America

05/24/2011 Nativegrl77

Wisconsin Republicans know they went too far in their attacks on unions and middle class families — so they’re changing election laws to protect themselves.

With six Republican State Senators facing recall, the right-wing Republican majority forced through a new voter ID law that would disenfranchise students, the poor, and the elderly — all groups who vote Democratic — ahead of this summer’s elections.

This is just another Republican attack in their war on working families. That’s why we’re building a people-powered campaign to beat them. We’re putting staff on the ground to organize volunteers, knock on doors, make phone calls and run radio and TV ads featuring real Wisconsin families.

Their campaign is fueled by big corporate money. But our campaign is fueled by grassroots volunteers and small contributions from thousands of DFA members. We can’t afford to wait any longer to start building our campaign. We need to hit the ground running and we can’t do it without you.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/769?akid=851.1480546.vsV5iY&t=1

This Republican attack on their constituents’ right to vote is shameful not just because it’s wrong, but also because it’s so blatant.

They’re not only requiring college students to bring a photo ID — they’re requiring them to bring recent tuition receipts if they’re using a college ID.

They’re not only imposing new residency requirements on voters — they’re also not providing any time or money to local offices to educate voters on the new laws.

Republicans are scared — that’s why they’re launching this attack on people’s voting rights. They know that they crossed a line and that they’re in for a tough fight this summer. Please contribute today and help send a clear message to right-wing Republicans in Wisconsin and across the country — attack the middle class and you lose.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/769?akid=851.1480546.vsV5iY&t=1

Thank you for everything you do.

-Kristina

Kristina Powell, Finance Director

Democracy for America

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

BREAKING: Why I’m on a smokestack in Chicago

05/24/2011 Nativegrl77

Community activists in Chicago are fighting for their lives right now against Edison International — the giant utility company that owns the city’s two coal-fired power plants.

Pollution from the Fisk and Crawford plants prematurely kills 42 people every year. That human cost is paid entirely by the communities who live in the shadows of these two aging plants. You won’t find it on Edison International’s bottom-line.

But Chicagoans are fighting back. And Greenpeace is supporting them. That’s why I’m on the smokestack at the Fisk power plant today taking action with other Greenpeace activists. We’re sending a simple message to Edison International: Shut down these plants and quit coal.

The corporate bottom-line for Edison International says that they can’t make money on these plants if they can’t poison the local community for free. Simple as that. It’s why they’re fighting city efforts to reduce toxic pollution and it’s why they really can’t afford the bad publicity right now. Which is why it’s so important you speak out.

Join us and tell Edison International CEO Ted Craver to shut down Fisk and Crawford.

www.greenpeaceusa.org

What’s happening in Chicago isn’t unique. It plays out again and again every day in communities just like yours from Texas to Colorado to Pennsylvania. In fact, coal is costing Americans up to an extra HALF A TRILLION DOLLARS every year. Meanwhile, companies like Edison International are making a killing.

It has to stop and it’s why what these community activists in Chicago are doing is so important.

Edison International can make this change. They’ve already done it in California where their local subsidiary has become the largest purchaser of renewable energy among American utility companies and has plans to phase out ALL coal power by 2016.

Chicago deserves the same. Every community affected by a dirty coal-fired power plant deserves the same. That’s why Greenpeace is working and will continue working with communities across the country to make sure that coal companies like Edison International are no longer allowed to poison people for profit.

You can help support these communities by sending a message to Edison International CEO Ted Craver today. Let’s quit coal.

Sincerely,

Kelly Mitchell

Greenpeace Coal Campaigner

P.S. Please forward this to your friends and family

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Congress: the Republican led House love fest w/Bibi @11am -the Senate deals with S.1038

05/24/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 24, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume the motion to proceed to S.1038, a bill to provide for the extension of expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act until June 1, 2015 with the time until 5pm equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees.

Votes:

75: Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1038, a bill to provide for the extension of expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act until June 1, 2015;

Invoked: 74-8

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

Unanimous Consent:

adopted S.Res.195, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 24, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

9:40 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 25, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Bartlett moved that the House do now adjourn.

9:30 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 276.

8:41 P.M. –

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

8:39 P.M. –

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

H.R. 1216:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations

8:38 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1216 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Guthrie moved that the Committee rise.

8:26 P.M. –

Mr. Guthrie raised a point of order against the Weiner amendment Mr. Guthrie stated that the amendment violated clause 10 of rule XXI by increasing mandatory spending. The Chair sustained the point of order.

8:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Weiner amendment under the five-minute rule pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Weiner.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to add a new paragraph providing that provisions of the bill shall not take effect until the date that the Comptroller General of the United States determines there is no primary care physician shortage in the United States.

8:20 P.M. –

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

8:02 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole continued with debate on the already pending Foxx amendment.

8:01 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1540:

7:58 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1540 as unfinished business.

6:48 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1540.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 269 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1216 and H.R. 1540. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate and waives all points of order against consideration of the measures. The rule provides one motion to recommit H.R. 1216 with or without instructions. The rule also provides that after general debate on H.R. 1540, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion and that no further consideration of the bill shall occur except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 269.

H.R. 1216:

to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations

6:45 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1216 as unfinished business.

On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

6:44 P.M. –

Mr. Guthrie moved that the committee rise.

On agreeing to the Cardoza amendment Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 232 (Roll no. 337).

6:37 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Tonko amendment Failed by recorded vote: 186 – 231 (Roll no. 336).

6:29 P.M. –

On motion that the committee rise Failed by recorded vote: 14 – 397 (Roll no. 335).

6:02 P.M. –

Mr. Weiner moved that the committee rise.

3:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Foxx amendment number 7 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Ms. Foxx.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to to prohibit the use of funds provided for graduate medical education from being used to provide abortion or training in the provision of abortion. Additionally, funds would not be provided to a teaching health center if the institution discriminates against individual health care entities that refuse to provide abortion under go training in the provision of abortion, or offer referral for abortion services.

3:54 P.M. –

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

3:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cardoza amendment number 9 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cardoza.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study of the extent of physician shortages in areas with significant shortages. The study should also examine the effects of expanding and establishing new medical graduate programs as directed by the health care overhaul law on the number of physicians were the funding not rescinded by the bill

3:41 P.M. –

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

3:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tonko amendment number 2 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Tonko.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to conduct a study of the number of primary care physicians that would be trained as a result of the funding provided in the health care overhaul law compared to the number of physicians that would be trained should funding be eliminated or rescinded.

2:43 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1216.

2:42 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 269 and Rule XVIII.

2:41 P.M. –

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 269.

H. Res. 269:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1216) to amend the Public Health Service Act to convert funding for graduate medical education in qualified teaching health centers from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations; providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1540) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2012 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules

2:39 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 181 (Roll no. 334).

2:31 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 179 (Roll no. 333).

1:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 269.

Considered as privileged matter.

1:10 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 274:

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

1:09 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

S. 990:

to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes

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, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 990.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Graves (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

1:00 P.M. –

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

12:46 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 24.

12:16 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:45 P.M. today.

JOINT MEETING – The Speaker announced that the Joint Meeting was dissolved. The House remains in recess until approximately 12:45 p.m.

10:58 A.M. –

JOINT MEETING – The House has reconvened in Joint Meeting with the Senate to receive an address by His Excellency Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 24.

10:05 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The House will reconvene in Joint Meeting with the Senate for the purpose of receiving His Excellency Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

10:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Ros-Lehtinen 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.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Conservative Synagogue, Westport, Connecticut

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Eric Cantor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

RAN -BREAKING NEWS: RAN Activists Unfurl 50′ Banner “Chevron Guilty-Clean Up Amazon

05/23/2011 Nativegrl77

Climbers are hanging from the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge right now, calling on Chevron to take responsibility for its oil pollution in the Ecuadorean Amazon.

The 30,000 Ecuadoreans affected by Chevron’s oil pollution in the Amazon issued a moving “Open Letter to the United States” last week, calling on Americans to stand with them in demanding justice. Today, a group of Rainforest Action Network activists heeded their call by unfurling a banner reading “Chevron Guilty-Clean Up Amazon” from the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, which lies in the shadow of Chevron’s Richmond refinery:

Wednesday is Chevron’s annual shareholder meeting, and I’ll be joining a delegation of Ecuadoreans who will be in attendance in order to take their calls for justice directly to the company’s management, shareholders, and board members.

We’re trying to get 30,000 Americans to sign the solidarity petition, one for each of the Ecuadoreans affected by Chevron’s reckless pursuit of profits. The petition will be delivered to Chevron by me and the Ecuadorean delegation. Sign it now.

But hurry! There are only 48 hours left for you to sign. Chevron’s shareholder meeting is this Wednesday, May 25th. Stand with the Ecuadoreans by signing the petition now.

For a cleaner future,

Ginger Cassady