Monthly Archives: May 2016

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

FDA/USDA ~~ May Alerts & Safety p6


USFDA_footer

05/24/2016 03:46 PM EDT

E S Foods of Woodbury, NY is recalling 3700 cases of Meal Breaks items containing individually packed Sunrich Natural Sunflower Kernels (Roasted & Salted), Net Wt 1 oz., because the sunflower seeds have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

05/24/2016 04:50 PM EDT

C. J. Dannemiller Co. is recalling SunOpta 50# bags and 30# cases of roasted sunflower kernels roasted and salted, and sunflower kernels roasted no salt because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria.

Updated information is now available. A list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 043-2016, Papa John’s Salads and Produce Recalls Ready-To-Eat Salad with Chicken Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination (May 20, 2016).

 

05/23/2016 02:42 PM EDT

FIRST SOURCE of Tonawanda, NY, is recalling the following items because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes:

 

05/24/2016 01:54 PM EDT

Hickory Harvest Foods, under advice from its sunflower kernel supplier, SunOpta, is expanding their recall of a limited number of products that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

 

05/23/2016 10:42 AM EDT

As part of the on-going CRF Frozen Foods recall, The Pictsweet Company is notifying consumers that certain Kroger brand frozen vegetable sold in Fry’s, King Soopers, City Market, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Smith’s, QFC, and Fred Meyer are included in the recall announced Friday, May 6. These products were packaged by The Pictsweet Company and contain Green Beans or Green Peas recently recalled by CRF Frozen Foods due to a health risk.

05/20/2016 09:10 PM EDT

Dakota Style Foods, Inc. of Clark, South Dakota is recalling 6,930 cases of sunflower kernels because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

 

05/22/2016 04:15 PM EDT

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling six trail mix products across its eight-state region due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The products include Hy-Vee Caramel Cashew Honey Crunch Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Dark Chocolate Cranberry Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix, Hy-Vee Mountain Trail Mix To Go, Hy-Vee Berry Trail Mix and Hy-Vee Santa Fe Trail Mix

Papa John’s Salad and Produce Recalls Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination Phoenix Arizona, Papa John’s Salad and Produce, Inc. is voluntarily recalling Oriental Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This voluntary action is being undertaken in cooperation with the US Food and Drug Administration because the recalled products contain sunflower kernels that are part of the recent SunOpta sunflower kernel recall expansion.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

On this Day … 1977 Star Wars force began

Image

“Ready are you? What know you of ready? For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi. My own counsel will I keep on who is to be trained. A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one, a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away… to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. …Hmm? On what he was doing.” 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Public Health Emergency Weekly Report


Public Health Emergency. Resilient People. Healthy Communities. A Nation Prepared.

Community Paramedicine and the Changing Face of Pre-Hospital Care

As emergency medical services (EMS) systems evolve from responding to a medical emergencies to providing a broad range of mobile health and clinical services, CMS is looking for innovative ways to enhance paramedic services and prehospital care.  Check out these five projects that could help provide a path to better patient care for fewer health care dollars. Learn More >>

 Nurse holding patient's hand

EMS Week 2016: Honoring those who Help Protect Health and Keep our Health Care System Strong

As part of EMS Week, Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and Edward Gabriel, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, thank all EMS professionals for the essential role they play in protecting the health of our nation each and every day. Learn More >>

 EMT with ambulance

Updating the EMS Agenda for the Future: The Search for Data-Driven Approaches to Improvement

The EMS community is working to find collaborative solutions to some very tough questions so that they can better provide quality care during disasters and every day. The EMS Agenda for the Future, which has offered guidance to EMS providers and other healthcare professionals since 1996, is about to be revised. Become part of the solution and submit your ideas for making the system better. Learn More >>

 EMTs with child and ambulance

Older Adults: Include Connectedness in your Hurricane Plan

Older adults who are connected to their friends, family and community are less likely to become depressed and more likely to stay healthy during and after a disaster. Take a few minutes to learn how connectedness makes older adults feel happier and more satisfied everyday AND helps them bounce back from a disaster. Learn More >>

 multigenerational picture of hispanic women

Hurricane Preparedness:  Start a Conversation with your Kids using Ready Wrigley!

Talking to your kids about hurricanes or any other emergency can be hard, but research shows that kids who have learned about disasters before they strike are better able to cope.  But how can you get that conversation started?  Try using the Ready Wrigley coloring books and checklists to help teach your kids about disasters before they strike.  Learn More >>

 Ready Wriggly

Low Literacy Populations and Disaster Communications: 5 Ways to Bridge the Educational Divide

As disaster health professionals know, information in a disaster can be really complicated.  What you might not know is that many people in your community have low literacy levels and can’t understand much of  the information that is put out before, during and after disasters.  Here are 5 things you can do to help people with low literacy levels understand your message. Learn More >>

 glasses on wooden floor

Preventing the Spread of Zika

Zika virus spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, though it can also be transmitted sexually. We don’t have a vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus, but you can protect yourself in other ways.  Be ready to prevent mosquito bites.  The species of mosquito that carries the virus is most active during the day, so be particularly careful about protecting yourself and your kids during daytime hours.  Learn More >>

 Bug spray
Black History

the Senate ** CONGRESS 5/25 ** the House


Obama Launches DNC Campaign Tour At Illinois State Capitol

Wrap Up for Wednesday, May 25, 2016

May 25, ’16 6:52 PM

Roll Call Votes Passage of S.J.Res.28, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Secretary of Agriculture relating to inspection of fish of the order Siluriformes (catfish); passed: 55-43. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2943, the…

More

Wrap Up May 24

Roll Call Votes

  1. Adoption of H.J.Res.88, disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term “Fiduciary”; adopted: 56-41.
  2. Motion to proceed to S.J.Res.28, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Secretary of Agriculture relating to inspection of fish of the order Siluriformes (catfish); agreed to: 57-40.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.473, expressing appreciation of the goals of American Craft Beer Week and commending the small and independent craft brewers of the United States.

 

Wrap up May 23

Roll Call Votes

  1. Passage of Calendar #422, S.2613, Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act of 2016, as amended; passed: 89-0.

 

Legislative Business

Adopted Calendar #398, S.Res.375 – raising awareness of modern slavery.

*********************************************

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

**************************************************************

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of May 24, 2016

Last Floor Action:
7:32:35 P.M. -H.R. 5055
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Buck amendment.

10:00:27 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:35 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.
10:54:08 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:05 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 24.
12:00:13 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:24 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:28 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Zeldin to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:01:48 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.
12:30:45 P.M. H. Res. 742 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 742 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2576) to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 897) to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Congressional intent regarding the regulation of the use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for other purposes.”
12:32:03 P.M. H. Res. 742 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 742.
1:15:00 P.M. H. Res. 742 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 742, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis 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.
1:15:42 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 24, 2016 at 9:13 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 2613.
1:16:30 P.M. H. Res. 743 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 743 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5055) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.”
1:18:43 P.M. H. Res. 743 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 743.
2:16:53 P.M. H. Res. 743 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 174 (Roll no. 231).
2:24:45 P.M. H. Res. 743 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 237 – 171 (Roll no. 232).
2:24:47 P.M. H. Res. 743 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:24:48 P.M. H. Res. 742 Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 742 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2576) to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 897) to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Congressional intent regarding the regulation of the use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for other purposes.”
2:31:38 P.M. H. Res. 742 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 175 (Roll no. 233).
2:37:51 P.M. H. Res. 742 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 171 (Roll no. 234).
2:37:53 P.M. H. Res. 742 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:38:37 P.M. H.R. 5077 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5077 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.”
2:44:29 P.M. H.R. 5077 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 371 – 35, 1 Present (Roll no. 235).
2:44:30 P.M. H.R. 5077 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:46:07 P.M. H.R. 2576 ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Shimkus asked unanimous consent that the question of adopting a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2576 with an amendment may be subject to postponement as though under clause 8 of rule XX. Agreed to without objection.
2:46:15 P.M. H.R. 2576 MOTION OFFERED – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 742, the Chair recognized Mr. Shimkus for a motion.
2:46:17 P.M. H.R. 2576 Mr. Shimkus moved that the House concur in the Senate amendment with an amendment.
2:46:59 P.M. H.R. 2576 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment with an amendment.
3:40:05 P.M. H.R. 2576 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
3:40:14 P.M. H.R. 2576 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment with an amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the motion and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the motion until a time to be announced.
3:42:42 P.M. H.R. 897 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 742. H.R. 897 — “To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Congressional intent regarding the regulation of the use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for other purposes.”
3:42:47 P.M. H.R. 897 Resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 897 and the Senate amendment to H.R. 2576.
3:43:04 P.M. H.R. 897 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 897.
4:33:11 P.M. H.R. 897 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
4:34:04 P.M. H.R. 897 Mr. Ruiz moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Transportation.
4:34:22 P.M. H.R. 897 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ruiz 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 section protecting pregnant women and children from pesticides known or suspected to cause adverse health impacts on pregnant women, fetal growth, or early childhood development.
4:41:10 P.M. H.R. 897 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:03:51 P.M. H.R. 897 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 182 – 232 (Roll no. 236).
5:10:31 P.M. H.R. 897 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 258 – 156 (Roll no. 237).
5:10:32 P.M. H.R. 897 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:11:28 P.M. H.R. 2576 Considered as unfinished business.
5:17:21 P.M. H.R. 2576 On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 403 – 12 (Roll no. 238).
5:17:23 P.M. H.R. 2576 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:17:55 P.M. Mr. Burgess filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 744.
5:19:45 P.M. H.R. 5055 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 743. H.R. 5055 — “Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.”
5:19:50 P.M. H.R. 5055 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5055. 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 open to amendments.
5:19:58 P.M. H.R. 5055 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 743 and Rule XVIII.
5:19:59 P.M. H.R. 5055 The Speaker designated the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.
5:21:01 P.M. H.R. 5055 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5055.
5:58:53 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to increase funding for Corps of Engineers, Investigations by $1,000,000 and reduce funding for Departmental Administration by $1,000,000.
5:58:55 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
6:01:38 P.M. H.R. 5055 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:01:39 P.M. H.R. 5055 RISING INFORMALLY – The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the Secretary of the Senate. Subsequently, the Committee resumed its sitting.
6:02:14 P.M. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.J. Res. 88.
6:03:36 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Davis, Rodney, to redirect $10,000,000 within Corps of Engineers, Investigations.
6:03:37 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rodney Davis amendment.
6:09:28 P.M. H.R. 5055 On agreeing to the Davis, Rodney amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:09:55 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Clawson (FL), to increase funding for Army Corps of Engineers, Construction by $50,000,000 and reduce funding for Strategic Petroleum Reserve by a similar amount.
6:09:58 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clawson amendment.
6:19:30 P.M. H.R. 5055 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Clawson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Clawson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:20:02 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Rice (SC), to increase Construction, Army Corps of Engineers by $2,241,850 and reduce Departmental Administration, Department of Energy by a similar amount.
6:20:04 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rice (SC) amendment.
6:22:55 P.M. H.R. 5055 On agreeing to the Rice (SC) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:23:39 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Ms. Graham, to increase Operation and Maintenance, Army Corps of Engineersby $3,000,000 and reduce Expenses of Civil Works Program by a similar amount.
6:23:41 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Graham amendment.
6:27:45 P.M. H.R. 5055 On agreeing to the Graham amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:30:15 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Beyer, to strike section 108, which prohibits the use of funds by the Corps of Engineers to develop, adopt, implement, administer, or enforce any change to the regulations in effect on October 1, 2012, pertaining to the definitions of the terms “fill material” or “discharge of fill material” for the purposes of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
6:30:18 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the first Beyer amendment.
6:36:05 P.M. H.R. 5055 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Beyer amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Simpson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:37:12 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Beyer, to strike section 110, which prohibits the use of funds by the Corps of Engineers to develop, adopt, implement, administer, or enforce any change to the regulations and guidance in effect on October 1, 2012, pertaining to the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
6:37:15 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Beyer amendment.
6:47:29 P.M. H.R. 5055 On agreeing to the Beyer amendment; Failed by voice vote.
6:47:52 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSaulnier, to strike section 111, regarding the posession of firearms at water resources development projects.
6:47:54 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeSaulnier amendment.
6:52:14 P.M. H.R. 5055 By unanimous consent, the DeSaulnier amendment was withdrawn.
6:54:02 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. McNerney, to strike General Provisions, Department of the Interior, related to California state water projects.
6:54:04 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney amendment.
7:16:47 P.M. H.R. 5055 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Beyer amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. McNerney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:18:57 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Griffith, to reduce the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program by $50,000,000, and increase the Fossil Energy Research and Development Program by $45,000,000.
7:18:59 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Griffith amendment.
7:29:16 P.M. H.R. 5055 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Beyer amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Kaptur demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:30:12 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. McNerney, to increase Energy Programs, Department of Energy by $2,000,000 and reduce Departmental Administration, Department of Energy by a similar amount.
7:30:14 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney amendment.
7:32:01 P.M. H.R. 5055 On agreeing to the McNerney amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:32:32 P.M. H.R. 5055 An amendment, offered by Mr. Buck, to reduce the accounts for Plant or Facility Acquisition, Construction, or Expansion of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs to $0 and apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.
7:32:35 P.M. H.R. 5055 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 743, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Buck amendment.

**********************************************************************

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of May 23, 2016

12:00:15 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:20 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Mark Meadows to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:42 P.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:06:23 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:09 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 23.
2:00:21 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:45 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:48 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Kildee to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:09 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:05:23 P.M. The House received a communication from Dolores Ridley, District Office Manager, Office of Chaka Fattah. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Ridley notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for testimony in a criminal case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
2:05:56 P.M. The House received a communication from Michelle Anderson Lee, Director of Appropriations, Office of Chaka Fattah. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ms. Lee notified the House that she had been served with a subpoena issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for testimony in a criminal case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, she had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the privileges and rights of the House.
2:06:19 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 the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 23, 2016 at 9:19 a.m.: that the Senate passed with an amendment H.R. 2577.
2:06:45 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:07:01 P.M. H.R. 4889 Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4889 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require providers of a covered service to provide call location information concerning the telecommunications device of a user of such service to an investigative or law enforcement officer in an emergency situation involving risk of death or serious physical injury or in order to respond to the user’s call for emergency services.”
2:07:39 P.M. H.R. 4889 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:07:41 P.M. H.R. 4889 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4889.
2:31:53 P.M. H.R. 4889 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.
2:32:06 P.M. H.R. 4167 Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4167 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require multi-line telephone systems to have a default configuration that permits users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, and for other purposes.”
2:32:20 P.M. H.R. 4167 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:32:21 P.M. H.R. 4167 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4167.
2:45:44 P.M. H.R. 4167 At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Sarbanes 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 considered as withdrawn.
2:46:00 P.M. H.R. 3998 Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3998 — “To direct the Federal Communications Commission to commence proceedings related to the resiliency of critical telecommunications networks during times of emergency, and for other purposes.”
2:46:24 P.M. H.R. 3998 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:46:25 P.M. H.R. 3998 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3998.
2:53:58 P.M. H.R. 3998 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.
2:54:30 P.M. H.R. 2589 Mr. Walden moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2589 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to publish on its Internet website changes to the rules of the Commission not later than 24 hours after adoption.”
2:54:51 P.M. H.R. 2589 Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:54:52 P.M. H.R. 2589 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2589.
2:59:54 P.M. H.R. 2589 At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Pallone 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 considered as withdrawn.
3:01:15 P.M. H.R. 496 Mr. Cook moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 496 — “To establish the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in the State of California, and for other purposes.”
3:01:26 P.M. H.R. 496 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:01:27 P.M. H.R. 496 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 496.
3:06:40 P.M. H.R. 496 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:06:42 P.M. H.R. 496 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:07:05 P.M. S. 184 Mr. Cook moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 184 — “To amend the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act to require background checks before foster care placements are ordered in tribal court proceedings, and for other purposes.”
3:07:07 P.M. S. 184 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:07:08 P.M. S. 184 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 184.
3:14:53 P.M. S. 184 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:14:55 P.M. S. 184 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:17:20 P.M. H.R. 5077 Mr. Nunes moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5077 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.”
3:17:23 P.M. H.R. 5077 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:17:27 P.M. H.R. 5077 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5077.
3:45:22 P.M. H.R. 5077 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.
3:46:19 P.M. H.R. 2121 Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2121 — “To amend the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to provide a temporary license for loan originators transitioning between employers, and for other purposes.”
3:46:45 P.M. H.R. 2121 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:46:49 P.M. H.R. 2121 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2121.
3:56:58 P.M. H.R. 2121 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:57:01 P.M. H.R. 2121 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:57:13 P.M. H.R. 4139 Mr. Luetkemeyer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4139 — “To amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to provide a temporary exemption for low-revenue issuers from certain auditor attestation requirements.”
3:57:24 P.M. H.R. 4139 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:57:25 P.M. H.R. 4139 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4139.
4:08:52 P.M. H.R. 4139 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:08:53 P.M. H.R. 4139 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:10:05 P.M. H.R. 1762 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1762 — “To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in The Dalles, Oregon, as the “Loren R. Kaufman Memorial Veterans’ Clinic”.”
4:10:07 P.M. H.R. 1762 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:10:08 P.M. H.R. 1762 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1762.
4:18:00 P.M. H.R. 1762 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:18:03 P.M. H.R. 1762 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:18:05 P.M. H.R. 1762 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:18:32 P.M. H.R. 960 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 960 — “To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Newark, Ohio, as the Daniel L. Kinnard Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic.”
4:18:44 P.M. H.R. 960 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:18:45 P.M. H.R. 960 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 960.
4:25:15 P.M. H.R. 960 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:25:17 P.M. H.R. 960 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:25:19 P.M. H.R. 960 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:25:20 P.M. H.R. 2460 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2460 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of adult day health care services for veterans.”
4:25:52 P.M. H.R. 2460 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:25:53 P.M. H.R. 2460 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2460.
4:34:09 P.M. H.R. 2460 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:34:10 P.M. H.R. 2460 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:34:39 P.M. H.R. 3715 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3715 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to permit interments, funerals, memorial services, and ceremonies of deceased veterans at national cemeteries and State cemeteries receiving grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs during certain weekends if requested for religious reasons.”
4:34:49 P.M. H.R. 3715 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:34:51 P.M. H.R. 3715 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3715.
4:38:33 P.M. H.R. 3715 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:38:35 P.M. H.R. 3715 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:38:38 P.M. H.R. 3715 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:38:43 P.M. H.R. 3989 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3989 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the process for determining the eligibility of caregivers of veterans to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.”
4:38:54 P.M. H.R. 3989 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:38:55 P.M. H.R. 3989 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3989.
4:50:14 P.M. H.R. 3989 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:50:15 P.M. H.R. 3989 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:50:18 P.M. H.R. 3989 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:50:19 P.M. H.R. 5229 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 5229 — “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a study to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, especially in regards to women veterans and minority veterans, in transitioning to civilian life, and for other purposes.”
4:51:01 P.M. H.R. 5229 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:51:02 P.M. H.R. 5229 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5229.
5:03:17 P.M. H.R. 5229 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:03:20 P.M. H.R. 5229 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:04:10 P.M. H.R. 3956 Mr. Miller (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3956 — “To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a plan to hire directors of the medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
5:04:14 P.M. H.R. 3956 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:04:15 P.M. H.R. 3956 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3956.
5:13:53 P.M. H.R. 3956 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:13:55 P.M. H.R. 3956 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:13:58 P.M. H.R. 3956 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
5:15:04 P.M. H.R. 4987 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4987 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3957 2nd Avenue in Laurel Hill, Florida, as the “Sergeant First Class William ‘Kelly’ Lacey Post Office”.”
5:15:25 P.M. H.R. 4987 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:15:28 P.M. H.R. 4987 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4987.
5:21:35 P.M. H.R. 4987 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:21:37 P.M. H.R. 4987 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:22:10 P.M. H.R. 433 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 433 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 523 East Railroad Street in Knox, Pennsylvania, as the “Specialist Ross A. McGinnis Memorial Post Office”.”
5:22:24 P.M. H.R. 433 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:22:28 P.M. H.R. 433 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 433.
5:28:39 P.M. H.R. 433 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:28:41 P.M. H.R. 433 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:29:07 P.M. H.R. 3931 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3931 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 620 Central Avenue Suite 1A in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, as the “Chief Petty Officer Adam Brown United States Post Office”.”
5:29:27 P.M. H.R. 3931 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:29:30 P.M. H.R. 3931 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3931.
5:35:30 P.M. H.R. 3931 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:35:32 P.M. H.R. 3931 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:36:02 P.M. H.R. 3953 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3953 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4122 Madison Street, Elfers, Florida, as the “Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell Memorial Post Office”.”
5:36:18 P.M. H.R. 3953 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:36:21 P.M. H.R. 3953 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3953.
5:42:49 P.M. H.R. 3953 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:42:51 P.M. H.R. 3953 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:43:09 P.M. H.R. 4747 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4747 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6691 Church Street in Riverdale, Georgia, as the “Major Gregory E. Barney Post Office Building”.”
5:43:23 P.M. H.R. 4747 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:43:26 P.M. H.R. 4747 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4747.
6:03:28 P.M. H.R. 4747 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:03:30 P.M. H.R. 4747 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:04:01 P.M. H.R. 4877 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4877 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3130 Grants Lake Boulevard in Sugar Land, Texas, as the “LCpl Garrett W. Gamble, USMC Post Office Building”.”
6:04:08 P.M. H.R. 4877 Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:04:12 P.M. H.R. 4877 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4877.
6:13:00 P.M. H.R. 4877 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:13:03 P.M. H.R. 4877 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:14:29 P.M. H.R. 4975 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4975 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5720 South 142nd Street in Omaha, Nebraska, as the “Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb A. Nelson Post Office Building”.”
6:14:53 P.M. H.R. 4975 Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:14:57 P.M. H.R. 4975 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4975.
6:18:33 P.M. H.R. 4975 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:18:36 P.M. H.R. 4975 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:19:02 P.M. H.R. 4761 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4761 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 61 South Baldwin Avenue in Sierra Madre, California, as the “Louis Van Iersel Post Office”.”
6:19:15 P.M. H.R. 4761 Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:19:18 P.M. H.R. 4761 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4761.
6:25:04 P.M. H.R. 4761 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:25:06 P.M. H.R. 4761 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:26:02 P.M. H.R. 3218 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3218 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 836 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California as the “Special Warfare Operator Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis ‘Lou’ J. Langlais Post Office Building”.”
6:26:10 P.M. H.R. 3218 Considered under suspension of the rules.
6:26:14 P.M. H.R. 3218 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3218.
6:31:02 P.M. H.R. 3218 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
6:31:08 P.M. H.R. 3218 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:31:11 P.M. H.R. 3218 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
6:32:20 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:33:30 P.M. H.R. 4889 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4889 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require providers of a covered service to provide call location information concerning the telecommunications device of a user of such service to an investigative or law enforcement officer in an emergency situation involving risk of death or serious physical injury or in order to respond to the user’s call for emergency services.”
6:54:54 P.M. H.R. 4889 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 229 – 158 (Roll no. 229).
6:58:33 P.M. H.R. 3998 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3998 — “To direct the Federal Communications Commission to commence proceedings related to the resiliency of critical telecommunications networks during times of emergency, and for other purposes.”
7:04:44 P.M. H.R. 3998 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 389 – 2 (Roll no. 230).
7:04:45 P.M. H.R. 3998 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:04:46 P.M. H.R. 3998 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:05:20 P.M. H.R. 4167 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4167 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require multi-line telephone systems to have a default configuration that permits users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, and for other purposes.”
7:05:52 P.M. H.R. 4167 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:05:54 P.M. H.R. 4167 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:05:58 P.M. H.R. 4167 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:06:02 P.M. H.R. 2589 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2589 — “To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to publish on its Internet website changes to the rules of the Commission not later than 24 hours after adoption.”
7:06:24 P.M. H.R. 2589 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:06:26 P.M. H.R. 2589 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:06:30 P.M. H.R. 2589 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:07:05 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
7:11:43 P.M. H.R. 3969 Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3969 — “To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, as the “Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic”.”
7:11:46 P.M. H.R. 3969 Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:11:50 P.M. H.R. 3969 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3969.
7:19:50 P.M. H.R. 3969 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:19:54 P.M. H.R. 3969 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:19:58 P.M. H.R. 3969 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
7:21:07 P.M. H.R. 4425 Mr. Walker moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4425 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 110 East Powerhouse Road in Collegeville, Minnesota, as the “Eugene J. McCarthy Post Office”.”
7:21:50 P.M. H.R. 4425 Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:21:52 P.M. H.R. 4425 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4425.
7:30:24 P.M. H.R. 4425 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:30:26 P.M. H.R. 4425 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:31:02 P.M. H.R. 4465 Mr. Barletta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4465 — “To decrease the deficit by consolidating and selling Federal buildings and other civilian real property, and for other purposes.”
7:31:09 P.M. H.R. 4465 Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:31:13 P.M. H.R. 4465 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4465.
7:53:08 P.M. H.R. 4465 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
7:53:15 P.M. H.R. 4465 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:53:35 P.M. Mr. Woodall filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 742 and H. Res. 743.
7:54:25 P.M. H.R. 4487 Mr. Barletta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4487 — “To reduce costs of Federal real estate, improve building security, and for other purposes.”
7:54:40 P.M. H.R. 4487 Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:54:42 P.M. H.R. 4487 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4487.
8:08:37 P.M. H.R. 4487 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
8:08:40 P.M. H.R. 4487 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:09:12 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
8:17:12 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
9:56:27 P.M. Mr. Poe (TX) moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:56:36 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:56:37 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 24, 2016.

**********************************************************************

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of May 19, 2016

9:00:25 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
9:00:31 A.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
9:02:07 A.M. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Collins (GA) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Collins (GA) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
9:02:35 A.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mrs. Walorski to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
9:03:02 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.
9:13:26 A.M. H.R. 4974 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4974 — “Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.”
9:14:14 A.M. H.R. 4974 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:14:44 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Heck (WA), to designate holes 10 through 18 at the golf course at American Lake Veterans Hospital on a portion of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which were designed by Jack Nicklaus on a pro bono basis, as the “Nicklaus Nine”.
9:14:45 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Heck (WA) amendment pending a reservation of a point of order.
9:19:55 A.M. H.R. 4974 By unanimous consent, the Heck (WA) amendment was withdrawn.
9:20:12 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gibson, to prohibit the use of funds by the Department of Veterans Affairs to preclude the territorial seas of the Republic of Vietnam from inclusion in the meaning of the Republic of Vietnam under the Agent Orange Act of 1991 and the amendments made by that Act.
9:20:14 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gibson amendment pending a reservation of a point of order.
9:26:52 A.M. H.R. 4974 By unanimous consent, the Gibson amendment was withdrawn.
9:27:24 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit the use of funds for the Veterans Experience Office.
9:27:26 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
9:32:37 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:33:24 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit the use of funds to carry out the memorandum from the Veterans Benefit Administration known as Fast Letter 13-10 or to prohibit the use of funds to create or maintain any patient record-keeping system other than those approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office.
9:33:26 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the second Gosar amendment.
9:37:21 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:37:31 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Mica, numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to increase funding for Veterans Health Administration- Medical Services by $10 million.
9:37:32 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Mica amendment No. 7.
9:42:29 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Mica amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:42:46 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit the use of funds to be used in contravention of sections 575.106 or 575.206 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.
9:42:48 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the third Gosar amendment.
9:48:45 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:49:04 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce the exception in clause (iii) of section 1.218(a)(8) of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations.
9:49:06 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the fourth Gosar amendment.
9:54:33 A.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the fourth Gosar amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:56:30 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Perry, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to implement or enforce Executive Order 13502.
9:56:45 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perry amendment.
10:09:09 A.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Perry amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:09:19 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in contravention of subchapter III of chapter 20 of title 38, United States Code.
10:09:52 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment.
10:15:37 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:15:59 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gibson, to prohibit the use of funds to be used to enforce VA Adjudication Procedure Manual M21-1, Part IV, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section H, Topic 28.h related to Developing Claims Based on Service Aboard Ships Offshore the RVN.
10:16:00 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the second Gibson amendment.
10:19:45 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Gibson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:20:06 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Maloney, Sean, to prohibit the use of funds to be used in contravention of Executive Order no. 13672 of July 21, 2014 (“Further Amendments to Executive Order 11478, Equal Employment Opportunity in the Federal Government, and Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity”).
10:20:07 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Maloney, Sean amendment.
10:31:58 A.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Maloney, Sean amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Maloney, Sean demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:32:56 A.M. H.R. 4974 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments, which had been debated earlier, and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
10:56:50 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Mulvaney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 52 – 372 (Roll no. 217).
11:00:40 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Mulvaney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 51 – 371 (Roll no. 218).
11:03:44 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Mulvaney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 56 – 363 (Roll no. 219).
11:07:09 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Mulvaney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 64 – 360 (Roll no. 220).
11:10:20 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 233 – 189 (Roll no. 221).
11:13:14 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Fleming amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 219 – 202 (Roll no. 222).
11:18:44 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Huffman amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 265 – 159, 1 Present (Roll no. 223).
11:22:08 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 200 – 225 (Roll no. 224).
11:25:13 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Perry amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 209 – 216 (Roll no. 225).
11:33:12 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Maloney, Sean amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 212 – 213 (Roll no. 226).
11:33:54 A.M. H.R. 4974 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4974.
11:34:49 A.M. H.R. 4974 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
11:40:11 A.M. H.R. 4974 The House adopted the amendments en gros as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
11:41:28 A.M. H.R. 4974 ENGROSSMENT AND THIRD READING – The Chair put the question on engrossment and third reading and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hoyer demanded a recorded vote on the question, which was ordered.
11:58:27 A.M. H.R. 4974 On engrossment and third reading Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 183 (Roll no. 227).
12:10:23 P.M. H.R. 4974 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 295 – 129 (Roll no. 228).
12:10:25 P.M. H.R. 4974 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:10:36 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, which would be put de novo.
12:10:37 P.M. On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
12:11:21 P.M. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 2814.
12:14:47 P.M. COLLOQUY ON THE HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in colloquy on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.
12:29:02 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
12:41:05 P.M. Mr. Gohmert asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, May 19, 2016, it adjourn to meet at 12 Noon on Monday, May 23, 2016, for Morning-Hour Debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Agreed to without objection.
12:41:44 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
1:42:00 P.M. Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
1:42:02 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
1:42:05 P.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on May 23, 2016.

**********************************************************************

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of May 18, 2016

10:00:07 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:17 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:42 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.
11:02:21 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:30 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 18.
12:00:32 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Patricia Venegas, Without Spot or Wrinkle Ministries, La Verne, California.
12:02:06 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:08 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Bera to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:42 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.
12:27:02 P.M. H. Res. 716 Mr. King (NY) asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
12:27:22 P.M. H. Res. 716 Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 716 — “Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, a seminal moment in Ireland’s journey to independence.”
12:27:40 P.M. H. Res. 716 An amendment, offered by Mr. King (NY), to insert an entire new text and preamble to the resolution.
12:27:44 P.M. H. Res. 716 On agreeing to the King (NY) amendment; Agreed to without objection.
12:27:45 P.M. H. Res. 716 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:27:46 P.M. H. Res. 716 An amendment, offered by Mr. King (NY), Amendment to amend the preamble.
12:27:47 P.M. H. Res. 716 On agreeing to the King (NY) amendment; Agreed to without objection.
12:28:33 P.M. H. Res. 716 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:28:34 P.M. H. Res. 716 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
12:28:53 P.M. H. Res. 736 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 736 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4974) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5243) making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, to strengthen public health activities in response to the Zika virus, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.”
12:32:52 P.M. H. Res. 736 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 736.
1:34:29 P.M. H. Res. 736 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 736, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.
1:35:37 P.M. H. Res. 735 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 735 — “Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4909) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.”
1:38:17 P.M. H. Res. 735 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 735.
2:32:15 P.M. H. Res. 735 The previous question was ordered without objection.
2:53:22 P.M. H. Res. 735 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 230 – 175 (Roll no. 200).
2:53:24 P.M. H. Res. 735 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:54:02 P.M. H. Res. 736 Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 736 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4974) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5243) making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, to strengthen public health activities in response to the Zika virus, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.”
3:00:15 P.M. H. Res. 736 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 182 (Roll no. 201).
3:06:37 P.M. H. Res. 736 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 183 (Roll no. 202).
3:06:38 P.M. H. Res. 736 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:06:50 P.M. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 2840 and S. 1335.
3:06:51 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on amendments to H.R. 4909 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
3:07:25 P.M. H.R. 4909 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4909 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.”
3:07:38 P.M. H.R. 4909 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
3:13:04 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the McKinley amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 211 – 213 (Roll no. 203).
3:16:18 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Nadler amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 259 (Roll no. 204).
3:19:31 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Poe (TX) amendment; as modified Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 180 (Roll no. 205).
3:21:36 P.M. H.R. 4909 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4909 as unfinished business.
3:23:13 P.M. H.R. 4909 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4909 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.”
3:23:36 P.M. H.R. 4909 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
3:23:50 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Buck, numbered 1 printed in House Report 114-571 to require the DOD to evaluate the cost of different types of energy and purchase the most cost effective option available.
3:23:52 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Buck amendment No. 1.
3:32:13 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Buck amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Buck demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:32:14 P.M. H.R. 4909 RISING INFORMALLY – The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the President. Subsequently, the Committee resumed its sitting.
3:33:35 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming, numbered 2 printed in House Report 114-571 to prohibit funds for Executive Orders 13653 and 13693 that require DOD to meet certain green energy mandates and to incorporate climate change reviews within DOD operations, acquisition, and planning.
3:33:38 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fleming amendment No. 2.
3:44:27 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Fleming amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fleming demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:44:53 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Pearce, numbered 3 printed in House Report 114-571 to transfer, in accordance with BRAC 1988, specified lands of the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity in McKinley County, New Mexico to the Department of the Interior to be held in trust for the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation.
3:44:56 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pearce amendment No. 3.
3:51:56 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Pearce amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:52:35 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, compromised of the following amendments numbered 4, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, 30 and 31 printed in House Report 114-571.
3:52:41 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #1.
4:14:32 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
4:14:47 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Ms. Lee, numbered 5 printed in House Report 114-571 to repeal the 2001 AUMF after 90 days of enactment of this Act.
4:14:52 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lee amendment No. 5.
4:26:21 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lee amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:26:38 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis, numbered 6 printed in House Report 114-571 to reduce the base Defense Department budget by 1% excluding military/reserve/National Guard personnel, as well as Defense Health Program account.
4:26:42 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment No. 6.
4:38:52 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:39:30 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 8, 14, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 40, 41, 42, and 45 printed in House Report 114-571.
4:39:38 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #2.
5:00:42 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:01:02 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Ellison, numbered 7 printed in House Report 114-571 to strike language that calls on the President to expand the scope of the mission in Afghanistan.
5:01:04 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 7.
5:12:47 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:13:07 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Ellison, numbered 9 printed in House Report 114-571 to reduce funding for base budget procurement items from Overseas Conti ngency Operations (OCO) funds to $1,287,871,000, in accordance with the Presidents request. $9,440,300,000 is transferred to OCO Operations & Maintenance fund in order to fund operations overseas, with $26 million designated for suicide prevention.
5:13:10 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 9.
5:24:35 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ellison amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Ellison demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:25:20 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 20, 36, 37, 39, 48, 49, 52, 53, 59, and 63 printed in House Report 114-571.
5:25:29 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #3.
5:42:52 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:43:21 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Zinke, numbered 10 printed in House Report 114-571 to prevent changes to the alert status or unilateral reduction in the quantity of deployed intercontinental ballistic missile forces. Requires a report on the ability of the Air Force to ensure that the ICBM force is capable of deploying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) on Minuteman III ICBM’s.
5:43:25 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Zinke amendment No. 10.
5:53:45 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Zinke amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:54:21 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Lamborn, numbered 11 printed in House Report 114-571 to strike conditions on recognizing the National World War II Aviation Museum.
5:54:24 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lamborn amendment No. 11.
5:57:21 P.M. H.R. 4909 By unanimous consent, the Lamborn amendment was withdrawn.
5:57:53 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Sanford, numbered 12 printed in House Report 114-571 to require the Government Accountability Office to study the Maritime Security Fleet.
5:57:59 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sanford amendment No. 12.
6:08:25 P.M. H.R. 4909 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sanford amendment No. 12, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Sanford demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:09:01 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Mr. Thornberry, numbered 18 printed in House Report 114-571 to assure the management of spectrum auctions and national security equities.
6:09:31 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendment No. 18.
6:14:51 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:15:19 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 23, 43, 44, 46, 47, 50, 51, 54, 64, 65, 66, 67, and 69 printed in House Report 114-571.
6:15:25 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #4.
6:38:52 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:39:28 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 68, 70, 74, 77, and 82 printed in House Report 114-571.
6:39:32 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #5.
6:57:19 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:57:30 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 78, 79, 88, 89, 90, 91, and 92 printed in House Report 114-571.
6:57:54 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #6.
7:02:22 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:02:40 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 93, 94, 95, 96, and 97 printed in House Report 114-571.
7:03:02 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #7.
7:05:43 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:06:02 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, and 110 printed in House Report 114-571.
7:06:03 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #8.
7:06:11 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:06:30 P.M. H.R. 4909 Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Thornberry, comprised of the following amendments numbered 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118 and 120 printed in House Report 114-571.
7:06:32 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendments en bloc #9.
7:23:06 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Thornberry amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:23:38 P.M. H.R. 4909 An amendment, offered by Ms. Bordallo, numbered 119 printed in House Report 114-571 to authorize the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to settle claims resulting from the occupation of Guam during World War II based on other war claims programs previously authorized by Congress for other Americans
7:24:03 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 735, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bordallo amendment No. 119.
7:25:05 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Bordallo amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:25:15 P.M. H.R. 4909 Mr. Thornberry moved that the committee rise.
7:25:32 P.M. H.R. 4909 On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
7:25:48 P.M. H.R. 4909 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4909 as unfinished business.
7:26:07 P.M. The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 114-137).
7:27:35 P.M. H.R. 5243 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 736. H.R. 5243 — “Making appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, to strengthen public health activities in response to the Zika virus, and for other purposes.”
7:27:40 P.M. H.R. 5243 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4974 and H.R. 5243.
7:28:21 P.M. H.R. 5243 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5243.
8:36:33 P.M. H.R. 5243 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
8:37:02 P.M. H.R. 5243 Ms. Castor (FL) moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Appropriations.
8:37:42 P.M. H.R. 5243 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Castor (FL) motion to recommit with instructions, pending a reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to strike all after the enacting clause and insert a new text to the bill.
8:42:34 P.M. H.R. 5243 Mr. Rogers (KY) raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Rogers (KY) stated that the provisions of the motion sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. Sustained by the Chair.
8:42:34 P.M. H.R. 5243 Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
8:45:36 P.M. H.R. 5243 Ms. Castor (FL) appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
8:45:45 P.M. H.R. 5243 Mr. Rogers (KY) moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
9:06:17 P.M. H.R. 5243 On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 183 (Roll no. 206).
9:13:46 P.M. H.R. 5243 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 184 (Roll no. 207).
9:13:48 P.M. H.R. 5243 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
9:14:25 P.M. H.R. 4909 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4909 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.”
9:14:38 P.M. H.R. 4909 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
9:19:08 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Buck amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 159 – 266 (Roll no. 208).
9:22:34 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Fleming amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 227 – 198 (Roll no. 209).
9:25:43 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 138 – 285 (Roll no. 210).
9:29:19 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Polis amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 63 – 360, 1 Present (Roll no. 211).
9:33:31 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 131 – 292, 1 Present (Roll no. 212).
9:37:01 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Ellison amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 132 – 289, 1 Present (Roll no. 213).
9:40:18 P.M. H.R. 4909 On agreeing to the Sanford amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 41 – 383 (Roll no. 214).
9:40:30 P.M. H.R. 4909 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4909.
9:41:01 P.M. H.R. 4909 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
9:41:09 P.M. H.R. 4909 The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
9:42:07 P.M. H.R. 4909 Mr. Clyburn moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Armed Services.
9:42:26 P.M. H.R. 4909 DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clyburn motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with amendments: In section 567 (relating to a prohibition on the establishment, maintenance, or support of Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units at educational institutions that display the Confederate battle flag), strike subsection (c). Also, the motion strikes section 1094 of the bill, which would allow religious organizations contracting with the federal government to discriminate against LGBT individuals whom they may employ.
9:55:46 P.M. H.R. 4909 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
10:02:00 P.M. H.R. 4909 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 243 (Roll no. 215).
10:07:15 P.M. H.R. 4909 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 277 – 147 (Roll no. 216).
10:07:16 P.M. H.R. 4909 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
10:07:19 P.M. H.R. 4909 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
10:07:33 P.M. H.R. 4909 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. 4909.
10:09:08 P.M. Mr. Dent asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on May 19. Agreed to without objection.
10:09:25 P.M. H.R. 4974 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 736. H.R. 4974 — “Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.”
10:09:30 P.M. H.R. 4974 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4974 and H.R. 5243.
10:09:55 P.M. H.R. 4974 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 736 and Rule XVIII.
10:09:58 P.M. H.R. 4974 The Speaker designated the Honorable Doug Collins to act as Chairman of the Committee.
10:10:06 P.M. H.R. 4974 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4974.
10:47:57 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Wagner, to reduce and then increase, the amount in the Military Construction Defense-Wide fund by $801,000.
10:48:01 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Wagner amendment.
10:53:26 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Wagner amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:03:05 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to increase funding for Veterans Health Administration, Medical Services by $4 million and reduce funding for Departmental Administration, General Administration by $5.5 million.
11:03:09 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
11:06:34 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:06:46 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Ms. Lujan Grisham (NM), to reduce, then increase funding for Veterans Health Administration Medical Expenses by $10,000,000.
11:06:48 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lujan Grisham (NM) amendment.
11:11:42 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Lujan Grisham (NM) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:12:47 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Keating, to reduce then increase funding for Departmental Administration, General Administration, by $1.5 million.
11:13:00 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Keating amendment.
11:17:58 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Keating amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:18:21 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Clawson (FL), to reduce by $5,000,000 the Departmental Admistration, General Administration and increase the Informational Technology Systems by a similar amount.
11:18:23 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Clawson (FL) amendment.
11:22:13 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Clawson (FL) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:22:33 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Keating, to reduce then increase funding for Departmental Administration, General Administration by $1 million which relates to a continuing education requirement.
11:22:37 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Keating amendment.
11:27:40 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Keating amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:28:15 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Ruiz, to reduce then increase funding for General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration by $5 million.
11:28:17 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ruiz amendment.
11:32:19 P.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Ruiz amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
11:43:03 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Mulvaney, to strike the paragraph providing funding for Military Construction, Army contained in title IV.
11:43:05 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the first Mulvaney amendment pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently the reservation of a point of order was withdrawn.
11:51:22 P.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the first Mulvaney amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Mulvaney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:51:56 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Mulvaney, to strike paragraph providing funding for Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps contained in Title IV of the bill.
11:52:05 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the second Mulvaney amendment.
11:53:18 P.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the second Mulvaney amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Mulvaney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:53:59 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Mulvaney, to strike the paragraph providing funding for Military Construction, Air Force contained in Title IV of the bill.
11:54:02 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the third Mulvaney amendment.
11:54:41 P.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the third Mulvaney amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Mulvaney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
11:55:18 P.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Mulvaney, to strike the paragraph providing funding for Military Construction, Defense-Wide in Title IV of the bill.
11:55:20 P.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the fourth Mulvaney amendment.
11:55:32 P.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the fourth Mulvaney amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Mulvaney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:01:44 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Ratcliffe, No. 2 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit use of funds to propose, plan for, or execute a new or additonal BRAC round.
12:01:46 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes on the Ratcliffe amendment.
12:04:20 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Ratcliffe amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
12:04:38 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Blumenauer, No. 3 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce any Veterans Health Administration Directive relating to the prohibition on VA providers from completing forms seeking recommendations on opinions regarding a veteran’s participation in a state marijuana program.
12:04:40 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blumenauer amendment.
12:12:47 A.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blumenauer amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Blumenauer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:13:18 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming, to prohibit use of funds to modify a military installation in the U.S., including construction or modification of a facility on a military installation, to produce housing for unaccompanied alien children.
12:13:20 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fleming amendment.
12:19:56 A.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Fleming amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Fleming demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:20:42 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Huffman, to prohibit use of funds to implement section 8(d)(2) of the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Directive 3220 of November 22, 2005.
12:20:44 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Huffman amendment.
12:28:37 A.M. H.R. 4974 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Huffman amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Huffman demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
12:29:54 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick, to prohibit the use of funds to procure the Essure permanent contraceptive device.
12:29:56 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fitzpatrick amendment.
12:37:22 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Fitzpatrick amendment; Failed by voice vote.
12:38:02 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to prohibit the use of funds to enter into a contract with any offeror or any of its principals if the offeror certifies that the offeror or any of its principals have been convicted of or had a civil judgement against it for fraud.
12:38:04 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment.
12:39:06 A.M. H.R. 4974 On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
12:39:36 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Boustany, to prohibit the use of funds to pay any bonus or monetary award under chapter 45 of 53 of title 5, United States Code, to an employee of the Chief Business Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is responsible for processing emergency medical care claims until the percentage of emergency medical care claims processed within 30 days reached 90 percent.
12:39:38 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Boustany amendment.
12:42:59 A.M. H.R. 4974 Mr. Dent raised a point of order against the Boustany amendment. Mr. Dent stated that the provisions of the amendment seek to change existing law and constitute legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
12:46:22 A.M. H.R. 4974 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gohmert, to prohibit use of funds to establish, maintain, employ, or enter into any contract or agreement with any organization, including a political party, that endorsed, embraced, or encouraged any form of slavery, nor to display the name of such organization nor to have its name displayed in any facility in which or for funds made available in this act are used.
12:46:57 A.M. H.R. 4974 DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gohmert amendment pending a reservation of a point of order.
12:49:48 A.M. H.R. 4974 Mr. Bishop (GA) raised a point of order against the Gohmert amendment. Mr. Bishop (GA) stated that the provisions of the amendment seek to change existing law and constitute legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
12:54:32 A.M. H.R. 4974 Mr. Dent moved that the Committee rise.
12:54:52 A.M. H.R. 4974 On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
12:55:04 A.M. H.R. 4974 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4974 as unfinished business.
12:56:01 A.M. Mr. Collins (GA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
12:56:05 A.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
12:56:06 A.M. The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 19, 2016.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

The GOP Sugar Daddies of 2016


Terrance Heath

The GOP Sugar Daddies of 2016

… why are there so many GOP candidates? We have the billionaire GOP sugar daddies of 2016 to thank for that. Since Citizens United opened the door to super PACs, which can collect unlimited donations from individuals and corporations, an influx of new Republican donors and bundlers has driven a money boom on the right … For the right-wing sugar daddies, candidates come cheap, but the long-term payoff can be huge … The GOP candidates … all seem to be saying the same thing, because they are all appealing to the same set of billionaires who all want the same things.

Hillary, Bernie Tout Donor Bases

Hillary Clinton leads in women donors. W. Post:“The $47.5 million Hillary Rodham Clinton raised during her first two and half months as a presidential candidate this year was boosted by a predominantly female donor base, her campaign said Wednesday. Of the more the 250,000 contributors who donated to Clinton, 61 percent are women. That puts her on track to outstrip the presidential high-water mark set by President Obama in 2012…”

Bernie Sanders buoyed by small donors. W. Post:“The Sanders campaign reported to the FEC Wednesday that it raised nearly $10.5 million in small contributions, and an additional $3 million in donations of more than $200 each…”

Martin O’Malley struggles to call attention to his policy proposals. Bloomberg:“…yet O’Malley is leading the battle of ideas in his field. He’s the first candidate to release detailed policy proposals on key issues like climate change (he proposes to phase out fossil fuels by 2050), immigration (he advocates the most far-reaching executive actions any candidate has suggested to help undocumented people, whom he calls “New Americans”), cracking down on Wall Street (he’d break up big banks and tightening regulations) and making college debt-free for students.”

House Passes Short-Term Transportation Bill

House passes bill keeping highway trust fund alive for five months. USA Today:“The five-month patch through Dec. 18 passed 312-119. Many Democrats opposed the GOP bill in part because they want a long-term measure and also because it did not include any language to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank … Senate Republicans, meanwhile, are trying to come up with a counter measure, an $80 billion bill that would provide funds for several years. The Senate bill is also expected to include a provision to renew the Export-Import Bank…”

Sen. Jim Inhofe predicts Senate will pass longer-term measure. The Hill:“He added that based on conversations he’s had with House lawmakers, he believes they’ll ‘be very excited over there that we’re going to have, and have the funding for, a six-year bill.’”

Senate Dems resist paying for highways with pension cuts. Politico:“Senate negotiators are mulling about a dozen different potential ways to pay for a long-term bill that, if taken together, could provide nearly $80 billion — enough to keep highway projects running for at least five years. But the biggest revenue raiser — a change to the federal employee retirement plan that would bring in about $30 billion — is a nonstarter for Democrats … Taking the retirement pay-for out of the equation [leaves] a good chunk of money and could fund at least a three-year bill…”

Sen. Ted Cruz threatens filibuster over inclusion of Ex-Im. The Hill:“‘I’m willing to use any and all procedural tools to stop this corporate welfare and this corruption from being propagated,’ Cruz said…”

Obama To Visit Prison

Obama visits Oklahoma’s El Reno prison today to push sentencing reform. NYT:“In becoming the first sitting president to visit a federal prison, Mr. Obama will showcase an emerging bipartisan drive to overhaul America’s criminal justice system in a way none of his predecessors have tried … he has embarked on a new effort to reduce sentences for nonviolent offenders, to make it easier for former convicts to re-enter society and to revamp prison life by easing overcrowding, cracking down on inmate rape and limiting solitary confinement.”

El Reno has been testing reforms. Time:“… it offers both an evidence-based residential drug abuse treatment program and a critical reentry program known as Federal Prison Industries that helps inmates prepare for life on the outside. Inside, according to an inmate handbook, inmates have access to educational and vocational training programs from GED and associate’s degree courses to business management and welding training.”

Bill Clinton admits his crime bill was too harsh. NYT:“He agreed that the law he enacted in 1994 played a significant part in warping sentencing standards and leading to an era of mass incarceration. ‘I signed a bill that made the problem worse,’ Mr. Clinton said. ‘And I want to admit it.’