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Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 7/29 ~~ the House


equalworkequalpay

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.22, the legislative vehicle for the Highway bill, with the time until 10:00am equally divided. All time during adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on the McConnell amendment #2266, as modified (highway/transportation substitute). At 10:00am, all post-cloture time on the McConnell substitute amendment #2266 will be considered expired and the Senate will proceed to a series of votes (3 voice votes and 2 roll call votes are expected). Further, if cloture is invoked on H.R.22, the post-cloture time will count as if cloture had been invoked at 6:00am on Wednesday.

10:00am on Wednesday – 3 voice votes, 2 roll call votes expected (additional procedural votes are possible)

  • Motion to table McConnell first degree amendment to underlying bill SA #2417 (date change) [voice vote expected]
  • Adoption of McConnell for Inhofe second degree amendment #2533 to SA #2421 (highway/transportation with technical changes and with Ex-Im) [voice vote expected]
  • Adoption of McConnell first degree amendment #2421 to SA #2266 (highway/transportation with technical changes and without Ex-Im) [voice vote expected]
  1. Adoption of McConnell amendment #2266, as modified (highway substitute) [roll call vote expected]
  2. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.22, as amended, if amended [roll call vote expected]

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

  1. Adoption of McConnell amendment #2266, as modified (highway substitute); adopted: 62-38.
  2. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.22, as amended, if amended; invoked: 65-35.

Legislative Business

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.J.Res.61, Hire More Heroes Act of 2015.

Completed the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.1881, prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood (Ernst/others).

Adopted S.Res.234, Committee Rules.

Adopted S.Res.235, Spinal Cord Injury Awareness.

Completed the following by voice votes:

  1. Motion to table McConnell first degree amendment to underlying bill SA #2417 (date change)
  2. Adoption of McConnell for Inhofe second degree amendment #2533 to SA #2421 (highway/transportation with technical changes and with Ex-Im)
  3. Adoption of McConnell first degree amendment #2421 to SA #2266 (highway/transportation with technical changes and without Ex-Im)

=====================================================================

Last Floor Action:
 6:16:40 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

Last Floor Action:
 8:41:42 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 29, 2015.

10:00:14 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:23 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:36 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.
10:53:52 A.M. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 614, S. 764, and S. 242. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 64 and S. Con. Res. 20.
10:53:53 A.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.
11:30:23 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:04 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 29.
12:00:11 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:31 P.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. Wilson (SC) 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. Wilson (SC) 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 approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:06 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:22 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.
12:43:05 P.M. H. Res. 388 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 388 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1994) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to provide resource flexibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care services, and for other purposes.”
12:46:28 P.M. H. Res. 388 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 388.
2:17:30 P.M. H. Res. 388 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 242 – 180 (Roll no. 483).
2:28:35 P.M. H. Res. 388 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 183 (Roll no. 484).
2:28:36 P.M. H. Res. 388 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:28:38 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:28:40 P.M. H.R. 1300 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1300 — “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to make anthrax vaccines and antimicrobials available to emergency response providers, and for other purposes.”
2:36:36 P.M. H.R. 1300 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 485).
2:36:36 P.M. H.R. 1300 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:37:08 P.M. H.R. 1994 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 388. H.R. 1994 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes.”
2:37:13 P.M. H.R. 1994 Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. All points of order against consideration of the bills are waived. For H.R. 1994, The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. No amendment will be in order except those printed in the report accompanying the resolution.
2:37:32 P.M. H.R. 1994 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 388 and Rule XVIII.
2:37:33 P.M. H.R. 1994 The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Fortenberry to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:38:04 P.M. H.R. 1994 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1994.
3:07:47 P.M. H.R. 1994 The Committee rose informally to recieve a message from the President.
3:07:55 P.M. H.R. 1994 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
3:47:03 P.M. H.R. 1994 An amendment, offered by Mr. Benishek, numbered 1 printed in House Report 114-234 to reform and improve the VA Inspector General’s ability to report on problems and problem employees at the VA. Also, it requires the IG to release reports including employee misconduct to the public and explain what changes the VA has requested, requires the IG to identify a manager responsible for fixing an identified problem, makes it easier to fire an identified employee, and targets the bonuses of employees that fail to solve problems.
3:47:08 P.M. H.R. 1994 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 388, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Benishek amendment No. 1.
3:57:25 P.M. H.R. 1994 On agreeing to the Benishek amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:58:07 P.M. H.R. 1994 An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Takano, No. 2 printed in House Report 114-234 to provide VA Secretary the authority to immediately suspend without pay any employee whose performance or misconduct is a threat to health or safety; ensure back pay for whistleblowers unfairly terminated, and cap the payment of administrative leave to 14 days. Amendment makes effective date of back pay provision October 1, 2015.
3:58:11 P.M. H.R. 1994 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 388, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Takano amendment in the nature of a substitute No. 2.
4:20:05 P.M. H.R. 1994 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Takano amendment in the nature of a substitute the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Takano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:20:23 P.M. H.R. 1994 Mr. Miller (FL) moved that the Committee rise.
4:20:40 P.M. H.R. 1994 On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
4:20:50 P.M. H.R. 1994 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1994 as unfinished business.
4:21:15 P.M. H.R. 3236 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 388. H.R. 3236 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to provide resource flexibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care services, and for other purposes.”
4:21:20 P.M. H.R. 3236 Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. All points of order against consideration of the bills are waived. For H.R. 1994, The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. No amendment will be in order except those printed in the report accompanying the resolution.
4:22:05 P.M. H.R. 3236 QUESTION OF CONSIDERATION – The Chair announced that the bill contained an emergency designation pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 and accordingly, the Chair would put the question of consideration under section 4(g)(2) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. By voice vote, the Chair announced that the question of consideration had been decided in the affirmative.
4:24:30 P.M. H.R. 3236 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3236.
4:48:38 P.M. H.R. 3236 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:32:10 P.M. H.R. 3236 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 385 – 34, 1 Present (Roll no. 486).
5:32:11 P.M. H.R. 3236 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:32:36 P.M. H.R. 1994 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1994 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes.”
5:32:52 P.M. H.R. 1994 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
5:33:02 P.M. H.R. 1994 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.
5:38:28 P.M. H.R. 1994 On agreeing to the Takano amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 233 (Roll no. 487).
5:38:33 P.M. H.R. 1994 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1994.
5:39:10 P.M. H.R. 1994 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:39:24 P.M. H.R. 1994 The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
5:40:28 P.M. H.R. 1994 Mr. Takano moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
5:40:54 P.M. H.R. 1994 Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Takano 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 ensure that the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs may not remove or demote an individual that has filed a whistleblower complaint or sought corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel or the Inspector General regarding a threat to the health or safety of the public or regarding a prohibited personnel practice.
5:47:46 P.M. H.R. 1994 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:55:11 P.M. H.R. 1994 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 241 (Roll no. 488).
6:02:24 P.M. H.R. 1994 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 256 – 170 (Roll no. 489).
6:02:25 P.M. H.R. 1994 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:02:28 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:03:01 P.M. On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
6:03:45 P.M. Mr. Stivers asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015. Agreed to without objection.
6:03:59 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:16:40 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

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The Middle Class At Risk


By

The Gap Between Rhetoric and Reality of Republican Prescriptions for the Economy

In recent decades, dramatic changes have squeezed the middle class, making it harder and harder for middle-class families to feel economically secure. In response to these changes, GOP candidates have shifted their rhetoric and begun decrying stagnant wages, inequality, and rising middle class costs. For example, in his campaign launch speech Jeb Bush said we need to “make opportunity common again.” Meanwhile, Sen. Marco Rubio introduced his tax plan in an op-ed with Sen. Mike Lee saying, “Too many Americans believe the American dream is slipping away.”

But a new report from CAP Action finds that despite its new rhetorical shift, the GOP continues to propose policies that would undercut economic security for working- and middle-class families. Even as Republican candidates talk about restoring the American dream and expanding opportunity to all Americans, they continue to embrace the same, failed policies that have led to middle class Americans being squeezed by rising costs and stagnant wages.

Here are a few of the key facts on how the middle class is at risk and how Republican policies would only make things worse:

  • Republicans continue to support tax policies that favor the wealthy but do little for middle class families. Many of the GOP candidates favor eliminating capital gains taxes, which would do nothing for middle-class Americans. Middle-class families receive very little income from capital gains and dividends: Only 6 percent of market incomes for households in the middle quintile come from business income, capital income, and realized capital gains. The top 1 percent of households, on the other hand, receive more than half of their incomes from these sources. Eliminating capital gains taxes is nothing more than a massive tax cut for the wealthiest few.
  • Republican governors are blocking bills that help families juggle the demands of work and home.Of the 12 states with laws preempting localities from taking actions like increasing the minimum wage or offering paid sick leave, 11 were passed by a GOP governor and legislature since 2011. In particular, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a preemption bill that nullified Milwaukee’s paid-sick leave law which would have helped 120,000 Milwaukeeans–or 47 percent of the city’s private sector workforce.
  • Despite the rhetoric, GOP economic policies favor the wealthy. In 2014, 41 Republican senators with an average net worth of $8.1 million, including several eventual presidential candidates, voted against giving low-income Americans a $6,000 raise.
  • Instead of investing in working Americans, Republicans have been slashing key pillars of opportunity, such as education. More higher education cuts have occurred under Republican leadership than under Democrats. Between 2007 and 2014, real state funding for public education grew under Democrats and fell 10 percent in states led by Republicans. This also led to higher tuition increases.
  • Republicans still oppose a minimum wage. If a Republican president spent two terms in office continuing to block a minimum wage increase, like each of their positions today, the value of the minimum wage would fall below $6 in today’s dollars, lowest in 70 years.

BOTTOM LINE: Decades of failed, trickle-down economic policies have left middle-class Americans struggling. Disguising old, top-down policies with new rhetoric is as disingenuous as it is dangerous.

 

Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 7/28 ~~ the House


UBudgetEconomy

The Senate stands adjourned until 11:00am on Tuesday, July 28, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.22, the legislative vehicle for the Highway bill. All time during adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on the McConnell amendment #2266, as modified (highway/transportation substitute). If all time is used, the post-cloture debate time would expire at 5:08am on Wednesday, July 29. Procedural votes are possible on Tuesday.

Pending Amendments to H.R.22, the legislative vehicle for the Highway bill

McConnell amendment #2266, as modified (highway substitute)

McConnell first degree amendment #2421 to SA #2266 (highway/transportation with technical changes and without Ex-Im)

McConnell for Inhofe second degree amendment #2533 to SA #2421 (highway/transportation with technical changes and with Ex-Im)

McConnell first degree amendment to underlying bill SA #2417 (date change)

McConnell second degree amendment #2418 (date change)

WRAP UP

Legislative Business

Passed Calendar #156, S.614: Improper Payments Coordination Act of 2015, with Carper substitute amendment.

Passed Calendar #160, S.242: Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015.

Passed Calendar #161, S.764: National Sea Grant College Program Act of 2015, with committee-reported substitute.

Agreed to H.Con.Res.64, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Monuments Men.

Agreed to S.Con.Res.20, 25th Anniversary of ADA.

Adopted S.Res.225, Women Business Owners 40th Anniversary.

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business H.J.Res.61, Hire More Heroes Act of 2015.

Began the Rule 14 process to place on the Legislative Calendar of Business S.1881, prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood (Ernst/others).

==========================================================================

Last Floor Action:
8:41:42 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 29, 2015.

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of July 28, 2015

Last Floor Action:
 12:50:00 P.M. -H. Res. 380
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 380.

10:00:00 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:13 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable David G. Valadao to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:24 A.M. MORNING HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning Hour the House will recess until 12 Noon for the start of legislative business.
10:55:38 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 July 28.
12:00:16 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:20 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:01:22 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Womack to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:01:38 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.
12:44:00 P.M. H. Res. 380 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 380 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 427) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law; providing for proceedings during the period from July 30, 2015, through September 7, 2015; and for other purposes.”
12:50:00 P.M. H. Res. 380 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 380.

1:54:44 P.M. H. Res. 380 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 240 – 167 (Roll no. 470).
1:55:06 P.M. H. Res. 380 MOMENT OF SILENCE – The Chair asks that the House now observe a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the service of our Nation in Iraq and in Afghanistan and their families, and all who serve in our Armed Forces and their families.
2:04:16 P.M. H. Res. 380 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 240 – 167 (Roll no. 471).
2:04:18 P.M. H. Res. 380 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:04:22 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 675, as amended, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:04:42 P.M. H.R. 675 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 675 — “To increase, effective as of December 1, 2015, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes.”
2:10:36 P.M. H.R. 675 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 409 – 0 (Roll no. 472).
2:10:36 P.M. H.R. 675 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:10:39 P.M. H.R. 675 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
2:11:36 P.M. H.R. 427 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 380. H.R. 427 — “To amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law.”
2:11:41 P.M. H.R. 427 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 427 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. Resolution also provides for proceedings of the House during the period from July 30, 2015, through September 7, 2015.
2:12:29 P.M. H.R. 427 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 380 and Rule XVIII.
2:12:30 P.M. H.R. 427 The Speaker designated the Honorable Kenny Marchant to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:12:56 P.M. H.R. 427 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 427.
3:13:57 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Young (IA), numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 114-230 to require agencies to publish in the federal register a list of information on which a rule is based, including data, scientific and economic studies, and cost-benefit analyses, and where the public can access it online.
3:14:32 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Young(IA) amendment No. 1.
3:24:41 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Young (IA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Edwards demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:25:28 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Smith (MO), numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 114-230 to require congressional approval for all rules proposed under the authority of the Affordable Care Act.
3:26:26 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith(MO) amendment No. 2.
3:31:41 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Smith(MO) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith(MO) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:32:53 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Davis, Rodney, numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 114-230 to require the agency submitting the report on a proposed Federal rule to include an assessment, as part of the cost-benefit analysis submitted to the Comptroller General and each House of Congress, of anticipated jobs gained or lost as a result of implementation, and to specify whether those jobs will come from the public or private sector.
3:33:25 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rodney Davis(IL) amendment No. 3.
3:40:02 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Davis, Rodney amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:40:30 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Johnson (GA), numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 114-230 to add an exception to the bill for rules that the Administrator of the Office of Management and Budget determines would result in net job growth.
3:40:55 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson(GA) amendment No. 4.
3:48:49 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Johnson(GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Johnson(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.
3:49:01 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Capps, numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 114-230 to ensure that any rule intended to ensure the safety of natural g as or hazardous materials pipelines or prevent, mitigate, or reduce the impact of spills from such pipelines is not considered a “major rule” under the bill.
3:49:03 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps amendment No. 5.
3:56:52 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Capps demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
3:57:17 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Cicilline, No. 6 printed in part B of House Report 114-230 to exempt rules pertaining to the protection of the public health or safety from the requirements of the Act.
3:57:21 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline amendment No. 6.
4:02:30 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cicilline amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Goodlatte demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:03:06 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Cicilline, No. 7 printed in part B of House Report 114-230 to provide a “special rule” pertaining to the safety of any products specifically designed to be used or consumed by a child under the age of 2 years (including cribs, car seats, and infant formula).
4:03:10 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cicilline amendment No. 7.
4:08:00 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cicilline amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cicilline demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:08:42 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Nadler, No. 9 printed in part B of House Report 114-230 to exempt from the bill’s congressional approval requirement any rule pertaining to nuclear reactor safety standards in order to prevent nuclear meltdowns like the one in Fukushima.
4:08:45 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nadler amendment No. 9.
4:17:06 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Nadler amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Nadler demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:17:48 P.M. H.R. 427 An amendment, offered by Mr. Pocan, No. 10 printed in part B of House Report 114-230 to exempt the Department of Veterans Affairs from the requirements of this legislation as they relate to rulemaking for the availability of affordable medication and effective healthcare management for veterans.
4:17:51 P.M. H.R. 427 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pocan amendment No. 10.
4:23:34 P.M. H.R. 427 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pocan amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pocan demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:24:01 P.M. H.R. 427 Mr. Goodlatte moved that the Committee rise.
4:24:17 P.M. H.R. 427 On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
4:24:27 P.M. H.R. 427 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 427 as unfinished business.
4:25:44 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
4:55:24 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 28.
4:56:28 P.M. H.R. 427 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 427 — “To amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law.”
4:57:00 P.M. H.R. 427 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
4:57:06 P.M. H.R. 427 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:28:47 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Young (IA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 250 – 159 (Roll no. 473).
5:28:48 P.M. SPEAKING OUT OF ORDER – The Chair recognized Mr. Crenshaw to address the House out of order. At the conclusion of those remarks, the Committee of the Whole will resume 2 minute voting.
5:37:44 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Smith (MO) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 242 – 167 (Roll no. 474).
5:41:27 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 246 (Roll no. 475).
5:45:37 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Capps amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 244 (Roll no. 476).
5:49:24 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Cicilline amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 242 (Roll no. 477).
5:53:16 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Cicilline amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 243 (Roll no. 478).
5:56:40 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Nadler amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 241 (Roll no. 479).
6:00:02 P.M. H.R. 427 On agreeing to the Pocan amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 239 (Roll no. 480).
6:00:22 P.M. H.R. 427 The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 427.
6:01:19 P.M. H.R. 427 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
6:01:32 P.M. H.R. 427 The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
6:01:43 P.M. H.R. 427 Mr. Nolan moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on the Judiciary.
6:02:06 P.M. H.R. 427 Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nolan 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 ensure that rules to protect Social Security and Medicare would not be undermined by the underlying legislation such as: rules that would prevent an increase in Social Security the retirement age, rules that would restrict Medicare benefit changes, or rules that would prohibit the transformation of Medicare into a voucher system.
6:11:48 P.M. H.R. 427 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
6:18:24 P.M. H.R. 427 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 241 (Roll no. 481).
6:25:01 P.M. H.R. 427 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 243 – 165 (Roll no. 482).
6:25:02 P.M. H.R. 427 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:25:17 P.M. H. Res. 387 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 387 — “Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.”
6:25:37 P.M. H. Res. 387 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:25:43 P.M. H. Res. 387 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:26:45 P.M. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIAL OBJECTORS – On behalf of the Majority and Minority Leaderships, the Chair announced that the official objectors for the Private Calendar for the 114th Congress were as follows: For the Majority: Messrs. Goodlatte, Sensenbrenner and Gowdy; For the Minority: Messrs. Serrano, Nadler and Ms. Bass.
6:26:59 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:41:01 P.M. The House received a communication from the Honorable Tom McClintock. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, Mr. McClintock notified the House that he had been served with a non-party subpoena, issued by the Madera County Superior Court, Madera County, California, for documents in a civil case and that after consultation with the Office of General Counsel, he had determined that compliance with the subpoena was consistent with the precedents and privileges of the House.
6:41:46 P.M. Commission on Care – Pursuant to section 202(a) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-146), the Minority Leader appointed Mr. Michael Blecker of San Francisco, California, to the Commission on Care.
6:41:53 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:21:00 P.M. Mr. Sessions filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 388.
7:21:29 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The proceeded with further Special Order speeches.
8:41:28 P.M. Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:41:41 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:41:42 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 29, 2015.

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

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety ~ July 2015


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07/31/2015 02:18 PM EDT

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Fisher brand chopped walnuts packaged in 10 ounce plastic bags because some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

07/31/2015 02:18 PM EDT

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) announced today that it is voluntarily recalling Fisher brand chopped walnuts packaged in 10 ounce plastic bags because some of these products may be contaminated with Salmonella.

07/24/2015 09:54 PM EDT

Moses Lake Professional Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling human and veterinary sterile compounded drugs which are unexpired to the consumer level due to lack of sterility assurance. The company has not received any reports of product contamination or adverse events to date, and is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution following a recent inspection which identified an issue with sterility assurance.

07/24/2015 10:23 PM EDT

Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of their Instinct® Raw Chicken Formula for dogs with a “Best By” date of 04/27/16 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

 

Brown Packing Recalls Veal Products Due To Possible E. Coli Contamination
Brown Packing Company, a South Holland, Ill. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of beef (veal) trimmings that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

07/21/2015 05:29 PM EDT
July 20, 2015 -Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling all of its frozen tuna (loin, saku, chunk, slice, and ground market forms) sourced from one processing plant in Indonesia because the Minnesota Department of Health Investigators found samples of this product from one retail location in Minnesota to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.  Persons developing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
07/21/2015 05:29 PM EDT
Osamu Corporation of Gardena, CA is recalling Frozen Yellow Fin Tuna Chunk Meat (Lot #68568) sold to AFC Corporation of Rancho Dominquez, CA sourced from one processing plant in Indonesia because the Minnesota Department of Health Investigators found samples of this product from one retail location in Minnesota to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

 

07/21/2015 01:27 PM EDT
The Natural Dog Company, Inc. of Windsor, CO, is recalling its 12oz bags of 12″ Tremenda Sticks pet chews because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

 

Recall Notification Report (Salad Products)
Huxtable’s Kitchen, Inc., a Fife, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 778 pounds of salad products due to misbranding.

07/16/2015 01:15 AM EDT Aspen Foods, A Division of Koch Poultry Company, a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,978,680 pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken product that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
07/15/2015 07:15 PM EDT  Murry’s, Inc., a Lebanon, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,232 pounds of gluten-free breaded chicken nugget product that tested positive for Staphylococcal enterotoxin.

Homemade recalls Pickles and Sauces because of possible health risk 07/14/2015 09:31 PM EDT Homemade of Leavenworth, Washington is recalling pickle and sauce products because they may have been improperly produced. Washington State Department of Agriculture routine sampling discovered that a bottle of Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles had a pH level high enough to allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Required records were not available to support that safe processing guidelines were followed on all sauce and pickle products produced at Homemade.

07/10/2015 03:50 PM EDT  Maya Overseas Foods Inc. of Maspeth, NY, is recalling approximately 8000 lbs. of Cashew Split because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
07/07/2015 09:48 AM EDT Stella & Chewy’s is voluntarily recalling some of its products due to concerns of a possible presence of Listeria Monocytogenes. The recall was prompted by a positive test confirming Listeria monocytogenes in Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties for Dogs, 15 ounce, Lot #111-15, during routine surveillance testing by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Barber Foods Recalls Stuffed Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination Barber Foods, a Portland, Maine establishment, is recalling approximately 1,707,494 pounds of frozen, raw stuffed chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis.
Note: This news release is being reissued to expand the July 2, 2015 recall to include additional products. Details were also updated to reflect a change in poundage, epidemiological information and distribution area.

07/10/2015 11:15 PM EDT Gourmet Culinary Solutions, a Statham, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 495 pounds of turkey sausage products that are part of a frozen entree that also contains French toast sticks and peaches. The entrees may be contaminated with foreign materials.
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07/07/2015 11:15 PM EDT  Bassett & Walker International, Inc., a Toronto, Canada, establishment, is recalling approximately 1,540 pounds of beef lip products produced in Australia that were not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection.
07/02/2015 05:07 PM EDT  Whole Foods Market is recalling Cherry, Blackberry and Peach pies produced and sold in four retail stores in the Southwest Region, which includes TX, OK, LA, and due to undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products
07/02/2015 05:35 PM EDT Boulder Dog Food Company, L.L.C. is voluntarily recalling the Turkey Sprinkles (3 oz.) with a “Best By” date of “05/18/16, 05/28/2016 and 05/30/2016”, a Lot Number of “743”, and a UPC Code of 899883001224 because the product has the potential of being contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product, and there is risk to humans who handle the product, especially if the handler does not thoroughly wash his or her hands after having contact with the Product or any surfaces exposed to the product.
07/03/2015 07:15 PM EDT Lombardi Brothers Meats, a Denver, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 26,975 pounds of tenderized steak and ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7,

Fsis Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen Raw Stuffed Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella ContaminationThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella that may be associated with raw, frozen, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken products.

07/01/2015 05:27 PM EDT  Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets Inc., a Lakewood, Colo., based natural grocery chain, is recalling one lot of Natural Grocers brand Caribbean Nut & Fruit Mix as the product contains macadamia nuts that have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
07/01/2015 09:30 AM EDT FDA is taking action against 16 prescription drugs labeled to relieve ear pain and swelling because they are unapproved and haven’t been evaluated by FDA for safety, effectiveness and quality. Parents and other consumers still will have many other options for treating ear pain.  Read the Consumer Update to learn more.
06/29/2015 06:33 PM EDTv Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Atkins Chocolate Candies – 5 ct. cartons – UPC code 637480075558 – because it may contain sachets of Atkins Peanut Candies. A small quantity of Atkins Peanut Candy individual sachets has been inadvertently placed into outer cartons for Atkins Chocolate Candies – 5 ct. sachets.
06/29/2015 03:12 PM EDT
Rocky Mountain Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Island Fruit and Nut Trail Mix packaged under the Free Range Snack Co. Brand and certain lots of bulk Macadamia Nuts due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.