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the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 9/16 ~~ the House


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The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour, with the Republicans controlling the first half and Democrats controlling the final half. Following morning business the Senate will resume consideration of H.J.Res.61, the legislative vehicle for the Congressional disapproval of the proposed Iran nuclear agreement, with the time until 12:30pm equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

As a reminder, this evening the Senate tabled the amendment tree and Senator McConnell offered amendment #2656 (prohibits removal of Iran sanctions unless 4 political hostages are released and Iran formally recognizes the State of Israel as a sovereign and independent state) to McConnell amendment #2640 (Iran nuclear agreement resolution of disapproval) to H.J.Res.61, and other date change amendments to fill the amendment tree.

Senator McConnell filed cloture motions on:

–          McConnell amendment #2656 (hostages and Israel’s right to exist),

–          McConnell amendment #2640 (Iran nuclear agreement resolution of disapproval), and

–          H.J.Res.61, Hire More Heroes Act.

Unless an agreement can be reached, the cloture vote on the McConnell amendment #2656 would occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, September 17. If cloture is not invoked, there would be an immediate cloture vote on the McConnell amendment #2640. If cloture is not invoked on SA #2640, there would be an immediate cloture vote on H.J.Res.61. If cloture is invoked on any of these items, there would be up to 30 hours for debate.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to SA #2640 and the joint resolution is 2:30pm tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16. Amendments must be germane and timely filed to be considered in order post-cloture.

WRAP UP

No Roll Call Votes

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.242, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health, as amended.

Agreed to H.Con.Res.70, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Agreed to H.Con.Res.73, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony.

Agreed to H.Con.Res.74, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March.

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2035, Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act (Cardin).

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.36, Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (Republican request).

No Executive Business

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House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of September 16, 2015

Last Floor Action:
 2:20:32 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 P.M. today.

12:00:10 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:42 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Andy Harris to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:50 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.
12:14:56 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:37 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 16.
2:00:40 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:55 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:59 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Ashford to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:20 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:19:42 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 September 16, 2015 at 9:23 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 2036.
2:20:32 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 P.M. today.
2:19:42 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 September 16, 2015 at 9:23 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 2036.
2:20:32 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 P.M. today.
3:00:14 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 16.
3:00:19 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
3:00:53 P.M. H.R. 23 Mr. Smith (TX) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
3:01:16 P.M. H.R. 23 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 23.
3:11:34 P.M. H.R. 23 On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
3:11:35 P.M. H.R. 23 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:12:25 P.M. H.R. 720 Mr. Katko moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
3:12:35 P.M. H.R. 720 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the Senate amendment to H.R. 720.
3:26:13 P.M. H.R. 720 On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
3:26:14 P.M. H.R. 720 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:27:24 P.M. H.R. 487 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 487 — “To allow the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to lease or transfer certain lands.”
3:27:36 P.M. H.R. 487 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:27:38 P.M. H.R. 487 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 487.
3:31:58 P.M. H.R. 487 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:32:00 P.M. H.R. 487 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:32:37 P.M. H.R. 959 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 959 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Medgar Evers House, located in Jackson, Mississippi, and for other purposes.”
3:32:49 P.M. H.R. 959 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:32:51 P.M. H.R. 959 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 959.
3:40:52 P.M. H.R. 959 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:40:54 P.M. H.R. 959 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:40:55 P.M. H.R. 1214 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1214 — “To amend the Small Tracts Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange small parcels of National Forest System land to enhance the management of the National Forest System, to resolve minor encroachments, and for other purposes.”
3:41:28 P.M. H.R. 1214 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:41:31 P.M. H.R. 1214 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1214.
3:45:59 P.M. H.R. 1214 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.
3:46:02 P.M. H.R. 1289 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1289 — “To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 44 acres of land in Martinez, California, and for other purposes.”
3:46:55 P.M. H.R. 1289 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:46:57 P.M. H.R. 1289 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1289.
3:53:58 P.M. H.R. 1289 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:53:59 P.M. H.R. 1289 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:54:00 P.M. H.R. 1554 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1554 — “To require a land conveyance involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the White River National Forest in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.”
3:54:28 P.M. H.R. 1554 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:54:30 P.M. H.R. 1554 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1554.
3:59:59 P.M. H.R. 1554 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:00:01 P.M. H.R. 1554 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:00:02 P.M. H.R. 1949 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1949 — “To provide for the consideration and submission of site and design proposals for the National Liberty Memorial approved for establishment in the District of Columbia.”
4:00:35 P.M. H.R. 1949 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:00:36 P.M. H.R. 1949 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1949.
4:07:22 P.M. H.R. 1949 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.
4:07:24 P.M. H.R. 2791 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2791 — “To require that certain Federal lands be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of certain Indian tribes in Oregon, and for other purposes.”
4:08:08 P.M. H.R. 2791 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:08:12 P.M. H.R. 2791 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2791.
4:13:39 P.M. H.R. 2791 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:13:41 P.M. H.R. 2791 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:14:02 P.M. S. 501 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 501 — “To make technical corrections to the Navajo water rights settlement in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.”
4:14:12 P.M. S. 501 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:14:14 P.M. S. 501 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 501.
4:16:11 P.M. S. 501 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:16:13 P.M. S. 501 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:16:13 P.M. S. 230 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 230 — “To provide for the conveyance of certain property to the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation located in Bethel, Alaska.”
4:16:40 P.M. S. 230 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:16:42 P.M. S. 230 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 230.
4:21:21 P.M. S. 230 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:21:22 P.M. S. 230 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:21:54 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:31:10 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 16.
6:31:26 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:32:11 P.M. H.R. 1214 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1214 — “To amend the Small Tracts Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange small parcels of National Forest System land to enhance the management of the National Forest System, to resolve minor encroachments, and for other purposes.”
7:16:44 P.M. H.R. 1214 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 403 – 0 (Roll no. 495).
7:16:44 P.M. H.R. 1214 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:16:53 P.M. H.R. 1949 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1949 — “To provide for the consideration and submission of site and design proposals for the National Liberty Memorial approved for establishment in the District of Columbia.”
7:22:53 P.M. H.R. 1949 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 496).
7:22:53 P.M. H.R. 1949 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:23:32 P.M. Mr. Amodei asked unanimous consent That it may be in order at any time on Thursday, September 24, 2015, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in Joint Meeting Pope Francis of the Holy See. Agreed to without objection.
7:23:52 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
7:24:12 P.M. H.R. 2223 Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2223 — “To authorize, direct, expedite, and facilitate a land exchange in El Paso and Teller Counties, Colorado, and for other purposes.”
7:24:27 P.M. H.R. 2223 Considered under suspension of the rules.
7:24:29 P.M. H.R. 2223 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2223.
7:28:46 P.M. H.R. 2223 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
7:28:54 P.M. H.R. 2223 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:29:08 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:39:04 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
8:31:56 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
10:04:00 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 16.
10:04:11 P.M. Ms. Foxx filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 420 and H. Res. 421.
10:05:00 P.M. Ms. Foxx moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:05:02 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:05:04 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2015.

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~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

On Iran, GOP Presidential Candidates Are Right Of Reagan


By

On National Security, GOP Candidates Are “Wannabes With Little In Common” With Reagan

As the debate draws nearer, the GOP candidates for president are scrambling to out-Reagan each other. However, their actions, including on national security issues, do not align with the Gipper, as a new report from the Center for American Progress Action Fund highlights. To be clear, Reagan’s foreign policy record is far from perfect. But there is a stark difference between Reagan and the extremism of the GOP candidates on foreign policy. Despite his foreign policy rhetoric, Reagan was actually open to negotiating with his enemies and supported treaties created by previous presidents. Here are two ways Reagan differs from today’s extreme GOP.

Reagan negotiated with his enemies on nuclear arms.

Reagan negotiated with the Soviet Union and he held multiple summits with the Soviet Union’s General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. Despite their differences, the two men signed the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty eliminating an entire category of nuclear missiles. As the Reagan Foundation puts it, “the unlikely pairing of a devoted anti-Communist advocate of capitalism with a dyed-in-the-wool Marxist resulted not only in the most significant arms reduction treaty in history, but in a permanent change in U.S.-Soviet relations.”

Current GOP candidates have veered far from Reagan’s stance toward negotiations and have instead taken extreme positions. Scott Walker declared, “I will put in place crippling economic sanctions on Iran and I will convince our allies to do the same.” And former Gov. Huckabee said he would consider using “military force, to topple the terrorist Iranian regime” if he were president.

Reagan upheld treaties from previous presidents.

As president, Reagan upheld Nixon’s SALT I treaty and Carter’s SALT II treaty, despite the fact SALT II wasn’t even ratified by the Senate. In contrast, many GOP candidates have said they would not uphold the Iran deal, even though the deal is the best option we have to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuke. Gov. Walker, Fiorina, and Sen. Rubio even committed to ripping up the deal on the first day of their presidency. Not to be outdone, Sens. Cruz, Paul, and Rubio undermined President Obama’s negotiations by signing a letter to the leaders of Iran advising them that the president has no authority to negotiate with them.

Though GOP candidates love to love Reagan, these staunch differences in approach to national security prove they aren’t following in his footsteps. Lawrence Korb, the assistant Secretary of Defense under Reagan, sums it up well: in reality, the current GOP candidates are “wannabes with little in common” with Reagan.

BOTTOM LINE: In Wednesday’s debate, GOP candidates will most likely compete to be viewed as the heir to Ronald Reagan’s legacy. But these are not Reagan Republicans. Their extreme positions on the Iran deal and other issues show that they all lack the pragmatism and penchant for compromise that allowed the 40th president to appeal beyond his conservative base.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 9/15 the House


votingThe Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Friday, September 11, 2015, for a pro forma session with no business conducted. When the Senate adjourns on Friday it will stand adjourned until 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

Tomorrow morning, Friday, September 11, at 8:46 a.m., the United States Congress will recognize Patriot Day by observing a campus-wide moment of silence. There will be no official gathering for the Moment of Silence.

On Tuesday, following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.J.Res.61, the legislative vehicle for the Congressional disapproval of the proposed Iran nuclear agreement. The time until 6:00pm will be equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees. The cloture vote on the McConnell substitute amendment #2640 will occur at 6:00pm.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

  1. Motion to invoke cloture on McConnell substitute amendment #2640 to H.J.Res.61, Iran resolution of disapproval; not invoked: 56-42.

Legislative Business

Passed S.2036, to suspend the current compensation packages for the chief executive officers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.245, designating the week beginning September 13, 2015, as “National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week”.

Adopted S.Res.254, recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and the immense contributions of Latinos to the United States.

Adopted S.Res.255, designating the week beginning September 14, 2015, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

Adopted S.Res.256, designating September 2015 as “School Bus Safety Month”.

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.2035, Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act (Cardin).

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.R.36, Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (Republican request).

No Executive Business

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Last Floor Action:
 3:02:46 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on September 16, 2015.

3:00:11 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
3:00:23 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Thomas J. Rooney to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
3:00:42 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
3:02:07 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
3:02:11 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
3:02:46 P.M

.
.
The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on September 16, 2015.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Right of Reagan … The Progress Report


By

Today’s Republicans Are More Extreme Than Their Conservative Idol

In two days, the GOP candidates for president will head to the Reagan Library for their second debate. Most will likely espouse their love of Reagan and try to highlight similarities between the Gipper’s policies and their own. However, as a new report from the Center for American Progress Action Fund shows, today’s candidates are in fact far more extreme than their Republican idol. To be sure, Reagan was no progressive. He has a record that includes initiating failed trickle-down economic programs that only help the wealthy, creating the false narrative of the welfare queen that still exists today, and gutting President Carter’s clean energy and energy efficiency efforts.

But, unlike today’s GOP candidates, he also was not a pure ideologue who was unwilling to negotiate and work across the aisle. His former chief of staff, James Baker, explained it well: “If Reagan told me once, he told me fifteen thousand times—I’d rather get 80 percent of what I want than go over the cliff with my flags flying.” In practice, this philosophy meant that President Reagan adopted moderate, bipartisan stances on several important policy positions – positions that the current presidential contenders would find abhorrent. Over the course of his presidency:

  • Reagan provided a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. In 1986, Reagan supported and signed the Simpson-Mazzoli Act, which provided a pathway to citizenship for 2.7 million undocumented immigrants. Current GOP candidates oppose a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, though creating such a pathway would boost the U.S. economy by $1.2 trillion over 10 years.
  • Reagan stood up to the National Rifle Association, or NRA, to establish background checks. He strongly supported the establishment of national background checks for gun purchases, as well as a ban on assault weapons. Current GOP candidates wouldn’t dare stand up to the NRA as most act to preserve their ‘A’ rating from the organization. Sens. Rubio, Cruz, Paul, and Graham have blocked legislation to expand background checks.
  • Reagan signed the Montreal Protocol, a multilateral international treaty to reduce pollution. In the face of scientific research showing that chemical gasses were depleting the protective ozone layer, Reagan signed the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that phased out nearly 100 of these dangerous gases, many of which are also greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Current GOP candidates either deny that climate change is real or ignore the science behind it and have strenuously opposed the Obama administration’s effort to regulate pollution.
  • Reagan negotiated with the Soviet Union to reduce nuclear proliferation. As president, Reagan signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the Soviet Union, eliminating an entire category of nuclear missiles. Current GOP candidates have adopted an unyielding stance on national security, especially as it relates to President Obama’s recent deal with Iran. Mike Huckabee threatened to topple Iran using military force, and many of the other candidates also have stated that they would not uphold the current Iran nuclear deal.
  • Reagan grew the federal government through deficit spending. Despite his public image as the champion of small government, Reagan tripled the national debt, increased the federal workforce by about 324,000 workers, doubled the U.S. Department of Education’s budget, and created a new federal agency, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Current GOP candidates have embraced uncompromising positions on the federal budget, opposing any deficit spending, even in the face of pressing national need. Sen. Cruz demonstrated astounding fiscal irresponsibility, costing the economy $20 billion by orchestrating the government shutdown in 2013.
  • Reagan closed tax loopholes favoring the wealthy and raised taxes to reduce the federal deficit. In fact, he raised taxes 7 out of his 8 years in office and has said that tax loopholes “sometimes made it possible for millionaires to pay nothing, while a bus driver was paying ten percent of his salary, and that’s crazy.”

To be clear, Reagan was no progressive hero, but at times he was able to mix pragmatism with conservatism, something the current GOP candidates refuse to do. As the Washington Post puts it, despite their proclaimed love of Reagan, current GOP candidates “actually represent a break from core aspects of his approach to the presidency.”

BOTTOM LINE: Regardless of what the GOP candidates say in Wednesday’s debate, the reality is their positions are far to the right of Reagan’s actions on a number of critical issues. Despite the folklore, it is hard to imagine any of these candidates claiming fidelity to Reagan and his principles in a way that the 40th president could embrace.