DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA (plus simulation bloopers after the credits)
For all video coverage of the Congress Simulation, see the Claremont Beat TV YouTube channel.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Senate Recess Indefinitely...to Sunday night?
Senator Schumer addressed the congregation and called for President Obama to consider signing into law the bills passed out of the Senate tonight, even though Obama said he would not do so.
McConnell then made statement to delegation, asking that the President sign or veto all bills by 11:59 pm Sunday night. Although not all members of the Senate have to be present, the Majority and Minority leaders will be present for the possible veto statement.
All Bills Passed...
After the extended break caused by the confusion over the President's absence all acts passed with ease through the senate:
PRECEDE Act
GROW US Act
Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2009
Water Resources Improvement Act
HOPE for America's Veterans Act of 2009
Most senators demonstrated their desire to leave as soon as possible.
For tonight's session, the only bill that did not pass was the President's Resolution Authority Act.
PRECEDE Act
GROW US Act
Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2009
Water Resources Improvement Act
HOPE for America's Veterans Act of 2009
Most senators demonstrated their desire to leave as soon as possible.
For tonight's session, the only bill that did not pass was the President's Resolution Authority Act.
Democrats Leave Delegation; Offer Sim God Beer
After moving to adjourn several times, Senator Cardin stated, "If you want to spend your Thursday night in here, I feel sorry for you." Following her lead, the Administration stated, "We can only get in trouble from here..." From there, the majority of, well, the majority, proceeded to walk out. They made it clear they had better places to be.
But they did not leave without making a statement. Before leaving to enjoy their Thursday nights, Senator Cardin and others offered Simulation God Ward a Mission Street Pale Ale. When the ClaremontBeat attempted to follow up with Sim god Ward, he rejected any comment with the beer. However, some, such as Senator Ensign, still had some fun.
Obama Pardons Blago
Before leaving on his motorcade surround by his secret service, President Obama issued a number of pardons. One of those pardons included disgraced Governor Blagojevich (D-IL). While this was a controversial pardon, it was not announced until 30 minutes after the President had left the building. Looks like the President of the Senate is unsure of his docket.
Democratic Side of the Floor Looking Empty
The majority of the Democratic caucus dramatically left the Senate floor after numerous calls for adjournment. Majority Leader Schumer ignored his party's request, siding with the Republicans to remain in session.
The walkout has left the Democrats lacking working control of the Senate giving Republicans advantage to push through their agenda.
According to Senate rules, the Senate can continue to vote on legislation so long as at least one member of the minority party is present.
3 Dems' Houses to be Replaced by Fed Detention Centers
When Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) proposed an amendment to build three new federal detention centers, the Democratic majority did not bat an eyelash. But looking a little closer at the bill may have been a good idea, specifically the following section:
(2) the locations of the first three centers to be constructed shall be as follows and the boundaries of such facilities shall extendequally in all directions:
(i) (35.468455,-114.916932)
(ii) (39.3916947,-76.716842)
(iii) (41.9585339,-87.67223059)
But why these specific locations? I caught up with Senator Inhofeto get the scoop. His only comment: "The coordinates for the first three prisons refer directly to the coordinates of Reid, Cardin, and Emmanuel's houses." Watch out for those bulldozers, Dems!
(2) the locations of the first three centers to be constructed shall be as follows and the boundaries of such facilities shall extendequally in all directions:
(i) (35.468455,-114.916932)
(ii) (39.3916947,-76.716842)
(iii) (41.9585339,-87.67223059)
But why these specific locations? I caught up with Senator Inhofeto get the scoop. His only comment: "The coordinates for the first three prisons refer directly to the coordinates of Reid, Cardin, and Emmanuel's houses." Watch out for those bulldozers, Dems!
From Senator Grassley, Passed Through House to Press Gallary
Members of The Claremont Beat just received a piece of paper, passed through the Senate Chamber and presented to the press. We are told it is an amendment written by Senator Grassley which was voluntarily removed.
"It is the sense of the United States Senate that:
WHEREAS Senator Baucus' momma so fat it looks like she ate all of Iowa's corn
WHEREAS Senator Reid's momma so fat, even Vegas couldn't pay for her liposuction,
WHEREAS Senator Boxer's momma so fat, the last time she saw 90210 was on a scale,
WHEREAS Senator Cardin's momma so fat, when she goes swimming the Chesapeake Bay becomes the Chesapeake Sea,
WHEREAS Senator Schumer's momma so fat, when she tripped on 4th Avenue she landed on Broadway,
WHEREAS Senator Stabenow's momma so fat, when people try to drive around her, they run out of gas,
WHEREAS Senator Kerry's momma so fat, God couldn't light the Earth till she moved,
WHEREAS Senator Carper's momma so fat, she went to the movies and sat next to everyone,
WHEREAS Senator Lautenberg's momma so fat, her sweat has its own toxic waste disposal site,
WHEREAS Senator Klobuchar's momma so fat, her body heat kept Minnesota snowless last year,
WHEREAS Senator Udall's momma so fat, she tripped and created the Grand Canyon,
WHEREAS Senator Rockefeller's momma so fat, when she sat down she made West Virginia into Lake Virginia,
WHEREAS Senator Cantwell's momma so fat, she was declared a national wildlife preserve,
WHEREAS Senator Lincoln's momma so fat, when she goes to an all-you-can-eat buffet, they have to install speed bumps,
And,
WHEREAS SEnator Bingaman's momma so fat, she lives in New and Old Mexico,
RESOLVED
1) that the physical fitness of each American is an issue of national concern,
2) that all Americans, regardless of physicality or body type deserve and demand respect,
and,
3) that Senator Conrad's wife approves."
A disgrace to all Americans, The Claremont Beat once again reports of this chamber's actions.
President Observes Senate Floor, Brings New Puppy
Puppy Name: Jess
Puppy Type: Puppy
Senator Alexander (R-TN) spoke on the amendment, calling the President out on his campaign promise of "hope and change".
We, at The Claremont Beat, have the real story. The President is in the chamber, with his puppy.
Senator Crapo (R-ID) pointed out, "I thought Malia was allergic to labradors". The President responded, "she got her shots"
Democratic Senators call for adjournment, unsatisfied with Schumer's authority
After numerous hours of floor debate, Democratic Senators called for adjournment.
The motion was rejected multiple times as Republican Senator McConnell and Senator Schumer insisted the time yielded to Senator Cardin, who motioned for the adjournment, was out of order.
The Democrats were angered by their Majority Leader's decision to overrule his caucus. Senator Lautenberg called Schumer "the worst Majority Leader ever."
Although Vice President Joe Biden attempted to recognize Senator Cardin's motion, Schumer and numerous Republicans asserted that the Senate's Unanimous Consent Agreement gave all caucus power to their respective party leaders.
The senate voted to overrule Biden and continue with proceedings.
Schumer asked his unsatisfied caucus to appeal to the president to sign more legislation. Schumer retorted, saying that the Senators have worked hard on the bills presented and that the Senate will see them through to completion.
Democrats frustrated with the decision of the Senate were seen pacing back and forth. Floor debate continues.
The motion was rejected multiple times as Republican Senator McConnell and Senator Schumer insisted the time yielded to Senator Cardin, who motioned for the adjournment, was out of order.
The Democrats were angered by their Majority Leader's decision to overrule his caucus. Senator Lautenberg called Schumer "the worst Majority Leader ever."
Although Vice President Joe Biden attempted to recognize Senator Cardin's motion, Schumer and numerous Republicans asserted that the Senate's Unanimous Consent Agreement gave all caucus power to their respective party leaders.
The senate voted to overrule Biden and continue with proceedings.
Schumer asked his unsatisfied caucus to appeal to the president to sign more legislation. Schumer retorted, saying that the Senators have worked hard on the bills presented and that the Senate will see them through to completion.
Democrats frustrated with the decision of the Senate were seen pacing back and forth. Floor debate continues.
The KIDNAP BOXER Act
Senator Inhofe introduced an act to support Oklahoma, which when acronymed revealed her true intentions: to KIDNAP SENATOR BOXER. Senator Boxer expressed disdain speaking out against the act.
The voting split upon party lines and Senator Boxer was guaranteed her safety: with the nays winning 11-17.
For clarification: Obama brought his puppy to the session with him.
The voting split upon party lines and Senator Boxer was guaranteed her safety: with the nays winning 11-17.
For clarification: Obama brought his puppy to the session with him.
Simulation is Officially Over, Will Continue Until Adjournment
President Obama just entered the chamber and delivered his closing statement along with presenting the signed PPA Act to the Vice President. Obama's signature on a Finance Committee bill (after signing an EPW bill) officially end the simulation but, for formality's sake (and some academic grading), the Senate can continue passing out bills until they adjourn.
The President concluded his remarks, "I will not consider any more bills tonight... I must get home to my new puppy".
President Waits Outside, Signed Bill in Hand
President Obama currently waits outside the Senate, waiting to announce that he has signed the PPA Act.
The administration attempted to end floor debate on the SHOP Act to announce the passage of PPA, but Senator McConnell refused to end debate, citing Senate rules.
The session will continue, and the President will wait, until the SHOP Act is voted on.
When President Obama is allowed to enter and speak, the 111th Congress simulation will officially close. For formality sake, the Senate will continue until formally adjourned.
The administration attempted to end floor debate on the SHOP Act to announce the passage of PPA, but Senator McConnell refused to end debate, citing Senate rules.
The session will continue, and the President will wait, until the SHOP Act is voted on.
When President Obama is allowed to enter and speak, the 111th Congress simulation will officially close. For formality sake, the Senate will continue until formally adjourned.
Freedom Act Passes the Senate
Senator Boxer began discussion of the Freedom Act, citing that the bill successfully promotes the research and development of other types of energy, especially promoting clean and renewable energy sources. Senator Boxer remarked that she does not personally support the provisions to fund the creation of nuclear facilities, but that an agreement had been reached within committee and that she was prepared to respect the agreement.
Senator Inhofe countered, thanking Senator Boxer and the EPW committee. Inhofe proposed support for the bill and yielded her time to Senator Bond.
Senator Bond drew attention to section four which promotes research in hybrid technologies, especially focusing upon her experience at a recent celebration at the Ford Motors production facilities marking the production of the 100,000th hybrid vehicle made by Ford.
Senator Alexander applauded the Freedom Act's incentives for renewable energy, citing that it was in the best interest of the American people. He responded to Senator Boxer's concerns regarding nuclear power, saying that the bill does nothing to make nuclear power more dangerous or more vulnerable to attacks. Rather, the Freedom Act encourages the production of safer, cleaner and more efficient types of energy.
Senator Bingaman supported the bill saying that the "United States needs it right now."
Roll Call voting commenced, passing 28-2. The nays came from Senator Cornyn and Senator Kyl.
After the bill passed, Senator Kyl and Cornyn made motion to recommit. They voiced their concerns with the legislation citing that in a time of economic crisis it is not in the country's best interest to throw money at a number of different initiatives.
Democratic supporters of the bill pointed out that this bill took a great deal of time to come out of committee and that the deliberation had yielded the best and most bipartisan legislation possible.
Senator Specter and Inhofe pleaded that the Senate vote against the motion to recommit, as the bill is both bipartisan and in the interest of the United States
Roll Call Voting commenced on the consideration to recommit to committee and the motion was denied 2-30.
Senator Inhofe countered, thanking Senator Boxer and the EPW committee. Inhofe proposed support for the bill and yielded her time to Senator Bond.
Senator Bond drew attention to section four which promotes research in hybrid technologies, especially focusing upon her experience at a recent celebration at the Ford Motors production facilities marking the production of the 100,000th hybrid vehicle made by Ford.
Senator Alexander applauded the Freedom Act's incentives for renewable energy, citing that it was in the best interest of the American people. He responded to Senator Boxer's concerns regarding nuclear power, saying that the bill does nothing to make nuclear power more dangerous or more vulnerable to attacks. Rather, the Freedom Act encourages the production of safer, cleaner and more efficient types of energy.
Senator Bingaman supported the bill saying that the "United States needs it right now."
Roll Call voting commenced, passing 28-2. The nays came from Senator Cornyn and Senator Kyl.
After the bill passed, Senator Kyl and Cornyn made motion to recommit. They voiced their concerns with the legislation citing that in a time of economic crisis it is not in the country's best interest to throw money at a number of different initiatives.
Democratic supporters of the bill pointed out that this bill took a great deal of time to come out of committee and that the deliberation had yielded the best and most bipartisan legislation possible.
Senator Specter and Inhofe pleaded that the Senate vote against the motion to recommit, as the bill is both bipartisan and in the interest of the United States
Roll Call Voting commenced on the consideration to recommit to committee and the motion was denied 2-30.
President has Signed PPA!
President Obama has signed the PPA Act and is about to enter the Senate Chamber to announce his final decision. At this point, the Minority Leader and Majority Leader may choose to end, or continue, the simulation.
Congressional Calendar Coming to a Close
"I raise question with the true intentions of Majority Leader Senator Schumer. I implore the Republican Party to reconsider the leadership of Senator McConnell for any hope of future support. The actions exhibited in tonight's senate is not reflective of the change Americans have asked for" says President Obama.
"Members of the Democratic caucus unwillingly to work with the President can be assured of disappointing their constituency," adds Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.
Obama is currently walking out the door to deliver his decision on the Physician Payments Accountability Act of 2009 that will conclude the current congressional calendar.
The President Returns
The Obama Administration is believed to be currently returning to the Senate floor. He will make his final statement on the PPA Act.
Amendments to the Unanimous Consent Agreement
The administration consented to resume the session provided that the President would be allowed to consider the Resolution Authority prior to tackling the PPA legislation.
The administration promised that no more antics would occur, provided that this concession held for the rest of the session.
Unfortunately, the Resolution Authority did not pass the Senate, falling by a margin of 17-15.
The administration promised that no more antics would occur, provided that this concession held for the rest of the session.
Unfortunately, the Resolution Authority did not pass the Senate, falling by a margin of 17-15.
Democrats Attempt Caucus, Party Dissention
A group of Democrats left the Senate floor this evening attempting a caucus to overthrow Majority Leader Schumer.
Senator John Kerry told Senator Lautenberg that he would not get the necessary votes to remove Schumer. He further stated that he was "not going to take out Schumer."
A handful of senators then questioned Kerry's loyalties to the Democratic party,and Lautenberg asked Kerry, "Are you acting as a CMC student, or as your senator?"
Before these allegations could be addressed by Kerry, the press was asked to leave the area by Senator Lautenberg.
Senator John Kerry told Senator Lautenberg that he would not get the necessary votes to remove Schumer. He further stated that he was "not going to take out Schumer."
A handful of senators then questioned Kerry's loyalties to the Democratic party,and Lautenberg asked Kerry, "Are you acting as a CMC student, or as your senator?"
Before these allegations could be addressed by Kerry, the press was asked to leave the area by Senator Lautenberg.
McConnell, Schumer Attempt to Adjourn; Overruled by Sim Gods
(Photo by Allie Foote)
Senator McConnell declares the simulation rules state that only one bill must be signed by the President before session of Congress can be adjourned as long as the Minority and Majority leader agree. Since CEPA has been signed by the President, McConnell and Schumer declared this session of Congress is adjourned.
Senator McConnell declares the simulation rules state that only one bill must be signed by the President before session of Congress can be adjourned as long as the Minority and Majority leader agree. Since CEPA has been signed by the President, McConnell and Schumer declared this session of Congress is adjourned.
The Simulation Gods deliberated for a short time before God Pitney declared:
The Simulation is not over. I strongly encourage the Administration to stop hiding the President. This is bullshit. I strongly suggest the Administration produce the President and you all start behaving like grown-ups.
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