the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET January 25,2013

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for debate only until 12:00pm with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.

The Senate stands in recess until 2:00pm.

 This afternoon we will continue to work on an agreement to consider resolutions relating to changes to the rules and standing orders and an agreement to consider the Hurricane Sandy supplemental appropriations.

 Another message will be sent when any agreements are reached.

The Senate has reached an agreement that results in 4 votes at 7:55pm (2 voice votes and 2 roll calls).

As a result of this agreement, Senators should expect 2 voice votes and 2 roll call votes in relation to the items listed below to begin at 7:55pm this evening.

– S.Res.5, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide for cloture to be invoked with less than a three-fifths majority after additional debate (voice vote expected) (Harkin).

– Lee amendment #3, would guarantee every senator the right to offer one germane amendment post-cloture (expect a voice vote)

– S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate ((60-affirmative vote threshold), as amended, if amended; and

– S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed (2/3 of those voting-affirmative threshold).

The Senate will now proceed to the consideration of the following resolutions, en bloc:

S.Res.5, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to provide for cloture to be invoked with less than a three-fifths majority after additional debate (Harkin);

S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate (Reid-Levin-McCain);

S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed (Reid-McConnell-Levin-McCain)

The time until 7:55pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders, or their designees, for the purpose of debating these resolutions concurrently. The only amendment in order to any of the resolutions is a Lee amendment to S.Res.15; Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to S.Res.5. Upon the disposition of S.Res.5, the Senate vote in relation to the Lee amendment to S.Res.15. Upon disposition of the Lee amendment, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to S.Res.15, as amended, if amended. S.Res.15, relative to the Standing Order will be subject to a 60 vote threshold for adoption and S.Res.16, amending the Standing Rules, will be subject to a threshold of two-thirds of those voting for adoption. No amendments, motions or points of order are in order to any of these resolutions prior to the votes in relation to the resolutions. Neither of the resolutions are divisible.

7:55pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate (60-affirmative vote threshold), as amended, if amended;

Adopted: 78-16

8:19pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed (2/3 of those voting-affirmative threshold);

Adopted: 86-9

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Adoption of S.Res.15, a resolution providing a Standing Order to improve procedures for the consideration legislation and nominations in the Senate; Adopted: 78-16

2) Adoption of S.Res.16, a resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate relative to conference motions and bipartisan cloture motions on the motion to proceed; Adopted: 86-9

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.17, To constitute the majority party’s membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

Adopted S.Res.18, To constitute the minority party’s membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

Began the Rule 14 process of H.R.325, To ensure the complete and timely payment of the obligations of the United States Government until May 19, 2013, and for other purposes.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on January 25, 2013.