Tag Archives: vote

Wednesday … & Congress debates/votes Today

05/19/2010 Nativegrl77

Today Maj. Leader Harry Reid has scheduled a procedural vote today to limit debate and move closer to a final vote on the financial reform bill passage. If cloture is approved, a final vote to pass the legislation could take place on Thursday or Friday;

Republicans are still blocking Reform, 57-42; though a few Dems voted against cloture, among them was Senator Cantwell/Fiengold voted against cloture.a Feingold stated he voted no because they were ending the debates before job is done; 2 Republicans voted yes: Sen Reid voted no to keep the procedure alive; Apparently, Dems voting no did so because they want their amendments to get a vote and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) plans to drop his push to weaken derivatives reform …stay tuned

Updates of debates/votes

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET May 19, 2010

There will be a period of morning business for 1hour with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each . The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform. By unanimous consent, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment will occur not prior to 3:15pm.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments is 1pm.

The Senate stands in recess until 3:15pm.

The following amendments are pending to
Dodd-Lincoln #3739 (Substitute) to S.3217:
– Brownback #3789, as further modified (automobile manufacturers)
– Specter #3776 (civil action)
– Leahy #3823 (antitrust laws)
– Whitehouse #3746, as modified (States rights)
-Cantwell #3884, as modified (Glass Steagall)
– Cardin #4050 (resource extraction issuers)
Grassley #4072 (Inspector General)

The Senate has reached an agreement to concurrently debate the Whitehouse amendment #3746, as further modified (consumer protection) and Ensign amendment (text of which is identical to amendment #’s 4119, 4120, and 4121 with a change in the instruction line).

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the following:

– Whitehouse #3746, as further modified (consumer protection), and
– Ensign amendment (definition of credit).

Senator Dodd also asked unanimous consent that it be in order for the Cantwell amendment #4086 to be called up for consideration.

Senator Shelby objected to the request.

Votes:
158: Motion to Invoke cloture on the Dodd-Lincoln amendment #3739: (Substitute);
Invoked: 57-42

– Snowe-Pryor #3883 (small business) was agreed to by voice vote

159: Whitehouse amendment #3746: , as further modified (States Rights)(60-vote threshold);Not Agreed To: 60

160: Ensign amendment #4146: (definition of “credit”) was agreed to by voice vote

Unanimous Consent:

The Senate confirmed the nomination of Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh to be Major General.

– Passed S.920, the Information Technology (IT) Oversight and Waste Prevention Act (with a Carper-Collins amendment).

– Adopted S.Res.534, a resolution designating May 1, 2010, as “Silver STar SErvice Banner Day”.

– Adopted S.Res.535, a resolution honoring the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, for his service to the people of Mexico, and welcoming the President to the United States.

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The next meeting in the House is scheduled 10amET May 19, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 19, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

4:57 P.M. –: SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
4:56 P.M. –: Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on May 26: himself for 5 min, and Mr. Jones for 5 min. Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Hastings of WA be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on May 24.
4:49 P.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1364:

honoring the historic and community significance of the Chatham County Courthouse and expressing condolences to Chatham County and the town of Pittsboro for the fire damage sustained by the courthouse on March 25, 2010
4:48 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 406 – 1 (Roll no. 283).
4:41 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1292:

congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women’s basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship
4:40 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 407 – 1, 1 Present (Roll no. 282).
4:34 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 403:

expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Teacher Day to honor and celebrate teachers in the United States
4:33 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 2, 1 Present (Roll no. 281).
4:25 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5099:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 South Main Street in Sharon, Massachusetts, as the “Michael C. Rothberg Post Office”

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): 410 – 1 (Roll no. 280).
3:55 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
3:54 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.
3:53 P.M. –: Mr. Hastings (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1363.

H.R. 5327:

to authorize assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system

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.
3:23 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5327. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 873:

establishing a United States Consulate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:10 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 873. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1324:

expressing condolences and sympathies for the people of China following the tragic earthquake in the Qinghai province of the Peoples Republic of China on April 14, 2010

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. McMahon objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
3:00 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1324. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5139:

to provide for the International Organizations Immunities Act to be extended to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo

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.
2:54 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5139. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. McMahon moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1339:

expressing support for designation of May as National Foster Care Month and acknowledging the responsibility that Congress has to promote safety, well-being, improved outcomes, and permanency for the Nation’s collective children
2:53 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. McDermott objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:44 P.M. –: Considered under suspension of the rules. DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1339.

Mr. McDermott moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5128:

to designate the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, District of Columbia, as the “Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Teague objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:32 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5128. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Teague moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 1177:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of 5 United States Army 5-Star Generals, George Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Henry “Hap” Arnold, and Omar Bradley, alumni of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to coincide with the celebration of the 132nd Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Command and General Staff College
2:31 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Moore (KS) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
2:12 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1177. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Moore (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2546:

to ensure that the right of an individual to display the Service flag on residential property not be abridged

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:59 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2546. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Moore (KS) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 713:

recognizing the significant contributions of United States automobile dealerships, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that in the interest of equity, automobile dealers whose franchises have been terminated through no fault of their own be given an opportunity of first consideration once the auto market rebounds and stabilizes
1:58 P.M. –: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
1:49 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 713. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 996:

expressing support for designation of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
1:48 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Capps objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:36 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 996. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1361:

recognizing North Carolina Central University on its 100th anniversary
1:35 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:19 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1361. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1336:

congratulating the University of Texas men’s swimming and diving team for winning the NCAA Division I national championship
1:18 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
1:09 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1336. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1362:

celebrating the life and achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne and honoring her for her triumphs against racial discrimination and her steadfast commitment to the civil rights of all people
1:08 P.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 1 (Roll no. 279).
12:59 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1325:

recognizing National Missing Children’s Day

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 – 0 (Roll no. 278).
12:51 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5325:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 148 (Roll no. 277).
12:42 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1514:

to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to reauthorize the juvenile accountability block grants program through fiscal year 2014

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): 364 – 45 (Roll no. 276).
12:13 P.M. –: Considered as unfinished business.
12:12 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. Res. 1292:

congratulating the Emporia State University Lady Hornets women’s basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship
12:11 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Fudge objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.
12:00 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1292. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 2136:

to establish the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Fire Suppression Demonstration Incentive Program within the Department of Education to promote installation of fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in qualified student housing and dormitories, and for other purposes
11:59 A.M. –: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
11:51 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2136. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5220:

to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other purposes
11:50 A.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.
11:18 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5220. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Fudge moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5325:

to invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes
11:16 A.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.
10:31 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5325. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Gordon (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
10:30 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
10:25 A.M. –: ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5014 and S. 736.
10:02 A.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 Ms. Jenkins 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.
10:00 A.M. –: Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. William Smith, Memorial Baptist Church, Arlington, Virginia The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

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American Superconductor Signs $445 Million Contract (Update1)

05/18/2010 Nativegrl77

By Mark Scott

May 17 (Bloomberg) — American Superconductor Corp. signed a $445 million contract to supply components to Chinese wind- turbine maker Sinovel Wind Group Co., helping cement the U.S. company’s position in the fastest-growing wind energy market.

The supplier, based in Devens, Massachusetts, will sell electrical devices for Sinovel’s 1.5-megawatt windmills for 30 months starting in early 2011, according to Greg Yurek, American Superconductor’s founder and chief executive officer.

“This contract will help us to continue to grow aggressively in China,” Yurek said in a phone interview. “If you want to be in wind, you have to be in China.” The U.S. company’s shares rose as much as 6.5 percent in Nasdaq trading.

Buoyed by $47 billion in stimulus spending for clean-energy projects, China installed more than twice the number of turbines in 2009 than in the previous year, Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimated. The country will add 18 gigawatts of capacity in 2010, equal to 15 new nuclear power plants, or double the wind turbines planned in the U.S., the second-largest market.

The contract extends an existing $450 million supply accord with Beijing-based Sinovel that will finish in the first half of 2011. The U.S. company made 70 percent of its 2009 revenue from the Chinese manufacturer, Barclays Capital has estimated.

Beijing-based Sinovel is China’s largest wind-turbine maker and ranks third worldwide behind Vestas Wind Systems A/S and General Electric Co. of the U.S., according to a 2009 report by Danish research firm Make Consulting.

Shares Climb

Shares in American Superconductor climbed as much as $2 in Nasdaq Stock Market composite trading. The stock traded at $32.43, up $1.47, or 4.8 percent, as of 10:10 a.m. local time.

To branch out, American Superconductor has signed several deals with other mainland firms since the fourth quarter of 2009. They include a $70 million contract with China’s Shenyang Blower Works on Jan. 2 and a $10 million agreement with Zhuzhou City-based CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute Co. Ltd. on March 3.

Even with the diversification, Sinovel remains the main customer for American Superconductor, Barclays Capital said.

“Sinovel continues to make up the majority of the company’s 12-month backlog,” Barclays Capital analysts said in a May 14 research note to investors.

–With assistance by Jeremy van Loon in Berlin; Editors: Todd White, Reed Landberg

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ThinkProgress.org

05/18/2010 Nativegrl77

IMMIGRATION — TEXAS TEACHER SINGLES OUT LATINO STUDENT DURING SB-1070 DISCUSSION, SAYS MEXICANS ‘EXPECT HANDOUTS’: A high school English teacher in San Antonio, TX has been “removed from the classroom” after she reportedly singled out a Latino student wearing a Mexican soccer jersey and publicly insulted him with racist remarks. According to the student, Augustine Ortiz, what began as a discussion about Arizona’s new immigration law (SB-1070) escalated to an anti-Latino, racist attack. Ortiz said the teacher — whose name is being withheld pending an investigation — told him to sit in the front row, “proceeded to single him out repeatedly,” and made racist remarks about how Mexicans always “expect handouts.” The teacher also told the class that “soon it’s going to be the United States of Mexico,” according to Ortiz, and said Mexicans are “the racist ones.” The San Antonio Express-News reports that two students defended the teacher, saying Ortiz “was late to class and missed crucial aspects of her lecture.” They didn’t dispute the bulk of Ortiz’s account. However, another student in the class that day, Reina Mondragon, corroborated Ortiz’s story.” Mondragon said the teacher also “questioned why documents in the United States frequently are translated into Spanish and whether Mexicans should be allowed to own land in this country.” She said the teacher’s lecture “felt more like an attack, and like she was judging people from Mexico,” than a balanced discussion. According to Ortiz, when he went to complain about the incident, the vice principal “brushed him off.” However, once the school’s principal learned of the episode, administrators removed the teacher and launched an investigation. Ortiz also noted that the English teacher had been his favorite instructor. “She actually said we need to stand up for what we believe in,” he said. “And now I’m standing up for what I believe in.” About 93 percent of the students at the school are Hispanic.

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Republicans Block Democrats’ Efforts To Hold BP Accountable — GOP Leaving Taxpayers On The Hook For Bailing Out BP May 18, 2010

05/18/2010 Nativegrl77

Today, Democrats took to the floor to explain the urgent need to pass this legislation to hold BP accountable and protect the American taxpayer, but Republicans blocked us for a second time in less than a week. Excerpts of Democrats’ remarks today are below.

By blocking Democrats’ 2nd attempt to pass the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act – which would ensure BP pays for the full cost of its disastrous negligence by raising the outdated liability cap from $75 million to $10 billion – Republicans are leaving American taxpayers on the hook for bailing out BP.

Nevada Senator Harry Reid: “The fundamental principle behind the Wall Street bill we’ll finish this week is accountability. Those who created the mess bear the responsibility for cleaning it up. One of its most important provisions promises taxpayers they will never again be asked to bail out a big corporation that acted recklessly and put our economy at risk. When it comes to the ongoing catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, our motivation is no different… We have to put our foot down and make clear that taxpayers will not pick up the tab. I will do everything in my power to make sure the polluters pay the price.”

New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez: “After all, BP’s profits amounted to $5.6 billion for the first three months of this year. Profits, not proceeds. Profits. That breaks down to $94 million in profits each and every day. That means their current damages liability under the law of $75 million is less than one day’s profits. Less than one day’s profits… But they want taxpayers to bail them out when they spill. It’s fundamentally wrong. Our bill is as simple as it gets. It says no bailout for BP. It says BP pays for its own mess, not the nation’s taxpayers. It says you either want to fully protect the small businesses and communities devastated by the spill or you want to protect multibillion dollar oil companies from being held fully accountable.”

Florida Senator Bill Nelson: “We are looking at a gargantuan economic and environmental disaster facing this nation but particularly those states on the gulf coast and the Atlantic seaboard… The places like the sugary white beaches of northwest Florida, where I will be this Friday, where already the cancellations are coming right and left as their tourist season starts, and hotels that would normally have 85% occupancy are less than 20% occupancy. You see the economic consequences from this… For the life of me, I can’t understand someone objecting as they are going to do in raising an artificial limit of $75 million, up to at least $10 billion, and it’s probably going to exceed $10 billion. But the argument you’re going to hear is they are going to say oh, it shouldn’t be this, it ought to be tied to profit. Now, is it really responsible public policy to say that because of a company makes less money that it should be responsible for less damage? No.”

New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg: “And we’re going to see here today, as we saw the other day, a response from the other side, and I hope that they have the courage, the guts to stand up here and say where were the ordinary American taxpayers, or maybe we like the other guys better, maybe we like big oil better. Will the United States Senate stand with fishing industries and hard-working men and women who make a living providing sustenance to our nation, or will it continue its stand with big oil?… Our colleagues, they stayed true to the oil companies, they stood up and they wanted to make sure that they blocked any attempt to pass a bill that would raise the liability. So here we are back today again to urge our colleagues to stand up for the American taxpayers who are sick and tired of bailouts.”

Washington Senator Patty Murray: “Now, Mr. President, the questions are: who should be responsible for this cleanup? Who should bear the burden for big oil’s mistakes? Should it be the taxpayers, families and small business owners who are already being asked to bear so much today? Or should it be BP, the company that is responsible for this spill and that made $6.1 billion in profits in the first three months of this year alone? Mr. President, I cosponsored the prevention act because, to me the answer’s pretty clear. I believe that BP needs to be held accountable for the environmental and economic damage of this spill, and I’m going to continue to fight to make sure that our taxpayers do not end up using a single dime to pay for the mess this big oil company created. To me, this is an issue of fundamental fairness. If an oil company causes a spill, they should be the one to pay to clean it up, not the taxpayers.”

Maryland Senator Ben Cardin: “As Senator Murray has said and Senator Menendez has said and Senator Nelson has said, it’s basically whose side you’re on. Who should pay for this disaster? Should it be the taxpayers of this country? Should it be the small business owners whose livelihood is now in jeopardy? Should it be the property owners who are going to suffer damage? No. It should be BP oil and its affiliates. That’s what the Menendez bill does. It places responsibility on the appropriate party. BP should pay.”

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar: “I recently saw firsthand the miles and miles of oil slick in the gulf coast. The scope of the disaster is staggering. This should not threaten the entire coast of our country. But beyond that, potentially, if they close the port of New Orleans, you think of the effect on Minnesota, if the oil keeps spreading the effect it will have on other parts of the country. I don’t think the taxpayers of this country should have to pay for that. That is why I support the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act, which will ensure that the current liability act for a single oil spill will not apply to the gulf coast oil disaster. It will make sure that BP, which flaunted its record profits of $6 billion in the first-quarter of this year alone, that they pay for this. And the taxpayers of this country which are already burdened with the costs of the difficult times of this economy and what wall street has done that they are not stuck with the bill here.”

Senate Democrat Newsroom

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Repower America

05/18/2010 Nativegrl77

With at least 4 million gallons of oil already poisoning the Gulf Coast and no end in sight for this environmental catastrophe, the alarm bell to end America’s dependence on fossil fuels is ringing and has reached a deafening volume.

We need a strong bill to transition our nation to clean energy — and we need it now.

Yesterday, we reached an important milestone in this fight when Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman released a draft version of their climate and clean energy proposal.

This is the starting gun for the Senate to craft and pass the strongest possible climate and clean energy legislation.

This week’s proposal is not the only language on the table. Over the last year, a number of other Senators, including Senators Susan Collins and Maria Cantwell, have put forward several proposals that also help end our addiction to fossil fuels. The addition of the Kerry-Lieberman draft proposal is important because it is the final piece of the puzzle — and now it’s time for the Senate leadership to craft the strongest bill possible, drawing out the best from all of the ideas that have been put forth.

The bill language that is finally selected for consideration by the Senate and the priority that it receives in the Senate calendar is driven by the Senate leadership. And how hard they push for this bill, and how strong it will be, will be determined by how much pressure Senators are feeling from us.

Send an email to your Senators telling them that America deserves a strong, uncompromised climate and clean energy bill.

This week’s draft proposal from Senators Kerry and Lieberman is not perfect — it does not by itself solve the climate crisis, and there are too many provisions within it that support our continued dependence on fossil fuels, including too few restrictions on offshore drilling. Critically, the proposal does commit the United States to reducing carbon emissions 17% by 2020 and 83% by 2050 from 2005 levels — meeting the commitments President Obama made to the rest of the world at Copenhagen’s climate negotiations last year.

On Monday, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that the Senator is waiting to hear the public reaction to this draft legislation before he decides if climate and clean energy legislation will be a top legislative priority this year.

So we have to make sure our Senators hear from all of us. We cannot afford to wait any longer for climate and clean energy legislation, and we cannot afford weak legislation that won’t get the job done.

Please send an email to your Senators asking them to do everything in their power to ensure that a comprehensive climate and clean energy bill makes it to the floor of the Senate this year, and that this bill is the strongest bill possible.

http://cpaf.repoweramerica.org/senateactionnow

Congress’s failure to lead on climate and clean energy has cost us far too much already. But the first step to a better future is simple: “Bill, Baby, Bill!”

Thanks for making your voice heard at this critical time,

Dave Boundy
Campaign Manager
The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America Campaign