the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. kaptur: i rise in support of this bill as the prior resolution, better late than never. here again in libya, congress follows in the wake of major executive branch military action absent congressional authorization. i sent a letter to president obama on march 22 regarding what was then called operation morning dawn and never gotten an answer. when one looks at the duration of u.s. military engagements in the middle east, north africa, and central asia and what the future might bring, these are the longest wars and military actions in u.s. history. our nation has fallen into deep debt directly connected to our expenditures of over $1 trillion in the past decade on wars that have not been paid for. and creeping defense commitments in that region and globally now consume over half of the u.s. discretionary budget annually. it is an astounding predicament 20 years after the end of the cold war. as jobless americans question whether our federal government sees their plight. we all know fre

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. kucinich: and i just want to say briefly, madam speaker, that this article that was written about 10 days ago, if it's true it points out that we've undertaken a huge mission through the united states in the name of nato now without coming to the congress, that's what we're debating, of course, but if on the other hand the information that the administration has communicated as of late to the congress, if that suggests a lighter footprint then there should be no difficulty in pulling out of libya in 15 days and if there is we need to start asking questions about how deeply enmeshed we are if our -- we are, if our participation is truly no boots on the ground. i thank the gentleman. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlelady from florida. ms. ros-lehtinen: thank you, madam speaker. i'd like to yield two minutes to the gentleman from ohio, mr. receivers, a member of the financial services committee, and a lieutenant colonel in the united states army with the distinguished 26-year military

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms. kaptur: i rise in support of this bill as the prior resolution, better late than never. here again in libya, congress follows in the wake of major executive branch military action absent congressional authorization. i sent a letter to president obama on march 22 regarding what was then called operation morning dawn and never gotten an answer. when one looks at the duration of u.s. military engagements in the middle east, north africa, and central asia and what the future might bring, these are the longest wars and military actions in u.s. history. our nation has fallen into deep debt directly connected to our expenditures of over $1 trillion in the past decade on wars that have not been paid for. and creeping defense commitments in that region and globally now consume over half of the u.s. discretionary budget annually. it is an astounding predicament 20 years after the end of the cold war. as jobless americans question whether our federal government sees their plight. we all know fre

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. paul: mrspeaker, this is a resolution that endorses the policies that have been going on for four months. not only is the congress basically been pretty strong in opposition of what's been going on, the american people are even more so. so what this resolution does, it endorses exactly what has been going on, another unconstitutional war, involvement and justification under nato, the united nations, doing it secretly. there's an attempt to restrain the funding of this effort over here over in libya, but why and how can we restrain it because we never authorized it? restrain unauthorized funds? the president just goes and does it. . the challenge on the congress lookin at the unitary president. the unitary president has been around for quite a few years and that means presidents do what he they want. the congress just acknowledges it. so that is what we are doing. this is what this resolution does. it acknowledges and gives the authority to the president to pursue what he has been doin

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves t balance of his time. the gentleman from ohio. mr. kucinich: i recognize mr. rangel, i yield two minutes. the speaker pro mpore: the gentleman from new york is recognized for two minutes. mr. rangel: let me thank mr. kucinich and i support his efforts over the years, but especially today in allowing this very sensitive constitutional question to be debated. i ask and almost pleaded that he allow me to follow my friend, dan burton, because nothing could prove to our colleagues and those that know both of us how nonpartisan this issue is and should be. this is not a question really of past presidents who always thought they were doing the best for the united states of america when they put out men and -- put our men and men in harm's way. none of them thought they were doing anything immoral. this is not a democratic problem, it's not a republican problem, it's not a problem of the president of the united states, not nixon, notennedy, not johnson, certainlyot president obama, certainly not the bushes. it's a problem of the house of repre

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the gentleman from washington. mr. , mr. speaker. i now yield three minutes to the distinguished minority whip, the gentleman from maryland, mr. hoyer. the speaker pro mpore: the gentleman from maryland is recognized for three minutes. mr. hoyer: i thank the gentleman for yielding. the previous speaker deludes himself and he's my friend, if he thinks thmessage we send today goes only to the president. the message will go to all over the world. the message will go to muammar gaddafi. the message will go to our nato allies. the message will go to every nation of the world that america does not keep faith with his allies. america must lead. we must not equivocate. such a course would encourage the enemies of peace, the bullies of the world, people around the world look to our country's strength in their struggle for democracy and basic human rights. as it happens, i said that in 1999 when clinton se troops to stop the genocide in bosnia and he did so, and the authorization lost on this floor shamefully 213-213. one of the

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms.e in support of this bill as the prior resolution, better late than never. here again in libya, congress follows in the wake of major executive branch military action absent congressional authorization. i sent a letter to president obama on march 22 regarding what was then called operation morning dawn and never gotten an answer. when one looks at the duration of u.s. military engagements in the middle east, north africa, and central asia and what the future might bring, these are the longest wars and military actions in u.s. history. our nation has fallen into deep debt directly connected to our expenditures of over $1 trillion in the past decade on wars that have not been paid for. and creeping defense commitments in that region and globally now consume over half of the u.s. discretionary budget annually. it is an astounding predicament 20 years after the end of the cold war. as jobless americans question whether our federal government sees their plight. we all know freedom is not fr

the speaker pro tempore: the chairman reserves. the gentleman from texas is recognized. >> thank you very much, mr. speaker. i rise to claim the time in opposition to h.r. 672 and i would yield myself five minutes at this time. supporters of the bill once told us that this would save $14 million each year. i'm not sure how they came up with that number. what we do know is that when ranking member brady asked the f.e.c. if it could handle the responsibilities of the e.a.c., this is what they said. sure. if you give us more money. so this bill would take money from an agency they don't like and give it to an agency that no one likes. gone gone it will take money from an agency -- gonzales gonzales it will take money from an -- mr. gonzalez: it will take money and give it to an agency on the opposite path, one that has become only more dysfunctional in recent years. but h.r. 672 doesn't move all of e.a.c.'s functions to the f.e.c. some of the best ones simply go away. so let's say that h.r. 672 will save the money, will save the feder

the speaker pro tempore: correct. len levin i yield three minutes to the gentleman from maryland, the ranking member on the budget committee, mr. van hollen. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from maryland is recognized for three minute. mr. van hollen: i thank my colleague and, ladies and gentlemen, this is a political stunt. i just heardur friend from texas on the republican side say republicans wanted to tear up the credit card. it was just a few weeks ago when the republican budget passed this house all but four repuicans voted for it. let me show you wh that did to our credit card. here we are. we are about $14 trillion in bt. the budget, all but fo republicans voted for, takes us up toward $23 trillion, $24 trillion in debt. $8 trillion increase in the national debt by passing the republican budget. so clearly this isn't about tearing up the credit card. what is this about? this is about threatening to default on the full faith and credit of the united states unless we put into pce the republican budget, in

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> madam speaker -- the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. members, please take your conversations off the floor. madam speaker, i rise today to congratulate the korean cultural center of chicago on a new center opening in wheeling. because of the hard work and determination of the korean cultural center, its president, young chang, and her staff, its board of directors and supporters, we now have a focal point for the korean american community in the chicago area. mr. dold: it's an important part of illinois' history and we are fortunate to now have a facility. the speaker pro tempore: the house is not in order. will the gentleman proceed? mr. dold: we are fortunate now to have a facility that's a repository and an exhibition of that story. the new cultural center will add a rich cultural tradition to the village of wheeling and it will also benefit the neighboring communities. i hope that it will also serve to strengthen the important relationship between the united states and the republic of korea. the opening of this new cent

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are 214, the nays -- the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are 215, the nays are 189, with one member voting present. the question of consideration is decided in the affirmative. without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. would members kindly clear the well. would members kindly clear the well. members engaged in conversation in the well, please take your conversations from the floor. the speaker pro tempore: the house is not in order. would all members please take their side bar conversations off the floor. the gentleman from florida is recognized for one hour. mr. nugent: mr. speaker, for the purposes of debate only, i yield the customary 30 minutes from the gentleman from of colorado, mr. polis, pending which i yield myself such time as i may consume. during consideration of this resolution, all time -- >> the house is not in order. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is correct, the house is not in order. would all members please take their conversations from the floor. the gentleman may proceed. mr

the speaker pro tempore: five minutes. ms. foxx: i want to highlight a group of high school students from with a taga high school in my district -- from watagua high school in my district. these students completed and got third place at the -- after winning first place in the carolina's pro start competition earlier this year. they are to be congratulated for this fantastic achievement and i commend everyone from the parents and students to the teachers and mentors involved in this innovative educational program. pro start is a nationwide two-year program for high school students that seeks to develop the next generation of restaurant and food service industry leaders. students participating in the program learn everything from cullnear techniques to manage -- culinary techniques to management and real-world educational opportunities by building practical professional skills, these students are investing in their future careers even while enrolled in high school. what's particularly impressive about this program is how it comb

the speaker pro tempore: mr. secretary. the secretary: i am directed by the president of the united states to deliver to the house of representatives a message in writing. the speaker pro tempore: the chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia, mr. woodall, for five minutes. mr. woodall: i thank you, mr. speaker, and i am pleased to rise today after the former chairman of the ways and means committee. i want to talk about taxes today, but i want to associate myself with the previous speaker's comments about how we make different decisions when we have skin in the game. because that is absolutely something that we are losing in this country. we are losing what used to be that common value that we rise and we fall together. i see my colleague from the rules committee, mr. mcgovern, sitting in the chamber today and he tells the committee on a regular basis, we need to pay for those things that we do. we are involved in wars and we need to pay, we need to have a people that believes in what we are doing in such a way they are

the speaker pro tempore: correct. len levin i yield three minutes to the gentleman from maryland, the ranking member on the budget committee, mr. van hollen. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from maryland is recognized for three minute. mr. van hollen: i thank my colleague and, ladies and gentlemen, this is a political stunt. i just heard our friend from texas on the republican side say republicans wanted to tear up the credit card. it was just a few weeks ago when the republican budget passed this house all but four republicans voted for it. let me show you what that did to our credit card. here we are. we are about $14 trillion in debt. the budget, all but four republicans voted for, takes us up toward $23 trillion, $24 trillion in debt. $8 trillion increase in the national debt by passing the republican budget. so clearly this isn't about tearing up the credit card. what is this about? this is about threatening to default on the full faith and credit of the united states unless we put into place the republica

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. duncan: a headline says some house republicans showing signs of war fatigue. unfortunately this headline comes just a day after the appropriations defense subcommittee has approved another $119 billion for our overseas wars in iraq, afghanistan, and libya. $10 billion a month, $2,300 billion a week. we have now spent over $2 trillion in direct and indirect costs in iraq and afghanistan. most of this money has gone into nation building rather than stopping or defending against any real threat. we have turned the department of defense into the department of foreign aid and the american people are tired of it. they want us to stop rebuilding iraq and afghanistan and start taking care of our own people. we are spending billions and billions that we do not have. that we are having to borrow on people who do not appreciate it unless they are on our payroll. the publisher of the conservative american spectator magazine wrote last october, that quote, afghanistan has little strategic value an

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves. mr. polis: to be clear the gentleman from florida refers to a letter regarding the initial bill. the manager's amendment actually changes the equation the gentleman indicated and renders that side letter inaccurate relating to the manager's amendment which if adopted under this rule will then be part of the bill. i would like to yield two minutes to the gentleman from new york, a member of the budget committee, mr. tonko. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from new york is recognized for two minutes. mr. tonko: thank you, mr. speaker. i thank my colleague the gentleman from colorado. . i rise in opposition to this rule in the 112th congress. six months, that's it, six months, it took less than six months for the republican majority to come to the floor of this house and break their most treasured promise to the american people, a promise made in writing to the rules of the house of representatives. today by waiving the house cut-go rule, my colleagues across the aisle are giving up on

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. the chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee, mr. cohen, for five minutes. mr. cohen: thank you, mr. speaker. this past friday the unes would have observed, celebrated would have been the wrong word, the 40th anniversary of the war on drugs. the war on drugs was initiated by president richard nixon and he said we can have a war on drugs 40 years ago and the fact is 40 years later we spent nearly a trillion dollars on the war on drugs, we have just as much drug use in this country as ever before, we have incarcerated millions and millions of people for victimless crimes, and when we get people who sell drugs, which we need to do, all that happens is like a shark's teeth, they are replaced by the next in line, somebody else wanting to make money from a program the public endorses and supports. . a lost generation of people with no education and no prospects because those arrests haunt them for the rest of their lives. think about how many law enforcement resources have been wasted

the speaker pro tempore: correct. len levin i yield three minutes to the gentleman from maryland, the ranking member on the buet committee, mr. van hollen. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from maryland is recognized for three minute. mr. van hollen: i thank my colleague and, ladies and gentlemen, this is a political stunt. i just heard our friend from texas on the republican side say republicans wanted to tear up the credit card. it was just a few weeks ago when the republican buet passed this house all but four republicans voted for it. let me show you what that did to our credit card. here we are. we are aut $14 trillion in debt. the budget, all but four republicanvoted for, takes us up towar $23 trillion, $24 trillion in debt. $8 trillion increase in the natial debt by passing the republican budget. so clearly this isn't about tearing up the credit card. what is this about? this is about threatening to default on the full faith and credit of the united states unless we put into place the republican budget, i

the speaker pro tempore: you're recognized. mr.. speaker, america's third war continues. the president's third war in libya is unconstitutional and it also violates the war powers resolution. even the administration says libya is not a national security risk to america. so why are we at war in libya? because the french want us there. mr. speaker, don't you think we've done enough for the french in world war i, world war ii and even in independento china what we now call vietnam? the cost has been over $700 million to the american taxpayer. mr. speaker, don't you think that money, that millions of money could be better spent building america instead of blowing up libya? and who are these rebels in libya that we're supporting? of course, omar gaddafi is a tyrant, but we may end up replacing an oppressive regime with an extreme radical regime. now, isn't that lovely? congress should cut off all funds to the president's little war in libya and that's just the way it is. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from

the speaker pro tempore: mr. chairman. the chair: mr. speaker, the committee of the whole house on the state of the union having had under consideration h.r. 2112 directs me to the report same back to the house with sundry amendments and the bill, as amended, do pass. the speaker pro tempore: the chair of the committee of the whole house on the state of the union reports that the committee has had under consideration h.r. the bill, h.r. 2112, and reports the bill pack to the house with sundry amendments adopted -- back to the house with sundry amendments adopted in the committee of the whole and ask that the amendments be adopted and that the bill, as amended, be passed. the previous question is ordered. is a separate vote demanded on any amended report from the committee as a whole? hearing none, the chair will put the amendments engross. the question is on the adoption of the amendments. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. the amendments are adopted. the question is on engrossment and third reading of the bill.

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the chair lays before the house a communication. the clerk: the honorable the speaker, house of representatives. sir, i write to inform you that effective immediately i am resigning from the house rules committee to join the house ways and means committee, signed, sincerely, tom reed, member of congress. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the resignation is accepted. for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise? >> madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to be removed as a co-sponsor from h.r. 1380. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia rise? mr. kingston: madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on h.r. 2112, and that i may include tabular material on the same. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. pursuant to house resolution 300 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. for what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts rise? >> i have a motion to recommit at the desk. mr. speaker, i'm opposed to it in its current form. mr. speaker, point of order. i can't hear myself think. the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the clerk will read. the clerk: mr. keating of massachusetts moves to recommit the bill h.r. 2021 to the committee on energy and commerce with instructions to report back to the house with the following amendments. after subsection b of section 3128 of the clean air act as proposed to be added by section 4 of the bill, insert the following, e, determination of lower gas prices at the pump. in conducting analysis relating to requirements for pollution controls pursuant to this section, the administrator shall determine whether the controls under review will result in lower gasoline prices in the united states, including the retail price charged at service stations. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. ms.hu: house republicans are trying to sell america's seniors a house bill of goods. republicans claim that seniors won't be impacted by their plan to end medicare. that simply isn't true. what's true is that insurance bureaucrats will be placed in between seniors and their doctors. what's true is that a senior in my state of california will be forced to pay $6,000 extra in out-of-pocket expenses. then, once the republican plan to end medicare takes full effect, those out-of-pocket expenses will double. imagine our seniors being turned away at the pharmacy. imagine seniors having to reach deeper into their wallet after a doctor's visit. the g.o.p. plan to end medicare is unacceptable. we must keep our promises to our seniors. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from north dakota seek recognition? mr. berg: to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. berg: i rise today to honor the countless -- as thousands of north da coata

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the clerk will read. the clerk: resolved the following named member is hereby elected to the following standing committee of the house of representatives, one, committee on homeland security, ms. hochul. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the resolution is agreed to and the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas rise? ms. jackson lee: mr. speaker, on amendment number one of rokita of indiana, i was unavoidably detained and i would like to place for the record my vote and i ask unanimous consent that my vote of no be placed in the record at the appropriate place. the chair: without objection, so ordered. -- the speaker pro tempore: without objection, so ordered. for what purpose does the gentleman from texas rise? >> mr. speaker, i -- mr. cuellar, the gentleman from texas. mr. cuellar: i ask unanimoussen kent -- consent to remove representative ryan as co-spon or of h.r. 771. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does th

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from texas, mr. doggett, is recognized for a minute and a half. mr. doggett: today's vote represents just one more step in the republican effort to dismantle medicare. this condrived procedure demanding an extraordinary 2/3 vote right after the republican majority announces they won't vote for it is just a gimmick. you don't have to be much of a math whiz to know if you don't have half the votes in this body you probably are not going to get 2/3 of the vote. but it's not about the vote. it's about republicans who are withholding their support of an eventual necessary increase in the limit by demanding that any agreement on that include a weakening of medicare by imposing something like the ryan republican medicare voucher plan that they all voted for, or some other scheme to just let medicare wither on the vine. republicans are willing to jeopardize the full faith and credit of the united states of america, exposing us to great potential economic harm. they think the president wl once again yield to

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, the ununfished question is agreeing to the speak's journal. the question is on approving the speaker's jourm. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and the journal stands approved. for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota rise? mr. peterson: i ask unanimous consent to remove myself as a co-sponsor of h.j.res. 47. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does georgia rise? >> i send to the desk a privileged report from the committee on rules for filing under the rule. the clerk: report to accompany house resolution 328, providing for the joint resolution, joint resolution 68 authorizing the limited use of the united states armed forces in support of the nato mission in libya and providing for consideration of the bill h.r. 2278 to limit the use of funds appropriated to the department of defense for united states armed forces and in support of nato ope

the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title. the clerk: report to accompany h.r. 2354, a bill making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending september 30, 2012, and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: referred to the union calendar and ordered printed. pursuant to clause 1 of rule 21, points of order are reserved. . the house will be in order. the speaker pro tempore: the chair lays before the house a communication. the clerk: the honorable the speaker, house of representatives, sir. pursuant to section 194 of title 14 united states code, as chairman of the committee on transportation and infrastructure, i am required to designate three members of the united states coast guard academy board of visitors. i designate representative frank guinta of new hampshire, representative andy harris of maryland, and representative rick larsen to serve on the board of visitors. since the founding in 1876, the coast guard academy has accomplished its mission of educating, trainin

the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas rise? for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio rise? >> mr. speaker, request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. pence: mr. speaker, the economy, the national debt -- but today i rise to congratulate the marietta baseball team for winning their record fifth division iii college world series title yesterday. our people have something to cheer about. the pioneers won the deciding game in convincing fashion with a victory over chapman university.

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. southerland: i'd like to thank the gentleman for yielding me a minute this morning. today i think we owe the american people an apology because we all as a house are here to defend and protect the constitution of the united states and it has been way too long before this debate has been had on this floor. there's much more at risk today than libya. what is at risk today is the very constitution that we have sworn to protect and to uphold. if the constitution is at risk, then this house is at risk. when this house is blatantly ignored by another branch, by the president of the united states, then the people are blatantly ignored by the president of the united states and this house will fall. i applaud those that have sponsored this bill and i rise in support of it today. thank you and i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman from ohio. or the gentleman from california. mr. kucinich: i yield one minute to the gentleman from

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. pursuant to house resolution 287 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for consideration of h.r. 2017. the chair appoints the gentleman from california, mr. dreier, to preside over the committee of the whole. the chair: the house is in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for the consideration of h.r. 2017 which the clerk will report by title. the clerk: a bill making appropriations for the department of homeland security for the fiscal year ending september 30, 2012, and for other purposes. the chair: pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the first time. the gentleman from alabama, mr. ard holt, and the gentleman from north carolina, mr. price, each will control 30 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from alabama. mr. aderholt: thank you, mr. chairman. i yield myself as much time as i may consume. the chair: the gentleman is recognized. mr. aderholt: it is my honor to present t

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. pursuant to house resolution 300 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for further consideration of h.r. 2112. will the gentleman from michigan -- will the gentlewoman from michigan, mrs. miller, kindly resume the chair. the chair: the house is in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for the further consideration of h.r. 2112 which the clerk will report by title. the clerk: a bill making appropriations for agriculture, rural defment, food and drug administration, and related agencies programs for the fiscal year ending september 30, 2012, and for other purposes. the chair: when the committee of the whole rose earlier today, a request for recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from hawaii, ms. hirono, had been postponed and the bill had been read through page 80, line two. for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise? >> i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: th

the speaker pro tempore: mr. chairman. the chair: mr. speaker, the committee on the committee of the whole house on the state of the union having had under consideration h.r. 2017 directs me to report it has come to no resolution thereon. the speaker pro tempore: the chairman of the committee of the whole house on the state of the union reports that the committee has had under consideration h.r. 2017 and has come to no resolution thereon. pursuant to clause 12-a of rule 1, the house will stand in quite the house is in recess. when they come back, they will -- >> the house is in recess. when they come back, they will resume work on the spending bill for fiscal year 2012. the house this week kicked off consideration of the annual spending bills, beginning with homeland security. how is it going so far? >> as you can see, they are taking a good amount of time on this. there are a lot of amendments. it has been a lively debate. >> what will be next in line for the house on the 2012 spending bill? >> they will take of the military constructio

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. pursuant to the speaker's announced policy of january 8, 2011, the chair recognizes the gentleman from louisiana, mr. richmond, for 30 minutes. mr. richmond: thank you, mr. speaker, for recognizing me and presiding over these affairs tonight. i will yield five minutes to my colleagues. really, i will yield as much time as he may consume. >> i thank the gentleman for yielding his time. and earlier this afternoon and into the evening, this house considered an appropriations bill related to the veterans' affairs and military construction. mr. altmire: and at that point i asked my colleagues to support an amendment that i offered for the f.y. 2012 military construction veterans affairs appropriations bill. and that amendment, i'm thankful to say, was accepted. it was bipartisan acceptance, both the majority and minority agreed it should be added to the bill, and i just wanted to tell the gentleman and my colleagues that that amendment is very straightforward. it moves $22 million from the

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. poe: mr.n out the lights, the party is almost over for the incandesceant light bulb. four years ago a law went into place which mandated every light bull shall across america must be 25% more efficient by 2014. what this meant was that the incandesceant light bulbs, thomas edison's greatest invention, is being banned and americans will be forced to buy the government selected replacement, the compact floor restant light bulb. there are health risk problems with the c.f.l. the national institute of health states that floor restant bulbs contain mercury. isn't that lovely. further, another federal agent, agency, the e.p.a. warns that the broken bulb contains mercury and will continue to release it until it is cleaned up and removed from the room. end of quote. mr. speaker, i thought we were trying to get rid of mercury in our products in this country. so in case we happen to break one of these new class fragile light bulbs, and i have one here and i'm being careful not to drop it on the house fl

the speaker pro tempore: mr. chairman. the committee has had under consideration the bill h.r. 2055 and reports the bill back to the house with sundry amendments adopted in the committee of the whole with recommendation that the amendments be adopted and the bill as amended do pass under house rule 288. the house rule is ordered. the chair will put them engross. the question is on adoption of the amendment. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. the amendments are adopted. the house will be in order. the gentleman from washington is correct. pursuant to section 2-h the question is on retaining the title of the bill beginning on page 2, line 8, relating to the department of veterans affairs. the question is shall the title be retained. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. the gentlelady from north carolina. ms. foxx: mr. speaker, on that i request a recorded vote. the speaker pro tempore: a recorded vote is requested. all those in favor of taking thi

the speaker pro tempore: a recorded vote is requested. all those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. a sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a 15-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.] the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are -- on this vote the yeas are 251, the nays are 173. the resolution is adopted. without objection, a motion to reconsider is laid on the table. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to house resolution 316 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for further consideration of h.r. 1249. will the gentleman from texas, mr. poe, kindly take the

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. dreier: mr. speaker, in august of 2008, russia and the republic of georgia engaged in what one called a little war that shook the world. and, mr. speaker, it did shake the world. for all of post-soviet russia's anti-democratic crackdowns, its aggressive and bell coast actions toward former soviet state, it was still a shock to see russian tanks roll across the border of a sovereign democratic country. the military conflict lasted five days and a shaken world moved on soon forgetting the shock and outrage of what happened. for the people of the republic of georgia this conflict goes on nearly three years later. they live with the tragic consequences that follow any armed conflict, including thousands of displaced persons and significant economic hartships. beyond the human cost, they faced the long-term strategic challenge of an occupying force in the regions where russia continues to violate the terms of the cease-fire to which it agreed. as occupiers, they violate the sovereignty and territorial

the speaker pro tempore: the question is on adjourning. been some speculation that texas governor rick perry will join the race. [applause] >> thank you. . . i'm jon huntsman and i'm humbled. i've been a governor of the great state of utah. i've been a businessman. i've been a diplomat. i'm the husband of the love of my life. the greatest human being i've ever known, mary kate, for 28 years. i'm the father of seven terrific kids. i'm the son of great parents. who are here with me today celebrating a very important anniversary, including a birthday. i'm from the american west. where the view of america is limitless. with lots of blue sky. i've lived overseas four times where the view of america from 10,000 miles away is a picture of liberty, opportunity, and justice. people secure in their rights and in love with their liberty. people who have done more good for more people than any other nation on earth. and today i'm a candidate for the office of president of the united states of america. t of the united states of america. [applause] than

the speaker pro tempore: ms. secretary. the secretary: i have been directed by the senate to inform the house that the senate has passed without amendment h.r. 2279, cited as the airport and airway extension act of 2011 batch 3. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the house stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on that is what this hearing is all about. harold koh will be testifying today. live coverage on c-span. >> and the war powers resolution applies to the use of armed forces in "hostilities or situations where imminent hostilities, involving hostilities, is clearly indicated by the circumstances, referring to american armed forces." but for 40 years, presidents have taken the view that this language does not include every single military operation. presidents from both parties have undertaken military operations without express authorization from congress. i will emphasize that that does not make it right. i am not suggesting that it does. it still begs the analysis each time of whether or not it fits a particular

the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. . . the chair recognizes the gentleman for a motion. mr. burton: i move that the house do now adjourn. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on the motion to adjourn. those in favor say aye. we will have live coverage of the house when they return tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. here on c-span. coming up on c-span, president obama talked about u.s. strategy in afghanistan. that reserve chairman ben bernanke talk to reporters about the economy and monetary policy. medicare paltry two public trustees discuss the health of the medicare program. >> president obama announced plans tonight to pull 10,000 military personnel out of afghanistan by the end of this year with 30,000 more troops to leave by next summer. from the east room, this is 15 minutes. >> good evening. nearly 10 years ago, america suffered the worst attack on our shores since pearl harbor. this mass murder was planned by osama bin laden and his al qaeda network in afghanistan. it signaled a new threat to our security, one in which th

the speaker pro tempore: madam chair. the chair: mr. speaker, the committee of the whole house on the state of the union, having had under consideration h.r. 2112, directs me to report that it has come to no resolution thereon. the speaker pro tempore: the chairman of the committee of the whole on the state of the union reports that the committee has had under consideration h.r. 2112 and has come to nos remain title of the resolution thereon. -- to no resolution thereon. the chair lays before the house the following personal requests. the clerk: leaves of absence requested for ms. eshoo of california for the week of june 13, 2011, and mr. stivers of ohio from june 13 through june 24. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the requests are granted. the chair lays before the house a communication. cloipt honorable the speaker, house of representatives, -- the clerk: the honorable the speaker, house of representatives, this is to notify you formally that i have been served with a subpoena issued by the superior court of california for

our representative from the assemblywoman's office, so if we can have our speaker pro tem port -- pro tempore, and i apologize now for botching your names, michael, michelle, leann walker, kimberly rae s, dnr hall, gregory williams, a mitre and, -- gary is daniels, md., -- darius daniels, marilyn -- can we work on your hand writing skills? [laughter] we will give you each one minute, and go ahead and start us off. >> good evening, board members, superintendent. president mendoza: i am sorry. can we please be respectful >> my name is anthony. i have a letter from the assembly woman who was not able to be here today but you wanted to have this made part of the public record. dear mr. garcia. we have participated in the junior rotc program. it fosters teamwork, health and physical fitness, and other things. this is invaluable to all of the students and the district. as the board considers amendments to the resolution, i want to reiterate my strong support for the jrotc program and to urge continued strong supporter of the program by allowing students into new -- to continue to receive the educat

the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. the clerk: the speaker's room, washington, d.c., june 9, 2011. i hereby appoint the honorable thomas j. rooney to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. signed, john a. boehner, speaker of the house of representatives. the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, reverend dr. allen kerin, office of the senate chaplain, washington, d.c. the chaplain: let us pray. lord god, almighty. your unfailing love, o lord, is as vast as the heavens. your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. your righteousness is like the mighty mountains. your justice like the ocean depths. lord god, pray you will reward the faithfulness of all who honor your name. and seek to bring you glory. make known your plans to prosper, then, plans not to harm them but to give them hope in a bright future. inspire our elected leaders to seek your presence and pray daily for your wisdom. let them clearly discern your still sma

the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> i ask unanimous consent that my name be removed from h.r. 1380. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. observation. -- the speaker pro tempore: without objection. for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado like to be recognized. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on the motion to adjourn. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. the motion is adopted. accordingly the house earlier today, we spoke with a capitol hill reporter on the upcoming spending bills and the debate over raising the debt ceiling. >> the house is finishing burch all -- work on the fee a spending bill. >> and what about an amended with -- which deals with military project? >> it is attempting to strike language that would prevent projects funded under the bill to east project labor agreements, and even though he is a republican, he supports the agreements were in essentially allowing union influence on projects that are not necessarily union affiliated. president obama issued

speaker -- the speaker pro tempore: mr. chairman? the chair: the committee on the whole house under the state of the union having had under consideration h.r. 2017 directs me to support it has come to no resolution thereon. the speaker pro tempore: the chairman of the committee of the whole house on the state of the union reports that the committee has had under consideration h.r. 2017 and has come to no resolution therein. -- thereon. for what purpose does the gentleman from florida rise? >> mr. speaker, i send to the desk a privileged report from the committee on rules for filing under the rule. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title. the clerk: report to accompany house resolution 288, resolution providing for consideration of the bill. r. 2055, making appropriations for military construction, the department of veterans' affairs and related agencies for fiscal year ending september 30, 2012 and for other purposes. the speaker pro tempore: referred to the house calendar and ordered printed. the house will be in or