Tag Archives: United States

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OFA …


This movement was founded on a simple but game-changing idea:

That grassroots, on-the-ground organizing is the most powerful force in politics.

Powerful enough to win a historic presidential election and bring the country together after eight years of division — powerful enough to achieve health reform 100 years in the making.

But we got here because millions of people committed to this idea in the years and months that came before these victories — and President Obama will be the first to tell you that our work is not done.

Right now, Organizing for America is reinvesting in key states and districts, rebuilding our grassroots infrastructure, and preparing for the fights ahead.

Over the next few days, we’ll be deciding where and exactly how much we can invest — and with your help, we can be in the strongest position possible.

Will you donate $25 or more today to support Organizing for America?

When the President was elected on November 4th, 2008, it felt like the world had changed almost overnight.

After eight years of out-of-touch policies that drove our economy into a ditch, we had elected a leader with a new vision for government, a mandate for reforming Washington, and a personal story possible only in America.

But the truth is that nothing happened overnight.

That victory — and every victory that followed — is a credit to the power of this grassroots movement.

From the very first days of the presidential campaign in 2007 through the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in December — the relationships you developed on the ground took root in unprecedented ways, and together, we made history.

We have to do it again.

President Obama has laid out an ambitious agenda for winning the future, calling on Congress to come together to make key investments in innovation, education, and infrastructure. To reform government, confront the deficit, and make sure the economy works for all Americans.

He can’t do it alone. The challenges we’ll face over the next months will call on each of us to remember why we are a part of this movement: because we believe in something bigger than politics. Because we now know what is possible when we invest not just in a campaign, but in one another.

Your support will help us make key decisions about where we can place staff and resources as we rebuild and plan the next phase of this movement.

Please donate $25 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Reinvesting

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart

Director

Organizing for America

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Congress: Both Chambers are in Session today …


The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00amET on February 10, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 10, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

9:21 P.M. –

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

9:19 P.M. –

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

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

3:28 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, the Chair postponed further consideration of H.Res. 72.

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 9 hours and 30 minutes of debate on H. Res. 72.

3:26 P.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H. Res. 72 with 9 hours and 30 minutes of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without installowed. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against the resolution are waived. The resolution provides that the amendment recommended by the Committee on Rules now printed in H. Res. 72 shall be considered as adopted.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 73.

H. Res. 73:

providing for consideration of the resolution (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

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 255 – 169 (Roll no. 31).

3:18 P.M. –

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 180 (Roll no. 30).

3:11 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:10 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of ordering the previous question on H.Res. 73 and adoption of the resolution if ordered, all of which had been debated earlier, and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 79:

providing for consideration of the bill ( 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

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 248 – 176 (Roll no. 29).

2:47 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

1:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 79.

1:38 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 73:

providing for consideration of the resolution (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

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 73, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question, and by voice vote, the Chair announced the yeas had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

12:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 73.

12:24 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:06 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

The House received a communication from John V. Sullivan, House Parliamentarian. Mr. Sullivan submitted to the House a facsimile of a letter of resignation submitted by Rep. Christopher J. Lee to the pertinent Executive authority in the State of New York which was received in the Capitol on February 9, 2011. The facsimile previously laid before the House had been addressed to the Governor rather than to the Secretary of State. This document will round out the papers of the House on the matter of Rep. Christopher J. Lee’s resignation.

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. Murphy of PA 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 Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archdiocese of Washington, Washington, DC.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 10.

10:34 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 Jason Chaffetz to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

—————————————-

 The Senate Convenes at 4:00pmET February 10, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

We hope to clear the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) legislation on Thursday.

Senators should expect the next votes to begin around 5:30pm on Monday, February 14. Those votes could be on a judicial nomination and amendments to the FAA Authorization bill.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.48, a resolution congratulating the Green Bay Packers on winning Super Bowl XLV.

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Congress: what’s going on 2/9


 The Senate will not be in session on Wednesday, February 9th

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

 The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 9, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 9, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

2:12 P.M. –

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

2:06 P.M. –

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

H. Res. 78:

The title of this measure is not available

2:05 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

2:04 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H.R. 519:

to secure the return to the United States the $179 million overpaid into the United Nations Tax Equalization Fund as of December 31, 2009, and for other purposes

2:03 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 259 – 169 (Roll no. 28).

1:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 188:

to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the “John M. Roll United States Courthouse”

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 429 – 0 (Roll no. 27).

1:30 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

1:29 P.M. –

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

H.R. 519:

to secure the return to the United States the $179 million overpaid into the United Nations Tax Equalization Fund as of December 31, 2009, and for other purposes

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

12:39 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 519.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 188:

to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the “John M. Roll United States Courthouse”

12:38 P.M. –

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

12:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 188.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Denham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

12:15 P.M. –

United States Capitol Preservation Commission – Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 2081, the Minority Leader appointed Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, (re-appointment) .

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission – Pursuant to section 4(b) of House Resolution 5, 112th Congress, the Minority Leader appointed James P. McGovern of Massachusetts, Co-Chair, (re-appointment) .

Congressional Award Board – Pursuant to section 803(a) of the Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Arts Education Act (2 U.S.C. 803(a)), the Minority Leader appointed Shelia Jackson Lee of Texas .

12:01 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.

12:00 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Jackson 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.

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 9.

10:29 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 Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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Economy: Obama Goes To The Chamber


Yesterday, President Obama addressed the leaders of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the influential, ideological right-wing trade association that represents mostly large multi-national corporations. Obama told the assembled executives and corporate lobbyists to “ask yourselves what you can do for America,” not just for company bottom lines. “I want to be clear: Even as we make America the best place on earth to do business, businesses also have a responsibility to America.” Citing a long history of corporate fearmongering about government regulations, Obama made a “robust argument in favor of an active regulatory role for the federal government.” Obama urged the audience of business executives to “get in the game” and spend some of the trillions of dollars corporations have banked in the past year on job creation. “We need to make America the best place on Earth to do business,” the president promised. The Chamber’s top lobbyist, R. Bruce Josten, quickly rejected the President’s promotion of the “social compact” with America’s working families. “Bottom line, the most patriotic thing a company can do is ensure it is in business and take steps to stay in business; otherwise everyone loses and more people lose their jobs.”

THE CHAMBER AND JOBS: Indeed, much of the Chamber’s executive leadership has spent the past few years rewarding themselves with millions of dollars in additional compensation while eliminating American jobs. Trucking manufacturer Navistar Inc., on the chamber’s board, has laid off workers at factories across the country. Meanwhile, the company has enjoyed healthy profits, and Navistar CEO Daniel Ustian increased his total compensation to $8.43 million. As agricultural manufacturer Deere and Co. recorded high profits, the company slashed hundreds of jobs in Illinois, Iowa, and North Dakota. Meanwhile, Deere CEO Samuel Allen was awarded a compensation package in 2010 of $12.29 million. Health insurance company WellPoint, also on the Chamber’s board, has reported record profits and extraordinary executive compensation. In 2009, WellPoint CEO Angela Braly was awarded a 51 percent compensation boost, from $8.7 million in 2008 to $13.1 million. As WellPoint’s trade association secretly transfered $86 million to the Chamber to fight health reform, the company shed thousands of jobs across the nation. Despite bloated rhetoric about the virtues of “free enterprise,” the Chamber demanded taxpayer bailouts for its bank members, billions in taxpayer money for its defense contract members, taxpayer money forcleaning up BP’s oil spill, and preferential tax cuts for its millionaire executives. The Chamber has a history of being singularly focused on boosting short-term profits, not creating American jobs by investing in the future. It has pushed for unfettered free trade deals, sponsored a series of conferences to teach businesses how to outsource jobs to China, and even lobbied against legislation that would have helped create over 1.7 million jobs.

THE CHAMBER AND POLLUTION: In his speech, Obama said American business needs to acknowledge that “not every regulation is bad.” At a Washington, D.C. press conference last week, U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials blasted Obama’s call for a clean energy future built on modern standards. Christopher Guith, vice president for policy at the Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, said a national clean-energy standard is “ridiculously premature,” even though 25 states have renewable and alternative energy standards. The Institute’s president, former Bush official Karen Harbert, said that the United States should instead allow “increased access to land for oil and gas drilling both onshore and offshore,” drilling a deeper hole with fossil fuel dependence. This opposition to clean-energy job creation on behalf of big oil is nothing new for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the last decade, the Chamber led the opposition to action on climate change, promoting global warming denial. Its history of defending pollution at the expense of the health of the American public and American jobs, however, goes deeper. Just as it is doing now, the Chamber petitioned to weaken the Clean Air Act in 1982, 1990, and 1997. The Chamber has opposed hazardous waste dumping bans, trade sanctions in NAFTA for failure to enforce environmental laws, and the reinstatement of Superfund taxes on toxic polluters. The Chamber’s anti-regulatory campaign is strongly supported by House Republicans. After the President’s speech, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) lashed out: “Far from changing tack, his administration is taking steps to protect the job-crushing regulations in its health care and permanent bailout laws, while plotting a backdoor national energy tax.”

THE CHAMBER AND INFRASTRUCTURE: Following the President’s State of the Union address, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue issued a rare joint statement supporting “Obama’s call to create jobs and grow the U.S. economy through investment in our nation’s infrastructure.” “Whether it is building roads, bridges, high-speed broadband, energy systems and schools,” they wrote, “these projects not only create jobs and demand for businesses, they are an investment in building the modern infrastructure the country needs to compete in a global economy.” Even with the support of business and labor, the president is going to have an uphill battle putting “more people to work rebuilding crumbling roads, rebuilding our bridges.” Many Republican leaders in Congress are strongly opposed to infrastructure investment. “I understand the goal, but right now this is going to be — anytime you talk about ‘investment’ it means new spending,” Sen. John Thune (R-SD) carped. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the House Budget Committee chairman, is planning “unimaginably steep reductions of 26 percent to transportation and housing.” The Republican Study Committee, a caucus of 175 House conservatives, “wants to completely de-fund Amtrak and high-speed rail.” Republican governors have killed billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects in Ohio, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. It remains to be seen whether the heavily right-leaning Chamber will actually fight Republican leadership to invest in America.

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Congress: both Chambers will be in Session …2/8

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The Senate Convenes at 10:00am ET February 8, 2011

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

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)

At 10:20am, there will be 10 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA).

Senators should expect a roll call vote at approximately 10:30am in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA) to S.223, FAA Authorization.

That will be the only roll call vote of the day.

Votes:

14: Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA); Agreed to: 96-1

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

The next meeting in the House is at 2pm ET February 8, 2011

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:23 P.M. –

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

7:08 P.M. –

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

7:07 P.M. –

RONALD REAGAN CENTENNIAL COMMISSION – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-25), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Schock of Illinois to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission .

7:06 P.M. –

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 3003, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Chairman; Mr. Pitts of Pennsylvania; Mr. Aderholt of Alabama; and Mr. Gingrey of Georgia to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe .

7:05 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 72 and H. Res. 73.

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that the chair of each committee be permitted to submit their respective committee rules for publication in the Congressional Record and that the chair of the Committee on the Budget be permitted to submit material related to the budget process for publication in the Congressional Record.

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. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 277 – 148 (Roll no. 26).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

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

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 8.

3:12 P.M. –

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

3:11 P.M. –

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 111-25) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission: Mr. Reyes .

House Democracy Partnership – Pursuant to Section 4(b) of H.Res. 5, 111th Congress the Minority Leader appointed the following members of the House to the House Democracy Partnership: Mr. Price of NC, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Holt, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Payne, Mr. Farr, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Hirono and Ms. Roybal-Allard .

3:10 P.M. –

Board of Trustees of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program – Pursuant to Section 4404(c)(2) of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2002 (2 U.S.C) 1161, the Minority Leader appointed Mr. James P. McGovern of Worchester, Massachusetts .

National Council on the Arts – Pursuant to the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 955(b) note) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the National Council on the Arts: Ms. McCollum .

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

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

2:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 514.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:25 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 4, 2011 at 11:52 a.m. stating that that body had approved an appointment to the Senate National Security Working Group.

2:24 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 3, 2011 at 10:33 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Senate National Security Working Group, Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University, United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, United States-China Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Japan Interparliamentary Group conference, Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Russia Interparliamentar

2:23 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 2, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 188 and approved appointments to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the President’s Export Council.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 1, 2011 at 10:52 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 27, 2011 at 4:03 p.m. stating that that body had approved an appointment to the Congressional Budget Office.

2:22 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 26, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 366 and approved an appointment to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.

2:18 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

2:17 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006, with respect to the situation in or in relation to Cote d’Ivoire is to continue in effect beyond February 7, 2011. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-8).

2:16 P.M. –

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on January 26, 2011, at 3:55 p.m. which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the national emergency with respect to Cote d’Ivoire first declared by Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006.

2:02 P.M. –

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

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

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

2:01 P.M. –

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

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.