Transportation and Student Loan Bills … get signed

President Obama Signs Transportation, Student Loan Bill Friday, July 6, 2012     Washington, DC

President Obama signed HR 4348, the bill passed by Congress on the last day before the 4th of July recess, which includes the transportation and student loan interest rate bills.

More Info »

Senator Patty Murray: Working for the People in the Other Washington

June 29th – Senator Murray Secures Major Victory for Washington State Ferries

• June 28th – Senator Murray’s Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision on the Affordable Care Act
• June 27th – VETERANS: Spouse of Severely Wounded Veteran Testifies on VA’s Fertility Treatment

Republican Senators began a filibuster to block a bill that will prevent student loan interest rates… read more

CONGRESS: the Republican led House / the Senate debates Flood Ins and Student Loan rates hikes – 17 Dems voted w/Republicans -the list

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 28, 2012

• Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
• The first hour will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the second half.
• The Senate will continue to debate the flood insurance bill on Thursday. We await House action on the transportation bill.  We also have to consider the student loan extension before the end of the week

Senator Reid announced on the floor that he expects the Surface Transportation conference report, which includes Student Loan Interest Rate and Flood Insurance provisions, to be filed soon. We should know within the next hour or so if we can finish tonight or come back tomorrow. Another message will be sent as soon as we have more information.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.514, commemorating the victory of Loyola University Maryland in the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse National Championship.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.3342, a bill to improve information security and for other purposes. (McCain and others)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

http://t.co/jE7Tsrks

17Dems voted with Republicans

- Peterson, Owens, Altmire, Barrow, Donnelly

- Critz, Matheson, McIntyre, Walz, Ross, Rahall

- Boswell, Chandler, Kissell, Hochul, Kind, Boren

————————————————————————————————-

7:24:00 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.aspx

10:00:25 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:35 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:54 A.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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on June 27, 2012 at 9:12 a.m.: That the Senate concurred in the House amendment to S. 3187.
10:01:18 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE - The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:12:26 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:27 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 28.
12:00:34 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Greg Lafferty, Willowdale Chapel, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
12:02:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:04 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Maloney to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:41 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:28:51 P.M.	H. Res. 708	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 708 — “Relating to the consideration of House Report 112-546 and an accompanying resolution, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 706) authorizing the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to initiate or intervene in judicial proceedings to enforce certain subpoenas.”
12:30:55 P.M.	H. Res. 708	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 708.
1:43:34 P.M.	H. Res. 708	The previous question was ordered without objection.
2:08:03 P.M.	H. Res. 708	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 254 – 173 (Roll no. 437).
2:08:05 P.M.	H. Res. 708	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:08:08 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:08:09 P.M.	H.R. 4251	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4251 — “To authorize, enhance, and reform certain port security programs through increased efficiency and risk-based coordination within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.”
2:16:49 P.M.	H.R. 4251	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 21 (Roll no. 438).
2:16:50 P.M.	H.R. 4251	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:16:55 P.M.	H.R. 4005	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4005 — “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a study and report to Congress on gaps in port security in the  United States and a plan to address them.”
2:24:28 P.M.	H.R. 4005	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 9 (Roll no. 439).
2:24:29 P.M.	H.R. 4005	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:25:30 P.M.		NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER A PRIVILEGED RESOLUTION – Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas notified the House of her intention to offer a privileged resolution.
2:30:36 P.M.	H. Res. 711	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 711 — “Recommending that the House of Representatives find Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”
2:30:54 P.M.	H. Res. 711	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 708, the House proceeded with fifty minutes of debate on H. Res. 711.
3:54:02 P.M.	H. Res. 711	Mr. Dingell moved to refer to Oversight and Government Reform.
3:55:00 P.M.	H. Res. 711	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 708, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Dingell motion to refer.
4:08:50 P.M.	H. Res. 711	The previous question on the motion to refer was ordered pursuant to the rule.
4:31:30 P.M.	H. Res. 711	On motion to refer to Oversight and Government and Reform Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 172 – 251 (Roll no. 440).
4:40:43 P.M.	H. Res. 711	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 255 – 67, 1 Present (Roll no. 441).
4:40:44 P.M.	H. Res. 711	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:47:30 P.M.	H. Res. 706	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 708. H. Res. 706 — “Authorizing the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to initiate or intervene in judicial proceedings to enforce certain subpoenas.”
4:47:35 P.M.	H. Res. 706	The resolution provides for consideration of the resolution accompanying H. Rept. 112-546, under a closed rule. The resolution provides 50 minutes of debate on the resolution equally divided and controlled. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the resolution accompanying the report and the resolution shall be considered as read. The resolution provides for one motion to refer, if offered by Representative Dingell of Michigan, debatable for 10 minutes. The resolution provides for consideration of H. Res. 706.
4:47:52 P.M.	H. Res. 706	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 708, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on H. Res. 706.
5:12:06 P.M.	H. Res. 706	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:35:19 P.M.	H. Res. 706	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 258 – 95, 5 Present (Roll no. 442).
5:35:20 P.M.	H. Res. 706	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:37:27 P.M.	H.R. 5889	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5889 — “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for protection of maritime navigation and prevention of nuclear terrorism, and for other purposes.”
5:37:41 P.M.	H.R. 5889	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:37:44 P.M.	H.R. 5889	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:37:59 P.M.	H.R. 3412	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3412 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1421 Veterans Memorial Drive in Abbeville, Louisiana, as the “Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire Post Office Building”.”
5:38:13 P.M.	H.R. 3412	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:38:15 P.M.	H.R. 3412	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:38:32 P.M.	H.R. 3501	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3501 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the “SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office”.”
5:38:44 P.M.	H.R. 3501	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:38:47 P.M.	H.R. 3501	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:39:07 P.M.	H.R. 3772	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3772 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 150 South Union Street in Canton, Mississippi, as the “First Sergeant Landres Cheeks Post Office Building”.”
5:39:24 P.M.	H.R. 3772	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:39:27 P.M.	H.R. 3772	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:39:38 P.M.	H.R. 3276	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3276 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2810 East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, Florida, as the “Reverend Abe Brown Post Office Building”.”
5:40:05 P.M.	H.R. 3276	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:40:09 P.M.	H.R. 3276	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:40:36 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1447 — “To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and for other purposes.”
5:40:54 P.M.	H.R. 1447	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:40:57 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:41:11 P.M.	H.R. 5843	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5843 — “To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to permit use of certain grant funds for training conducted in conjunction with a national laboratory or research facility.”
5:41:24 P.M.	H.R. 5843	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:41:26 P.M.	H.R. 5843	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:41:39 P.M.	H.R. 3173	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3173 — “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to reform the process for the enrollment, activation, issuance, and renewal of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to require, in total, not more than one in-person visit to a designated enrollment center.”
5:42:18 P.M.	H.R. 3173	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:42:20 P.M.	H.R. 3173	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:44:02 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:46:02 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has proceeded to Special Order speeches without prejudice to the possible return to legislative business.
6:22:49 P.M.		United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to Sec. 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2001 and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Peter Brookes, Springfield, Virginia, for a term to expire December 31, 2014.
6:24:11 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
7:18:09 P.M.	H.R. 4348	Conference report H. Rept. 112-557 filed.
7:19:13 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.
7:23:14 P.M.	H.R. 4348	VITIATION OF EARLIER PROCEEDINGS – Under clause 8 of rule 20, the Chair announced that the filing of the conference report to accompany H.R. 4348 has vitiated the Hahn motion to instruct conferees.
7:24:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

CONGRESS: the Republican led House / the Senate considers S.1940,Flood Ins ,S.2343,Student Loan & Transportation bills

the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 27, 2012

• Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.  The Senate will continue to debate S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill on Wednesday’s session.
• The first hour will be 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.
• We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on the flood insurance bill.  We will also consider the transportation bill and the student loan extension prior to the recess.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.511, commending the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes Softball Team for winning the 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Softball Championship.

Adopted S.Res.512, recognizing the 100^th anniversary of Rice University.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.3342, a bill to improve information security and for other purposes. (McCain and others)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————————————————

5:24:45 P.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.aspx

10:00:42 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:58 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Richard B. Nugent to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:32 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.
11:21:05 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:18 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 27.
12:00:32 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:52 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:56 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Coffman of CO to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:16 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.
12:26:17 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
12:27:39 P.M.	H.R. 4018	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4018 — “To improve the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program.”
12:28:06 P.M.	H.R. 4018	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
12:28:11 P.M.	H.R. 4018	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:28:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5972 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”
12:28:54 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
12:29:51 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce the Public and Indian Housing account by $6,500,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:30:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Sixth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
12:35:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sixth Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:36:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce the salaries and expenses account for the Office of Community Planning and Development by $3,500,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:36:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Seventh Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
12:43:02 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Seventh Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:43:57 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce funds for the Office of Housing salaries and expenses account by $5,000,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:44:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Eighth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
12:50:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eighth Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:50:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce the salaries and expenses account for the Office of Policy Development and Research by $115,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
12:51:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Ninth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:02:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ninth Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:02:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  reduce the salaries and expenses account for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity by $304,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:02:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tenth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:09:09 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tenth Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:10:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler,  numbered 3 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funds for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance program under the Public and Indian Housing section by $460,000,000.
1:10:05 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Nadler amendment No. 3 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
1:15:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Nadler amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment sought a net increase of funding in the bill and was in violation of the Rules of the House. The Chair sustained the point of order.
1:17:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce Public Housing Capital Fund by $11,000,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:17:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Eleventh Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:26:20 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eleventh Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:27:43 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce the Public Housing Operating fund by $56,215,000, and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:27:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Twelth Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:34:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Twelth Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:35:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Ms. Hanabusa,  to increase funds for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants program by $13,000,000.
1:35:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hanabusa amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
1:38:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Hanabusa amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the amendment proposes to increase funds for a program which had not been authorized. The Chair sustained the point of order.
1:43:43 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Chaffetz,  to return the funding level for the Community Development Fund to the FY 2012 levels.
1:43:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chaffetz amendment under the five-minute rule.
1:54:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Chaffetz amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:55:48 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock,  to zero out the funding for the Community Development Fund including the CDBG program and apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
1:55:52 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:05:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:05:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Diaz-Balart,  numbered 4 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that unless explicitly provided, not to exceed 25 percent of any grant made with funds appropriated by the bill may be expended for public services as defined by law.
2:06:12 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Diaz-Balart amendment No. 4 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:13:45 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Diaz-Balart amendment was withdrawn.
2:17:18 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock,  numbered 11 printed in the Congressional Record to zero out the funding for the Community Development Loan Guarantees Program Account and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
2:17:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment No. 11 under the five-minute rule.
2:26:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McClintock demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:27:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake,  to reduce funding for the Home Investment Partnership Program by $200 million and to apply the savings to the deficit reduction account.
2:27:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the first Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:42:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
2:43:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Bachus,  numbered 5 printed in the Congressional Record to provide that up to $200 million shall be for necessary expenses authorized under the HOME Investment Partnerships Act related to disaster relief.
2:43:58 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bachus amendment No. 5 under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
2:49:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Diaz-Balart raised a point of order against the Bachus amendment. Mr. Diaz-Balart stated that the provisions of the Bachus amendment sought to impart new direction and as such, constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
2:51:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Clarke (MI),  to increase Homeless Assistance Grants by $5 million, offset by a reduction in funds for the Working Capital Fund account by a similar amount.
2:51:35 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.
2:54:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
2:55:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. LaTourette,  to expand the percentage of NSP 2 and NSP 3 funds that can be used for demolition projects to 75%.
2:55:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the LaTourette amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:07:12 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the LaTourette amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the LaTourette amendment sought to change existing law and as such constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
3:09:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Price (NC),  to allow Public Housing Authorities to merge Operating and Capital Funds.
3:09:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Price (NC) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:12:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Price (NC) amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the Price (NC) amendment sought to change existing law and as such, constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
3:31:39 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce funding for the Federal Maritime Commission Salaries and Expenses by $900,000 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:31:42 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the thirteenth Broun (GA) amendment.
3:33:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:34:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to reduce funding for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation by $12.3 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
3:34:39 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the fourteenth Broun (GA) amendment.
3:46:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:52:36 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garamendi,  to change Section 412 regarding the Buy American Act to ensure that domestic content makes up 85% of all steel, iron and manufacturing goods, including rolling stock.
3:52:58 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garamendi amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
3:59:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Garamendi amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the Garamendi amendment sought to change existing law and as such, constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
4:04:20 P.M.	H.R. 5972	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
4:37:22 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 256 (Roll no. 424).
4:41:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 240 (Roll no. 425).
4:45:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 174 – 248 (Roll no. 426).
4:49:08 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 229 (Roll no. 427).
4:53:01 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 247 (Roll no. 428).
4:56:25 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 169 – 250 (Roll no. 429).
4:59:52 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 264 (Roll no. 430).
5:03:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 249 (Roll no. 431).
5:06:28 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 250 (Roll no. 432).
5:11:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Chaffetz amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 157 – 267 (Roll no. 433).
5:14:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the McClintock amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 80 – 342 (Roll no. 434).
5:18:16 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the McClintock amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 123 – 300 (Roll no. 435).
5:21:49 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 242 (Roll no. 436).
5:22:13 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham moved to rise.
5:22:23 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
5:22:33 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5972 as unfinished business.
5:24:45 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
8:15:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 27.
8:16:27 P.M.		Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 708.
8:17:20 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5972 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”
8:17:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
8:18:55 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn,  to reduce the amount of this Act by 1 percent.
8:18:59 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:31:58 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Blackburn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:32:54 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. McClintock,  to prohibit the use of funds for the Third Street Light Rail Phase 2 Central Subway project in San Francisco, California.
8:32:57 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McClintock amendment No. 13 under the five-minute rule.
8:41:22 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McClintock amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Olver demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:42:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cravaack,  to prohibit the use of funds from being used to implement Vehicle Miles Traveled or a distance-based user fee.
8:42:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cravaack amendment under the five-minute rule.
8:59:02 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Cravaack amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:59:30 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cravaack,  to prohibit the use of funds for furtherance of the implementation of the European Union greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme for aviation activities established by European Union Directive 2008/101/EC.
8:59:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Second Cravaack amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:06:15 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Cravaack amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:06:27 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Price (GA),  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by PHMSA to require placement of line markers, other than at public road and railroad crossings.
9:06:29 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Price (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:11:09 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Price (GA) amendment was withdrawn.
9:11:14 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Posey,  numbered 8 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds for the International Highway Technology Scanning Program.
9:11:18 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Posey amendment No. 8 under the five-minute rule.
9:14:21 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Posey amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:17:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Griffith (VA),  to prohibit funds to be transfered to issue new grants as it pertains to the sustainable/livable communities grant program.
9:17:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Griffith amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:27:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Griffith (VA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:27:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
9:27:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:32:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:32:32 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Burgess,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to authorize a person to operate an unmanned aircraft system in the national airspace system, or to manufacture, sell, or distribute an unmanned aircraft system as a weapon.
9:32:34 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Burgess amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.
9:40:44 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham raised a point of order against the Burgess amendment. Mr. Latham stated that the provisions of the amendment sought to change existing law and as such constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
9:41:23 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Turner (OH),  numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to address HUD/VA rules regarding veterans preference on VA 202 Properties.
9:42:26 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Turner (OH) amendment No. 7 under the five-minute rule.
9:45:38 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Turner (OH) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:45:48 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by HUD to finalize new rule to establish disparate impact standards.
9:45:50 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garrett amendment under the five-minute rule.
9:57:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:58:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Cassidy,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to make any transfer under the last proviso under the heading “Department of Transportation-Office of the Secretary–Payments to Air Carriers”.
9:58:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cassidy amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:05:52 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Cassidy amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:06:01 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Chabot,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to design, construct, or operate a fixed guideway project located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
10:06:03 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chabot amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:10:40 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Chabot amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:15:02 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Lankford,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Transportation to implement, administer, or enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Executive Order No. 13186.
10:15:05 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lankford amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:20:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lankford amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Olver demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:21:31 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Denham,  numbered 9 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used for high-speed rail in the State of California or for the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
10:21:53 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Denham amendment No. 9 under the five-minute rule.
10:32:59 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Denham amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Denham demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:33:04 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to promulgate or implement any regulations that would mandate global positioning system (GPS) tracking, electronic on-board recording devices, or event data recorders in passenger or commercial motor vehicles.
10:33:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Landry amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:41:26 P.M.	H.R. 5972	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Landry amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Olver demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:42:18 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Mr. Scalise,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to implement any rule or regulation that expressly prohibits an owner or landlord of housing from using a criminal conviction to deny housing to an applicant for such housing.
10:42:22 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Scalise amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:46:10 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On agreeing to the Scalise amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:46:37 P.M.	H.R. 5972	An amendment, offered by Ms. Herrera Beutler,  to prohibit the use of funds to build flood protection walls for Interstate 5 between mile posts 72-82 in Lewis County, Washington.
10:46:46 P.M.	H.R. 5972	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 697, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Herrera Beutler amendment under the five-minute rule.
10:49:00 P.M.	H.R. 5972	By unanimous consent, the Herrera Beutler amendment was withdrawn.
10:52:24 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Mr. Latham moved that the Committee now rise.
10:52:47 P.M.	H.R. 5972	On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:53:07 P.M.	H.R. 5972	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5972 as unfinished business.
10:55:29 P.M.	H.R. 4348	Ms. Hahn moved that the House instruct conferees.
10:55:46 P.M.	H.R. 4348	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Hahn motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348. The instructions contained in the motion seek to direct the managers on the part of the House to agree to the freight policy provisions in Sec. 1115, Sec. 33002, Sec. 33003, and Sec. 33005 of the Senate amendment.
11:10:50 P.M.	H.R. 4348	The previous question was ordered without objection.
11:11:15 P.M.	H.R. 4348	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hahn motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hahn demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the motion until a time to be announced.
11:12:07 P.M.		Mr. Denham moved that the House do now adjourn.
11:12:16 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
11:12:37 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on June 28, 2012.

Smile – and pay up! … Minerva Novoa, ConsumersUnion

Minerva Novoa, Web team coordinator   In July the interest rate will double on widely used federal student loans, and Congress still hasn’t agreed on a way to stop it. If you’re frustrated by the ever-climbing cost of a college education, show us right now! Send us your photo holding up a simple message of how much you are in debt for a college degree. Or how much your kids, or your grandkids, owe. We’ll collect your photos and send a strong message to Congress that the old adage of ‘working your way through college’ is outdated when a year of college can equal a yearly salary. It’s time our leaders get real about the cost of a college education. Getting serious about climate change For the first time ever, the EPA is proposing limits on carbon pollution from new coal-fired power plants! Opponents are lining up to fight it, so tell the EPA you support pollution limits. Good, Bad: Medical device bill passes Your emails put pressure on Congress to strengthen the medical device safety bill, but we fell short of getting a big loophole closed. Find out what we won and lost.   Wanted: New home for money It’s not you. Banks DO make it hard for you to close your account and move your money. Check out our new report, and find how you can more easily move your money. Tricked by your health insurance? Health insurers can make coverage so confusing you may avoid the doctor. If you’ve felt tricked by your insurance company share your story with us so we can know more.

CBO: S.2343, Student Loan Rate Hike of 2012 – CBO Testified – Agriculture Reform – Healthcare Act of 2011

S. 2343, Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012

CBO Testified on Federal Support for State and Local Governments Provided Through the Tax Code

Yesterday Frank Sammartino, CBO’s Assistant Director for Tax Analysis, testified before the Senate Finance Committee on federal support for state and local governments provided through the tax code and on some ways in which tax reform might affect that support.

The testimony focused on two particular aspects of current policy:

read more

Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012

As posted on the Web site of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on April 26, 2012.

read more

Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2011

As approved by the House Committee on the Judiciary on April 25, 2011

read more

H.R. 4628, Interest Rate Reduction Act

As Introduced on April 25, 2012

the Progress Report

The Latest GOP Assaults on Women

By         ThinkProgress War Room

The Republican War on Women Is Only Getting Bigger

While continuing to deny there is any such thing, the Republicans continue their all-out war on women, their health care, and their families.

Here’s the latest.

All of the Senators Voting Against the Violence Against Women Act Were Republican Men

Yesterday, the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Act by an overwhelming 68-31 margin.  While every Democrat and all five female Republican senators voted to reauthorize and expand the landmark law, a whopping 31 of their male colleagues voted no.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are going to be crafting a watered down version that leaves out important protections for LGBT people, immigrants, Native Americans, and others.

It’s shameful that some Republicans apparently believe that all women are not entitled to protection from abuse.  House Republicans even called the idea that all women deserve protection “controversial.”

House Republicans Rob Health Fund for Women, Children to Pay For Student Loans

Instead of asking Big Oil or millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share so student loan interest rates don’t double, House Republicans instead passed a bill today that paid for extending the current rates by outright repealing a preventive health fund that disproportionately benefits women and children.  From the White House’s veto threat:

Women, in particular, will benefit from this Prevention Fund, which would provide for hundreds of thousands of screenings for breast and cervical cancer.  This is a politically-motivated proposal and not the serious response that the problem facing America’s college students deserves.

This new attack was denounced just before today’s vote by Democratic women, including Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA).  Watch it:

Caught on Tape: The GOP’s Women Problem

To better help Republicans understand that their war on women is very much real, ThinkProgress compiled a lowlight reel of some of their most offensive comments.  Check it out:

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You May Have Missed

Pakistan deported Osama bin Laden’s family to Saudi Arabia today, ending speculation about the fate of the three widows and 11 children detained after the May 2nd raid which killed bin Laden.

A District Court has ruled Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s plan to drug-test state employees unconstitutional.

Romney’s advice to students today: borrow $20,000 from your parents.

The right-wing group ALEC, which was dumped by for-profit education company Kaplan today, was so powerful it got its own ethics exemption.

Seventy-five percent of American support “regulating carbon dioxide (the primary greenhouse gas) as a pollutant.”

Recalling war crimes in Liberia after its former President is brought to justice.

The next battle in the war on women: the Paycheck Fairness Act.

The Romney campaign criticizes the Obama administration for discussing the consequences of attacking Iran.

Boston Bruins fans react to overtime loss to Washington Capitals with racist tweets.

Fox News won’t let go of the lie that President Obama apologized for America.

Other recent Progress Reports

Apr 26, 2012: Did You Like George W. Bush’s Foreign Policy?

Mitt Romney’s Misguided, Mistaken, and Misbegotten Foreign Policy Today, Vice President Biden gave a speech at New York University laying out a broad attack on Mitt Romney — a candidate whose only foreign policy experience comes from shipping jobs overseas — and his approach to foreign policy.  Biden said that Romney was relying on the [...]

Apr 25, 2012: INFOGRAPHIC: What You Need To Know About The Violence Against Women Act

Will Republicans Really Oppose the Violence Against Women Act? As soon as the Senate finishes a massive postal reform bill, it is expected to take up a bill to reauthorize the landmark Violence Against Women Act. Shockingly, as we discussed last week, some Republicans are actually opposed to this vital legislation.  House Republicans already refused [...]

Apr 24, 2012: Will Republicans Stick It To Students? (Again.)

Will the GOP Force Students & Their Families to Take on Even More Debt? As it stands now, the interest rate on loans for many students will DOUBLE come July 1.  This change would impact more than 7.4 MILLION students, forcing them to pile on even more debt at time when student debt is already [...]

Apr 23, 2012: An ‘Update’ To The Bush Years?

New GOP Economic Plan is Same as Previous Disastrous GOP Economic Plan In nearly every policy area, Republicans from Mitt Romney on down the line have been proposing that we go back to the disastrous policies of the Bush administration — only on steroids.  For example, Mitt Romney not only wants to keep the Bush [...]

Media Matters for America: Conservative Media and Bill O

Bill O’Reilly Omits Fox News In Criticizing “National News Programs” That Mislead Voters  Declaring that he “has had enough” of “national news programs” that mislead American voters, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly said he will now aim to tell viewers “every time I see craziness in the national media during the campaign.” However, the examples of “craziness” O’Reilly cited, including the myth that “Obama was not born in America,” have all been promoted on Fox News — something he did not mention. Read More

Conservative Media Now Attacking Obama’s Proposal For Student Loan Relief  President Obama has urged lawmakers to provide relief on student loan debt by preventing interest rates for federally subsidized loans from doubling. Conservative media have responded by ignoring the economic benefits of such a program and instead claiming Obama is trying to “bribe” college students with “gimmicks” and “giveaway[s]” in an effort to get reelected. Read More

Join us for a free Webinar “Jefferson​: Revolution​ary Thinker”

Smithsonian and Monticello to Offer Webinar “Jefferson: Revolutionary Thinker” April 27, 2012 The Smithsonian Institution and Monticello will present the daylong webinar “Jefferson: Revolutionary Thinker” Friday, April 27, from 9:50 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. While developed for teachers and secondary school students, the webinar is free and open to the public; however, registration is required at smithsonianconference.org.The Web conferenceschedule is:9:50 — 10:00 a.m.: Introductions Lonnie Bunch, director, National Museum of African American History and Culture Leslie Greene Bowman, president, Monticello Marc Pachter, interim director, National Museum of American History10:00 — 10:50 a.m.: Revolution and Religion: The Views of Thomas JeffersonBarbara Clark Smith, curator, Division of Political History, National Museum of American History Harry Rubenstein, chair and curator, Division of Political History, National Museum of American History11:00 — 11:50 a.m.: Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of LibertyRex Ellis, associate director for curatorial affairs, National Museum of African American History and Culture Elizabeth Chew, curator, Monticello 1:00 — 1:50 p.m.: Mapping the West David Allison, associate director for curatorial affairs, National Museum of American History Mark Hirsch, historian, National Museum of the American Indian 2:00 — 2:50 p.m.: Monticello: American Experiment (webcasting from Monticello) Elizabeth Chew, curator, Monticello Bill Barker, Thomas Jefferson interpreter, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation 3:00 — 3:50 p.m.: Getting Word: A Conversation with Descendants of the Enslaved at Monticello Moderators: Rex Ellis, associate director for curatorial affairs, National Museum of African American History and Culture Dianne Swann-Wright, historian, The Getting Word Project, Monticello Panelists: Shannon Lanier, Karen Hughes White and Jacqueline Yurkoski — descendants of Monticello’s enslaved families The Web conference is presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty,” on view through Oct. 14; the outdoor exhibition “Landscape of Slavery: Mulberry Row at Monticello,” on view indefinitely at Monticello in Charlottesville, Va.; and “Jefferson’s Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth,” through July 15. “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello” and “Jefferson’s Bible” are on view at the National Museum of American History.

President Obama- Calling on Congress to Prevent Student Interest Rates from Doubling

Apr 21, 2012 by     whitehouse

President Obama calls on Congress to act before student loan interest rates double for more than 7.4 million students, adding an average of $1000 to their debt.