Open Government:Better Government Transparency

This is Sunshine Week. Started in 2002 by the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors as an attempt to counterbalance newly-proposed exemptions to the state’s public records law, Sunshine Week has since grown into an annual national event to promote open government and freedom of information. Its emergence occurred during a difficult time for advocates of transparency: At the start of the Bush administration, Attorney General John Ashcroft issued a memorandum to all government agencies, urging them to “carefully consider” the importance of ”fully functional and efficient” government, “candid and complete agency deliberations,” and the necessity of ”confidential counsel and advice” for government leaders before deciding to comply with any request for documents under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). More importantly, the memo also reassured agencies that all but the most egregiously unwarranted decisions to withhold information from the public would be defended by Ashcroft’s Justice Department. Although it took time, the results of this stance are now widely known. Executives from the energy industry met in secret with Vice President Cheney to design the administration’s energy policy, and all requests by the public to know who was at the meetings or what was said were denied. In another instance, the memos by John Yoo and Jay Bybee, effectively authorizing the administration to torture, were disclosed only years after the fact. A report in 2007 concluded that two of every five FOIA requests filed in 2006 were not processed, the number of exemptions cited to justify withholding information had increased 83 percent since 1998, and the cost of processing requests had increased 40 percent in the same period — while 20 percent fewer requests were being processed.

MORE TRANSPARENCY: The Obama administration has created a marked improvement in transparency. A White House memo in January of 2009 and a new Open Government Directive committed the government to transparency as well as encouraging participation and collaboration with the public. The latter document also directed agencies to begin reducing their backlogs of pending FOIA requests by 10 percent each year. The White House also issued instructions to begin plans to use new technology to make public access to information, operations and decisions the default stance for all government agencies. A memo from Attorney General Eric Holder explicitly reversed his predecessor’s policy, reiterating President Obama’s instructions that “in the face of doubt, openness prevails.” New executive orders were also issued on Classified National Security Information and Controlled Unclassified Information, and websites such as Data.gov and Recovery.gov were established to begin the open government process by providing the public with greater access to data sets and information on the use of stimulus funds, respectively. “For so many years, information on program spending was buried in the bowels of government,” Recovery Board Chairman Earl Devaney wrote of Recovery.gov. “Just ask any news reporter or watchdog group that has filed an FOIA request and waited patiently, perhaps for a year or longer, before the government provided the information. There’s no need to file an FOIA request to get what you want from the Recovery Board.”

SCOTUS SHINES A LIGHT: For many years, an extremely broad judicial interpretation of FOIA’s Exemption 2 — allowing the government to deny requests for information “related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency” — was employed by agencies for requests far beyond its logically intended scope. Indeed, in the parlance surrounding FOIA law, the exemption became known as “high 2,” as the exemption expanded year after year into an all-purpose catch-all for government secrecy. Eight years ago, a Seattle man requested maps and safety information concerning the stores of explosive weaponry the Navy has kept in Puget Sound, and the Navy responded by citing Exemption 2. The resulting case, Milner v. Department of the Navy , made its way to the Supreme Court. And earlier this month, the justices struck a significant blow for government transparency by ruling 8-1 against the Navy’s denial. “I think it’s a pretty huge turnaround. This is 30 years they’ve rolled back of high 2,” said David Mann, the Seattle lawyer who argued the case. “It puts the government back in the position of doing what they’re supposed to do under FOIA, find an exemption that actually applies or go to Congress and tell them to make a new one… It’s pretty stunning actually.” While this is not the end of the matter — the case has been sent back to a lower court on the possibility that other exemptions or national security laws may apply — a striking and uplifting new precedent has been set.

OPENING UP THE WINDOWS: The policies of the new White House are a step in the right direction, but changing the culture and everyday behavior of large government bureaucracies is another matter. The evidence available suggests Justice Department lawyers are no less likely to defend FOIA denials than they were before the new policies. Ironically, a survey of FOIA policy last year had to make a FOIA request to obtain the information it needed, only to discover that 13 out of 90 agencies were providing documentation of changes they were making. In 2009, 28 agencies both released more documents under FOIA and denied fewer requests. In 2010, it was only five agencies, revealing no clear trend towards improvement. In testimony before the United States Senate yesterday, CAP CEO John Podesta recommended three steps for moving transparency forward. First, the process of providing information on the internet must be automated and built into the agency process. The models of Data.gov and Recovery.gov should be replicated for all portions of the government. Not only will this help to circumvent the natural inertia of all bureaucracies towards secrecy and embarrassment avoidance, but it will also cut down on the administrative burden of the FOIA backlog. The more information that is available by default, the fewer requests the public will need to make. Second, automatic internet disclosure should be applied to the FOIA process itself. If the public can readily access a database of what other FOIA requests have been issued, and what government agencies have responded with, that too will cut down on redundancy and backlog. The Mexican government‘s Infomex system, which created a single and comprehensive site for all public requests for government information, would be a useful model in this regard. Third, the information for assessing the quality of FOIA implementation must itself be made public. Currently, the Justice Department does not disclose the amount or percentage of FOIA denials it decides to defend, nor do agencies disclose how much they spend of FOIA compliance, or how far they have gone in abiding by the Holder memo and other White House policies. Progress has been made, but more sunlight is needed.

Bankrate.com

Here are stories published today. 

Will 1 late credit card payment hike rate? | 2011-03-16

The rules are clear on rate increases, but there are other penalties for late payments. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/will-1-late-credit-card-payment-hike-rate.aspx?ec_id=brmint_newsalert_20110316

Keep open old cards to boost credit scores | 2011-03-16

One easy way to boost your credit scores– keep open those old, zero-balance credit cards. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/how-an-old-credit-card-helps-credit-scores.aspx?ec_id=brmint_newsalert_20110316

Best credit cards to build credit | 2011-03-16

Even with no credit history, you can begin building a base with these types of cards. http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-to-build-credit.aspx?ec_id=brmint_newsalert_20110316

Wisconsin…

For Black folks, collective bargaining means equality in the workplace.

Now, this basic right is under attack in Wisconsin — and across the country.

Support the workers who are fighting back.

There was once a time in this country when Black folks would work 12-hour days for less money than their White co-workers who worked only eight. The key to leveling the playing field for Black workers was collective bargaining — and now Republicans around the country are attacking this basic right.

The right of workers to negotiate as a group for better wages, benefits and working conditions has been important for everyone, but it’s been especially meaningful for Black Americans. Before we could collectively bargain, we had little control over our working conditions and no protection from racial discrimination in the workplace.

That’s why it’s critical that we stand with the workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, New Jersey, and everywhere else collective bargaining is coming under attack. Please join us in sending a message of support to all those fighting this battle on the front lines. It takes only a moment:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/778?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=3

In Memphis in 1968, Black sanitation workers worked in dangerous, inhumane conditions under abusive White supervisors for little pay. After two workers were crushed to death by a malfunctioning city garbage truck, the city’s Black sanitation workers sought to unionize. They demanded better wages, safer working conditions, and the right to collectively bargain for these things. They took to the streets of Memphis bearing signs that read, “I am a man.” During the strike, police attacked and jailed Black workers for peaceful protest. Months later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said that “all labor has dignity,” joined these workers on the front lines. He was assassinated while leading the effort to win collective bargaining rights for these workers.1

Collective bargaining has helped Black workers vulnerable to workplace discrimination win needed on-the-job protections. “Black workers have an interest in unions as all workers do, because they give them power in the labor market to improve working conditions, and allow them due process and fairness on the job,” says labor scholar Stephen Pitts. “Any sort of institution that allows due process procedures and reduces arbitrary behavior in decision making is positive for black folks.”2

More than just protection from discrimination, collective bargaining has won Black workers fairness in pay and advancement, access to health insurance and retirement savings, and basic worker safety protections.3 This is especially true for Black public-sector workers. Twenty-five percent of all Black college graduates work in the public sector, and government work is second only to health and education services in concentration of Black workers.4 As scholar Michael Honey points out, “The one toe-hold many black and minority workers (and especially women among them) still have in the economy is in unionized public employment.5

Now, Republicans in state legislatures around the country are attacking public employees’ collective bargaining rights. The battle began in Wisconsin, when Republican Governor Scott Walker offered a bill that would strip public employees of their collective bargaining rights. In response, thousands of regular people filled the state capitol in protest — with many camping out there for days or even weeks. To stop the bill and force Republicans to negotiate, 14 Democratic state senators left Wisconsin, (preventing Republicans from voting on the bill). Despite the overwhelming public opposition to the bill, Republicans were eventually able to pass the law using procedural tricks late last week.6 But the protesters in Wisconsin drew the world’s attention to this fight, and exposed the attack on collective bargaining rights as hugely unpopular and politically motivated. And right now they’re working to hold Republicans accountable in powerful ways.

Wisconsin is one of many states where collective bargaining is under attack. Republicans in Ohio just passed a law similar to Wisconsin’s, and states from Indiana to New jersey are prepared to follow suit.

Republicans say that their effort to roll back collective bargaining rights is necessary to curb spending in times of economic hardship, but that just doesn’t square with the facts. In no state are public employees’ salaries or pension benefits a major cause of their current financial problems.7 The Republican efforts are part of a strategy to attack public employees’ unions, which overwhelmingly give money to Democratic interests. Without the strength of the unions, many expect that President Obama and other Democrats will have a tougher time raising funds for the 2012 election.8

DePaul University law professor Terry Smith says that, “Dismantling bargaining rights will disproportionately affect African Americans.”9 This right has played a vitally important role in Black Americans’ move into the middle class. For Republicans, the economic well-being of Black folks (and all workers) is only collateral damage in a political battle. It’s shameful.

That’s why it’s important that we stand with the brave workers around the country fighting to preserve the right to collectively bargain in their states. They’re on the front lines, and your message of support will help them keep going even as circumstances get tougher. Please join us in telling these workers that you stand with them, and then ask your friends and family to do the same.

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/workers

Thanks and Peace,

– James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team

March 15th, 2011

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/205?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=6

References:

1. “How Unions Helped Bring Economic Justice to Black Workers,” AlterNet, 2-25-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/785?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=8

2. See Reference 1

3. “Gutting Unions Hurts the Black Middle Class,” The Root, 3-11-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/779?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=10

4. “Black Workers Central to National Union Battle,” ColorLines, 3-1-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/780?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=12

5. “It’s 1968 All Over Again and King’s Fight for Unions Is Still Essential,”

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/781?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=14

6. “Wisconsin Union Law to Take Effect on March 26,” Wall Street Journal, 3-14-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/782?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=16

7.“Unions aren’t to blame for Wisconsin’s budget,” The Washington Post, 2-18-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/783?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=18

8. “WI Senate GOP Leader Admits On-Air That His Goal Is To Defund Labor Unions, Hurt Obama’s Reelection Chances,” Think Progress, 3-9-2011

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/784?akid=1932.1174326.mkhRBj&t=20

9. See Reference 3

Cost Estimate for H.R. 3, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

•Cost Estimate for H.R. 3, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

Cost estimate for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on March 3, 2011, incorporating a Manager’s Amendment

http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=12105

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A few words on the crisis in Japan …Philip Radford, Greenpeace

The nuclear situation in Japan continues to deteriorate. Our thoughts are with the people of Japan as they grapple with this crisis.

Like everyone else, I couldn’t stop following the news after I first learned of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. While these things are nothing new to the region, it was obvious that this was something bigger. The Japanese response has been nothing short of amazing, and it’s awe-inspiring to see the human spirit in action to help worldwide.

But sadly, the worst was far from over.

Within hours, reports started surfacing that the nuclear facilities at Fukushima had been seriously damaged. Soon our fears were confirmed.

Greenpeace is no stranger to the issue of nuclear power. In fact, monitoring nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska was our first mission. For nearly 40 years, we’ve been educating on the dangers of nuclear power as an unacceptable risk to humanity and the environment. Obviously, we’re concerned for the people of Japan as the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters unfold.

Many of our members have come to us with questions and concerns about this crisis. Could we face a similar disaster in the U.S.? What’s our country’s policy on nuclear power? These are important questions, and, we’ll be working to bring you the most up-to-date information. And we’ll continue to be the voice we have been for nearly 40 years — one committed to protecting and conserving the environment and to promoting peace.

To read more about our history and our work on nuclear energy visit our website at:

http://us.greenpeace.org/site/R?i=B1mwKbkpEeaPu8AGAKofeg..

In peace and solidarity,

Philip Radford

Greenpeace USA Executive Director

P.S. Please forward this message on to any of your friends and family who are following the situation in Japan

Stand Up to the GOP’s War on Women

The anti-choice politicians running the U.S. House of Representatives are out of control – they’ve declared a War on Women.

They are working to end insurance coverage for abortion and make it as difficult as possible for any woman to access this care – even if it is necessary to save her life.

http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=THuCzRcms2AirKyO44fWAA..

We’re fighting against a War on Women, and need your help to stop the attacks.

H.R.3 is one of two bills where anti-choice politicians tried to redefine rape. Thanks to massive public outcry, our opponents backed down on that front. But even without a rape-related provision, these two bills could change women’s access to abortion forever.

**H.R.3 would effectively block private-insurance plans from covering abortion care in the new health-care system and impose tax penalties on small-business owners and some other individuals who purchase private-insurance plans that cover abortion.

**H.R.358 would allow hospitals to refuse to provide abortion care, even when necessary to save a woman’s life.

Tell your representative that this anti-choice agenda goes way too far. http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=I4DeHZznx42daIUejRXEFA..

Congress introduces a lot of bills that, frankly, don’t go anywhere. But both of these bills are moving quickly and have been passed by key committees. H.R.3 just gained 221 cosponsors, which is enough to push the bill straight to a vote in the full House.

We cannot let these anti-choice attacks go unanswered. Please send an email to your member of Congress and help us oppose H.R.3 and H.R.358.

http://site.pfaw.org/site/R?i=FI3DDRELbRpLrZv-LgQ3ug..

Your voice makes a difference. Please, take action now.

My best,

Nancy Keenan

President, NARAL Pro-Choice America

@Stake: Your Wisconsin Response

Incredible! On behalf of the DCCC, I can’t thank you enough for shattering our GOP Accountability Fund goal by raising over $220,000.

Thanks to you, within minutes of Wisconsin Senate Republicans ramming through union busting legislation that takes away the collective bargaining rights of public workers — and Republicans in Washington preparing to continue their assault on workers and middle class families — you sent a powerful message. Your unbelievable support will help us hold Republicans accountable for their unacceptable agenda.

We’ve also set a goal of gathering 100,000 signatures on our petition denouncing Republicans’ assault on workers’ rights. We can get there if we get just 543 more signatures from Seattle.

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63cbbd/1b9dd8ab/56f19114/4e0d14d0/1642505883/VEsE/

As a special thank you for all your great support, we’re pleased to bring you our latest @Stake.

Wisconsin Republican Sean Duffy Chooses Governor Walker Over Workers

DCCC Online Ad

After trying to keep his distance from Wisconsin Governor Walker and his union busting legislation, Republican Congressman Sean Duffy is now supporting Walker. In fact, Duffy appeared at Wisconsin GOP fundraising dinner Saturday with Walker.

Thanks to you, we’ve launched this online ad as part of our campaign informing Wisconsin voters about Duffy and Walker’s shameful stand against workers.

We can’t thank you enough for your support.

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Social Security and Medicare on the Chopping Block?

House Republicans’ Budget Chairman Paul Ryan has announced that he will propose controversial cuts to health programs that millions of seniors rely on. Ryan has previously supported a budget plan that would privatize Social Security and dismantle Medicare as we know it, all while protecting you know who — Big Oil, Big Banks, and Big Insurance

Tell Speaker Boehner, Chairman Paul Ryan and other House Republicans we won’t stand for privatizing Social Security or destroying Medicare >>

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63cbbd/1b9dd8ab/56f19114/4e0d14d8/1642505883/VEsHBA/

“““““““““

Denounce Congressman King for Stoking Fear, Singling out Muslim American Community

Republican Congressman Peter King is holding Congressional hearings singling out the Muslim American community for supposedly aiding and abetting terrorism.

As Democratic Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim American elected to Congress, said in his moving statement,

“Ascribing the evil acts of a few individuals to an entire community is wrong; it is ineffective; and it risks making our country less secure… Targeting the Muslim American community for the actions of a few is unjust.”

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63cbbd/1b9dd8ab/56f19114/4e0d14d4/1642505883/VEsA/

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BP Apologist Republican Joe Barton Defends Using Taxpayer Subsidies for Big Oil

As if disgracefully apologizing to British Petroleum after the Gulf Coast Oil Spill wasn’t bad enough, Congressman Joe Barton is now defending House Republicans’ support of taxpayer funding for subsidies to oil and gas companies.

Despite record profits and skyrocketing gas prices, Barton and every House Republican voted to protect Big Oil, while slashing education funding and making it harder for families to afford college.

http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63cbbd/1b9dd8ab/56f19114/4e0d14d5/1642505883/VEsB/

There’s so much more to come. With Republicans refusing to listen to the American people and attacks being waged against workers and middle class families, stay tuned for the next edition of @Stake for all the ways you can help us hold Republicans accountable.

Thanks again for your tremendous support.

Robby Mook

DCCC Executive Director

Think Fast ..thinkprogress.org

Nearly six in ten Americans say a federal government shutdown would be bad for the country , according to a new CNN poll. That figure jumps to 73 percent if a shutdown were to last “a few weeks.” However, a majority of Tea Party supporters approve of a shutdown, even if it were to last several weeks.

Yesterday, the House passed a stop-gap bill to fund the government until April 8 by a 271-148 vote. While six Republicans voted against the first stop-gap, 54 voted to oppose the measure yesterday, and a similar GOP defection is shaping up in the Senate with Sens. Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) set to oppose the bill.

Facing its “biggest crisis in 25 years,” the nuclear industry is wielding hefty clout by spending “tens of millions” on lobbying and campaign contributions. One company has spent $3.76 million to lobby, while contributing to 134 House and 30 Senate campaigns. The Center for Responsive Politics notes that companies “bring a lot of resources and a heck of a lot of cash to bear if this fight goes forward.”

Col. Muammar Qaddafi called for opposition forces to surrender yesterday, in an interview with an Italian newspaper. “They have no hope. The cause for them is lost by now. There are only two possibilities: to surrender or to escape,” he said.

Saudi Arabian troops entered Bahrain yesterday on behalf of the country’s rulers, having been called in to crush the pro-democracy movement . Hundreds were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces, and several people were killed. “We can’t start dialogue with violence everywhere in the country,” said opposition leader Abdul Khalil.

Top U.S. commander in Afghanistan Gen. David Petraeus said yesterday on Capitol Hill that he will soon recommend a plan to begin withdrawing troops but also reinforces President Obama’s goal of maintaining a long-term military partnership with Afghanistan. Petraeus said that most of the Taliban’s battlefield momentum has been halted, setting the stage for partial withdrawal this summer.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and other liberal senators who oppose Social Security cuts are trying to outflank centrists by introducing a bill that would require a two-thirds vote on any change to the program. According to The Hill, the group “fear[s] that Obama might strike a deficit-reduction deal with GOP leaders that could raise the Social Security retirement age or shrink cost-of-living adjustments.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said he will ” allow a floor vote on a Republican amendment to nullify the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases.” The vote is expected as early as today and is expected to very close.

And finally: Vice President Biden will now be able ride his beloved Amtrak between Washington’s Union Satiation and Delaware’s Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station . NBC10 in Philadelphia reports that as part of renovations, the station in Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, DE will be renamed after the country’s best known passenger rail advocate at a ceremony today.

in Session: the Republican led House debates&votes -the Senate :amendments to small biz,Vets biz dev.,S.493.SBIR,STTR Reauthorization bill

The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET March 16, 2011

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 10:30am 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 resume consideration of S.493, the SBIR and STTR Reauthorization bill and proceed to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:

- Nelson (NE) amendment #182 (SoS reduce Senate budget by 5%)

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

Senators should expect 2 roll call votes at approximately 10:30am on Wednesday. Additional roll call votes in relation to amendments to the small business bill are expected during Wednesday’s session of the Senate.

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

- 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)

- Casey #216 (subcontractor notification)

- Cornyn amendment #186 (to create the United States Authorization Sunset Commission Act of 2011)

- Paul amendment #199 (Cuts $200 billion in FY2011 Funding)

- Sanders amendment #207 (Social Security)

- Hutchison amendment #197 (delay implementation of health reform law until final resolution in pending lawsuits)

- Coburn amendment #184 (to provide a list of programs administered by every Federal department and agency)

- Pryor amendment #229 (Patriot Express Loan Program)

The Senate has reached an agreement that there be 2 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to the Casey amendment #216 (subcontractor notification). No amendments are in order to the amendment prior to a vote.

There will be no further roll call votes today.

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

The Senate has reached the following agreement to consider the 3-week continuing resolution. At 12:00 noon tomorrow, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.J.Res. 48 (3-week CR). There will be up to 3 hours for debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders, or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote on passage of the joint resolution. Senators should expect this vote to begin at approximately 3pm tomorrow.

Upon disposition of H.J.Res. 48 (CR) tomorrow, the Senate will proceed to Executive session to consider calendar #11, the nomination of Amy Berman, of the district of Columbia, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia. There will be 2 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Votes:

38: Nelson (NE) amendment #182 (SoS reduce Senate budget by 5%); Agreed to: 98-1

39: Snowe-Landrieu-Coburn amendment #193: (strikes Federal authorization of the National Veterans Business Development program); Agreed to: 99-0

40: Casey amendment #216: (subcontractor notification)

Agreed To: 99-0

Unanimous Consent:

Adopted H.Con.Res.27, a concurent resolution providing for the acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol.

Adopted S.Res.94, a resolution to express the sense of the Senate in support of reducing its budget by at least five percent.

Adopted S.Res.103, a resolution providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

The Senate confirmed the following nominations by UC:

ARMY

#50 Lt. Gen. Purl K. Keen – Lieutenant General

#51 Gen. Martin E. Dempsey – General

#52 Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Votel – Lieutenant General

#53 Brig. Gen. Donald L. Rutherford – Major General

#54 Maj. Gen. Donald M. Campbell, Jr. – Lieutenant General

#55 Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Conant – Lieutenant General

#56 Lt. Gen. John F. Kelly – Lieutenant General

#57 Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup – Vice Admiral

#58 Vice Adm. Joseph D. Kernan – Vice Admiral

All nominations placed on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

 ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 16, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:54 P.M. -

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

6:45 P.M. -

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

6:44 P.M. -

Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 174.

H.R. 861:

to rescind the third round of funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and to terminate the program

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 242 – 182 (Roll no. 188).

6:38 P.M. -

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 153 – 272 (Roll no. 187).

6:22 P.M. -

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

6:11 P.M. -

DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Braley (IA) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the bill back to the House with an amendment to require that states give priority emphasis and consideration to rural areas when distributing Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds that were allocated by HUD and appropriated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.

Mr. Braley (IA) moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.

6:09 P.M. -

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 861.

6:08 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Maloney amendment Failed by recorded vote: 179 – 246 (Roll no. 186).

6:02 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Waters amendment Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 249 (Roll no. 185).

5:56 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Waters amendment Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 248 (Roll no. 184).

5:48 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 244 (Roll no. 183).

5:23 P.M. -

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

On agreeing to the Castor (FL) amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

5:12 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Comittee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor amendments en bloc.

Amendments en bloc offered by Ms. Castor (FL).

Amendments en bloc consisting of amendments 9 and 10 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34.

5:11 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Maloney amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Maloney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

5:01 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney amendment number 8.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Maloney.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to list the number of homes in each state that have been vacant for 90 days or more and which would be eligible for rehabilitation under the program. Would also state that by voting to terminate this program, these units may not be able to be rehabilitated using NSP funds.

4:59 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waters amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:52 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment number 7.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to require the Secretary of HUD to study the number of homes that will not be mitigated in each Congressional district as a result of the funding rescission, and report findings to Congress.

4:51 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waters amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:42 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment number 6.

Amendment offered by Ms. Waters.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to require the Secretary of HUD to send a notice to NSP grantees that would have received funding under NSP that the program has been terminated.

4:41 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:31 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Richardson amendment number 5.

Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to amend the effective date of H.R. 861 to the sooner of: (1) 5 years from the date of enactment; or (2) the date when the national average of underwater mortgages on 1- to 4-family residential properties is 10 percent or less and the percentage of underwater mortgages relating to such properties in the state with the highest percentage of underwater residential properties is 15 percent or less.

4:30 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:21 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loretta Sanchez amendment number 4.

Amendment offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to add a new section with Congressional findings that if the rescinded and canceled amounts were instead made available for NSP, the Congress could have rebuilt U.S. neighborhoods.

4:20 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:12 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment number 3.

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to provide findings for the need for and efficacy of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

4:10 P.M. -

On agreeing to the Ellison amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

VACATED PROCEEDINGS – Mr. Ellison asked unanimous consent to vacate the proceedings by which his amendment numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34, was postponed, to the end that the Chair put the question on the amendment de novo. Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the Hurt amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:00 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hurt amendment number 2.

Amendment offered by Mr. Hurt.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in part B of House Report 112-34 to ensure that all unobligated balances rescinded by the bill should be retained in the Treasury’s General Fund for the purpose of deficit reduction.

3:59 P.M. -

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment, the Chair put the question on the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:49 P.M. -

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 170, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment number 1.

3:48 P.M. -

Amendment offered by Mr. Ellison.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 112-34 to list state-by-state funding allocations of Neighborhood Stabilization Programs Round Three potentially at risk.

On motion to rise and recommend that the enacting clause be stricken Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 240 (Roll no. 182).

3:20 P.M. -

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison motion to rise and recommend that the enacting clause be stricken to H.R. 861.

Mr. Ellison moved to rise and recommend that the enacting clause be stricken.

2:03 P.M. -

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 861.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles F. Bass to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 170 and Rule XVIII.

2:02 P.M. -

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 839 and H.R. 861 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measures will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. With respect to each measure, the resolution provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 170.

2:01 P.M. -

The House received a communication from Margaret Stephenson, Former Constituent Services Representative, Office of U.S. Represenative John P. Sarbanes. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Stephenson notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena, issued by the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County, to appear as a witness in the criminal trial of a third party who contacted Congressman John P. Sarbanes’ District Office and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.

2:00 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 March 16, 2011 at 11:08 a.m. stating that the Senate agreed to S.J.Res. 7, S.J.Res 8, and S.J.Res. 9.

1:59 P.M. -

Mr. Walden asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H. Res. 170:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 839) to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to terminate the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide new assistance under the Home Affordable Modification Program, while preserving assistance to homeowners who were already extended an offer to participate in the Program, either on a trial or permanent basis; and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 861) to rescind the third round of funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and to terminate the program

1:58 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: 241 – 180 (Roll no. 181).

1:36 P.M. -

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:32 P.M. -

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 170.

12:26 P.M. -

Considered as privileged matter.

12:25 P.M. -

ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Sessions asked unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to consider H.Con.Res. 28 in the House, if called up by the chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs or a designee; that the concurrent resolution be considered as read; that the previous question be considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution to final adoption without intervening motion except (1) one hour of debate controlled by Representative Kucinich of Ohio or his designee; and (2) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; and that section 7 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1546) not apply to the concurrent resolution. Agreed to without objection.

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.

12:02 P.M. -

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pitts 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.

12:01 P.M. -

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

12:00 P.M. -

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 16.

10:36 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.

10:00 A.M. -

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.