This video shows the road to health reform and how the president delivered affordable health care for all Americans.
The new law is making health care work better for all of us, even if you already have insurance. It puts the health of your family first—ensuring access to free preventive care and protecting consumers from insurance company abuses.
#ACA is also a jobs jobs jobs creator
Are you interested in creating a climate-friendly garden? These videos can help get you started. Follow UCS analyst Karen Perry Stillerman on her visit to Eden Place Nature Center in Chicago to see how the same practices used to create this urban oasis can transform the American agricultural landscape.
Use yard waste and table scraps to turn your garden into a global warming mitigation machine.
They provide shade, lower air conditioning use, and store carbon.
What we do in our gardens, farmers can do in their fields.
Tell Congress to reduce the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture–a practice that can lead to increased antibiotic resistance in humans putting all of us at greater risk of more serious, prolonged illnesses.
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
By ThinkProgress War Room on May 14, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Over the weekend, a top Republican pollster put out a memo urging Republicans to recognize the magnitude of the rapid change in public opinion about LGBT issues and start supporting a least some rights for gay people. And today, Gallup reported that societal acceptance of gays and lesbians is “the new normal.”
Most Republicans appear to have not gotten the memo, as it were, and have reiterated their opposition various rights for LGBT people in the wake of President Obama’s historic embrace of marriage equality.
Here’s the rundown.
IN ONE SENTENCE: While most elected Republicans probably won’t come around to supporting marriage equality any time soon, they still have a lot of evolving to do just to support basic rights for LGBT Americans.
Shades of 2000: Is Florida going to purge 180,000 Hispanic voters from the rolls?
Why does TV still perpetuate the stereotype that close male friends must always be mistaken for a gay couple?
A visual comparison of Barack Obama and George W. Bush’s records on issues of national security.
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus responded to JPMorgan’s huge losses by calling for even less financial regulation.
A former National Review writer thinks white supremacy is “one of the better arrangements history has come up with.”
Even the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board is starting to turn against austerity.
The Bain of Romney’s existence is back.
The Romney campaign massively downgrades claims about job creation, still can’t backup claim.
Romney camp names its main criteria for picking a Vice President: “incredibly boring white guy.”
A Severely Conservative University As we discussed yesterday, Mitt Romney has a radical anti-gay record and agenda. So it’s fitting that tomorrow he will be giving the commencement speech at Liberty University, a radically conservative, anti-gay Virginia university founded by the late televangelist Jerry Falwell. How radical? This is who the university’s founder blamed for [...]
Mitt Romney’s Extreme Anti-Gay Agenda Following yesterday’s historic endorsement of marriage equality by President Obama, Mitt Romney wasted no time in reminding Americans that he believes that LGBT relationships must be both separate and unequal. Romney reiterated his longstanding opposition to both marriage and civil unions: “Well, when these issues were raised in my state [...]
An Historic Day for Equality “I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those [...]
Republicans Block Senate Action on Bill to Prevent Student Loan Rate Hike As we’ve discussed before, student loan interest rates are set to double on July 1 unless Congress takes action. Before it recess, House Republicans passed a mean-spirited bill that paid for the extension of current rates by robbing an important preventive health fund [...]
I recently happened to be at an event where billionaire George Soros was being interviewed. The right wing hates Soros because he is: (a) liberal, (b) rich, and (c) fearless. [I could also make a case that they hate Soros because he is (d) Jewish, but I leave that up to you.]
Soros said a lot of things, but he said two sentences that I wish that everyone could hear. This is what he said:
“You can’t cut your way out of a recession. You have to grow your way out of a recession.”
The simple truth in those nineteen words seems to have eluded our policymakers, both Democratic and Republican, for the past four years. Here is a chart that proves it:
The chart has been featured regularly at Daily Kos, but it comes from the Calculated Risk Blog. It graphs job losses during and following each post-WWII recession, month by month, as a percentage of total employment.
As you can see, the job losses in America since 2008 are not only the worst in postwar history, but also feature the weakest “recovery.” In every single other recession, employment returned to peak levels in less than four years. (In fact, leaving aside the Bush Recession of 2001, employment returned to peak levels in less than three years.) Yet here we are, four years after the Great Recession started, still almost four percentage points under peak employment.
Which is five million jobs. Five million people who can’t find work. Five million people with no income.
So, as Soros and I might ask on Passover, “why is this recession different from all other recessions?” There is a simple answer: the austerity fetish. The bizarre notion that cutting is healing.
The Wall Street Journal recently confessed that without local government layoffs – police officers, firefighters, teachers and others – unemployment would be a full percentage point lower. I think that that’s an underestimate. If those police officers and firefighters and teachers still had jobs, we would be safer, and our children smarter. But beyond that, as those public employees spent their earnings, a lot of carpenters and waiters and real estate agents and cashiers would be able to get back to work.
And we have no one to blame but the cut-cut-cut policymakers, in whichever party. As Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman put it three weeks ago:
Consider, if you will, the current state of our nation. Despite hints of economic progress, we’re still in the midst of an immense disaster, in which unemployment and underemployment are devastating millions of American lives. And none of this need be happening! There has been no plague of locusts; we have not lost our technological know-how. Americans should be richer, not poorer, than they were five years ago. Yet economic policy across the board has become almost passive, has essentially accepted this disaster instead of trying to end it.
Soros and Krugman are right. It’s time to end this man-made economic disaster. It’s time to stop slashing our own economic wrists. It’s time for jobs.
Courage,
Mary is writing to all of us today, as a mom. When my husband and I decided to start a family, we wanted to make sure our baby girl, Hazel, came into this world healthy. I made sure to steer clear of certain types of fish prone to high mercury levels due to coal plant pollution. I didn’t want to put my baby at risk for the types of developmental problems mercury can cause.1 Not every mom is as lucky as I was to know about the dangers of mercury. I recently read that one in ten newborn babies in Minnesota had unsafe mercury levels due to the fish their mothers ate.2 I’m sure those moms had no idea they were putting their babies at risk! I was thrilled when the EPA issued new safeguards limiting the amount of mercury coal plants can pump into our air. Unfortunately, Sen. Inhofe (R-OK) is proposing legislation to repeal these life-saving protections – putting the health of thousands of mothers and babies on the line. Help me send a Mother’s Day message to Congress. Tell your senators that we won’t stand for any legislation that sacrifices the health of our moms and babies just to line the pockets of Big Coal CEOs! Right now we have the technology to limit mercury pollution from coal plants but some operators have refused to update their power plants. The only way we can keep more moms and babies safe is to support the EPA’s safeguards and require coal plants to deal with their mercury pollution. In the 21st century, no mother should be exposed to dangerous levels of mercury. It’s inexcusable. My daughter Hazel is now turning two. If and when she starts a family of her own, I hope she won’t have to worry about eating fish because of mercury raining down into our rivers, lakes, and oceans – we’ll be powering our country with clean energy. Join me to stand up for Hazel and all our sons and daughters. Let’s send 20,000 Mother’s Day messages to Congress urging our senators to oppose the bill to repeal the EPA’s mercury health protections. When the EPA established national mercury safeguards in January 2012, it was a true people-powered victory. Over 800,000 Americans wrote to the White House in support of the standards – more than have ever commented on any issue before the EPA. Congress called for these mercury protections over 20 years ago, but the coal industry succeeded in blocking them for decades. It was grassroots pressure and demand that finally overcame that resistance. Now that we’re faced with new challenges to the EPA’s mercury safeguards in the Senate, I know that if we work together we can overcome Sen. Inhofe’s attack. Thanks for all you do to protect the environment. Sincerely, Mary Anne Hitt Director, Beyond Coal Campaign Sierra Club P.S. After you take action, forward this message or spread the word on Facebook and Twitter by clicking our handy share buttons below:
[1] Human Health: Mercury. Environmental Protection Agency. April 19, 2012. [2] Seavert, Lindsey. Study: High Mercury Levels in North Shore Babies. CBS Minnesota. February 3, 2012. |
May 10, 2012 by TheAlyonaShow
Richard Mourdock, Indiana‘s state treasurer, defeated 36 year incumbent Dick Lugar last night to win the GOP nomination for this November’s election. Mourdock was backed by the same financial sector lobbyists that have dominated Capitol Hill for decades. According to Lee Fang, Lugar upset Wall Street by opposing its bid to delay limits placed on fees that banks can charge for credit card swipe fees. But it’s also Richard Mourdoch’s bizarre take on cooperating with Democrats that earns him tonight’s Tool Time award.
Point4CounterPoint says: Is this guy a warning flag or what – The Democratic Party needs to jump on what this man is spewing
From 1946, the poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West wrote a gardening column in the Observer. The columns were later collected into a set of books published between 1951 and 1958. Vita’s extensive gardening knowledge, her intense passion for her subject and her lively literary flair make these classics of garden writing essential for any serious gardener’s bookshelf. Volume 1 in a series of four anthologies reproducing the lively gardening columns by Vita Sackville-West. This volume covers 1946–1950.
the Senate Convenes: 10:00amET May 15, 2012
The following amendments have been considered to H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act:
Following Leader remarks on Wednesday, May 16, there will be up to 6 hours for debate prior to a series of roll call votes on motions to proceed to the Budget resolutions listed below.
- Calendar #357, S.Con.Res.41 (Sessions-his interpretation of the Obama budget);
- Calendar #354, H.Con.Res.112 (Ryan);
- Calendar #356, S.Con.Res.37 (Toomey);
- Calendar #384, S.Con.Res.42 (Paul); and
- Calendar #395, S.Con.Res.44 (Lee, Paul, DeMint).
If all time is used, senators should expect a series of up to 5 roll call votes to begin around 4pm tomorrow. There will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided between the votes. All after the first vote will be ten minute votes.
Notwithstanding the adoption of any motion to proceed, the Senate would proceed to the remaining votes on motions to proceed. At the conclusion of these votes, the Senate would resume consideration of the budget resolution if a motion to proceed is adopted. If no motion to proceed has been adopted, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
Prior to agreeing to the consent, Senator Heller asked consent to vote on S.1981 (No Budget, No Pay Act). Senator Conrad declined to modify his request.
At approximately 2:45pm today, the Senate will proceed to a series of up to 6 roll call votes in relation to the following items:
- Lee #2100 (terminate Ex-Im Bank);
- Paul #2101 (debt instruments)
- Corker #2102 (private sector financing);
- Vitter #2103 Energy products);
- Toomey #2104 (lending authority); and
- Passage of H.R.2072, Export-Import Bank Reauthorization, as amended, if amended.
2:43pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Lee amendment #2100 (terminate Export-Import Bank); Not Agreed To: 12-87
3:13pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul amendment #2101 (U.S. debt instruments); Not Agreed To: 9-89
3:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Corker amendment #2102 (private sector financing); Not Agreed To: 36-62
3:54pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Vitter amendment #2103 (energy products); Not Agreed to: 37-61
4:14pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Toomey amendment #2104 (lending authority); Not Agreed to: 35-63
4:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act; Passed: 78-20
4:44pm There will be no further roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.
5:13pm Following passage of Export-Import Bank Reauthorization (78-20), Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.2343 (Student Loans). The Senate then turned to Executive Session and Senator Reid filed cloture on the following nominations:
- Executive Calendar #646, Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and
- Executive Calendar #647, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
5:16pm Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Legislative Calendar #366, S.2344, an extension of National Flood Insurance program through December 31, 2012. Senator Coburn objected.
WRAP UP
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Lee amendment #2100 (terminate Ex-Im Bank) to H.R.2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act; Not Agreed To: 12-87
2) Paul amendment #2101 (debt instruments); Not Agreed To: 9-89
3) Corker amendment #2102 (private sector financing); Not Agreed To: 36-62
4) Vitter amendment #2103 (energy products); Not Agreed To: 37-61
5) Toomey amendment #2104 (lending authority); Not Agreed To: 35-63
6) Passage of H.R.2072, Export-Import Bank Reauthorization; Passed: 78-20
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Adopted S.Res.460, designating the week of May 20 through May 26, 2012, as “National Public Works Week”.
Adopted S.Res.461, recognizing the teachers of the United States for their contributions to the development and progress of our Nation.
Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.5652, Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012. (Republican request)
Began the Rule 14 process of S.3187, Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. (Harkin & Enzi)
No EXECUTIVE ITEMS
———————————————————————————————-
Chen Guangcheng: His Case, Cause, Family, and Those Who are Helping Him Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights
CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 15, 2012
112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION
-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 16, 2012.9:31:36 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:31:26 P.M. -Ms. Edwards moved that the House do now adjourn.8:24:47 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.8:23:29 P.M. -Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 656.7:36:36 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:33:20 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:32:54 P.M. -SPEAKER’S APPOINTMENT – Pursuant to section 201(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6431 note), as amended, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Chair announced the Speaker’s appointment of the following member on the part of the House to the Commission on International Religious Freedom for a term ending May 14, 2014: Mr. Elliot Abrams, Virginia.7:31:58 P.M. -H.R. 4045Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:31:56 P.M. -H.R. 4045On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.7:12:58 P.M. -H.R. 4045DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4045.7:12:56 P.M. -H.R. 4045Considered under suspension of the rules.7:12:30 P.M. -H.R. 4045Mr. Kline moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4045 — “To modify the Department of Defense Program Guidance relating to the award of Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence administrative absence days to members of the reserve components to exempt any member whose qualified mobilization commenced before October 1, 2011, and continued on or after that date, from the changes to the program guidance that took effect on that date.”7:10:54 P.M. -H.R. 205The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.7:10:52 P.M. -H.R. 205Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:10:51 P.M. -H.R. 205On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 – 0 (Roll no. 252).7:03:37 P.M. -H.R. 205Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 205 — “To amend the Act titled “An Act to authorize the leasing of restricted Indian lands for public, religious, educational, recreational, residential, business, and other purposes requiring the grant of long-term leases”, approved August 9, 1955, to provide for Indian tribes to enter into certain leases without prior express approval from the Secretary of the Interior.”7:03:17 P.M. -H.R. 3874The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.7:03:13 P.M. -H.R. 3874Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:03:13 P.M. -H.R. 3874On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 – 1 (Roll no. 251).6:56:34 P.M. -H.R. 3874Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3874 — “To provide for the conveyance of eight cemeteries that are located on National Forest System land in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota.”6:56:08 P.M. -H.R. 365Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:56:07 P.M. -H.R. 365On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 – 1 (Roll no. 250).6:31:02 P.M. -H.R. 365Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 365 — “To encourage, enhance, and integrate Blue Alert plans throughout the United States in order to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.”6:30:29 P.M. -H.R. 4310UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Bartlett asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to file a supplemental report on H.R. 4310.6:30:28 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 15.6:21:51 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess for a period of less than 15 minutes.6:20:35 P.M. -H. Res. 568At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:54:42 P.M. -The House resumed debate on H. Res. 568.5:53:51 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2072, without amendment.5:43:26 P.M. -H. Res. 568DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 568.5:43:24 P.M. -H. Res. 568Considered under suspension of the rules.5:43:06 P.M. -H. Res. 568Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended. H. Res. 568 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.”5:42:59 P.M. -H.R. 4240Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:42:55 P.M. -H.R. 4240On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:38:55 P.M. -H.R. 4240DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4240.5:38:52 P.M. -H.R. 4240Considered under suspension of the rules.5:38:39 P.M. -H.R. 4240Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4240 — “To reauthorize the North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, and for other purposes.”5:37:54 P.M. -H.R. 205At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:27:47 P.M. -H.R. 205DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 205.5:27:43 P.M. -H.R. 205Considered under suspension of the rules.5:27:28 P.M. -H.R. 205Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 205 — “To amend the Act titled “An Act to authorize the leasing of restricted Indian lands for public, religious, educational, recreational, residential, business, and other purposes requiring the grant of long-term leases”, approved August 9, 1955, to provide for Indian tribes to enter into certain leases without prior express approval from the Secretary of the Interior.”5:27:04 P.M. -H.R. 3874At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.5:21:54 P.M. -H.R. 3874DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3874.5:21:51 P.M. -H.R. 3874Considered under suspension of the rules.5:21:33 P.M. -H.R. 3874Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3874 — “To provide for the conveyance of eight cemeteries that are located on National Forest System land in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota.”5:21:23 P.M. -H.R. 2745At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Heinrich objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:15:56 P.M. -H.R. 2745DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2745.5:15:55 P.M. -H.R. 2745Considered under suspension of the rules.5:15:50 P.M. -H.R. 2745Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2745 — “To amend the Mesquite Lands Act of 1986 to facilitate implementation of a multispecies habitat conservation plan for the Virgin River in Clark County, Nevada.”5:15:30 P.M. -H.R. 2621At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Heinrich objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.5:09:34 P.M. -H.R. 2621DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2621.5:09:33 P.M. -H.R. 2621Considered under suspension of the rules.5:09:00 P.M. -H.R. 2621Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2621 — “To establish the Chimney Rock National Monument in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.”5:07:47 P.M. -H.R. 3534Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:07:44 P.M. -H.R. 3534On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:55:57 P.M. -H.R. 3534DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3534.4:55:55 P.M. -H.R. 3534Considered under suspension of the rules.4:55:37 P.M. -H.R. 3534Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3534 — “To amend title 31, United States Code, to revise requirements related to assets pledged by a surety, and for other purposes.”4:54:11 P.M. -H.R. 365At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:34:50 P.M. -H.R. 365DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 365.4:34:38 P.M. -H.R. 365Considered under suspension of the rules.4:34:20 P.M. -H.R. 365Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 365 — “To encourage, enhance, and integrate Blue Alert plans throughout the United States in order to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.”4:33:02 P.M. -H.R. 4119At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.4:18:55 P.M. -H.R. 4119DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4119.4:18:39 P.M. -H.R. 4119Considered under suspension of the rules.4:18:22 P.M. -H.R. 4119Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4119 — “To reduce the trafficking of drugs and to prevent human smuggling across the Southwest Border by deterring the construction and use of border tunnels.”4:17:56 P.M. -H.R. 1864Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:17:53 P.M. -H.R. 1864On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.4:08:27 P.M. -H.R. 1864DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1864.4:08:24 P.M. -H.R. 1864Considered under suspension of the rules.4:08:00 P.M. -H.R. 1864Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1864 — “To limit the authority of States to tax certain income of employees for employment duties performed in other States.”4:07:59 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:06:50 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 15.2:14:08 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 P.M. today.2:12:29 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House continued one minute speeches.2:12:01 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 received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 14, 2012 at 1:34 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 4967 without amendment and S. 418.2:11:29 P.M. -The House received a communication from The Honorable Darrell Issa, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and GovernmentReform. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Chairman Issa notified the House that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform had been served with a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for documents, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he would make the determinations required by Rule VIII.2:11:08 P.M. -The House received a communication from The Honorable Darrell Issa. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Representative Issa notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena, issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for trial testimony, and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he would make the determinations required by Rule VIII.2:05:23 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:04:17 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Womack to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:04:13 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:01:15 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:59 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 15.12:05:52 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.12:00:50 P.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.12:00:38 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Rob Bishop to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:27 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
