Tag Archives: United States

Congress: -the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate will not be in session on Friday, May 6.

The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET May 9, 2011

At 2:00pm, Senator-designee Dean Heller will be sworn in as Senator from Nevada.

Following any leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 4:00pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of James Cole, to be Deputy Attorney General.

At approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Cole nomination.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 6, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

12:03 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on May 10, 2011.

12:02 P.M. – The House received a message from the Senate. The Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 5, 2011 at 5:20 p.m.: Appointment to: Board of Visitors of the United States Coast Guard Academy; and the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People’s Requblic of China.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Mark Farr, The Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Republicans continue to choose -Anti-Choice Legislation


Last night House Republicans voted in favor of an appalling piece of anti-choice legislation that could force victims or rape and incest to relive their trauma during an IRS audit and deny millions of American women access to life-saving reproductive health care.

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63cab1/1b9dd8ab/4a3ad271/4e0ce84b/3136141357/VEsE/

Their assault on women has nothing to do with saving money and everything to do with forcing extremist beliefs into the tax code of the United States of America.

And they didn’t stop there. They used the occasion to sneak in a provision restricting the definition of rape to deny victims access to reproductive health care — even after they claimed to have removed the language in the face of overwhelming public opposition.

We must take immediate, decisive action against this attack on women’s health and reproductive freedom.

Help us hold House Republicans accountable: Contribute $3 or more right now so we can get hard-hitting Rapid Response ads up holding Republican extremists in Congress accountable for their radical assault on women’s health care and reproductive freedom.

Republicans’ H.R. 3 bill would drastically restrict women’s options for reproductive services by imposing burdensome new regulations on public and private insurance coverage. If made law, women would be denied using money from their personal health savings accounts to pay for abortion services.

I know how important it is for all women to have access to reproductive health care and it is unconscionable that one party would hold women’s health hostage and use the tax code as a moral club to force their religious beliefs on every American.

We are just $27,215 short of our emergency Rapid Response goal of $100,000 by Midnight Tonight to fight this Republican extremism.

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63cab1/1b9dd8ab/4a3ad271/4e0ce84b/3136141357/VEsE/

Help us hold House Republicans accountable: Contribute $3 or more right now so we can get hard-hitting Rapid Response ads up holding Republican extremists in Congress accountable for their radical assault on women’s health care and reproductive freedom.

With your help, we will stand up to this extremism and protect women’s reproductive freedom.

Thank you.

Rep. Jackie Speier

P.S. House Republicans will stop at nothing to appease their extremist anti-choice Tea Party backers. Please contribute right now so Democrats can get hard-hitting Rapid Response ads up to hold the extremists in Congress accountable for their radical assault on women’s health care and reproductive freedom.

Congress: What are they doing to us in -the Republican led House – the Senate is working on S.493- a JOBs bill!


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 4, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business for debate only 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 30 minutes each and the Republicans controlling the next 30 minutes.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill is at 11am on Wednesday.

There will be up to 2 roll call votes at 12:15pm. The first roll call vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.493, the small business jobs bill. If cloture is not invoked on the bill, the Senate will immediately proceed to a second roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island.

The Senate is now debating the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island, post-cloture. If all time is used, the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time will expire at approximately 7:10pm, Thursday, May 5th. However, there is a possibility some debate time will be yielded back and a vote on confirmation of the nomination could occur this afternoon or evening. Senators will be notified when the vote is scheduled.

We expect to lock in an agreement to yield back time and vote on confirmation of the nomination of John McConnell to be a US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island at approximately 5:30pm.

Votes:

64: Motion to invoke cloture on S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill; Not Invoked: 52-44

65: Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island; Invoked: 63-33-1(present)

66: Now voting on confirmation of the nomination of John McConnell to be US District Judge for the District of Rhode Island

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 4, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

5:29 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:20 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

5:19 P.M. – Mr. Westmoreland asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 3: to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 251 – 175 (Roll no. 292).

5:12 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 192 – 235 (Roll no. 291).

4:52 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:43 P.M. – Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Speier motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding a new section providing that nothing in the bill would permit the Federal Government to gain access to the private medical records of the victims of rape and incest.

4:42 P.M. – Ms. Speier moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.

4:41 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

CONTINUATION OF PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced that proceedings would now resume on H.R. 3 which had been considered earlier in the day.

H.R. 1214: to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

4:40 P.M. – On passage Passed by recorded vote: 235 – 191 (Roll no. 290).

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

4:33 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 230 (Roll no. 289).

4:16 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

4:05 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the McCarthy (NY) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding a new paragraph directing the Secretary to publish, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the names and locations of each school based health center or sponsoring facility that will not receive a grant.

4:04 P.M. – Mrs. McCarthy (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

4:03 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

4:02 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1214.

On agreeing to the Pallone amendment Failed by recorded vote: 205 – 210 (Roll no. 288).

3:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 207 – 218 (Roll no. 287).

3:26 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

3:25 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. 3: to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes

3:24 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further proceedings on H.R. 3 would be postponed until a time to be announced.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:59 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the report of the Committee on Rules 112-71 shall be considered as adopted. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 237.

H. Res. 237: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 3) to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes

1:55 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 177 (Roll no. 286).

1:32 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:27 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 237.

Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Johnson of OH 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.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Kurt Gerhard, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Washington DC.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 4.

10:41 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 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.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

what’s happening on the floor of Congress: -the Republican led House -the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET May 3, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 5:00 pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the next 30 minutes.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15 pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to S.493, the Small Business Jobs bill is at 2:30pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to 2:30pm today. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

At 2:15pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.Res.159, a resolution honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, and for other purposes, with up to 90 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The final 10 minutes of debate will be reserved for the two Leaders, with the Republican Leader controlling five minutes and the Majority Leader controlling the final five minutes.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 3:45pm), the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on adoption of the resolution. Senator Reid encourages Senators to vote from their desks.

The Senate is currently in a period of morning business until 5:00pm for debate only with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

Votes:

63: Adoption of S.Res.159, honoring the members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, and for other purposes; Adopted: 97-0

Unanimous Consent:

S.Res.160, designating May 6, 2011, as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day”.

S.Res.161, designating May 2011 as “National Inventors Month”.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 3, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:45 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:44 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 1214: to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

6:43 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1214 as unfinished business.

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

Mr. Burgess moved that the Committee rise.

6:42 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 2, 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 amendment until a time to be announced.

6:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pallone amendment numbered 2 under the five-minute rule.

6:38 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Pallone. An amendment numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to require a GAO study to determine school districts most in need of constructing or renovating school-based health centers.

6:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No.1 under the five-minute rule.

6:27 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX). An amendment numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to insert a new paragraph requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to post a notice of recission of unobligated funds made available by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act not later than 10 days after the date of enactment of this Act on the Department’s public website.

6:26 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:25 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1213: to repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges

6:21 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 238 – 183 (Roll no. 285).

6:14 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 190 – 233 (Roll no. 284).

5:48 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a provision that would require health insurance issuers to disclose the extent to which coverage has been denied or premiums have been increased for an individual. A point of order was reserved, but was subsequently withdrawn.

5:47 P.M. – Mr. Boswell moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce. Mr. Boswell moves to recommit the bill H.R. 1213 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce with instructions to report the same to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � In section 1, add at the end the following: � (c) CANCER OR OTHER PREEXISTING CONDITION NON-DISCRIMINATION DISCLOSURE CONDITION. — ***

5:46 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1213.

5:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 242 (Roll no. 283).

5:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Waters amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 242 (Roll no. 282).

5:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 177 – 239 (Roll no. 281).

5:07 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1214: to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

5:06 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1214 as unfinished business.

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

5:05 P.M. – Mr. Burgess moved that the Committee rise.

3:55 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1214.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette 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. 236 and Rule XVIII.

3:54 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1213 and H.R. 1214 with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. In both cases, the previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The measures will be considered read. In the case of H.R. 1213, specified amendments are in order. In the case of H.R. 1214, the resolution makes in order only those amendments that are received for printing in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII in a daily issue dated May 2, 2011, and pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 236.

H.R. 1213: to repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1213 as unfinished business.

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

Mr. Burgess moved that the Committee now rise.

3:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:43 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch (VT) substitute amendment No. 5.

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Welch.

A substitute amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-70 to preserve funding for establishment of Health Benefit Exchanges for states that apply for early innovator grants before 2012. The funds used shall be subject to availability of appropriations up to $1.9 billion.

On agreeing to the Pallone amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:31 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pallone amendment No. 4.

Amendment offered by Mr. Pallone.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-70 to require GAO to report on benefits of funding in setting up state run exchanges that reflect that state’s marketplace, as opposed to state exchanges established and operated by the federal government.

3:30 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment no. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 3.

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-70 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on the impact of H.R. 1213 on the possible delays and potential enrollment reductions to Health Benefit Exchanges.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waters amendment no. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:12 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment No. 2.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-70 to require, within 6 months after enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on the extent to which states are expected to have difficulties establishing Health Benefit Exchanges without the federal assistance repealed and rescinded under this bill.

3:11 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment no. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Jackson Lee (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:00 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX). An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-70 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to post notice of rescission of funds and the amount rescinded on the public website of the Department of Health and Human Services.

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 236, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 1.

1:49 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1213.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette 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. 236 and Rule XVIII.

1:48 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1213 and H.R. 1214 with 1 hour of general debate for each bill. In both cases, the previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The measures will be considered read. In the case of H.R. 1213, specified amendments are in order. In the case of H.R. 1214, the resolution makes in order only those amendments that are received for printing in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII in a daily issue dated May 2, 2011, and pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 236.

H.R. 1425: to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes

1:46 P.M. – RE-REFERRAL OF H.R. 1425 – Mr. Hall(TX) asked unanimous consent the H.R. 1425 be re-referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition, to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Armed Services. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 236: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1213) to repeal mandatory funding provided to States in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish American Health Benefit Exchanges, and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1214) to repeal mandatory funding for school-based health center construction

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 237 – 185 (Roll no. 280).

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

1:39 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 185 (Roll no. 279).

12:16 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 236.

12:13 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 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.

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

12:01 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Alan Kieran, Office of the U.S. Senate Chaplain, Washington DC.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 3.

10:43 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 Speaker designated the Honorable Tom McClintock to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Law firm drops DOMA defense! but we’re not done yet! this from a Public Servant-who should Serve & Protect everyone-what about your oath?


The media is buzzing. King & Spalding, the law firm hired by House Republican leaders to defend the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), decided to drop the case.

Last week, we ran a public campaign calling out K&S’s hypocrisy: the firm touted its efforts to recruit and retain lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lawyers, while choosing to argue against their equality in court.

As I wrote in today’s Washington Post, we just couldn’t stay silent while K&S advertised a high rating on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, even as it sought to defend discrimination.

K&S made the right call in the end – and we thank them. But House Speaker John Boehner is still planning to spend more than half a million of our tax dollars on defending DOMA in court.

We need to build on the momentum of K&S’s decision – and make it clear to Speaker Boehner that he’s out of touch with the American people.

Add your name to our petition to Boehner: “Don’t waste my tax dollars defending discrimination. Repeal DOMA!”

Polls show that Americans overwhelmingly want Congress to focus on jobs and the economy, not hurting loving couples.1 Yet Speaker Boehner and House Republicans decided to hire an outside law firm (at great taxpayer expense) after President Obama announced that his Justice Department would no longer defend DOMA.

That’s where you came in. As the LA Times pointed out, “The decision came a week after the million-member Human Rights Campaign launched a publicity war to ‘shame’ King & Spalding…”

You reached out to K&S, and you spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. You enabled HRC to immediately spring into action, informing the firm’s clients as well as student groups at law schools where K&S competes to hire the top graduates.

Your voices joined with those clients and students to help K&S understand it had a stark choice: maintain a pro-equality reputation that attracts clients and new recruits, or stand on the wrong side of history. The firm made the right call. And it showed we’re at a tipping point in our culture. Most Americans now find anti-LGBT discrimination shameful.

Yet despite this setback, it’s clear that Boehner still plans to spend hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars to uphold this odious law.

We can’t back down. If tens of thousands of us speak up right now, we can show Speaker Boehner that attacking same-sex couples has left him out of step with the American people.

Click here to add your name now.

While Americans struggle to recover from a recession, we just want our government to do right by us. Instead of wasting time and money defending discrimination, Speaker Boehner should support the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation that would repeal DOMA and end our federal government’s policy of treating married gay and lesbian couples like second-class citizens.

Thank you for everything you do – and for joining us in this effort.

Sincerely,

Joe Solmonese

President

1A recent poll from HRC and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research shows 51 percent of Americans oppose DOMA while 34 percent favor it. 54 percent of Americans want Congress to focus on jobs and only 32 percent would prefer Congress spend time defending DOMA.