Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

By  ThinkProgress War Room

Conservatives Trash Anti-Immigration Reform Report

In 2007, the Heritage Foundation released an influential — though widely debunked — report claiming that immigration reform would cost the U.S. $2.6 TRILLION. While no one factor alone is responsible for the death of reform that year, the Heritage paper certainly helped kill it.

Well, “here we go again,” as Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) tweeted earlier today. Today, Heritage released an updated report with an even more fantastical claim: immigration reform with a path to earned citizenship (which the report and its authors falsely and repeatedly refer to as “amnesty”) will now cost $6.3 TRILLION over the next 50 years.

This time, however, something is different. It’s conservatives who are lining up to trash the Heritage report. In just the few hours the report has been out, influential conservatives have lined up to discredit Heritage’s way-too-bad-to-be-true claims:

• The Cato Institute
• Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform
• The American Enterprise Institute
• Doug Holtz-Eakin, prominent conservative economist and president of the American Action Forum
• Haley Barbour, former Republican Nation Committee chairman and Mississippi governor, and current co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s immigration reform task force
• Sen. Jeff Flake
• Sen. John McCain
• Sen. Marco Rubio
• Rep. Paul Ryan

As conservatives also pointed out, Heritage’s current view is even at odds with its own past statements on immigration:

The new report contradicts the think tank’s 2006 position on immigration. Heritage then wrote,“the argument that immigrants harm the American economy should be dismissed out of hand” and urged for a comprehensive bill. “A lopsided, ideological approach that focuses exclusively on border security while ignoring migrant workers (or vice versa) is bound to fail.”

Earlier this year when ultra-conservative former Sen. Jim DeMint was appointed to head Heritage, some worried aloud that this would undermine the organization’s credibility:

The DeMint choice signals a shift toward more conservative activism from one of America’s largest think tanks and is sure to please conservative donors. But it’s not likely to provide donors the political results they want. Instead, it is likely to reduce the relevance of both DeMint and Heritage.

Indeed, the organized opposition to the Gang of 8 immigration bill appears to consist largely of the Heritage Foundation, racist hate groups like FAIR, and right-wing talk radio hosts. While these groups may continue to be influential with some segments of the Republican base, it’s clear that they are increasingly outside of the mainstream of both American society and even the GOP itself. In fact, a poll out just last week found that 83 percent of all Americans and 84 percent of Republicans favor a path to earned citizenship so long as immigrants pay fines, back taxes, and meet other requirements — in other words, exactly what is in the Gang of 8 bill.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Air Force officer in charge of preventing sexual assault was himself arrested for sexual assault.

Feds ramp up crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries.

Elizabeth Smart: Abstinence education teaches rape victims they’re worthless, dirty, and filthy.

Not even Fox and Friends buys the GOP’s claims of Benghazi “cover up.”

Gun protesters plan march on Washington with loaded rifles in order to “put the government on notice.”

There are 2 MILLION extra unemployed Americans because of austerity.

NRA’s gun safety advice: store guns in your kids’ rooms.

Mississippi set to kill a potentially innocent man tomorrow.

Another week, another pointless House GOP vote to repeal Obamacare.

ThinkProgress …

Congress‘s lame duck session is proving more interesting than expected. Don’t miss out on these three important ThinkProgress stories from this week:

1. What You Need To Know About The Michigan GOP’s ‘Right-To-Work’ Assault On Workers

2. 11 Reasons You’re Glad Jim DeMint Is Leaving The Senate

3. After Spending $9 Million To Defeat Her, Wall Street Watches Sen-Elect Warren Join Banking Committee

Best,

Igor Volsky
Deputy Editor, ThinkProgress

the Progress Report

By ThinkProgress War Room

Today’s Top Three

The Progress Report is on hiatus for the rest of November. In the meantime, check out three important posts from ThinkProgress you don’t want to miss today:

1. Hostess To Pay $1.75 Million In Executive Bonuses After Blaming Unions For Bankruptcy

2. Members of Congress Implore Feds To Back Down On Marijuana Prosecution

3. Marco Rubio Flirts With Creationism, Says He’s Unsure How Old The Earth Is

Toxic T-shirts?

ZARA is using cancer causing chemicals and polluting the world’s waters. It’s time Zara cleaned up its act. Send a message now urging it to detox by 2020!

For months, Greenpeace conducted research into many of the world’s top clothing brands and found disturbing news — ZARA, along with several other retailers — is polluting waters in China with hazardous chemicals.

Those chemicals then wash into our waters when we rinse our clothes. Most of the fashion industry is treating public waterways like its own private sewers.

It’s time we eliminate hormone-disrupting chemicals from the world’s waters before it’s too late. That’s why we’re challenging some of the most popular clothing brands to eliminate toxic chemicals from its process by 2020 — and we need your help.

If 40,000 of us send a message to ZARA in the next 48 hours it will encourage the company to take the pledge to detox its clothing and stop the use of hazardous chemicals.

www.greenpeaceusa.org 

Let’s face it, beautiful fashion shouldn’t cause toxic pollution. H&M and British retailer Marks & Spencer know that. These companies have committed to eliminating all toxic chemicals from its supply chains and products. But ZARA, one of the world’s biggest fast fashion retailers, remains silent.

ZARA is famously responsive to trends and keeps a close watch on buzz about its brand. If all of us can pressure the company to follow in the footsteps of those who have committed to clean up its act, this is one trend it won’t be able to ignore.

We know it’s possible to clean up the toxics, we’ve seen it happen before. Thanks to you, the detox campaign secured commitments from Puma, Adidas and other sports apparel makers to clean up their practices and detox their line by 2020. So it can be done, but we’ll need your help.

Reach out to ZARA right now with an urgent message to clean up its practices and detox today.

 http://www.greenpeaceusa.org

As consumers your voice is critical to convincing ZARA and other companies to do the right thing. If the company responds the rest of the industry could follow, so it’s urgent we act now.

Thanks for your help,

John Deans
Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner

the Progress Report: Republicans who were for Mandated Coverage and now … not so much

Meet the Republicans for Mandated Coverage

By         ThinkProgress War Room

Republicans For Mandating Coverage (RMC) is a 51-member coalition representing Republicans who supported a federal health care mandate before President Barack Obama endorsed it. Check out the highlight reel:

Republicans who were for the individual mandate in health care before they were against it just because President Obama was for it:

Frmr. Gov. Mitt Romney (MA) | Frmr. Rep. Newt Gingrich (GA) | Frmr. Gov. Tim Pawlenty | Frmr. Sen. Bob Bennett (UT) | Frmr. Sen. Chris Bond (MO) | Frmr. Sen. William Cohen (ME) | Frmr. Sen. John Danforth (MO) | Frmr. Sen. Bob Dole (KS) | Frmr. Sen. Pete Domenici (NM) | Frmr. Sen. David Durenberger (MN) | Frmr. Sen. Duncan Faircloth (NC) | Frmr. Sen. Slade Gorton (WA) | Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA) | Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT) | Frmr. Sen. Mark Hatfield (OR) | Frmr. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (KS) | Sen. Dick Richard Lugar (IN) | Frmr. Sen. Alan Simpson (WY) | Frmr. Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) | Frmr. Sen. Ted Stevens (AK) | Frmr. Sen. John Warner (VA) | Frmr. Sen. Hank Brown (CO) | Frmr. Sen. Conrad Burns (MT) | Sen. Dan Coats (IN) | Sen. Thad Cochran (MS) | Frmr. Sen. Paul Coverdell (GA) | Frmr. Sen. Larry Craig (ID) | Frmr. Sen. Judd Gregg (NH) | Frmr. Sen. Jesse Helms (NC) | Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX) | Frmr. Sen. Dirk Kempthorne (ID) | Frmr. Sen. Trent Lott (MS) | Rep. Connie Mack (FL) | Frmr. Sen. Frank Murkowski (AK) | Frmr. Sen. Bob Smith (NH) | Frmr. Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) | Frmr. Sen. Malcolm Wallop (WY) | Frmr. Sen. Don Nickles (OK) | Rep. Cliff Stearns (FL) | Frmr. Rep. Jim (LA) | Frmr. Vice President Dan Quayle (IN) | Sen. John McCain (AZ) | Sen. Scott Scott Brown (MA) | Frmr. Gov. Tommy Thompson (WI) | Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN) | Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC) | Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) | Frmr. President George H.W. Bush | Sen. Olympia Snowe (ME) | Frmr. Sen. John Chafee (RI) | Sen. Jim DeMint (SC)

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

Even Donald Trump has problems with the Republican budget, which he calls “suicidal.”

Why do people think Chief Justice Roberts will support Obamacare?

Building the Keystone XL pipeline won’t bring gas prices down.

Fans of Obamacare showed their love for health care reform outside the Supreme Court today as oral arguments got underway.

Trayvon Martin’s killer George Zimmerman’s friend: “He’s very sorry because in many ways, George has lost his life too.”

Poll: Only 37 percent of Americans want Obamacare repealed.

Romneycare’s example helped convince Obama to adopt an individual mandate, according to a White House memo.

Rock The Vote rolled out a history of voting rights in America this week.

An Iraqi woman was killed in an apparent hate crime in California over the weekend.

Other recent Progress Reports

Mar 23, 2012: Happy 2nd Birthday, ObamaCare!

INFOGRAPHIC: Two Years In, ObamaCare Is Working Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed ObamaCare Supreme Court preview part III: The perils of overreach. Texas reporter fired after shocking interview on transvaginal sonograms. POLL: 53 percent want to see ObamaCare expanded or left as is, while just 38 percent want to see it [...]

Mar 22, 2012: No Etch A Sketch Will Wipe These Away

TEN Outrageous Positions That Mitt Romney Can’t Erase Yesterday, Mitt Romney’s top adviser, Eric Fehrnstrom, explained the Romney campaign’s strategy for the general election: try and erase all of Romney’s extreme right-wing positions.  Watch it: HOST: Is there a concern that Santorum and Gingrich might force the governor to tack so far to the right [...]

Mar 21, 2012: Jim Crow Redux? Why Millions May Be Denied The Right To Vote In 2012

Last year, Republicans opened up an attack on voting rights unseen since the Jim Crow era. In states as varied as Kansas, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, conservative legislators passed a range of new laws directly intended to make it more difficult to vote. Voter ID laws, which require certain forms of government-issued photo ID in [...]

Mar 20, 2012: The Tragedy Of Trayvon Martin

On February 26, 2012, a 17-year-old African-American named Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford, Florida. The shooter was George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old man. Zimmerman admits killing Martin, but claims he was acting in self-defense. Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, passed in 2005, allows people to use deadly force if they believe they’re in [...]

Congress: – the Republican led House – the Senate – H.R.2112 passes 69-30, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.

 the Senate Convened at 10AM ET November 1, 2011

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill.
• At approximately 10:15am, there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:

• Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
• Paul #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold);
• DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
• Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
• Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
• Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
• Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
• Following disposition of H.R.2112, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
• The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

ROLL CALL

10:16am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency) Not Agreed To: 13-85

10:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on Paul amendment #821 (TIGER Grants); Not Agreed to: 38-60

11:04am The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54

11:25am The Crapo amendment #814 (WSR-derivatives) was withdrawn

11:27am The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air service Development Program) Not Agreed To: 41-57

11:45am The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on the Lee motion to recommit (FY11 levels) Not Agreed To: 39-60

12:00 noon The Senate began a Roll Call Vote on passage of HR 2112, as amended (Agriculture/Commerce, Justice, Science/Transportation-HUD) Passed: 69-30

12:20pm LONG VERSION of HR2112 -votes

The following amendments have been considered  to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

• Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
• McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
• Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
• McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
• Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
• Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
• Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)  Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
• Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
• Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
• Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
• Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
• Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
• Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
• Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
• Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
• Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
• Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
• Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency); Not Agreed to: 13-85
• Paul amendment #821 (TIGER grants) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 38-60
• DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine); Not Agreed to: 44-54
• Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank); withdrawn
• Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program); Not Agreed to: 41-57
• Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels); Not Agreed to: 39-60
• DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding); fell on point of order
• Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report); withdrawn
• Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers); withdrawn
• Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation); withdrawn
• Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program); withdrawn
• Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program); withdrawn

The Senate will recess from 3:30-4:30pm for a members only briefing on national security issues.

2012 Calendar – 112^th Congress, Second Session

Convene – January 23, 2012 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday January 16)

4 weeks

February 20 – 24 State Work Period (Presidents’ Day February 20)

5 weeks

March 5- NO VOTE (Monday)

March 12 – NO VOTE (Monday)

March 19 – NO VOTE (Monday)

April 2 – April 13 State Work Period (Passover April 6-7; Good Friday April 6; Easter April 8)

2 weeks

April 30 – May 4 State Work Period

3 weeks

May 28 – June 1 State Work Period (Memorial Day May 28)

4 weeks

July 2 – July 6 State Work Period (Independence Day July 4)

4 weeks

August 6 – September 7 State Work Period (Labor Day September 3)

Target adjournment – TBD

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.1769, the Rebuild America Jobs Act. Unless an agreement is reached, this vote will occur Thursday morning.

WRAP UP

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.308, designating November 27, 2011 as “Drive Safer Sunday”.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

#412 Patricia M. Loui – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2015

#414 Larry W. Walther – to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for a term expiring January 20, 2013

———————————————–

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER  1, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:05:57 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.7:00:51 P.M. -S. 1280Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.7:00:50 P.M. -S. 1280On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 – 0 (Roll no. 817).6:54:23 P.M. -S. 1280Considered as unfinished business. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:54:10 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 9, 2 Present (Roll no. 816).6:30:45 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”6:30:35 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:30:22 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.6:06:24 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.6:05:54 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.6:05:39 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.6:05:30 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Considered by unanimous consent. S. Con. Res. 31 — “Directing the Secretary of the Senate to make a correction in the enrollment of S. 1280.”6:05:29 P.M. -S. Con. Res. 31Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker’s table and consider.6:05:09 P.M. -S. 1280At 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.5:41:18 P.M. -S. 1280DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1280.5:41:16 P.M. -S. 1280Considered under suspension of the rules.5:41:01 P.M. -S. 1280Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1280 — “To amend the Peace Corps Act to require sexual assault risk-reduction and response training, the development of sexual assault protocol and guidelines, the establishment of victims advocates, the establishment of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council, and for other purposes.”5:40:37 P.M. -H.R. 1002Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:40:33 P.M. -H.R. 1002On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:25:34 P.M. -H.R. 1002DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1002.5:25:32 P.M. -H.R. 1002Considered under suspension of the rules.5:25:14 P.M. -H.R. 1002Mr. Franks (AZ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1002 — “To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property.”5:24:33 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13At 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.4:48:52 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 13.4:48:50 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Considered under suspension of the rules.4:48:07 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 13Mr. Forbes moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 13 — “Reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions.”4:47:54 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.4:47:48 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.2:12:28 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for approximatley 4:45 p.m. today.2:11:50 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Sudan – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-69).2:10:41 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 sealed envelope from the White House on November 1, 2011, at 12:19 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of the notice filed earlier with the Federal Register on the national emergency with respect to Sudan.2:09:00 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of 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 November 1, 2011, at 9:44 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 394, with amendments, H.R. 368 and S. 1637.2:02:44 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.2:02:16 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schilling to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.2:02:12 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.2:00:40 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.2:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 1.12:02:37 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.12:01:50 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.12:01:37 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.12:00:26 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers HR2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

The Senate Convenes: 3pm October 31, 2011

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
• Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #249, Stephen A. Higginson, of LA, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 5^th Circuit with one hour equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
• The first roll call vote of the week will be at approximately 5:30pm today on confirmation of the Higginson nomination.
• On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, when the Senate resumes consideration of H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill (at approximately 11:10am), there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the following:

• Coburn #800 (rural development agency);
• Paul #821 (TIGER grants ) (60-vote threshold);
• DeMint #763 (epinephrine);
• Crapo #814 (Dodd-Frank WSR – derivatives) (60-vote threshold);
• Lee Motion to Recommit (FY11 levels);
• Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program);
• Passage of H.R.2112, as amended.
• Senators should be aware the Senate will recess at 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings and the series of votes listed above will be interrupted to accommodate the caucus meetings.  The Senate will resume voting on the items above, which are not completed prior to 12:15pm, at a time to be determined Tuesday afternoon.

10:AM The following amendments are pending to H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation/HUD Appropriations bill:

• Crapo amendment #814 (derivatives – Dodd-Frank)
• Lee motion to recommit H.R.2112 (FY11 levels)
• DeMint amendment #763 (epinephrine)
• DeMint amendment #764 (eliminate increase in funding)
• Coburn amendment #794 (government programs annual report)
• Coburn amendment #795 (collect more than $500M from deadbeat developers)
• Coburn amendment #797 (Federal buildings construction/purchase/lease/renovation)
• Coburn amendment #799 (Rural Energy for America Program)
• Coburn amendment #800 (Rural Development Agency)
• Coburn amendment #801 (Small Community Air Service Development Program)
• Coburn amendment #833 (end direct payment program)

The following amendments have been considered:

• Cornyn amendment #775, as modified (Operation Fast and Furious); Agreed to: 99-0
• McCain amendment #740 (eliminate TAA funding for firms); Not Agreed to: 44-55
• Collins amendment #804 (vegetables in school meal programs); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• McCain amendment #739 (critical surface transportation); Tabled: 59-39
• McCain amendment #741 (ethanol blender pumps and storage facilities); withdrawn
• Sanders amendment #816 (energy efficiency programs for small businesses); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Coburn amendment #793 (transparency in federally attended and funded conferences); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Coburn amendment #798, as modified (prohibit funds for purchase of new passenger motor vehicles); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent
• Murray amendment #772 (reconstruction of highway facilities damaged by natural disasters or emergencies); Withdrawn
• Vitter amendment #769, as modified (drug reimportation) Not Agreed To: 45-55 (60-vote threshold)
• Webb amendment #750, as modified (National Criminal Justice Commission)  Not Agreed To: 57-43 (60-vote threshold)
• Merkley amendment #879 (freight and rail products made in the US) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 55-44
• Brown (OH) amendment #874, as modified (Fair Housing Initiatives Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Moran amendment #815, as modified (spending levels for Watershed Protection); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Grassley amendment #860 (DOJ Federal Grants)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-54
• Landrieu amendment #781 (farmer program loans); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Kohl amendment #755 (spending plan); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Vitter amendment #917 to Menendez #857 (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-57-1(present)
• Menendez amendment #857 (extend loan limits for FHA, VA and others) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 60-38-1 present
• Gillibrand amendment #869 (increase funding for emergency conservation/emergency watershed protection programs); Agreed to: 58-41
• Lautenberg amendment #836 (Economic Development Assistance Program); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Bingaman amendment #771, as modified (funds to investigate trade violations); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Sessions amendment #810 (prohibit funds to allow categorical eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 41-58
• Coburn amendment #791 (prohibit funds for direct payments to individuals with income over $1M); Agreed to: 84-15
• Coburn amendment #792, as modified (end payments to slumlords) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 59-40
• Coburn amendment #796 (end lending schemes) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 73-26
• Ayotte amendment #753 (prohibit funds for prosecutions of enemy combatants in Article III Courts) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 47-52
• Portman amendment #859 (beam rail elements and terminal sections); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• McCain amendment #892 (Rural Development offices); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Cantwell amendment #893, as modified (infectious salmon); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Cochran amendment #805, as modified (Fossil-fueled electric generating plants); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Burr amendment #890 (transparency of FDA); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Inouye amendment #918 (strike provisions re: Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Kyl amendment #912, as modified (US Marshals Service & courthouse security upgrades); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Rubio amendment #898 (Evaluation of Gulf Coast Claims Facility); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Thune amendment #809 (reimbursement for expenditures made in reliance of a grant erroneously awarded); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Hutchison amendment #806; Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Brown (MA)-Kerry amendment #889 (Audits of Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund); Agreed to by Voice Vote
• Inouye substitute amendment #738 (text of the 3 appropriations bills); Agreed to by Unanimous Consent

5:33pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Stephen A. Higginson, of Louisiana, to be a United States Circuit Judge for the 5th Circuit; Confirmed: 88-0

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1637, Appeal Time Clarification Act of 2011

Passed H.R.368, Removal Clarification Act of 2011

Passed H.R.394, Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2011 with committee-reported amendments

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

#103 Eric L. Hirschhorn – to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

#416 Cyrus Amir-Mokri – to be an Assistant Secretary for the Treasury

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

#420 David S. Johanson – to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2018

There will be no roll call votes on Monday, November 14, 2011.

***************************************************************************

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF OCTOBER 31, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION 

 -The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on November 1, 2011.1:03:07 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.1:02:56 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.1:01:52 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.1:01:44 P.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.1:00:59 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 31, 2011.

huge developmen​t …Crystal King, DSCC Political Director

News just broke that a major Tea Party organization has created a new “Super PAC” to elect extreme right-wing candidates like Rand Paul and Jim DeMint. I put together a quick memo below about the major threat this poses to our 2012 plans.

This is a huge development that we will watch closely. But we can’t take them on unless everyone pitches in before this deadline.

Please contribute $5 to fight against this extreme group before midnight Sept. 30. Meeting this goal just got a lot more crucial to keeping the Tea Party from taking over the Senate.
WWW.DSCC.ORG

TO: Grassroots Activists
FROM: Crystal King, Political Director

PROBLEM: Yesterday, a major Tea Party group announced the launch of a SuperPAC, “FreedomWorks for America.” This group is planning a $20 million campaign dedicated to electing candidates in the mold of Jim DeMint and Rand Paul. They could spend even more. Thanks to the Citizens United decision, this PAC can spend unlimited money attacking our candidates.

THIS IS DIFFERENT: Unlike many other organizations, this well-funded group will focus on the most extreme, right-wing candidates. In fact, the PAC is already pledging support for Tea Party-Republican Senate candidates in Texas, Arizona and Florida.

IF THEY WIN: The Tea Party takes over the Senate, just like the House. The current Senate firewall blocking their dangerous agenda would be gone. Led by FreedomWorks’ new senators, they would end Medicare, privatize Medicaid, stop unemployment benefits, repeal health care reform, roll back civil rights, and shutter the EPA.

HOW WE WIN: Fulfill every fundraising goal, especially the one coming at midnight on Sept. 30. It’s the only way we can fight them head-to-head in every state. Otherwise, we hand over states – and likely the majority – to the GOP.

WHY: Because the DSCC is currently protecting 23 seats, under a razor-thin four-seat majority. We have to meet monthly budgets to stay ahead of the Republicans. Also, if the GOP gains a fundraising advantage, it can create runaway momentum before campaign season even starts.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: More than 90% of the DSCC’s contributions come from grassroots supporters. We absolutely can’t hold the Senate without your help. Please give $5, $10 or whatever you can. We still need to raise $465,000 by midnight Friday to stop the Tea Party takeover.   WWW.DSCC.ORG

Sen.Dick Durbin …

Republicans won back the House by campaigning on jobs, jobs, jobs. Now, President Obama puts forward a real jobs plan, and what do we hear from them? First silence. Then complaints.

Truth is, many of them don’t want to boost the economy. That might interfere with their anti-Obama agenda and winning back the Senate. It’s cynical politics at its worst.

Scary thing is, if we don’t respond, their strategy could work. The Tea Party is engaged, Republicans are more determined than ever, and if we’re not challenging every attack, they will gain momentum. We saw in 2010 what GOP momentum looks like.

Fortunately, we have half a million grassroots donors and a strong plan to hold the Senate. You know that if we miss the goals to raise critical resources, we might lose seats we otherwise could have won. That’s why I know you’ll join me in helping the DSCC meet its crucial September goal.

It won’t be easy – it’s going to take all of us working together to hold the Senate. Karl Rove has teamed up with Haley Barbour and doubled his original Crossroads fundraising goal to more than $240 million. And we’ll also be fighting against laws passed by Republican governors – including Wisconsin’s Scott Walker and Florida’s Rick Scott – that will keep people from voting.

But if Republicans think we’re going to sit by and let them get away with it, they have another thing coming.
Democrats are investigating these undemocratic laws. And Rove’s Big Oil friends can’t hold a candle to our grassroots supporters. By meeting its fundraising goals, the DSCC can surpass its 2010 effort, knocking on 2 million doors, calling 5.5 million swing voters and running TV ads in nearly a dozen states. Every dollar you give helps make it happen.

You know how high the stakes are. If we lose four seats, our Democratic firewall is gone. Rick Perry, Eric Cantor and Jim DeMint would end Medicare, turn Social Security over to Wall Street, gut the EPA, slash education and defund Planned Parenthood. We’re not about to let them.

Can you give $5 or $10 today? The DSCC still needs $743,000 by its Sept. 30 deadline to protect our Democratic firewall and stop the Tea Party trio of Perry, Cantor and DeMint. 

Republicans think they’ve got a winning plan. But here’s a newsflash: We’ve only begun to fight. Thanks so much for standing up for the Democratic values we both believe in.

Sincerely,

Sen. Dick Durbin

The Progress Report

GOP Versus Itself On Default

Jul 1, 2011 | By ThinkProgress War Room

In Their Own Words: Republicans Explain Why We Must Not Default

The Treasury Department confirmed once again this afternoon that Aug. 2 is the do-or-default date when it comes to raising the nation’s debt ceiling. Meanwhile, Republican senators are simply digging in their heels to defend special tax breaks for corporate jet owners (among other things). Since the GOP won’t listen to reason, perhaps they’ll listen to…themselves when it comes to avoiding a default on our obligations:

“We’re at 15 percent revenue, and historically it’s been closer to 20 percent.  We’ve never had a war without a tax, and now we’ve got two. … Absolute bullshit.”

-Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-WY), yesterday

“The debt’s coming due, and they say it isn’t coming due. They’re wrong.”

-Former Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), former Senate Budget Committee Chairman, yesterday

“Raising the debt limit is necessary to preserve the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. We cannot as a Congress pass spending bills and tax bills and then refuse to pay our bills. Refusing to raise the debt limit is like refusing to pay your credit card bill–after you’ve used your credit card. The time to control the deficits and debt is when we are voting on the spending bills and the tax bills that create it. Raising the debt limit is about meeting the obligations we have already incurred. We must meet our obligations. Vote for this bill.”

-Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), in 2006

“Now, how can somebody spend like a drunken sailor and then all of a sudden find religion when it comes to raising the debt limit? This is just like eating a big meal and walking out on the bill.”

-Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), in 2002

“The result is that our government now needs to keep its promise to the American people, to all of various entitlement programs, but maybe most especially the program that that elderly woman asked about this morning. We must raise the statutory debt limit.”

-Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), in 2002

“You don’t have much choice if you charge something on your credit card. You have to pay it, and that’s effectively what this debt limit is . . . [W]e’ve already spent the money. The question is now, do we shut down the government, or do we fund what we’ve already done?”

-Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), last year. Last week, however, DeMint threatened any Republicans who vote against default.

“Let me tell you what’s involved if we don’t lift the debt ceiling: financial collapse and calamity throughout the world.”

-Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in January

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

The Heritage Foundation still doesn’t get it — corporate jets and commercial jets are not the same thing.

A recent study by UBS found a strong correlation between social inclusion, competitiveness, and economic development.

A 74-year-old gay-rights supporter was charged with assault after kissing a preacher protesting a pride event.

The American Family Association’s Bryan Fischer compared the Republican National Committee appointing the executive director of the pro-gay Log Cabin Republicans to its finance committee to inviting a pro-slavery Republican to join before the Civil War.

Despite original claims from his campaign that he did, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney did not raise $10 million in one day.

A former GOP senator turns on his old colleagues who say the debt ceiling doesn’t have to be raised, saying, “They’re wrong.”

2012 Watch: Romney’s Epic Reversal On His Campaign’s Central Theme

Even by Mitt Romney’s standards, this is whale of a flip-flop. After contending for months that President Obama had made the economy worse, Mitt Romney yesterday suddenly abandoned the central theme of his campaign when he told a crowd of reporters (including ThinkProgress’ Scott Keyes) that he never made any such claim. Truly epic video: