TGIF in Congress – lame duck calendar …


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 17, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the New START Treaty. The treaty will be open to amendments tomorrow.

Senators are encouraged to come to the floor to offer and debate their amendments.

Roll call votes are possible to occur throughout the day.

As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur with respect to HR5281, DREAM Act and on the motion to concur with respect to HR2965, DADT. The first cloture vote will occur early Saturday morning at a time to be determined.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.1481, Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009.
Passed H.R.4973, National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act of 2010.

Passed H.R.5901, Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010
(with Baucus substitute and title amendments)

Passed H.R.5116, COMPETE Act (with Hutchison substitute)

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 17, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:18 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with special order speeches.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 5116 amended.

5:11 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:10 P.M. –

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 21.

Mr. Burton of IN requested general leave to address the House for 5 minutes on December 20.

5:08 P.M. –

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

5:07 P.M. –

Mr. Garamendi asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, December 17, 2010, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Agreed to without objection.

5:06 P.M. –

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 6523.

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

5:05 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.

Considered as unfinished business.

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

5:04 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): 226 – 109 (Roll no. 656).

4:53 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

4:52 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 210 – 145 (Roll no. 655).

4:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

4:30 P.M. –

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 had been postponed.

H.J. Res. 105:

making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:28 P.M. –

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

On passage Passed by voice vote.

4:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.J. Res. 105.

Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 105 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the joint resolution are waived except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1776.

4:23 P.M. –

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 17, 2010 at 3:15 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 1481 and H.R. 4973; passed H.R. 5901 with amendments.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

4:20 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 Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 212 – 131 (Roll no. 654).

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

4:12 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: 184 – 159 (Roll no. 653).

4:05 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 336:

providing for the sine die adjournment of the second session of the 111th Congress

4:04 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: 196 – 153 (Roll no. 652).

3:31 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1776:

providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 105) making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and for other purposes

3:30 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1776, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sessions demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.

3:29 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1776

Considered as privileged matter.

3:18 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1776.

3:17 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.

1:50 P.M. –

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

1:49 P.M. –

INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION – Pursuant to section 235 of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (PUB. L. 111-211), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the INDIAN LAW AND ORDER COMMISSION: Ms. Herseth Sandlin and Mr. Pomeroy .

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

1:48 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 recorded vote (2/3 required): 371 – 1 (Roll no. 651).

1:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 341 – 48 (Roll no. 650).

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

1:27 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 1107:

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

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

On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 385 – 0 (Roll no. 649).

1:19 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1377:

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

1:18 P.M. –

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

1:17 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0 (Roll no. 648).

12:50 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

12:49 P.M. –

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. 6523:

to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

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.

11:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6523.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 5510:

to amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to allow amounts under the Troubled Assets Relief Program to be used to provide legal assistance to homeowners to avoid foreclosure

11:47 A.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.

11:12 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5510.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 6533:

to implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes

11:10 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.

10:53 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6533.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3874:

to amend the Safe Drinking Act to reduce lead in drinking water

10:52 A.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.

10:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3874.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Con. Res. 335:

honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the significant contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict

10:26 A.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 voice vote.

10:01 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 335.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1767:

commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid

9:59 A.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Holt 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.

9:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1767.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H. Res. 1621:

recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA

9:48 A.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.

9:39 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1621.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

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.

9:27 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142.

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

H. Res. 1733:

recognizing Mark Twain as one of America’s most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death

9:25 A.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 voice vote.

9:15 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1733.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

S. 3592:

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”

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Cuellar 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.

9:08 A.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3592.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

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

9:07 A.M. –

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

9:02 A.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.

9:01 A.M. –

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

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4602, H.R. 5133, H.R. 5605, H.R. 5606, H.R. 5655, H.R. 5877, H.R. 6400, H.R. 6392, H.R. 2142, H.R. 5809, S. 3874, S. 4036, and S. 3592.

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

9:00 A.M. –

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

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

We ate only once a day


CARE -- You can help mothers earn their way out of poverty -- Donate now

Don't delay! Donate by December 31 to help women like Marie experience new beginnings in 2011! -- Make a tax-deductible gift  

Facebook Twitter Tell a Freind

Marie is a mother of three and a widow living in the Androy region of Madagascar off the east coast of Africa. She struggled to support her family for many years with farming, but only earned 75 cents a day — an amount you can imagine wasn’t enough to feed her family.

Marie explains, “In the lean season, we ate only once a day — at night. During the day, we had only mangoes and cactus fruit as substitutes for meals.”

Marie’s options expanded once she began participating in a CARE-supported farmers’ association and exercised her right to 25 acres of her family’s farm. Now, she feeds her children three meals a day. Marie also earns as much as $5 a day at the market by selling the wider variety of crops she learned to grow.

You can help mothers like Marie improve their skills, feed their families and earn their way out of poverty by making a tax-deductible gift today.

Here are some ways your support can make a difference:

  • $56 can give 7 women like Marie seed packets to start their own garden and increase their family’s income.
  • $92 can supply 2 women like Dedicaciona in Peru with garden tool kits — including a spade, watering can and more — to cultivate their crops.
  • $150 can provide a woman like Farida in Bangladesh with a soil testing kit so that she can improve her harvest and help her community.

Please remember, a gift to CARE goes beyond tangible goods. Our comprehensive programs inspire confidence and bring hope to poor girls and women so that they can chart their way out of poverty for good.

Marie says, “I have many goals I want to achieve in the future. I want to improve my family’s lives and save for my children.”

You are one of the keys that can help unlock Marie’s dreams. Please don’t delay making your tax-deductible gift — and help women like Marie, their families and their communities experience powerful new beginnings in 2011.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE

New Years Resolution for EPA & DOT– Ship it Green!


Union of Concerned Scientists
Write EPA and DOT today
Tell EPA and DOT to set strong regulations for cleaner trucks that will reduce our dependence on oil. 

Urge EPA and DOT to clean up our nation’s trucks
Dear Carmen,

Thanks to UCS supporters like you, packages across the country are now spreading the word that our nation’s trucks should get a whole lot cleaner. But now it’s time to share our Ship it Green! holiday spirit with decision makers as well.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are currently accepting public comments on the first-ever national fuel economy and emissions regulations for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Please tell them that, from holiday packages shipped to far away friends and family, to the abundance of goods that crisscross our country daily, we deserve a truck fleet that minimizes pollution and oil use.

[object Object]Trucks account for only four percent of all the vehicles on our nation’s roads, but they use 20 percent of our fuel. The technology already exists to make these vehicles cleaner, and everyone benefits when we have more efficient trucks on the roads—we get cleaner air and we can help break our dependence on oil.

So send a message to the EPA and DOT today—just think of it as a holiday card to our government telling them it’s okay to be a Scrooge when it comes to fuel consumption!
Take Action Today!

Sincerely,
ScottNathanson_jpg
Scott Nathanson
National Field Organizer
UCS Clean Vehicles Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world.
UCS is a 501(c)(3) organization. All gifts are tax deductible. You can be confident your donations to UCS are spent wisely. 

Union of Concerned Scientists
2 Brattle Square Cambridge, MA 02138-3780
phone: 800-666-8276 | Fax: 617-864-9405
ucsaction@ucsusa.org
www.ucsusa.org

Denying Contraceptive Coverage is Harmful to Women


National Women's Law Center
Denying Contraceptive Coverage is Harmful to Women
Tell the EEOC to fully enforce the law.
Take Action

Does your employer-sponsored health insurance cover your birth control? Most of us couldn’t have said “yes” ten years ago.

This week marks an important anniversary of a major legal advance for women: ten years ago, in response to a petition filed by the National Women’s Law Center, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled that it is illegal sex discrimination for some employer-sponsored health insurance plans to cover prescriptions and preventive care but not to cover contraceptives for women.

This was a major legal advance for women, but our work is not done. We still need to make sure that the EEOC is doing all it can do to enforce its landmark ruling, and that women receive the full protection of the law.

More than ten years ago, the National Women’s Law Center led a coalition of 60 health care, women’s, civil rights, and other groups, prompting the EEOC’s ruling, and making a real difference for women. A study conducted shortly after the ruling found that contraceptive coverage had increased across the nation. Yet some employers have resisted, and we continue to hear from far too many women who do not have coverage for the contraceptives they need.

Join us in telling the EEOC to focus on enforcing this important protection.

In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing about our new campaign to make sure the new health care law also fulfills its promise of guaranteeing insurance coverage of contraceptives for all women regardless of employer coverage. Today, let’s honor this important anniversary by asking the EEOC to ensure that women receive the contraceptive coverage from their employers to which they are legally entitled.

Thank you for your continued commitment to health care that works for women and their families.

Sincerely,

Judy Waxman Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center

P.S. To review the long battle we’ve fought to get insurance coverage of contraception, check out our timeline.

lame duck Session in Congress …Thursday


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. –

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.

12:54 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:

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

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:

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

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:

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

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.