Fighting for Homeless Veterans in Washington State

 

 

 

Fighting for Homeless Veterans in Washington State

Last week, I stood with fellow Democratic Senators to discuss how the Republicans’ reckless spending proposal would cut 10,000 housing vouchers that would bring homeless veterans off the streets and into supportive housing. We owe it to our veterans to provide them with the resources and support they need to put a roof over their heads. And this is just one more example of the Republicans putting politics and ideology over families, communities, and even those who have served our nation.

Read more >> http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=42ad7aa4-526c-4510-9460-f62f575451f7&ContentType_id=0b98dc1b-dd08-4df2-adac-21f6ae03beed&Group_id=97a054dd-8a74-4cd0-8771-fbc3be733874

Watch the press conference >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc9AA9ZMLy0&tracker=False

“Veterans housing program targeted”” – The Olympian http://www.theolympian.com/2011/03/11/1574690/veterans-housing-program-targeted.html

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Contrasting Republican and Democratic Budget Proposals: Reckless Cuts VS. Sensible Solutions

Last week, I spoke on the Senate floor to contrast the Republican and Democratic spending proposals currently being debated in the Senate. I am extremely disappointed that Republicans who came into office promising to work with us on helping our economy, have proposed an extreme budget that would destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, devastate workers and small business across the country, and threaten our fragile economic recovery. The Democrats offered a plan to cut spending responsibly, while continuing to make the investments we need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build our competitors.

Read More >> http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=b9ac68c2-765c-46c3-ad59-9759a3ccc35a&ContentType_id=0b98dc1b-dd08-4df2-adac-21f6ae03beed&Group_id=97a054dd-8a74-4cd0-8771-fbc3be733874

Watch video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDujvIW0o20

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Standing Up for Washington State Veterans’ Caregivers

Earlier this month, I pointedly questioned Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki about the VA’s decision to limit a critical benefit for the caregivers of severely injured Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The VA’s decision, which cuts back stipends for those who have left careers behind to care for their injured loved ones, ignores the will of Congress in passing the caregivers law last year.

Read more http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=84fd8f92-b8c0-49d1-9a1e-f76af17839b8&ContentType_id=0b98dc1b-dd08-4df2-adac-21f6ae03beed&Group_id=97a054dd-8a74-4cd0-8771-fbc3be733874%5C,

 and watch the hearing >> http://veterans.senate.gov/hearings.cfm?action=release.display&release_id=5ee43015-815c-4f30-a682-7fa0115ebb63

Families of severely wounded veterans still waiting for help” – The News Tribune

“VA blasted for limits on caregiver benefits” – Army Times

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Working to Lower Tariffs on Washington State Farmers and Growers

I was encouraged by the announcement made by President Barack Obama and President of Mexico Felipe Calderón earlier this month that they had reached an agreement on a path forward for resolving the cross-border trucking dispute and ending the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. The Mexican government has committed to suspending 50% of the tariffs once a final rule is published and an agreement is signed. The other 50% of the tariffs will be suspended when the program commences. While this agreement is absolutely encouraging, I am deeply disappointed that the Mexican government has refused to immediately lift the tariffs that are devastating Washington state farmers and growers.

Over the past two years, I have pressured the Obama Administration to work with the Mexican government to remove retaliatory tariffs on Washington state farmers and growers. Earlier this year, I praised an announcement by Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood that the Administration would be moving forward with a proposal to negotiate an end to Mexican tariffs on agricultural products. I criticized the Mexican government’s response to this proposal when they refused to make any changes to the list of products affected by the tariffs. Their newest agreement is a step in the right direction and I will continue calling on the Mexican government to immediately drop these harmful tariffs.

http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=a2aa1596-544f-46f4-ba8f-d37ec06c049b&ContentType_id=0b98dc1b-dd08-4df2-adac-21f6ae03beed&Group_id=97a054dd-8a74-4cd0-8771-fbc3be733874

“Mexico tariffs on ag products may end” – Yakima Herald-Republic >> http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2011/03/03/mexico-tariffs-may-end

To comment: http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactMe

Special update: Nuclear crisis in Japan

Over the last several days, we’ve received many calls and emails from UCS members and supporters asking about the current crisis involving several of Japan‘s nuclear power reactors. Like most of you, we are deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of last week’s earthquake and tsunami, and our hearts go out to the many victims.

The massive earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan have caused a potentially catastrophic situation at multiple nuclear power facilities. The situation is still evolving.

http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=sgQWt4U0rHXeUSbxGoVFDw..

For more than 40 years, UCS has served as a nuclear safety watchdog and a reliable, independent source of information on nuclear power technology and its risks. UCS technical experts are working hard to provide timely, updated analysis of what is happening at the stricken facilities and what the implications may be.

You can find regular updates on our blog “All Things Nuclear” and learn about why events have unfolded in the way they have, where the situation may be headed, and what it may mean for the people around the facilities and the environment.   http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=rD2ht7Iwc6iSgCvOO27XpA..

We are also being called on frequently by a wide range of media outlets to provide independent, unbiased information and analysis about the rapidly changing situation on the ground.

For more information, see our Nuclear Accident ABCs factsheet, which provides background information on nuclear accidents and explains some of the terms frequently being used in media reports about the crisis.

http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=YcQs3bMM1qUmpgj0_5OHrg..

As events unfold in Japan, we will be regularly updating the UCS website with our most current assessment of conditions at the affected facilities.

http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=qcgNe5T6-3IqyAy1gd-yeA..

Sincerely,

Kevin Knobloch

President

National Security: Crisis In Japan

On Friday, northern Japan was hit by a massive 9.0 earthquake just off its eastern coast. The earthquake spawned a huge tsunami that washed away villages and caused tremendous destruction. At least 2,700 people are confirmed to have died, but many thousands are missing and more than 10,000 people are presumed dead, as bodies have begun washing ashore . To make matters worse, a number of nuclear reactors were in the center of the disaster. Three are now in danger of meltdown, as Japanese emergency workers struggle to contain a nuclear disaster that is already the worst since the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986. Much of the country is now experiencing rolling blackouts, and many of the 400,000 displaced survivors living in makeshift shelters are struggling with limited food and water. The turmoil has caused havoc in Japan’s now recovering economy, leading to a massive drop in the stock market and fears of an economic collapse. The situation is also having an impact in the United States and is prompting a renewed debate over nuclear power and the role of government.

NUCLEAR CRISIS: The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was hit directly by both the earthquake and the resulting tsunami. Three reactors were severely damaged, creating multiple failures in the system that cools the nuclear fuel rods. This has led to a series of explosions that have further damaged the nuclear reactors and released radiation into the air. In the hopes of preventing a full-scale meltdown, emergency workers at the nuclear plant have desperately sought to inject seawater into the reactors to cool down the nuclear fuel rods, but the results have been mixed. The temperatures of the reactors continue to rise, prompting fears of a widespread meltdown. The New York Times noted, “Japan’s nuclear crisis verged toward catastrophe on Tuesday after an explosion damaged the vessel containing the nuclear core at one reactor and a fire at another spewed large amounts of radioactive material into the air.” “Experts in Japan and the United States say the country is now facing a cascade of accumulating problems that suggest that radioactive releases of steam from the crippled plants could go on for weeks or even months.” Eight hundred workers from the plant have been withdrawn, while 50 heroically remain, despite their increasing exposure to radiation. The Japanese government has also told people living within 12 miles of the reactors to evacuate and those within 20 miles were told to stay indoors. The Times quoted a senior nuclear industry executive who had been in contact with his Japanese counterparts who said Japanese power managers are “basically in a full-scale panic. … They’re in total disarray, they don’t know what to do.” Also, the “pool storing spent fuel rods at that fourth reactor had overheated and reached boiling point and had become unapproachable by workers.”

The Japanese government has formally asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for assistance, which dispatched experts to Japan to provide technical assistance. Joe Cirincione, a nuclear expert and president of the Ploughshares Fund, said, “This is an unprecedented crisis. … You have multiple reactor crises at the same time. We’ve never had a situation like this before.”

NUCLEAR DEBATE: The nuclear crisis in Japan has renewed debate over the safety of nuclear power not just in the United States but around the world. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) said on Face the Nation, “I don’t want to stop the building of nuclear power plants. … But I think we’ve got to quietly put…the brakes on until we can absorb what has happened in Japan as a result of the earthquake and the tsunami.” Rep. Ed Markey, (D-MA) has called for a “timeout” on new reactors and said that the U.S. should have a moratorium on building reactors in seismic areas of the country. The crisis threatens the bipartisan consensus that emerged over the need for more nuclear power. Nuclear power has been seen as an alternative to burning fossil fuels since it omits zero carbon. William Saletan of Slate warned: “Let’s cool this panic before it becomes a political meltdown. … If Japan, the United States, or Europe retreats from nuclear power in the face of the current panic, the most likely alternative energy source is fossil fuel. And by any measure, fossil fuel is more dangerous.” At the same time, Joe Romm and Richard Caperton of the Center for American Progress write that the nuclear crisis “remind[s] us that nuclear power is inherently risky. … Let’s be clear: If something goes wrong with a U.S. nuclear reactor, the American public will be in double jeopardy — we’ll suffer the health consequences and then also have to pay for it.”

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT: The crisis in Japan clearly demonstrates the importance of government safety regulations. As we learn the full causes and outcomes of the Japanese disaster, the U.S. should revisit and improve safety rules for both existing and proposed reactors. Romm and Caperton explain that, “because taxpayers have so much to lose in a nuclear disaster, the government has a responsibility to take every precaution to minimize that risk.” David Lochbaum of the Union of Concerned Scientists explains in the New York Times that there is a “need to revisit emergency plans to ensure that people get the help they need even when disasters overlap.” Yet Media Matters reported that “in the wake of the crisis at Japanese nuclear reactors, the conservative media have pushed for the removal of ‘obstacles’ to nuclear power and a faster nuclear permit process for nuclear plants.” The proposed budget cuts from Republicans in the House of Representatives further threaten to undermine the safety of the American people. Romm and Caperton warn that “Congress must not cut funding for NOAA’s tsunami warning service. House Republicans have proposed cutting funding to NOAA — the agency directly responsible for tsunami monitoring and warning — restricting the government’s ability to respond. America has a number of reactors that could be affected by a tsunami.” Furthermore, despite the massive 9.0 earthquake, much of the damage in Japan was not caused by the earthquake, but by the tsunami. Thousands of lives were saved due to the strict government enforced building codes that were absent in a country like Haiti or China, which experienced a significantly higher death toll.

Think Fast … thinkprogress.org

The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll finds that two-thirds of Americans say the war in Afghanistan isn’t worth fighting , marking “the highest proportion yet opposed to the conflict.” Additionally, nearly “three-quarters of Americans say President Obama should withdraw a ‘substantial number’ of combat troops from Afghanistan this summer.”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) wants Obama to offer a clear redeployment plan for Afghanistan . Just as Gen. David Petraeus is preparing to testify before the U.S. Senate, Gillibrand is calling for Congress to pass Safe and Responsible Redeployment of United States Combat Forces from Afghanistan Act, a plan to withdrawal of U.S. combat forces beginning on July 1.

Freshman Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) blasted his colleagues yesterday for risking a government shutdown, and aimed his ire directly at Tea Party members. “The extreme wing of the Republican Party is making a big mistake with their flat-out opposition to a short-term continuing resolution. They’re not looking at the big picture,” Grimm said.

The Obama administration and the GOP “offered a fresh show of support for nuclear power” yesterday despite the nuclear crisis in Japan. The White House said it “vowed to incorporate” lessons from Japan but is committed to keeping “clean” nuclear energy “in the U.S. portfolio” — a position that House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said he shared.

Speaking to South by Southwest conference attendees yesterday, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) said that “big corporations are ‘hoping to destroy’ the Internet” and that defending net neutrality is of utmost importance. The senator called net neutrality “the First Amendment issue of our time.”

Around 2,000 troops from Saudi Arabia and the UAE entered Bahrain yesterday under the aegis of the Gulf Cooperation Council to help put down mostly Shiite protesters demonstrating against Bahrain’s Sunni royal family. Concerned about expanding Iranian influence in the region, a Saudi official said that it “is the initial phase. … Bahrain will get whatever assistance it needs. It’s open-ended.”

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) warned against a no-fly zone over Libya in strong terms yesterday, saying President Obama would first need a Congressional declaration of war. “We need a broader public discussion about the goals and limits of the U.S. role in the Middle East, especially as it pertains to potential military intervention,” said Lugar, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

On his radio show yesterday, Glenn Beck said Japan’s earthquake is a “message” from God to follow the Ten Commandments. After repeatedly connecting human behavior to the natural disasters devastating Japan and “causally mentioning ‘radical Islam,’” Beck revealed that answer “is buckle up” because “it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”

And finally: The wife of Wisconsin state Sen. Randy Hopper (R) has signed a recall petition against him after Hopper left her to live with his 25-year-old mistress outside his legislative district. His maid had already joined the recall effort and Hopper may be in violation of state law by living in another district.

It’s simply not right … a message from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

Last year I helped lead the effort to overturn “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and I’m thrilled that very soon, LGBT Americans will be able to serve openly in our armed forces. This is a big victory for equality, but there’s still so far we have yet to go.

I believe every American should be able to marry the person they love. Yet in 1996, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (or DOMA) codified the discriminatory notion that marriage is only between a man and a woman.

DOMA denies same-sex couples the basic privileges enjoyed by straight couples, and prevents state-approved legal marriages from being recognized across the country.

This is wrong.

If we are to achieve full marriage equality for all, Congress must repeal DOMA now.

That’s why I’m proud to partner with Democracy for America to make sure the repeal of DOMA becomes a reality.

http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/561?akid=577.1480546.tmfy-d&t=1

Recently, President Obama ordered the Justice Department to stop defending DOMA in federal court. This is a huge first step, but the fact is that as long as DOMA remains on the books it will continue to be enforced until Congress repeals it legislatively.

Tomorrow, I will join Senator Feinstein as we introduce DOMA repeal legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Can I count on you to join us on the frontlines of this fight?

Please sign here to join the fight for marriage equality by urging Congress to repeal this discriminatory and unconstitutional law. >> http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/561?akid=577.1480546.tmfy-d&t=2

It’s simply not right that my husband and I should be able to enjoy rights and privileges that LGBT Americans are denied.

Thank you for everything you do to ensure marriage equality for all Americans,

- Kirsten

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

President Obama: “We must seek agreement on gun reforms” …a message from Mayors Against Illegal Guns

“Our focus right now should be on sound and effective steps that will actually keep those irresponsible, law-breaking few from getting their hands on a gun in the first place.”

That’s what President Obama said yesterday in the Arizona Daily Star — the hometown newspaper of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Thanks to supporters like you, our campaign to fix background checks has built incredible momentum. The National Drive to Fix Gun Checks continues to raise awareness across the country. And the landmark Fix Gun Checks Act of 2011 is gaining support in the Senate

Now, the President of the United States has made fixing the background check system a national priority.

This is a huge moment, and you can make the most of it by adding your name to the Fix Gun Checks petition and putting pressure on your elected officials in Washington.

In his op-ed, President Obama lays out a powerful case for commonsense gun reform:*

“Since [Tucson], we have lost perhaps another 2,000 members of our American family to gun violence. Thousands more have been wounded. We lose the same number of young people to guns every day and a half as we did at Columbine, and every four days as we did at Virginia Tech.”

The fact is, 34 Americans are murdered with guns every day. We need to fix the broken background check system that lets criminals, drug abusers, the mentally ill and other dangerous people get their hands on these deadly weapons and put our families in danger.

And that’s we’re counting on supporters like you to join the quarter million Americans who’ve signed our petition to make sure Congress get the message that it’s time to Fix Gun Checks.

Let’s seize this crucial opportunity to keep moving the Fix Gun Checks campaign forward.

Thanks for getting involved,

Mayors Against Illegal Guns

*Read President Obama’s full op-ed. http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=njnoD525V17%2FASiGdQLW%2BwRJf9NMkCkk

Koch Brothers Must Be Investigated

Koch Brothers Must Be Investigated -Watch the video below -click on link below

http://bnf.actionkit.com/go/535?akid=1489.1058794.-m6VVS&t=1



Outfoxed…

Walmart…

Iraq for Sale…

Rethink Afghanistan…

and now KOCH BROTHERS EXPOSED

Your participation has helped our videos to be seen over 56 million times! We need your help again to complete our first stage of editing, research, interviews, and production. We’ve had 4 months of hard work and we MUST get the Koch series finished and out to the world to educate the public.

Help us by becoming a Producer and get a t-shirt featuring an exclusive Shepard Fairey design of the ‘Koch-topus’. >>  http://bnf.actionkit.com/go/535?akid=1489.1058794.-m6VVS&t=4

Using our unique distribution ability we will create a multimedia/multi-platform campaign with videos, ground actions, online actions, flash mobs and crowd sourcing!

http://bnf.actionkit.com/go/535?akid=1489.1058794.-m6VVS&t=5

It is 40 billion dollars of Koch money versus us! Please donate to become a Producer on this project with us.

http://bnf.actionkit.com/go/535?akid=1489.1058794.-m6VVS&t=6

Thanks for your support,

Robert Greenwald

and the Brave New Foundation team

FirstGiving –

My fundraising page can be found by clicking on the link >> FirstGiving – Your fundraising . FirstGiving is a great company, the site is safe secure and all the money goes to Shelter Box USA. Donating by FirstGiving  is so easy to do especially if you have been wanting to … now is the time and ShelterBox USA is a global entity …wherever the need they deploy immediately so our donations keep them busy … Providing shelter for victims of Disaster. The YouTube video below give more information.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4-YwPpIlE4

The price of a complete Shelter Box is $1,000 (US). This includes the purchase of new Box items, assembly, warehousing and their subsequent delivery to the site location, (covering transportation, handling, insurance) and standard administrative costs.

Shelterboxes are usually packed with one (sometimes two) ten-person tent(s). Other items can include insulated sleeping mats and thermal blankets, water purification tablets, water purification kits, water containers/carriers, a trenching shovel, a multi-fueled cook stove, eating utensils and plates, a childrens’ activity kit and other essential items.

Congressional Budget Office – the cost of H.R.371 …Scholarships for Opportunities Act

**Cost Estimate for H.R. 471, Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 10, 2011

http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=12104

what is going on in Congress: debates/votes -the Republican led House & -the Senate …small biz jobs bill

The Senate Convenes at  10:00amET March 15, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization.

The following amendments are pending to S.493, SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011:

- Nelson (NE) #182 (Sense of the Senate regarding a 5% cut in Senate budget)

- McConnell amendment #183 (Prohibits the EPA from regulating carbon pollution)

- Vitter amendment #178 (require Federal government to sell unused Federal real property).

- Johanns amendment #161 (1099 repeal)

- Snowe amendment #193 (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program)

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

At 2:15pm, Senator Coats will be recognized to speak for up to 30 minutes to deliver his maiden speech. Following his statement, Senator Portman will be recognized to speak for up to 15 minutes to deliver his maiden speech.

There will be no roll call votes this evening.

The Senate is in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted S.Res.96, congratulating the Army Dental Corps on its 100th Anniversary.

Passed S.J.Res.7, reappointment of Shirley Ann Jackson as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.8, appointment of Stephen M. Chase as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

Passed S.J.Res.9, reappointment of Robert P. Kogod as a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 15, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:03 P.M. -

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Sessions moved that the House do now adjourn.

6:01 P.M. -

Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 170.

3:54 P.M. -

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

3:49 P.M. -

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

H. Res. 168:

electing certain Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives

3:48 P.M. -

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

3:45 P.M. -

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

3:44 P.M. -

The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Marchant . Mr. Marchant submitted his resignation from the Committee on Financial Services. The resignation was accepted without objection.

H. Con. Res. 30:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

3:41 P.M. -

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 197 (Roll no. 180).

3:33 P.M. -

Considered as unfinished business.

3:32 P.M. -

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H. Con. Res. 30 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H.J. Res. 48:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:31 P.M. -

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 271 – 158 (Roll no. 179).

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

3:22 P.M. -

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 – 239 (Roll no. 178).

3:00 P.M. -

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

2:51 P.M. -

DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Critz motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to prohibit use of funds in the joint resolution to develop or implement a system that cuts Social Security benefits, or that privatizes Social Security, or to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors, or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector.

2:50 P.M. -

Mr. Critz moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.

2:49 P.M. -

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:29 P.M. -

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 48.

1:28 P.M. -

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 48 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 consideration of the joint resolution are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 167.

1:25 P.M. -

AGREEING TO SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and after putting the question to a voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed and the Journal stood approved.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 181 (Roll no. 177).

1:02 P.M. -

Considered as unfinished business.

1:01 P.M. -

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 15.

12:58 P.M. -

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. today.

H. Con. Res. 30:

providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate

12:56 P.M. -

POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Con.Res. 30, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes ha d prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:54 P.M. -

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 167:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 48) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 167, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

12:53 P.M. -

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:18 P.M. -

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 167.

12:17 P.M. -

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 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. Baca to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:02 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. 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 (TX) 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 Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.

12:00 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 March 15.

10:46 A.M. -

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

10:01 A.M. -

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael R. Turner to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. -

The House convened, starting a new legislative day