Tag Archives: White House

the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET July 31, 2012

Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
The Senate will resume consideration of S.3414, the Cybersecurity bill. The Senate will be in a period of debate only until 2:15pm with the Majority Leader to be recognized at 2:15pm.
Additionally, the time until 12:30pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first hour and the Republicans controlling the second hour.
The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

By consent, the Senate has extended the period for debate only on the Cybersecurity bill (S.3414) until 5pm today in order to give the managers more time to work on a path forward on the bill.

September Vote on Six-Month CR Would Provide Stability for Fall Fiscal Negotiations

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced an agreement with House Speaker John Boehner and President Barack Obama on a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) that will avoid a government shutdown while funding the government at $1.047 trillion.

“This agreement reached between the Senate, the House and the White House provides stability for the coming months, when we will have to resolve critical issues that directly affect middle class families. The funding levels in the six-month CR will correspond to the top-line funding level of $1.047 trillion. I hope that we can face the challenges ahead in the same spirit of compromise.”

Senator Reid offered Lieberman-Collins amendment # 2731 and Franken amendment #2732 to S.3414, Cybersecurity Act of 2012. He then filled the remaining amendments on the so called amendment tree. Finally, he filed cloture on the bill.

Senator Reid then moved to proceed to S.3429, Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012

As a result of cloture being filed, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to S.3414 is 1:00pm on Wednesday, August 1. If your senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve their ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may file it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to refile.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged Foreign Relations and adopted S.Res.525, a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Oswaldo Paya Sardinas with a Nelson FL amendment.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3457, the Veterans Jobs Corps Act. (Nelson FL)

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act. (Republican request)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

——————————————————————————————–

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

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on July 31, 2012.

http://www.houselive.gov/

12:00:06 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:17 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:39 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.
12:28:54 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:37 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 31.
2:00:54 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:52 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:56 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:17 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:12:00 P.M.		The House received a communication from John L. Mica, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. Mica notified the House that on July 26, 2012, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider resolutions to authorize 12 lease prospectuses included in the General Services Administration’s FY2011 and FY2012 Capital Investment and Leasing Programs and one resolution to authorize the exercise of a purchase option on currently leased space for $14 million below fair market value. The Committee adopted the resolutions on July 26, 2012.
2:14:49 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximately 3:30 p.m. today.
3:30:39 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 31.
3:30:46 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
3:30:58 P.M.	S. 679	Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 679 — “To reduce the number of executive positions subject to Senate confirmation.”
3:31:13 P.M.	S. 679	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:31:15 P.M.	S. 679	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 679.
3:45:49 P.M.	S. 679	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.
3:46:16 P.M.	H.R. 4365	Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4365 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to make clear that accounts in the Thrift Savings Fund are subject to certain Federal tax levies.”
3:46:32 P.M.	H.R. 4365	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:46:33 P.M.	H.R. 4365	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4365.
3:52:19 P.M.	H.R. 4365	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.
3:53:06 P.M.	S. 300	Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. S. 300 — “To prevent abuse of Government charge cards.”
3:53:23 P.M.	S. 300	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:53:26 P.M.	S. 300	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 300.
3:59:25 P.M.	S. 300	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mrs. Maloney 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.
3:59:53 P.M.	H.R. 828	Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 828 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that persons having seriously delinquent tax debts shall be ineligible for Federal employment.”
4:00:08 P.M.	H.R. 828	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:00:10 P.M.	H.R. 828	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 828.
4:11:23 P.M.	H.R. 828	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.
4:12:19 P.M.	H.R. 1627	Mr. Miller (FL) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
4:13:17 P.M.	H.R. 1627	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on concurring in the Senate amendments to H.R. 1627.
4:49:24 P.M.	H.R. 1627	On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
4:49:25 P.M.	H.R. 1627	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:49:48 P.M.	H.R. 4073	Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4073 — “To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to accept the quitclaim, disclaimer, and relinquishment of a railroad right of way within and adjacent to Pike National Forest in El Paso County, Colorado, originally granted to the Mt. Manitou Park and Incline Railway Company pursuant to the Act of March 3, 1875.”
4:50:03 P.M.	H.R. 4073	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:50:06 P.M.	H.R. 4073	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4073.
4:53:07 P.M.	H.R. 4073	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Sablan 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.
4:54:40 P.M.	H.R. 3641	Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3641 — “To establish Pinnacles National Park in the State of California as a unit of the National Park System, and for other purposes.”
4:54:56 P.M.	H.R. 3641	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:54:58 P.M.	H.R. 3641	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3641.
5:03:58 P.M.	H.R. 3641	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:04:03 P.M.	H.R. 3641	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:04:21 P.M.	H.R. 3706	Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3706 — “To create the Office of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.”
5:04:34 P.M.	H.R. 3706	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:04:37 P.M.	H.R. 3706	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3706.
5:12:54 P.M.	H.R. 3706	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lamborn 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.
5:13:20 P.M.	S. 270	Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 270 — “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain Federal land to Deschutes County, Oregon.”
5:13:33 P.M.	S. 270	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:13:37 P.M.	S. 270	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 270.
5:18:49 P.M.	S. 270	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lamborn 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.
5:19:15 P.M.	S. 271	Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 271 — “To require the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a property conveyance with the city of Wallowa, Oregon, and for other purposes.”
5:19:35 P.M.	S. 271	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:19:36 P.M.	S. 271	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 271.
5:24:57 P.M.	S. 271	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Lamborn 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.
5:25:41 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice reporting the issuance of an Executive Order that takes additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 regarding comprehensive trade and financial sanctions on Iran. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-128).
5:31:24 P.M.		The House is in recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.
5:45:05 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 31.
5:46:08 P.M.	H.R. 3803	Mr. Franks (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3803 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.”
5:46:28 P.M.	H.R. 3803	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:46:30 P.M.	H.R. 3803	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3803.
6:37:08 P.M.	H.R. 3803	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.
6:38:00 P.M.	S. 679	Considered as unfinished business. S. 679 — “To reduce the number of executive positions subject to Senate confirmation.”
7:00:12 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.
7:07:35 P.M.	S. 679	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 261 – 116 (Roll no. 537).
7:07:36 P.M.	S. 679	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:08:03 P.M.	H.R. 828	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 828 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that persons having seriously delinquent tax debts shall be ineligible for Federal employment.”
7:14:27 P.M.	H.R. 828	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 263 – 114 (Roll no. 538).
7:14:28 P.M.	H.R. 828	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:14:45 P.M.	H.R. 3803	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3803 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.”
7:21:43 P.M.	H.R. 3803	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 220 – 154, 2 Present (Roll no. 539).
7:24:00 P.M.	H.R. 3796	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3796 — “To reauthorize certain programs established by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006.”
7:24:27 P.M.	H.R. 3796	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:24:28 P.M.	H.R. 3796	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3796.
7:36:11 P.M.	H.R. 3796	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scott (VA) 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.
7:36:46 P.M.	H.R. 1950	<action_description>Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1950 — “To enact title 54, United States Code, “National Park System”, as positive law.”
7:37:16 P.M.	H.R. 1950	<action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:37:17 P.M.	H.R. 1950	<action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1950.
7:41:10 P.M.	H.R. 1950	<action_description>At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scott (VA) 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.
7:42:14 P.M.	H.R. 3120	<action_description>Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3120 — “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require accreditation of certain educational institutions for purposes of a nonimmigrant student visa, and for other purposes.”
7:42:36 P.M.	H.R. 3120	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:42:40 P.M.	H.R. 3120	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3120.
7:47:55 P.M.	H.R. 3120	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Smith (TX) 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.
7:48:30 P.M.	H.R. 6029	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6029 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for increased penalties for foreign and economic espionage, and for other purposes.”
7:48:44 P.M.	H.R. 6029	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:48:46 P.M.	H.R. 6029	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6029.
7:57:42 P.M.	H.R. 6029	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scott (VA) 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.
7:58:26 P.M.	H.R. 6063	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6063 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to child pornography and child exploitation offenses.”
7:58:39 P.M.	H.R. 6063	Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:58:41 P.M.	H.R. 6063	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6063.
8:15:17 P.M.	H.R. 6063	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Smith (TX) 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.
8:15:59 P.M.	H.R. 4362	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4362 — “To provide effective criminal prosecutions for certain identity thefts, and for other purposes.”
8:16:08 P.M.	H.R. 4362	Considered under suspension of the rules.
8:16:10 P.M.	H.R. 4362	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4362.
8:32:27 P.M.	H.R. 4362	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Smith (TX) 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.
8:33:24 P.M.	H.R. 6062	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 6062 — “To reauthorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program through fiscal year 2017.”
8:33:33 P.M.	H.R. 6062	Considered under suspension of the rules.
8:33:35 P.M.	H.R. 6062	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6062.
8:43:11 P.M.	H.R. 6062	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Scott (VA) 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.
8:43:47 P.M.		Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 747.
8:44:49 P.M.	H.R. 1550	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1550 — “To establish programs in the Department of Justice and in the Department of Homeland Security to help States that have high rates of homicide and other violent crime, and for other purposes.”
8:44:59 P.M.	H.R. 1550	Considered under suspension of the rules.
8:45:01 P.M.	H.R. 1550	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1550.
9:02:18 P.M.	H.R. 1550	At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Smith (TX) 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.
9:03:34 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:47:00 P.M.		Mr. Bishop (UT) moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:47:08 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:47:13 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on August 1, 2012.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Biological Diversity

07/30/2012 Nativegrl77

Keystone XL is back.

TransCanada, the energy giant trying to bisect the United States with a reckless tar-sands pipeline, has submitted a new application to build Keystone XL.

We need you to take action by Monday to reject Keystone XL 2.0.

TransCanada rerouted the pipeline through Nebraska, but the new routes come with the same kind of dangerous consequences: dozens of projected spills and leaks, staggering greenhouse gas emissions and threats to rare species like whooping cranes, piping plovers and American burying beetles.

After massive public outcry, President Obama rightly rejected Keystone XL in January.

It’s time again to make sure this disastrous project doesn’t get off the ground.

The first deadline for comments on the construction permit is this Monday, July 30 — please, take action to tell the State Department that Keystone XL should get scrapped permanently.

Click here to find out more and take action.

If you have trouble following the link, go to http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11197.

Please take action by July 30, 2012.

Donate now to support our work.

Read more about the Keystone XL project here.

Photo of Keystone XL protest at White House courtesy Flickr Commons/tarsandsaction.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Whitehouse marks : The 22nd Anniversary – Americans with Disabilities Act

07/27/2012 Nativegrl77

Observing the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The White House marks the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensured that Americans with disabilities have the same basic rights and opportunities as everyone else, and establish America as a world leader on disability rights. July 26, 2012.More

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Urban League Convention,Cabinet Meeting …

07/27/2012 Nativegrl77

West Wing Week 07/27/12 “A Brighter Day Is Going To Come”

This week, the President addressed the nation on the tragedy in Colorado and made Aurora his first stop on a four day trip out West, then continued to Reno to address the VFW, and to New Orleans to speak at the National Urban League. Back in Washington DC, Dr. Biden announced a major Joining Forces initiative for social workers, the President signed an Executive Order on Education, and hosted a reception at the White House to honor the International AIDS Conference taking place in Washington DC.More

President Obama Holds a Cabinet Meeting

President Obama holds a meeting with his Cabinet and addresses the issue of middle class tax cuts for Americans. July 26, 2012More

President Obama Speaks at the National Urban League Convention

President Obama discusses his Administration’s work strengthening our communities by investing in manufacturers and small businesses, cutting taxes for middle-class families, reforming education by raising standards, and ensuring millions more Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. July 25, 2012.More

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

must see Whitehouse vids

07/23/2012 Nativegrl77

President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Spectrum Report Release

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology releases a report on realizing the potential of government-held spectrum to spur economic growth. July 20, 2012.More

AIDS 2012- Turning the Tide

In 1981, the Centers for Disease Control issued its first warning about a new disease. We had trouble naming this disease, understanding and caring for the people who were infected, and facing down our own fears. But people would not be silent. Communities mobilized to fight HIV/AIDS. We gained the knowledge to create stronger medications, and found new tools to prevent HIV transmission. Instead of helping people die, we turned to helping people live. Now, together, we are saving lives and scaling up. We can see an AIDS-Free Generation. We can turn the tide on this epidemic.More

White House LGBT Pride Month Video Challenge Champions of Change

The White House honors ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things across the country to ensure safety, dignity, and equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, as demonstrated by their inspiring video entries in the LGBT Pride Month Video Challenge. July 19, 2012.More

Greening our Stadiums and Ballparks Part 1

The Obama Administration brings together sports league and team leaders, stadium operators and supply chain companies to celebrate success stories in making our sports facilities more energy efficient and raising the profile of the importance of going green. July 19, 2012.More