The following is political activity for Wednesday, December 1, 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 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.
  • Last votes are expected at 6:00 p.m.
  • One Minutes (15 per side)
  • H.J.RES. 101 – Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year FY2011 (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)
  • S. 3307 – Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Closed Rule, One Hour of Debate) (Sponsored by Sen. Lincoln / Education and Labor Committee)
  • A vote to Eliminate Unnecessary Congressional Printing (You Cut / Sponsored by Rep. Lee (NY))
  • Suspensions (7 Bills):

1) Senate Amendment H.R. 5283 – Help HAITI Act (Sponsored by Rep. Fortenberry / Judiciary Committee)

2) S. 1338 – To require the accreditation of English language training programs (Sponsored by Sen. Carper / Judiciary Committee)

3) S. 1421 – Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act (Sponsored by Sen. Levin / Judiciary Committee)

4) S.Con.Res. 75 – Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy (Sponsored by Sen. Kerry / House Administration Committee)

5) H.R. 6184 – To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 to extend and modify the program allowing the Secretary of the Army to accept and expend funds contributed by non-Federal public entities to expedite the evaluation of permits (Sponsored by Rep. Larsen / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

6) S. 3250 – Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act (Sponsored by Sen. Carper / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

7) H.Res. 1669 – Congratulating the National Air Transportation Association for celebrating its 70th anniversary (Sponsored by Rep. Duncan / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

  • Postponed Suspension Votes (14 Bills):

1) H.Res. 1217 – Honoring Fort Drum’s soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division for their past and continuing contributions to the security of the United States (Sponsored by Rep. Owens / Armed Services Committee)

2) H.Res. 1724 – Commending the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas, for its outstanding support in creating a unique and lasting partnership with Little Rock Air Force Base, members of the Armed Forces stationed there and their families, and the Air Force (Sponsored by Rep. Snyder / Armed Services Committee)

  • For more schedule information, click here.
  • Republican lawmakers compete to lead key House committees  -  Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.) opened his pitch to be the next Appropriations Committee chairman with a video that showed a grossly obese Uncle Sam. That fella will be going on a big diet, Lewis declared. (Washington Post)

IN THE SENATE

  • The Senate convenes at 9:30am.  Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the majority will control the next 30 minutes.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 3:30pm to allow for the Democratic caucus meeting.
  • Senate acts on food safety  -  Measure Approved on 73-25 Vote Would Give Regulators Power to Order Recalls (Wall Street Journal)

 OTHER NEWS

  • Wary meeting: Obama, GOP leaders pledge tax talks  -  Heralding a new era of divided government, President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans pledged warily to seek common ground on tax cuts and reduced spending Tuesday in their first meeting since tumultuous midterm elections. (AP)
  • Groups make late push to salvage bill aiding illegal immigrant students  -  Immigrant advocate groups have mobilized across the country in what they call a last-ditch effort to persuade Congress to pass a bill that would grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant students, pressing for action in the remaining weeks when Democrats control both houses of Congress. (New York Times)
  • Well, hush my mouth: Congress Is moving against LOUD ads  -  After Decades of Complaints, Law Makers Are Yielding to Popular Demand (Wall Street Journal)
  • Short on votes, deficit panel delays decision  -  A presidential commission looking for ways to slash the budget deficit postponed final action on Tuesday on a bold fiscal austerity plan after it was unable to gather enough support among panel members. (Reuters)
  • Anti-earmark vote falls short  -  In the strongest showing ever, 39 senators backed a three-year moratorium on appropriations earmarks Tuesday, including 11 members who had previously opposed a similar ban just last March; still the measure failed. (Politico)

FEDERAL GRANT OF THE DAY

  • Organic Research and Extension Initiative- The OREI seeks to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research and extension activities. The purpose of this program is to fund projects that will enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic agricultural products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. The OREI is particularly interested in projects that emphasize research and outreach that assist farmers and ranchers with whole farm planning, especially those relating to climate change. For more information, see USDA. 

TODAY IN HISTORY

  • December 1, 1963- On this day, the Beatles’ first single, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” was released in the United States.

Source and thanks to www.anchor-consult.com / For more information, contact Anchor Consulting at 703-333-6013