The following is political activity for Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 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 10:30 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.  Last votes are expected at 5:00 p.m.
• One Minutes (Unlimited)
• Suspensions (18 Bills):

1. H.R. 5266 – National Commission on Children and Disasters Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Brown (FL) / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
2. H.R. 5545 – To de-authorize a portion of the project for navigation, Potomac River, Washington Channel, District of Columbia, under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers (Sponsored by Del. Norton / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
3. H.R. 5301 – To extend the period during which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and States are prohibited from requiring a permit under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for certain discharges that are incidental to normal operation of vessels (Sponsored by Rep. LoBiondo / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
4. H.Res. 1463 – Supporting the goals and ideals of Railroad Retirement Day (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
5. H.R. 5604 – Surface Transportation Savings Act of 2010 (Sponsored by Rep. Perriello / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

• FOR MORE – see detailed House calendar.
• ‘Tea Party’ movement gains access to US Congress  -  America’s “Tea Party” has gained a touch of political legitimacy as the House of Representatives approved the creation of a caucus for the mainly white, anti-big government movement. (AFP)

IN THE SENATE

• In the Senate, following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes. Senators are permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
• The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
• At 2:15pm, Carte Goodwin, of West Virginia, will be sworn as senator.
• Following the swearing in, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on H.R.4213, Unemployment Insurance Extension, with the time until 2:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
• At 2:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4213, a bill to extend Unemployment benefits through November 2010.
• 60 votes in place, Dems ready to extend jobs money  -  With a new face and a 60th vote for breaking a Republican filibuster, Senate Democrats are preparing to restore jobless checks for 2.5 million people whose benefits ran out during a congressional standoff over deficit spending. President Barack Obama says, “It’s time to do what’s right.” (AP)

OTHER NEWS

• Axelrod: Elizabeth Warren a candidate to head new consumer protection bureau  -  White House senior adviser David Axelrod said this afternoon that Harvard professor Elizabeth Warren was “obviously a candidate” to lead a new consumer protection bureau. (Boston Globe)
• U.S. troops to arrive at Mexico border August 1  -  U.S. National Guard troops will begin arriving along the border with Mexico on August 1 to bolster security as the Obama administration tries to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, weapons and narcotics, officials said on Monday. (Reuters)
• Obama to launch ocean initiative  -  The stewardship policy embraces a controversial zoning practice that could change how the U.S. regulates drilling, fishing and other maritime activities. (Los Angeles Times)
• Officials come together to align K-12 standards, higher ed  -  For years, educators and policymakers have been talking about the need to better align K-12 and higher education so that students coming out of high school have the skills and knowledge they need to do college-level work, as well as reduce the need for remediation once students are in college. (USA Today)
• Dirty diapers, huckster, political ads go negative  -  The dirt – specifically dirty diapers – is flying in Florida’s race for governor. (AP)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

American Studies-Community Partnership Grants to Assist American Studies Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Community Projects in Canada- The U.S. Mission in Canada through its Public Affairs Section is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards (grants) through this announcement. Canadian non-profit institutions, individuals, and educational institutions are invited to apply to the U.S. Mission in Canada American Studies-Community Partnership Program for awards to support collaborative, interdisciplinary community projects utilizing American studies pedagogy, curriculum, research, and other resources to enhance mutual understanding between Canada and the United States. The awards are intended to engage American studies practitioners in genuine collaborations with community organizations and the constituents they serve to provide new cultural and educational opportunities. We will award grants to support projects developed in collaboration with community-based organizations, school districts, libraries, historical societies, museums, and other non-profit entities. For more information, see U.S. Mission to Canada. Application deadline: August 15, 2010

TODAY IN HISTORY

• July 20, 1969- On this day, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.

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 cjharper@anchor-consult.com