Issa’s witch hunt flops – demand accountabi​lity …Ben Betz, People For the American Way

House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Darrel Issa has led one partisan witch hunt after another since his party became the majority and he became committee chair. But his latest grasping-at-straws attempt to shame Democrats has blown up in his face.

Rep. Issa accused Democratic appointees on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) — the independent commission established in 2009 to investigate the causes of the financial crisis — of financial mismanagement, disclosing confidential information, conflicts of interest and unethically pursuing a partisan agenda. But the documents produced in this investigation not only failed to substantiate these claims, they actually demonstrated improprieties by some of the Republicans on the Commission.

Now, Chairman Issa wants to brush it all under the rug and look the other way. We can’t let him!

Join PFAW‘s petition to the Government Reform and Oversight Committee now demanding that they investigate improprieties by Republican members of the FCIC.

Outrageously, upon canceling a committee hearing on the FCIC accusations, an Issa staffer was quoted as saying, “they had found some documents at the last minute that didn’t fit the narrative.” A report by committee Democrats, based on 400,000 internal FCIC emails, memos and other documents, shows that those documents didn’t just “not fit” Issa’s narrative, they outright refuted them!

Issa’s allegations of financial mismanagement, inappropriate disclosure and partisan conflicts of interest on the part of Democratic commissioners all turned out to be bogus — frivolous charges not based on evidence of any impropriety. HOWEVER, the same could not be said of Republican members of the Commission.

There is evidence that Republican FCIC Commissioners Peter Wallison and Bill Thomas violated ethics guidelines and shared confidential information about the commission’s work with political insiders and Republican consultants. And contrary to the FCIC’s mission, Republican Commissioner Wallison repeatedly urged his GOP colleagues on the FCIC to use their positions on the Commission to help Republicans in their efforts to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill.

Don’t let Chairman Darrel Issa get away with this blatant hypocrisy. His witch hunt failed, but now he, and his committee, MUST investigate evidence of improprieties and conflicts of interest by Republicans on the FCIC.

Thanks for standing up for justice and accountability — the American Way.

– Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

P.S. It’s hardly a surprise that partisan and corporate conflicts of interest have been found among Republican FCIC members — these are the same people who insisted on issuing a minority report of the Commission’s findings that whitewashed the findings of phrases like “Wall Street” and “deregulation” in an attempt to rewrite the history of the financial meltdown. But Chairman Issa decided to open this can of worms with his own ideologically driven attacks on the Commission’s Democratic members. Now, it’s his responsibility to do the right thing and hold the real culprits accountable.

The Progress Report

The GOP’s New-Old Plan to Destroy Medicare & Social Security

Jul 19, 2011 | By ThinkProgress War Room

A Sneak Attack on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Everything Else

We are now frighteningly close to a default on our obligations with just two short weeks to go until Aug. 2. So what is the GOP doing? Offering up more pointless political stunts and wasting precious time by putting forward radical bills that have absolutely no chance of passing the Senate and which the president has already promised to veto.

The House of Representatives today considered and passed the so-called “Cut, Cap, and Balance” plan (more accurately described as the “Duck, Dodge, and Dismantle” plan), which is just like the GOP’s disastrous budget plan passed earlier this year — except much, much worse. This new plan — the GOP budget plan on steroids — is a wolf in sheep’s clothing that would require almost immediate, deep spending cuts. And instead of merely doing this by legislation, this plan would impose the GOP’s budget on America by manipulating our Constitution. Under this plan, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security would come in for deep cuts in the years to come.

Another pernicious element of the plan worth noting is that it also includes re-writing the Constitution in such a way as to make it nearly impossible to raise taxes — ever. While Medicare and Social Security can get slashed by a mere majority vote, raising taxes would require a 2/3 vote in both the Senate and the House. (If that kind of arrangement sounds familiar, it’s because that’s how the badly broken budget process in California works.)

What It Means

The centerpiece of the plan is as devious as it is wonky — cap on total government spending at 18 percent of Gross Domestic Product, a level of spending so low it has not been seen since 1966. While this overall cap cleverly disguises the scope and scale of the plan’s cuts, here’s a chart from the Center for American Progress’ Michael Linden and Michael Ettlinger that illustrates what the GOP’s “dangerous and disingenuous plan” could mean in practice (hint: massive cuts):

Then Versus Now: Why We Can’t Run the Government Like It’s 1966

It would seem fairly obvious that we can’t go back to the level of government spending we had in 1966, given the numerous differences between then and now. Here’s how today’s America stacks up against 1966 America (click here for full size):

Instead of radical bills and half-baked gimmicks, it’s time for the GOP to support a reasonable plan — including substantial new revenues — that will reduce the deficit and save us from the economic calamity that would result from a default on our obligations.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

Hundreds of Palestinian children were arrested and detained for weeks on end by the Israeli Defense Force, and 34 minors under the age of 14 were tried in military courts over the past five years, according to a new report by human rights group B’tselem.

Noam Sheizaf examines Israel’s new anti-boycott law and observes, “In the clearest choice it ever faced between the occupation and democracy, Israel has picked the occupation.”

Exclusive documents acquired by Think Progress offer new revelations about the first four years of funding for the neoconservative Foundation For Defense of Democracies.

Politics has a moral dimension, whether we want to admit it or not.

Bill Clinton would invoke the 14th Amendment to end the deficit crisis “without hesitation.”

Despite the Senate’s confirmation of the first openly gay male federal judge, federal judges are retiring at twice the rate new judges are being confirmed.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) is fighting the nation’s budget deficit, one dollar bill at a time.

People with disabilities are suing the state of Tennessee over cuts to medical assistance, arguing that the loss of in-home nursing and personal assistance services will send them to group homes.

The Bachmann surge continues.

VIDEO: FAMiLY LEADER’s Vander Plaats Erupts in Laughter at ‘Faggot’ Joke: ‘That’s Pretty Good’

New Wisconsin TV Ad …Charles Chamberlain, Democracy for America

Which would you vote for — tax breaks for millionaires or essential funding for schools?

 Luther Olsen voted for the millionaires and now he’s one of six Wisconsin Republicans being recalled for his attacks on working families.

 We just finished a new TV ad showing how Olsen’s votes to cut school funding and support tax breaks for the rich has devastated communities across Wisconsin. Take a look and please contribute $10 to keep it on the air.

Last night, the first recall election was a big win for progressives. Republicans tried recalling Democratic State Senator Dave Hansen for standing up to their radical right-wing agenda — and he crushed their Tea Party candidate by a two-to-one margin.

 That’s a win for the defense, but we need to recall at least three Republicans next month to take back the State Senate and end the right-wing war on working families. Here’s what we’re doing to win:

 Right now, DFA Wisconsin Field Director Nick Passanante is on the ground leading our largest field program ever. So far, we’ve knocked on 20,262 doors in Republican State Senate Districts 8, 10 and 32.

 Thousands of DFA and PCCC volunteers nationwide have teamed up to make over 70,000 calls to Wisconsin voters as part of our Call Out The Vote program.

 Now, we’re expanding our campaign into District 14 with our first television ad.

 Our TV ads earlier this year got massive media attention for featuring real Wisconsinites. We don’t make cookie-cutter ads — we feature real people hurt by Scott Walker and his right-wing Republican war on working families.

Please contribute $10 now to keep our new TV ad on the air.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/935?akid=1100.1480546.d-DVKr&t=3

 We’re not taking anything for granted. We’re going to keep hitting Republicans for their attacks on middle class Wisconsin families — on the air, on the ground and on the phone — until we win.

 Thank you for everything you do.

 -Charles

 Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
 Democracy for America

Contracept​ion Without Co-Pays Within Reach!

We women already know it, but it’s nice to have a panel of experts confirm it: contraception is preventive health care!

For many years, the National Women’s Law Center has been working to get contraception covered in all health insurance plans, and we’re finally within reach of achieving this critical goal. But we’re not done yet – Obama Administration officials will decide soon whether to accept the expert recommendations released yesterday.

Sign our petition asking Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to accept these medically-based recommendations and to support no-cost contraception.

http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=Y4FlXXSd9ELx_vg0CFxZ4g..

Women are one step closer to having access to affordable health care, and the nation is one step closer to realizing the promise of the Affordable Care Act, thanks to yesterday’s announcement by a non-partisan, independent panel of experts. These experts brought their scientific and medical knowledge to bear to identify contraception, yearly well-woman visits, support for breast feeding, screening and counseling for domestic violence, and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, among others as essential preventive health care for women, and therefore health insurers should be required to cover them at no-cost to the woman.

We’re one step closer to making contraception more affordable than ever. But we still need your help to say – we’ve got you covered.

http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=c0XishDUTxZXpPtucE5qvg

Yesterday’s decision means that couples who want to plan and space their children, college students who decide to go to graduate school before starting families, and millions of other women trying to prevent an unintended pregnancy are one step closer to getting the affordable birth control they need. Help make it happen by urging HHS Secretary Sebelius to accept these expert recommendations and then forward the petition to your family, friends, and co-workers!

http://action.nwlc.org/site/R?i=IND1UTAHfWJieOhCFNgmuw

Thank you for all you do on behalf of women and their families.

Sincerely,

Judy Waxman

Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights

National Women’s Law Center

P.S. Your generous donation allows us to continue to work for women and their families. Support our work on reproductive health and other issues today.

wicked Weather Wednesday &Some News

just another rant …

I listen to mostly left of center radio by choice if my radio device(s) will let the reception through. However, lately the airwaves seem filled with a lot of progressive talk that is less than tolerable at least for me. I got it progressives and or the professional elite have control of the airwaves and have decided to put the rest of us who lean left at risk … well, maybe i don’t get it because as a shusterbot says Mr. Obama will run on the things could be a lot worse if you don’t vote for me platform. If it were up to me progressives would all take a huge chill pill and stop assuming you know what President Obama has decided to do before it actually happens. It is offensive not to mention who you are willing to give more credit to than the President .. Come on -get informed first, hear the plan and then have a tantrum, rant rave and then do all those things that are against your and the Democratic Parties best interest if you can. I support President Obama and while I do not always agree with him, I do wait for the facts and his move to change healthcare was great even with all the blue dogs siding and voting with republicans. The fact is President Obama has had Republicans blocking our move toward the 21st Century living and the Political Party of NO wants to hold the middleclass hostage. The response from my fellow leftie, well, maybe not my friends but people who call themselves progressives and or liberals told Americans to sit out the 2010 midterm elections and here we are. Oh – Oh i am quite sure they know who they are but some seem to act as if they have no responsibility at all. Unfortunately, these people are stirring up all kinds of negative nonsense, which as a voter makes absolutely no sense to me. Btw, I am so tired of the word capitulation and its use by so-called Obama supporters. I have to ask – is anyone else offended by those radio jocks who have been suggesting the left primary President Obama or that they will sit out 2012 out, they sound like childish BS and the obvious question is. In my opinion, if you are so easily swayed by folks you just might be a part of those waiting for President Obama to fail all along. I ask, do they all suffer from amnesia and what about all those people they stir up that listen and decide they are done with President Obama just because they heard some radio or TV host, talking head, pundit or whatever say this that and the other ? Will people please use your own brain and maybe ask yourself what did your member of Congress do to help the President or our left of center causes. I am only a human being but progressive talk is not always right, not always sincere and some not all get personally jazzed if they see their own voice can change what others are feeling or saying while others get paid to divided and conquer the Democratic Party. The problem is, well among several problems is that we need to circle the wagons not vote against our own best interest and make sure that President Obama gets an opportunity to change the faces of the Supreme Court as well as widen what the Democratic Party stands for.

The other thing that has been out there for a while and offensive is NPR maybe others like them have been addressing President Obama as Mr. Obama in most if not all their stories. I don’t know about you but I sincerely feel that “the media” address Obama as President Obama.  I am only one American but it sure seems as if “the media” was given orders to say Mr. Obama because most lean right of center and if not they need to be told they are being disrespectful to President Obama and of the office of President. The biggest group of our population having a problem with it was minorities but as we reach President Obama’s 3^rd year in office others are noticing the somewhat subtle nuance and in some cases, the use of Mr. Obama becomes a tool for bashing him with a club filled with nastiness. I really feel your station and employees should address him as President Obama not Mr. Obama. So, I wrote to NPR and their response is below.

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

Thank you for contacting NPR.

 We appreciate your thoughts regarding NPR protocol in referencing the President of the United States.

 For decades, it has been the broadcast practice of NPR to refer to the President by title on first reference and simply by “Mr. (last name)” or as “the President” for subsequent references within the same report. Such practice bestows optimal, non-partisan, respect upon America’s leader.

 We encourage you to view this column by the NPR Ombudsman for additional information about our policy: http://www.npr.org/ombudsman/2009/12/why_do_you_call_him_mr_obama.html

 Thank you for listening, and for your continued support of public broadcasting. For the latest news and information, visit NPR.org.

Sincerely,
Alan
NPR Services
202-513-3232
www.npr.org

Other News …

UN declares famine in Somalia: How to help

Comic-Con 2011: Emma Stone: ‘Spider-Man’ Trailer Is ‘Amazing’ (Video)

Rights Group Fears Syrians Tortured After Mass Arrests

Flotilla activist: Arrest in Israel was humiliating

Birth control should be fully covered under health plans, report says

Tiny fourth moon discovered in Pluto’s orbit

Minn. governor signs budget to end government shutdown

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

CSPAN …

House Passes Bill to Cap, Cut and Balance Budget; Senate to Take It Up

‘Gang of six’ release $3.7T deal

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

Cameron Addresses House of Commons

P.M. vows to ‘clear up this mess”

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

Senators Get Update on Oil Spill in Yellowstone River

Did you hear what Allen West wrote to Congresswoman D.Wasserman-Schultz …Steve Israel dccc@dccc.org

“You are the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the US House of Representatives… you are not a Lady.”
- Republican Congressman Allen West in an e-mail to Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Last night, Republican Rep. Allen West sent a disgraceful e-mail outburst to one of our most accomplished colleagues in the House, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, telling her to “shut the heck up” for daring to challenge the GOP plan to gut Medicare and Social Security to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

 I wish I could say I was surprised.

 Unfortunately, this is exactly the sort of partisan tantrum we’re used to from House Republicans as they push our economy to the brink of disaster while pandering to their Tea Party base.

We can’t let this shameful display go unanswered.

Contribute $3 or more right now to help us defeat disgraceful Republicans like Allen West in 2012. My Democratic colleagues are so appalled that they’ve agreed to match all gifts today dollar-for-dollar up to our $100,000 goal.  http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63c9d8/1b9dd8ab/4ff01b13/4e0cecce/3261119251/VEsH/

 This kind of appalling behavior is all too familiar from Congressman West, who has riled up his extremist right-wing base by attacking progressive women for “neutering American men,” calling supporters of President Obama, “a threat to the gene pool” and writing for a misogynist magazine that denigrated women with words I’d be ashamed to even repeat.

 And now that he’s in Congress, West thinks he can attack a respected legislator like Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz with this kind of hate-filled screed.

 Allen West has shown us his true colors, now let’s show him ours.

Contribute right now to help throw Allen West and his Tea Party colleagues out in 2012.  http://www.dccc.org/page/m/1d63c9d8/1b9dd8ab/4ff01b13/4e0cecce/3261119251/VEsE/

 Let’s make sure Republicans don’t forget this moment.

 Rep. Steve Israel
 DCCC Chairman

One Step Closer to Saving the Whales …Phil Kline, Greenpeace

VICTORY! Send a letter to President Obama to thank him for his support for transparency at the IWC.

Japan’s annual whale slaughter in the Southern Ocean took a huge blow last week.

That’s because vote buying at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) is history. Countries like Japan can no longer bribe poorer countries to support their pro-whaling stance. Whale conservation finally has a fighting chance.

The US delegation did the right thing and supported this measure. What a difference a year and a few million actions from whale lovers like you can make. This is your victory and a huge step in the right direction.

The Obama Administration deserves some credit as well. Please take a minute and thank them for their leadership.    Your letter will be sent to President Obama and his administration, thanking them for listening to the voice of the American people.

With supporters like you, we’ve brought the IWC into the 21st century. But we still have work to do. Next year, we need the IWC to allow Greenpeace and other conservation groups to have a voice. Conservation groups have always been at the forefront of whale protection, but have never been able to participate at the IWC meetings.   

Please take action now and thank the Obama administration. Thank you for all your good work in support of the whales.   

 

For the oceans,

Phil Kline
Oceans Campaigner
Greenpeace USA

Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate considers HR2055

The Senate Convened at  9:30amET July 20, 2011

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.
• At noon, Senator Johnson (SD) will be recognized to make a motion to table the Vitter amendment #586 (no funds expended at a higher rate than the budget resolution for 2012). Therefore, Senators should expect a roll call vote in relation to the Vitter amendment around noon on Wednesday.
• The Senate hopes to complete action on the Military Construction Appropriations bill.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill:

• McCain amendment #553 (eliminates $10M for the Energy Conservation Investment Program)
• Johnson-Kirk amendment #556 (Arlington Cemetery report), as modified
• Vitter amendment #568 (no funds expended at a higher rate than the budget resolution for 2012)
• Wyden amendment #570 (closure of Umatilla Army Chemical Depot in OR)
• Coburn amendment #564 (Agent Orange)

Addtional Amendments

The Ayotte amendment #575 (next-generation technologies),

 the Boxer amendment #577 (funding for DoDEA school),

 Hutchison amendment #562 (US Africa Command headquarters) and Hutchison amendment #563 (milcon project in Germany) are pending to H.R.2055, the Military Construction Appropriations bill.

VOTES

5:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R.2055, the Military Construction Appropriations bill, as amended; Passed: 97-2

4:52pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table the Coburn amendment #564 (Agent Orange); tabled: 69-30

12:03 pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to table the Vitter amendment #586 (no funds expended at a higher rate than the budget resolution for 2012). Tabled: 69-30.

The Senate has entered into a unanimous consent agreement with respect to H.R.2055, the Military Construction Appropriations bill. As a result of this agreement, there will be up to 4 roll call votes at approximately 4:45pm in relation to the following:

- Ayotte amendment #575 (next-generation prosthetics) (possible voice vote)

- Boxer amendment #577 (DoDEA school funding)

- Coburn amendment #564 (Agent Orange)

- Passage of H.R.2055, as amended

There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote.

The details of the consent agreement are below.

By unanimous consent, the Johnson-Kirk amendment #556, will be modified further with the changes that are at the desk; Senator Warner will be added as a cosponsor to the Johnson-Kirk amendment; the pending amendments will be set aside and two amendments from Senator Hutchison be called up — #562 and #563, en bloc, and following the reporting of the Hutchison amendments, the following pending amendments will be agreed to:

- Johnson-Kirk #556, as further modified;

- Wyden #570;

- Hutchison #562; and

- Hutchison #563.

Further, the pending McCain amendment #553 will be withdrawn; that no other amendments, motions or points of order will be in order other than motions to table or budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive; at 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a vote in relation to the following amendments in the order listed below:

- Ayotte #575;

- Boxer #577; and

- Coburn amendment #564.

There will be up to two minutes of debate equally divided between the votes; upon disposition of the Coburn amendment, the substitute amendment, as amended, will be agreed to; the bill will be read a third time and the Senate will proceed to a vote on passage of the bill, as amended; and the motions to reconsider will be considered made and laid upon the table.

Finally, that upon passage, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair will be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate with a ratio of 9 to 8.

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

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 20, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3:49 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

3:47 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

H.J. Res. 66:

approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 

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

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:24 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 66.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boustany moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended.

3:23 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

3:22 P.M. – Mr. Wolf filed a report from the Committee on Appropriations on H.R. 2596.

H.R. 2553:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

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

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 243 – 177 (Roll no. 611).

3:12 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 187 – 233 (Roll no. 610).

2:41 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rahall motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to prohibit air carriers from charging a fee for four or fewer items of baggage checked by a member of the Armed Forces who is traveling in scheduled air transportation on official military duty. Subsequently, the point of order was withdrawn.

2:40 P.M. – Mr. Rahall moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.

Mr. Rahall of West Virginia moved to recommit the bill, H.R. 2553, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � At the end of the bill, add the following: � SEC. 7. BAGGAGE FEES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. ***

2:39 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

1:39 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2553.

1:38 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2553with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 357.

H. Res. 357:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2553) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

1:36 P.M. – On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 242 – 178 (Roll no. 609).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:29 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 357 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 357:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2553) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes 

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 183 (Roll no. 608).

12:26 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 357.

12:25 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:02 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:01 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Bucshon 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.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 20.

11:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.