Tag Archives: United States

Thank you for writing to me regarding the priority you place on the protection of the gray wolf. It was good to hear from you.

I have consistently supported robust laws to protect endangered species, including efforts to protect Pacific salmon and Puget Sound orcas. Rest assured, I oppose rolling back important environmental protections like the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and support funding to protect endangered species and enhance habitat in Washington State. Thank you for alerting me to legislation regarding endangered species currently pending before the Senate.

Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have been a strong supporter of protection for endangered species and their critical habitats. Please know that I will work with my colleagues in the Senate and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to see that endangered species programs obtain proper funding, and as the Senate addresses issues related to conservation and protection of wildlife during the 112th Congress, I will keep your thoughts in mind.

If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my weekly updates at http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=GetEmailUpdates. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

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Sincerely,

Patty Murray

United States Senator

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Sincerely,

Patty Murray

United States Senator

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Congress: In Session on 2/14 -The Senate & The Republican led House

02/12/2011 Nativegrl77

the Senate Covenes at 2:00pmET February 14, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization bill.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session to consider the following nominations:

– Calendar #1, James E. Graves, of Mississippi, to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit; and

– Calendar #5, Edward J. Davila, of California, to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California.

There will be 1 hour for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed.

At 5:30pm, there will be a voice vote on the Graves nomination and a roll call vote on the Davila nomination.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Wicker amendment #14, as modified (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

– Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

– Inhofe amendment #6 (liability protection to volunteer pilots)

– Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

– McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

– Leahy amendment #50 (liability protection for volunteer pilots)

– Reid amendment #54 (noise buffering)

– Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

– Udall (NM) #49 (Dona Ana County airport)

– Udall (NM) #51 (Advanced Imaging Technology)

– Nelson (NE) #58 (criminal penalties for distribution of airport screening x-rays)

– Paul amendment #18 (Memorandum of understanding re: OSHA)

– Baucus amendment #75, as modified (Finance title)

There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

Votes:

15: Confirmation of Edward J. Davila, of California, to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California; Confirmed: 93-0

Unanimous Consent:

S.Res.49, celebrating Black History Month

**************************************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 14, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:25 P.M. –

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

7:11 P.M. –

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

7:09 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 352 – 59, 3 Present (Roll no. 37).

H.R. 514:

to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

7:03 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 275 – 144 (Roll no. 36).

6:54 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 186 – 234 (Roll no. 35).

6:33 P.M. –

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

6:24 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. Pending the reservation of a point of order, subsequently the reservation was withdrawn.

6:22 P.M. –

Mr. Thompson (CA) moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.

Mr. Thompson (CA) moved to recommit the bill, H.R. 514, to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: ¢ At the end of section 1, add the follwing new subsection: ¢ (c) COMPLIANCE WITH CONSTITUTION. — ***

6:21 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

5:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 514.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 514 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. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 79.

5:11 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting his Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2012 – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-3).

5:10 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on February 14, 2011 at 2:35 p.m. which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits his Budget of the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2012.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.

2:06 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:03 P.M. –

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

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

2:02 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Schock demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Schock demanded the Yeas and Nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

2:00 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 14.

12:08 P.M. –

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

12:02 P.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

12:01 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Bishop to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Are Democrats trying to lose? … from Democracy for America

02/11/2011 Nativegrl77

Yesterday I was so excited that House Democrats blocked the extension of the Patriot Act, but now Senate Democrats are working day and night to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on Social Security.

Just weeks after President Obama declared that cuts to Social Security were off the table, the Wall Street Journal reports that Democratic Senators Dick Durbin and Kent Conrad are working with Republicans to resurrect the right-wing Deficit Commission’s proposals to cut Social Security and give huge new tax breaks to big corporations and the super rich.

This is ridiculous. Social Security is the backbone of the American middle class. It provides millions of seniors and disabled Americans the money they need to eat and pay rent in their greatest time of need. We must keep Social Security safe, stable and secure for them right now and for generations to come.

But it seems like some leaders just don’t get it, so we’re taking our campaign to the next level — television ads, polling, in-district rallies and events — whatever it takes to share the stories of DFA members and other Americans across the country who depend on Social Security.

We’re going to make sure that every American knows who is attacking Social Security and how to stop them, but we can’t make that happen without your support. Please contribute $10 right now to help make it happen.

Please contribute $10 right now so that every American knows who’s leading the attack on the American middle class.

Right-wing Republicans in the House have made gutting Social Security and destroying the middle class their top priority — and some Senate Democrats are saying “We have your back.”

We’re not going to let that happen. That’s why we’re building a huge national campaign to beat back this right-wing attack on the promise of Social Security to future generations.

Democracy for America depends on small contributions from its members across the country to get the job done. Please contribute today to fuel our aggressive campaign to win and keep Social Security safe, stable and secure.

Please contribute $10 now.

America is a community and we look out for one another. I know I can count on you.

-Arshad

Arshad Hasan, Executive Director

Democracy for America

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Just In: USAID Administrator Dr. Raj Shah and Ambassador Melanne Verveer to speak at CARE’s conference!

02/11/2011 Nativegrl77

The list of can’t-miss speakers at the 2011 CARE Conference & International Women’s Day Celebration keeps growing and growing! Have you registered yet?

In addition to keynote speakers Melinda Gates and Mrs. Laura W. Bush, we’ve just learned that USAID Administrator Raj Shah and Ambassador Melanne Verveer will be joining the lineup. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from some of our country’s most critical thinkers!

This will be an action-packed conference for advocates to learn about a range of CARE’s work and issues, including panels on social entrepreneurship, aid effectiveness and gender norms. You’ll also have the chance to hear from CARE’s overseas staff from nearly 40 countries who will be participating in the conference and share their unique in-country perspective.

March 8: Join CARE in celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day

March 9: Hear from keynote speakers Melinda Gates and Mrs. Laura W. Bush, as well as esteemed panelists from around the world

March 10: Engage your members of Congress and take an active role in influencing U.S. policy to improve the lives of millions of marginalized women and girls

If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to sign up today at http://www.careconference.org.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH

President and CEO, CARE

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Congress:the Senate is in SESSION on 2/14 -the Republican led House 2/11

02/11/2011 Nativegrl77

The Senate Covenes at 2:00pmET February 14, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization bill.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will turn to Executive session to consider the following nominations:

– Calendar #1, James E. Graves, of Mississippi, to be a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit; and

– Calendar #5, Edward J. Davila, of California, to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California.

There will be 1 hour for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed.

At 5:30pm, there will be a voice vote on the Graves nomination and a roll call vote on the Davila nomination. Senators should expect additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the FAA bill Monday evening.

—————————————-

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 9:00amET on February 11, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 11, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:08 P.M. –

The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on February 14, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Bishop (UT) moved that the House do now adjourn.

7:07 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 11.

2:10 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

2:04 P.M. –

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

2:03 P.M. –

Mr. Campbell asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, February 11, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 12 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2011, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.

1:58 P.M. –

On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 344 – 50, 1 Present (Roll no. 34).

H. Res. 72:

directing certain standing committees to inventory and review existing, pending, and proposed regulations and orders from agencies of the Federal Government, particularly with respect to their effect on jobs and economic growth

1:50 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 391 – 28 (Roll no. 33).

1:33 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 178 – 242 (Roll no. 32).

1:10 P.M. –

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

1:09 P.M. –

The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the resolution to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment adding a new section directing committees to place a high priority on preserving the standards that ensure the safety of the Nation’s food supply, safe drinking water, and the safety of children’s toys.

Mr. Carnahan moved to recommit with instructions to Rules.

1:08 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

9:13 A.M. –

DEBATE – The Chair announced that when consideration of H.Res. 72 was postponed on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 4 hours of debate remained on the resolution, with 3 hours equally divided and controlled by the chairs and ranking minority members of the Committees on the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Oversight and Government Reform, and 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Majority and Minority Leader or their designees.

Considered as unfinished business.

9:03 A.M. –

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

9:02 A.M. –

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

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe (TX) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Poe objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.

9:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

9:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.