The following is a roundup of political activity going on in Washington and across the nation. It is courtesy of Scott Wilk, Community Organizer, and Anchor Consulting group. The Beacon will be posting these daily as they become available.

 IN THE HOUSE

• The House convenes at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business.  Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.
• One Minutes
• Suspensions (15 Bills):

1. H.Res. 1055 – Supporting the designation of National Robotics Week as an annual event (Sponsored by Rep. Doyle / Science and Technology Committee)
2. H.Res. 1069 – Congratulating Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith for being awarded the Nobel Prize in physics (Sponsored by Rep. Lance / Science and Technology Committee)
3. H.Res. 935 – Honoring John E. Warnock, Charles M. Geschke, Forrest M. Bird, Esther Sans Takeuchi, and IBM Corporation for receiving the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (Sponsored by Rep. Lofgren / Science and Technology Committee)
4. H.R. 3650 – Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009 (Sponsored by Rep. Baird / Science and Technology Committee)
5. H.Res. 1032 – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should continue to assist the Mexican Government in fighting the drug cartels and curbing violence against Mexican and United States citizens, both in the United States and abroad (Sponsored by Rep. Chu / Foreign Affairs Committee)
6. H.Res. 1088 – Recognizing the plight of people with albinism in East Africa and condemning their murder and mutilation (Sponsored by Rep. Connolly / Foreign Affairs Committee)
7. H.Res. 1107 – Recognizing the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy. (Sponsored by Rep. Ros-Lehtinen / Foreign Affairs Committee)
8. H.Res. __ – Expressing Condolences for the victims of the February 27th 2010 earthquake in Chile, as well as solidarity with and support for the Chilean people as they plan for the recovery and reconstruction for their Country (Sponsored by Rep. Hinojosa / Foreign Affairs Committee)
9. H.Res. 1036 – Recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States (Sponsored by Rep. Garrett / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

10.  H.R. 4621 – Prevent Deceptive Census Look Alike Mailings Act (Sponsored by Rep. Maloney / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

11.  H.R. 4547 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the “Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Sestak / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

12.  H.R. 4624 – 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” (Sponsored by Rep. Souder / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

13.  H.Res. 1091 – Expressing support for designation of the week of February 28 through March 7, 2010, as “School Social Work Week” (Sponsored by Rep. Kennedy / Education and Labor Committee)

14.  H.Res. 1047 – Commending The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team for its victory in the 2010 Rose Bowl (Sponsored by Rep. Kilroy / Education and Labor Committee)

15.  H.Res. 1142 – Congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education (Sponsored by Rep. Petri / Education and Labor Committee)

• Special Orders
• Massa blames resignation on health care debate  -  New York Rep. Eric Massa is now blaming his resignation last week on a conspiracy by House Democratic leaders to force him out before a crucial vote on health care, his third explanation for leaving office after he earlier cited health issues and an ethics investigation. (AP)

IN THE SENATE

• The Senate convenes at 10:00am and will proceed to a period of morning business until 11:00am with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.
• At approximately 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of HR4213, Tax Extenders, and will proceed to vote in relation to the following amendments:

1. Baucus amendment #3429 (alternative to Coburn #3358 regarding spending and budget data);
2. Coburn #3358 (spending and budget data):
3.  Murray amendment #3356, as further modified (TANF/Youth Jobs); and
4. Republican alternative to Murray #3356.

• Following the votes listed above, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm in order to accommodate the weekly caucus luncheons.
• Senate Panel to Investigate Deaths at Long-Term Care Facilities  -  The Senate Finance Committee has opened an investigation into patient deaths and allegations of substandard treatment at long-term care hospitals, small specialty medical centers that treat chronically ill patients.      (NY Times)

OTHER NEWS

• Obama launches attack on health insurance companies  -  The White House is mounting a stinging, sustained broadside against health insurance rate increases as President Obama and his aides enter what they hope will be the final stretch of a year-long political war over health-care reform. (Wash Post)
• Justices to Hear Case of Protest at Marine Funeral  -  The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether the father of a Marine killed in Iraq may sue protesters who picketed his son’s funeral with signs that read “God Hates You” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.” (NY Times)
• ID Card for Workers Is at Center of Immigration Plan  -  Lawmakers working to craft a new comprehensive immigration bill have settled on a way to prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants: a national biometric identification card all American workers would eventually be required to obtain. (WSJ)
• So Where’s Consumer Protection?  -  If six of the biggest banking industry lobbying groups are in perfect lockstep on an issue, do they most likely have the best interests of consumers at heart? (NY Times)
• Reid files to run for fifth term  -  U.S. Sen. Harry Reid filed for re-election Monday morning in Las Vegas, officially launching his uphill battle to win a fifth term and salvage his four-decade career in politics. (Las Vegas Journal Review)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

• Special Education Research- The Director of the Institute of Education Sciences (Institute) announces the Institute’s FY 2011 competitions for grants to support education research and special education research. The intent of these grants is to provide national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of education from early childhood education through postsecondary and adult education.  The central purpose of the Institute’s research grant programs is to provide parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all students. For a list of eligible applicants and more information see grant announcement. Application deadline: September 16, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• March 9, 1959- On this day, the Barbie doll makes its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information or to opt-out of this list, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013 or beacon@anchor-consult.com