The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Thursday, February 27, 2014. 

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

 Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014 with the time until 2:00pm equally divided and controlled in the usual form with Sessions controlling 30 minutes of the Republican time and Senator Graham or his designee recognized at 1:45pm.

 During Wednesday’s session, cloture was filed on the Sanders substitute amendment #2747 and S.1982; as a result, the filing deadline for first degree amendments is 10:30am and the filing deadline for 2^nd degree amendments is 1:30pm.

 At approximately 2:00pm, there will be at least 2 roll call votes:

–        Graham (or designee) motion to table the Reid second degree amendment #2766 (date change) and

–        Murray (or designee) motion to waive the Sessions (or designee) budget act point of order with respect to S.1982

If the motion to waive is successful, there will be up to 4 additional roll call votes:

–        Motion to invoke cloture on the Sanders substitute amendment #2747

–        If cloture is invoked on the substitute amendment, the next vote will be on adoption of amendment #2747

–        Motion to invoke cloture on S.1982, as amended, if amended and

–        If cloture is invoked on the bill, the final vote will be passage of S.1982, as amended, if amended.

 We expect to consider Executive Calendar #561, the nomination of Michael Connor, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior during Thursday’s session. The previous order provided for up to 20 minutes of debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.  It is likely this vote could occur in the series at 2:00pm or before. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

At 1:57pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Graham motion to table the Reid motion to commit S.1982 (majority vote threshold);

Not Tabled: 44-52

We expect a total of 3 roll call votes during this series of votes.

Next:

–          Sanders motion to waive all applicable Budget points of order (60-affirmative vote threshold)

(2 minutes for debate equally divided)

–          Confirmation of Calendar #561, Michael L. Connor, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of Interior (majority vote threshold)

Prior to the vote, Senator Graham asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending motion so that he may offer amendment #2752 (substitute with Iran Sanctions) to S.1982, Comprehensive Veterans bill.

Senator Sanders said this and ultimately objected: RESERVING THE RIGHT TO OBJECT. I DO

FIND IT INTERESTING THAT IN THE MIDST OF THIS IMPORTANT DEBATE

ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OUR VETERANS, MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES ARE

ON THE FLOOR AND HAVE NOTHING TO SAY, NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT

VETERANS. THIS BILL IS NOT ABOUT BENGHAZI. THIS VETERANS BILL

IS NOT ABOUT IRAN SANCTIONS. IT IS NOT ABOUT HILLARY CLINTON.

IT IS ABOUT PROTECTING THE NEEDS OF OUR VETERANS. SO SENATOR

BURR’S BILL DOES NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR AS FAR AS WE NEED TO GO

IN TERMS OF VETERANS ISSUES. IT BRINGS THE IRAN SANCTIONS

ISSUES INTO A DEBATE WHERE IT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT INTO. I

OBJECT.

Senator Graham then made a parliamentary inquiry and asked if it is correct that no senator is permitted to offer an amendment to this bill while the majority leader’s amendments and motions are pending.

The Chair said that is correct.

He then made a further parliamentary inquiry and asked if a motion to table the Reid motion to commit is successful, would there be an opportunity to offer a motion to commit the bill to the veterans committee, to be reported back as a fully amendable bill with the Iran Sanctions language included?

The Chair stated that there would be an opportunity for a senator to offer another motion to recommit with instructions to which the senator’s amendment could be offered.

2:26pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the Sanders motion to waive all applicable Budget points of order with respect to S.1982, Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014;

Not Waived: 56-41

2:45pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #561, Michael L. Connor, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of Interior;

Confirmed: 97-0

This will be the last vote of the week.

Senator Flake asked unanimous consent the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.2011, a bill to prohibit the Internal Revenue Service from modifying the standard for determining whether an organization is operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare for purposes of section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Senator Wyden objected.

This evening, Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to confirm 4 district judges (Hernandez, Reeves, Brooks, and Chhabria). Senator Moran objected on behalf of Senator Grassley. Senator Reid then filed cloture on 6 nominations, including those 4 district judges, and the motion to proceed to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The number of post-cloture debate hours is listed next to each nomination.

–          Exec. Cal.#659, Debo Adegbile, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General (8 hours equally divided);

–          Exec. Cal.#568, Pedro A. Delgado Hernandez, of Puerto Rico, to be U.S. District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico (2 hours equally divided);

–          Exec. Cal.#569, Pamela Reeves, of Tennessee, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee (2 hours equally divided);

–          Exec. Cal.#565, Timothy Brooks, of Arkansas, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas (2 hours equally divided);

–          Exec. Cal.#571, Vince Chhabria, of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California (2 hours equally divided);

–          Exec. Cal.#636, Rose Gottemoeller, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (8 hours equally divided); and

–          Motion to proceed to Calendar #309, S.1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (30 hours).

The first cloture vote will occur at 5:30pm on Monday, March 3. As a reminder, when cloture is filed sequentially on several items, the Senate will consider one motion at a time. If cloture is invoked on the Adegbile  nomination, there would be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination. If cloture is not invoked or upon disposition of the nomination, we would immediately proceed to the cloture vote on the Hernandez nomination. If cloture is invoked on the Hernandez nomination, there would be up to 2 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination. We will continue through the list until we get to cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. We hope to vitiate the cloture motion and adopt the motion to proceed by consent and begin legislating on the bill.

The mandatory quorums under Rule 22 were waived by consent.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1)     Graham motion to table the Reid motion to commit S.1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act of 2014; Not Agreed to: 44-52

2)     Sanders motion to waive all applicable Budget points of order with respect to S.1982; Not Waived: 56-41

3)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #561, Michael L. Connor, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of Interior; Confirmed: 97-0

Additional Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.366, Expressing support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Adopted S.Res.367, Designating March 3, 2014, as “Read Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.368, Designating February 28, 2014, as “Rare Disease Day”.

Began the Rule 14 process of the following items in order to place the bills on the Legislative Calendar:

–        S.2066, Prohibit Intentional Discrimination by IRS Employee (Cruz)

–        S.2067, Prohibit Treasury from assigning tax status to organizations based on political beliefs and activities (Cruz)

–        S.2062, the Constitutional Check and Balance Act (Paul) and

–        H.R.3865, the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act (Republican request)

 

No additional Executive items

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Last Floor Action:2/27
12:00:48 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

10:00:16 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:23 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Bradley Byrne to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:55 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
11:08:43 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:39 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 27.
12:00:48 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:02:07 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:12 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Gallego to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:40 P.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.
12:32:38 P.M.	H.R. 2804	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2804 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to require the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to publish information about rules on the Internet, and for other purposes.”
12:32:58 P.M.	H.R. 2804	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
12:33:58 P.M.	H.R. 2804	An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly,  numbered 7 printed in House Report 113-361 to exempt any rule pertaining to air quality or water quality.
12:34:00 P.M.	H.R. 2804	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment No. 7.
12:43:20 P.M.	H.R. 2804	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:43:43 P.M.	H.R. 2804	An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee,  numbered 8 printed in House Report 113-361 to exempt rules made by the Secretary of Homeland Security, or any consent decree or settlement made as a result of the rule.
12:43:45 P.M.	H.R. 2804	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 8.
12:53:20 P.M.	H.R. 2804	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:53:51 P.M.	H.R. 2804	Amendment  offered by Ms. Jackson Lee.
12:53:55 P.M.	H.R. 2804	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 9.

1:01:07 P.M.	H.R. 2804	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:01:29 P.M.	H.R. 2804	An amendment, offered by Mr. Miller, George,  numbered 10 printed in House Report 113-361 to exempt regulations proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to prevent combustible dust explosions and fires
1:01:32 P.M.	H.R. 2804	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the George Miller (CA) amendment No. 10.
1:10:47 P.M.	H.R. 2804	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the George Miller (CA) amendment No. 10, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. George Miller (CA) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:11:12 P.M.	H.R. 2804	An amendment, offered by Mr. Miller, George,  numbered 11 printed in House Report 113-361 to exempt any regulations, or modifications thereto, which have been recommended in writing by the Inspector General of a federal agency, including but not limited to those which would improve protections for taxpayers, students, public and workplace safety and health, or otherwise increase the effectiveness or efficiency of agency activities.
1:11:15 P.M.	H.R. 2804	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the George Miller (CA) amendment No. 11.
1:18:28 P.M.	H.R. 2804	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the George Miller (CA) amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. George Miller (CA) demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
1:18:29 P.M.	H.R. 2804	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
1:47:28 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On agreeing to the Rothfus amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: (Roll no. 71).
1:54:10 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On agreeing to the Connolly amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 72).
1:58:20 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 73).
2:03:02 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 74).
2:06:30 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On agreeing to the Miller, George amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 75).
2:11:31 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On agreeing to the Miller, George amendment; Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 76).
2:11:44 P.M.	H.R. 2804	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2804.
2:12:37 P.M.	H.R. 2804	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2:12:46 P.M.	H.R. 2804	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
2:13:49 P.M.	H.R. 2804	Ms. Esty moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.
2:15:18 P.M.	H.R. 2804	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Esty motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add at the end of the bill a new section titled no delay of any regulation that saves tax dollars, helps small businesses and veterans, prevents discrimination, or protects consumers.
2:24:14 P.M.	H.R. 2804	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
2:32:44 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 77).
2:39:48 P.M.	H.R. 2804	On passage Passed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 78).
2:39:52 P.M.	H.R. 2804	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:40:02 P.M.	H.R. 2804	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. 2804.
2:40:27 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 475. H.R. 3193 — “To amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes.”
2:40:32 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3193 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. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 113-36 modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in part B of the report.
2:40:56 P.M.	H.R. 3193	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 475 and Rule XVIII.
2:40:57 P.M.	H.R. 3193	The Speaker designated the Honorable Reid J. Ribble to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:41:07 P.M.	H.R. 3193	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 3193.

3:58:47 P.M.	H.R. 3193	An amendment, offered by Mr. Rigell,  numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 113-350 to require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to (1) submit an analysis on the impact of its proposed rule or regulation on the financial industry, and (2) submit an analysis of consumer and small business access to credit as a result of the regulation, to the Financial Stability Oversight Council for the purposes of public review.
3:58:57 P.M.	H.R. 3193	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 475, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rigell Part B Amendment No. 1.
4:08:16 P.M.	H.R. 3193	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rigell Part B amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote annnounced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Water demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:09:02 P.M.	H.R. 3193	An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSantis,  numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 113-350 to repeal the exclusive rulemaking authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
4:09:11 P.M.	H.R. 3193	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 475, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeSantis Part B Amendment No. 3.
4:18:00 P.M.	H.R. 3193	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeSantis Part B amendment No. 3, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote annnounced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Water demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:18:52 P.M.	H.R. 3193	An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore,  numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 113-350 to add Findings and Sense of Congress language to the end of the bill that acknowledges and honors the work of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in providing protection and relief to consumers from instances of unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices in financial markets.
4:18:55 P.M.	H.R. 3193	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 475, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore Part B Amendment No. 4.
4:31:12 P.M.	H.R. 3193	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moore Part B amendment No. 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote annnounced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Moore demanded a recorded vote, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:31:45 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Mr. Hensarling moved that the Committee rise.
4:31:50 P.M.	H.R. 3193	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
4:32:33 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 3193 as unfinished business.
4:33:14 P.M.	H. Res. 492	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 492 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 899) to provide for additional safeguards with respect to imposing Federal mandates, and for other purposes.”
4:33:40 P.M.	H. Res. 492	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 492.
5:44:39 P.M.	H. Res. 492	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 225 – 192 (Roll no. 79).
5:52:14 P.M.	H. Res. 492	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 190 (Roll no. 80).
5:52:15 P.M.	H. Res. 492	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:52:18 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3193 — “To amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to strengthen the review authority of the Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and for other purposes.”
5:52:32 P.M.	H.R. 3193	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
5:52:44 P.M.	H.R. 3193	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:58:42 P.M.	H.R. 3193	On agreeing to the Rigell amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 250 – 167 (Roll no. 81).
6:02:50 P.M.	H.R. 3193	On agreeing to the DeSantis amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 186 (Roll no. 82).
6:07:34 P.M.	H.R. 3193	On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 236 (Roll no. 83).
6:07:57 P.M.	H.R. 3193	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 3193.
6:08:51 P.M.	H.R. 3193	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
6:11:01 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Ms. Shea-Porter moved to recommit with instructions to Financial Services.
6:11:16 P.M.	H.R. 3193	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shea-Porter motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to clarify that nothing in the underlying legislation may prohibit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from (1) informing consumers of any breach of personal information, while providing guidance on how to avoid such breaches in the future; (2) protecting services members from predatory payday lenders on or near military bases; or (3) investigating and enforcing sanctions related to ATM or private student loan fees.
6:24:02 P.M.	H.R. 3193	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:31:27 P.M.	H.R. 3193	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 194 – 223 (Roll no. 84).
6:40:20 P.M.	H.R. 3193	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 232 – 182 (Roll no. 85).
6:40:20 P.M.	H.R. 3193	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:40:21 P.M.	H.R. 3729	Ms. Meng asked unanimous consent that she be considered the first sponsor of H.R. 3729, a bill originally introduced by Representative Andrews of New Jersey, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 or rule XII.
6:41:06 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:50:12 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:56:25 P.M.		Mr. Polis moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:56:33 P.M.		<action_description> On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:56:34 P.M.		<action_description> The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on February 28, 2014.

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