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lame duck Session in Congress …Thursday

12/15/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 16, 2010

Following any leader remarks, the Senate will turn to Executive session and begin consideration of the New Start Treaty.

Amendments are in order to the treaty and, as a result, roll call votes are possible throughout the day.

Senators will be notified when any votes are scheduled.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed H.r.2142, the DPRA Modernization Act

Passed S.3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.

Passed H.R.5809, Safe Drug Disposal Act (with a Voinovich-Carper substitute amendment-Diesel Emissions Reduction and a title amendment).

Passed S.4036, a bill to clarify the National Credit Union Adminstration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury.

Passed S.3592– a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the “First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.4602-a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1332 Sharon Copley Road in Sharon Center, Ohio, as the “Emil Bolas Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5133– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 331 1st Street in Carlstadt, New Jersey, as the “Staff Sergeant Frank T. Carvill and Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.5605– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 East Fayette Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as the “George C. Marshall Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5606– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 South 7th Street in Indiana, Pennsylvania, as the “James M ‘Jimmy’ Stewart Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.5655– To designate the Little River Branch facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 NE 84th Street in Miami, Florida, as the “Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Post Office”.

Passed H.R.5877– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as the “Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building”.

Passed H.R.6400– To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, as the “Earl Wilson, Jr. Post Office”.

Passed H.R.6392-To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5003 Westfields Boulevard in Centreville, Virginia, as the “Colonel George Juskalian Post Office Building”.

Adopted S.Res.702, Special Education Teachers.

Confirmed Catherine C. Eagles, of North Carolina, to be U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Confirmed Kimberly J. Mueller, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District Judge for the Eastern District of California.

Confirmed John A. Gibney, Jr., of Virginia, to be U.S District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Confirmed James Kelleher Bredar, of Maryland, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Maryland.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 16, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

2:05 A.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on December 17, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Polis (CO) moved that the House do now adjourn.

12:03 A.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1771.

H. Res. 20:

calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” with respect to religious freedom

12:02 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Considered as unfinished business.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

12:01 A.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 4853:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

11:59 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 277 – 148 (Roll no. 647).

11:42 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

11:41 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Levin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 233, 1 Present (Roll no. 646).

11:17 P.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the amendment offered by Mr. Levin is not debatable.

11:16 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Levin.

An amendment to strike Title III of the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583 and amend the bill to provide two years of estate tax relief at 2009 levels. In calendar years 2011 and 2012, the estate tax exemption amount would be $3.5 million ($7 million total for a married couple) and the maximum tax rate on estates would be 45%. Additionally, the amendment would provide estates from decedents in 2010 with the ability to elect to be treated under the 2009 levels or to be treated under current law for tax purposes. This election will allow estates to receive a step up in basis on inherited property rather than the 2010 carryover basis rules. The exemption level and rate are consistent with the estate tax proposal included in the President’s FY2010 and FY2011 Budgets. Under the Senate amendment to H.R. 4583, the bill would provide two years of estate tax relief with a $5 million estate tax exemption ($10 million total for a married couple) and a maximum rate of 35%. The amendment saves $23 billion, and affects 6,600 estates in 2011 which would receive an average additional tax cut of more than $1.5 million under the Senate bill.

At the conclusion of general debate, and pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the Chair announced that the Senate amendment would be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule and directed the Clerk to designate the Senate amendment. The Chair then announced that it was in order for Mr. Levin or his designee to be recognized for the purpose of offering the amendment printed in House Report 111-682 to the Senate amendment.

7:40 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with three hours of general debate on the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

7:39 P.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan to act as Chairman of the Committee.

7:38 P.M. –

Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1766, the Chair declared the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853.

On motion to consider the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

The Chair put the question on consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment.

DEBATE – Pending any declaration of the House into the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 1766 the Chair would note that the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4853 contains; an emergency designation for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles under clause 10(c) of rule 21; and an emergency designation pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. Accordingly, the Chair must put the question of consideration under section of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

7:33 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 241 – 166 (Roll no. 645).

7:26 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1766:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 4853) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes

7:25 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 – 201 (Roll no. 644).

7:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Slaughter amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 – 186 (Roll no. 643).

6:44 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered on the amendment and on the resolution without objection.

6:41 P.M. –

Amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Ms. Slaughter.

An amendment to insert a complete new text.

5:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1766

Considered as privileged matter.

5:49 P.M. –

The House received a communication from Daniel J. Strodel, Chief Administrative Officer. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. Strodel notified the House that he had been served with a subpoena issued by a grand jury in New York County, New York for doucment and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.

5:45 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 16.

2:29 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

S. 3447:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes

2:28 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 3 (Roll no. 642).

2:21 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3860:

to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 – 3 (Roll no. 641).

2:11 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 841:

to direct the Secretary of Transportation to study and establish a motor vehicle safety standard that provides for a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle operation

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 379 – 30 (Roll no. 640).

1:42 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

H.R. 2941:

to reauthorize and enhance Johanna’s Law to increase public awareness and knowledge with respect to gynecologic cancers

1:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

1:29 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2941.

Mrs. Capps moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 4005:

to amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent the proceeds or instrumentalities of foreign crime located in the United States from being shielded from foreign forfeiture proceedings

1:28 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

1:14 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 4005.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 628:

to establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges

1:13 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Chu objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

12:57 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 628.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

H.R. 1107:

to enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, “Public Contracts”

12:56 P.M. –

12:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendments to H.R. 1107.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.

H.R. 6198:

to amend title 11 of the United States Code to make technical corrections; and for related purposes

12:53 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 6198.

Ms. Chu moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

12:46 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H. Res. 1766:

12:40 P.M. –

WITHDRAWAL OF RESOLUTION – Mr. McGovern withdrew the resolution from consideration.

12:31 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 1766.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 6516.

H. Res. 1766:

12:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on H. Res. 1766.

12:16 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 14 – 385, 1 Present (Roll no. 639).

11:28 A.M. –

Mr. Taylor moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1766:

10:43 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1766

Considered as privileged matter.

10:42 A.M. –

On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

10:41 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate on the Flake point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.

10:29 A.M. –

POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Flake stated that the provisions of H.Res. 1766 violate section 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?

10:26 A.M. –

By direction of the Committee on Rules, Ms. Slaughter called up the resolution, H.Res. 1766, and asked for its immediate consideration.

10:03 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Schock to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

10:02 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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What Happened in Cancun

12/15/2010 Nativegrl77

We just returned from the UN climate change conference in Cancún. At best, the results are mixed.

The good news is that over 190 countries agreed on aid to the world’s poor who are coping with climate change impacts such as malaria, drought, and extreme weather. These leaders also agreed on programs that promote clean technology and rainforest conservation.

The bad news is that we still don’t have a fair and effective solution to stop climate change. We are disappointed that world leaders don’t grasp the urgency of this crisis nor the opportunities that clean energy solutions provide.

We are still committed to building a new green economy. High-level negotiations continue to stall but we’re working with a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with the vision to build a sustainable global economy from the ground up.

COP16 was the stage for the official launch of Earth Day Network’s Women and the Green Economy (WAGE) initiative. In partnership with the U.N. Foundation, we are working with leaders like Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, to galvanize women entrepreneurs into a force that will green the global economy and advance climate solutions.

Do your part. Let’s show our leaders that we demand an ambitious treaty. Share your reaction to COP16 and show support for effective new agreements that can reduce pollution, stop climate change and save our planet!

Thank you for everything you do,

The Earth Day Network Team
www.earthday.org

P.S. With your help we can make Billion Acts of Green and Earth Day 2011 strong referendums on climate change and the need for a green economy. We have only a year until the next UN climate summit to galvanize the support of nations.

P.P.S. You can make a difference by supporting Earth Day Network’s climate initiatives through our online store.

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DREAMing of the holidays

12/15/2010 Nativegrl77

Best thing you can do:
Call your senator today!

The Senate will vote soon on DREAM Act, which passed the House last week.

Before they leave town to spend time with their loved-ones for the holidays, Senators will vote on the DREAM Act. It’s up to us to make sure they vote the right way.

The best thing you can do to pass the DREAM Act is to call your senator. But there are lots of other ways you can tell your senator to do the right thing and vote with us.

Make a phone call: dial 866-996-5161, or click here and our system will connect you directly.
Send a holiday card to your Senator
If you’re on Twitter, tweet this .
If you’re on Facebook, check out our fanpage and share with friends.

We can get the DREAM Act passed. We have to stand together to raise all our voices, and we have to do it now. We have a few days to be sure Senators hear us loud and clear. Can you raise your voice?

Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa

We’re fighting to fix our broken immigration system, but we can’t win without you!
contribute $30 today to sponsor 80 faxes and 100 calls to Congress.

Black History

what’s going on in Congress -debates/votes on Wednesday

12/15/2010 Nativegrl77

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 15, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 11:00am with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. At 10:00am, Senator Bayh will deliver his farewell remarks and at 10:30am Senator Voinovich will deliver his farewell remarks.

At 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of the House message on H.R.4853, the vehicle for the tax compromise. At approximately 12:00 noon, there will be a series of up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following items:

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4765 (to pay for the costs of extending unemployment insurance payments by reducing unnecessary and duplicative spending);

– DeMint motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4804 (to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax relief provisions, and to permanently repeal the estate tax, and to provide permanent alternative minimum tax relief);

– Sanders motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4809 (to provide an extension of 2010 tax cuts only for the bottom 98 percent of taxpayers, to provide for responsible estate tax reform, to extend the making work pay credit in lieu of a payroll tax holiday, to provide relief to senior citizens, and to provide for improvements in infrastructure, energy, and water); and

– Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4853, with Reid-McConnell amendment #4753 (tax compromise).

Following the votes, the Senate will resume morning business until 2:15pm with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

At 2:15pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the START Treaty.

Following that vote, Senator Lincoln will be recognized to give her farewell remarks to the Senate. Following her remarks and any of her colleagues, the Senate will resume Executive session at the same status prior to her remarks in legislative session. We expect the Republicans to object to dispensing with the reading of the treaty. If that is the case, we estimate it will take the clerks approximately 15 hours to read the treaty live.

Votes:
At approximately 12:00 noon, there will be a series of up to 4 roll call votes in relation to the following motions:

– Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4765: (to pay for the costs of extending unemployment insurance payments by reducing unnecessary and duplicative spending);

– DeMint motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4804: (to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax relief provisions, and to permanently repeal the estate tax, and to provide permanent alternative minimum tax relief);

– Sanders motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4809: (to provide an extension of 2010 tax cuts only for the bottom 98 percent of taxpayers, to provide for responsible estate tax reform, to extend the making work pay credit in lieu of a payroll tax holiday, to provide relief to senior citizens, and to provide for improvements in infrastructure, energy, and water); and

– Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4853, with Reid-McConnell amendment #4753: (tax compromise).

Votes:
273: Coburn motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4765: (to pay for the costs of extending unemployment insurance payments by reducing unnecessary and duplicative spending);
Not Agreed To: 47-52

274: DeMint motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4804: (to permanently extend the 2001 and 2003 tax relief provisions, and to permanently repeal the estate tax, and to provide permanent alternative minimum tax relief);
Not Agreed To: 37-63

275: Sanders motion to suspend Rule 22 for the purpose of proposing and considering amendment #4809: (to provide an extension of 2010 tax cuts only for the bottom 98 percent of taxpayers, to provide for responsible estate tax reform, to extend the making work pay credit in lieu of a payroll tax holiday, to provide relief to senior citizens, and to provide for improvements in infrastructure, energy, and water);
Not Agreed to: 43-57

276: Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4853, with Reid-McConnell amendment #4753: (tax compromise)
Agreed To: 81-19.

277: Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider the New Start Treaty:
Agreed To: 66-32

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 15, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

. 11:59 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 16, 2010.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.

H. Res. 1377:

honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta, and for other purposes

9:40 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

9:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1377.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5493:

to provide for the furnishing of statues by the District of Columbia for display in Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol

9:10 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

8:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5493.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

S. Con. Res. 77:

to provide for the approval of final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to certain legislative branch employing offices and their covered employees

8:57 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

8:56 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. Con. Res. 77.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1757:

providing for the approval of final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to the House of Representatives and employees of the House of Representatives

8:55 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

8:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1757.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 20:

calling on the State Department to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a “Country of Particular Concern” with respect to religious freedom

8:50 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Faleomavaega objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

8:05 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 20.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

8:04 P.M. –

7:53 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House continued with further debate on S. 987.

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1766.

S. 987:

to protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes

7:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 987.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1765:

supporting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and condemning unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state, and for other purposes

7:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

7:08 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1765.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Berman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 3447:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve educational assistance for veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001, and for other purposes

7:07 P.M. –

6:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3447.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3860:

to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery

6:47 P.M. –

6:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3860.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 6517:

to extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes

6:24 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:23 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

5:50 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6517.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Levin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4337:

to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain rules applicable to regulated investment companies, and for other purposes

5:49 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

5:41 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 4337.

Mr. Levin moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 841:

to direct the Secretary of Transportation to study and establish a motor vehicle safety standard that provides for a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle operation

5:39 P.M. –

5:30 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 841.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Barrow moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

5:29 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 2965:

to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes

5:24 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 175 (Roll no. 638).

4:54 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

3:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1764, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2965 with an amendment.

3:20 P.M. –

Mrs. Davis (CA) moved that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment.

Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1764, the Chair recognized Mrs. Davis of California for a motion.

H. Res. 1743:

congratulating Gerda Weissmann Klein on being selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom

3:16 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 407 – 0 (Roll no. 637).

3:08 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1761:

congratulating Auburn University quarterback and College Park, Georgia, native Cameron Newton on winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy for being the most outstanding college football player in the United States

3:07 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 378 – 15, 18 Present (Roll no. 636).

3:00 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1764:

providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill ( H.R. 2965) to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes

2:59 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 180 (Roll no. 635).

2:29 P.M. –

The House resumed with consideration of H. Res. 1764.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 4853 with an amendment.

H. Res. 1764:

2:28 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

1:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1764

Considered as privileged matter.

1:42 P.M. –

Ms. Pingree (ME) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1764.

H.R. 6205:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the “Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office”

1:40 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 – 0 (Roll no. 634).

1:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. Con. Res. 72:

recognizing the 45th anniversary of the White House Fellows Program

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 401 – 1 (Roll no. 633).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:22 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1759:

expressing support for designation of January 23rd as “Ed Roberts Day”

1:21 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 – 8, 4 Present (Roll no. 632).

1:12 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5446:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida, as the “Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office”

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 – 0 (Roll no. 631).

12:41 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 30:

to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:15 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 30.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boucher moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3386:

to protect consumers from certain aggressive sales tactics on the Internet

12:14 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

12:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3386.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Boucher moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3199:

to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss

12:02 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:48 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3199.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 3036:

to establish the Office of the National Alzheimer’s Project

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:32 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3036.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1600:

supporting the critical role of the physician assistant profession and supporting the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

11:24 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1600.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Pallone moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

S. 1774:

for the relief of Hotaru Nakama Ferschke

11:23 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:14 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1774.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

S. 4010:

for the relief of Shigeru Yamada

11:13 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

11:06 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 4010.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

11:05 A.M. –

Ms. Chu moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1761:

10:53 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1761.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Altmire moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 6494:

to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 to improve the Littoral Combat Ship program of the Navy

10:51 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

10:31 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6494.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

10:30 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 15, 2010, at 9:40 a.m. stating that that body had passed S. 4005.

10:04 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Tonko to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

10:03 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

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A massive game of chicken

12/15/2010 Nativegrl77

I am angry and frustrated that national Republicans, yet again, played political games and held the middle class hostage to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans who need them the least. It is irresponsible, selfish, and wrong.

At the end of the day, I voted for this tax package to protect middle-class families from a tax hike while extending unemployment benefits for 13 months, continuing the sales tax deduction, cutting payroll taxes, and doing everything we can to create jobs.

But it came at tremendous cost.

So I want you to join me in telling Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner, and their right-wing colleagues that we won’t forget how they put their wealthy special interest backers ahead of the national interest and ahead of hard-working families all across America -– and we’re going to hold them accountable.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now -– and join me in committing to repealing these wasteful tax cuts for the wealthy as soon as we can!

While Democrats offered plans to extend middle-class tax cuts for more than 98% of all Americans, Representative Boehner, Senator McConnell, and their right-wing colleagues refused.

Quite simply, they were willing to play a massive game of chicken with the American people and let all the tax cuts expire unless they got billions of dollars to funnel back to their wealthy corporate backers.

There’s no doubt about it: This package will help millions of hard-working Americans who are doing everything they can to get by in these tough times and keep more of their hard-earned money. And it will stop Republicans from cold-heartedly cutting off unemployment benefits to people who are fighting to find jobs, keep their homes, and feed their families during the holidays.

But, to overcome Republican obstruction and selfishness, helping these middle-class families required an unnecessary and irresponsible tax giveaway for the very wealthiest Americans who aren’t facing the same challenges.

It’s outrageous.

Click here to sign my open letter to Senator McConnell, Representative Boehner, and the Republican Party now — and tell them we’ll hold them accountable for their irresponsibility!

I’m so thankful that by extending middle-class tax cuts, continuing the sales tax deduction, and extending unemployment insurance that we’ll be helping middle-class families and getting our economy back on track.

But I won’t forget the price that national Republicans made us pay to do the right thing.

And, with your help, we’ll roll back these irresponsible Bush tax cuts for the wealthy at the earliest possible opportunity.

Thanks for standing with me and speaking out.

Sincerely,

Patty Murray
U.S. Senator