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Congress:the Republican led House-rolls out the Ryan scam /budget And a fake JobsAct! — the Senate resumes HR3606,the Capital Formation/IPO bill


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET March 20, 2012

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

  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #334, H.R.3606, the IPO bill with the time until 11:30am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • The filing deadline for 2nd degree amendment to the Reed amendment #1833, the Cantwell amendment #1836 and H.R.3606 is 11:00am on Tuesday.
  • At approximately 11:30am, there will be as many as 3 roll call votes on the following:
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the Reed-Landrieu-Levin, et al substitute amendment #1833
  • If cloture is not invoked on the Reed amendment #1833, there will be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Cantwell-Johnson, et al amendment #1836
  • And if cloture is not invoked on the Cantwell amendment #1836, there will be a 3rd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606.
  • The Senate will recess subject to the call of the Chair at 12:30pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings and the official photograph of the 112th Congress.

WRAP UP

 The roll call vote(s) previously scheduled for 11:30am will now occur at 4:00pm today. If cloture is invoked on either amendment or bill, it will be as if it were invoked at 12:00pm.

Additionally, Senator Reid announced the official photograph of the 112th Congress may be rescheduled for later today. When/if another time is set, a message will be sent.

At approximately 4:00pm today, there will be as many as 3 roll call votes in relation to the following:

  • Motion to invoke cloture on the Reed-Landrieu-Levin, et al substitute amendment #1833
  • If cloture is not invoked on the Reed amendment #1833, there will be a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Cantwell-Johnson, et al amendment #1836
  • And if cloture is not invoked on the Cantwell amendment #1836, there will be a 3rd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3606.

The filing deadline for second degree amendments to the Reed (RI) substitute amendment #1833, the Cantwell amendment #1836 (Export-Import reauthorization), and H.R.3606, the IPO bill, is 11:00am today. If your Senator has a germane second degree amendment and your boss you like to preserve his or her ability to offer, please send a signed copy of the bill to the cloakroom so that we may file it at the desk for you.

Senator Reid has filed cloture on the motion concur in the House amendment to S.2038, the STOCK Act. He also filled the amendment tree. The cloture vote would occur on Thursday or upon disposition of the IPO bill (H.R.3606), depending on the outcome of the upcoming cloture votes. Senators will be notified when the vote is scheduled.

4:06pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown(OH) et al amendment #1833 (substitute); Not Invoked: 54-45

4:40pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Cantwell amendment #1836(Export-Import Bank Reauthorization); Not Invoked: 55-44

There will be no further roll call votes this evening.

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH) and others substitute amendment #1833 to H.R.3606, the IPO bill; Not Invoked: 54-45

2) Motion to invoke cloture on the Cantwell-Johnson(SD)-Graham-Shelby and others amendment #1836 (Export Import Bank) to H.R.3606; Not Invoked: 55-44

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act. (Menendez)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 20, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION 

– -The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 21, 2012.6:16:48 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.6:16:39 P.M. -Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.5:54:01 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.5:54:00 P.M. -Mr. Nugent filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 591.5:31:00 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.5:25:17 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.5:24:51 P.M. -Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies – Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 35 the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies: Mr. Boehner, Mr. Cantor and Ms. Pelosi .5:24:05 P.M. -H.R. 2087Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:24:04 P.M. -H.R. 2087On passage Passed by recorded vote: 240 – 164 (Roll no. 117).5:15:16 P.M. -H.R. 2087On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 226 (Roll no. 116).4:58:25 P.M. -H.R. 2087The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.4:51:10 P.M. -H.R. 2087DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sanchez, Loretta 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 prohibit the sale or use of land for adult entertainment or by foreign governments.4:50:11 P.M. -H.R. 2087Ms. Sanchez, Loretta moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources.4:49:33 P.M. -H.R. 2087The 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.4:49:22 P.M. -H.R. 2087The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.4:48:40 P.M. -H.R. 2087The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2087.4:48:19 P.M. -H.R. 2087On agreeing to the Grijalva amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 178 – 226 (Roll no. 115).4:20:32 P.M. -H.R. 2087UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished question was on the adoption of amendments which had previously been debated and on which further proceedings were postponed.4:19:57 P.M. -H.R. 2087On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment; Failed by voice vote.4:11:09 P.M. -H.R. 2087DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 587, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hastings (FL) No. 2 amendment under the five-minute rule.4:11:07 P.M. -H.R. 2087An amendment, offered by Mr. Hastings (FL), numbered 2 printed in the Congressional Record to require independent valuation of the land prior to any restrictions being removed. The amendment requires valuations of the land for the years 1776, 1865, 2013, 2017, 2032, and 2212.4:10:49 P.M. -H.R. 2087POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grijalva amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grijalva demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.4:06:09 P.M. -H.R. 2087DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 587, the Committee of the Whole proceeded debate on the Grijalva amendment No. 1 under the five-minute rule.4:06:06 P.M. -H.R. 2087An amendment, offered by Mr. Grijalva, numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to require Accomack County, VA to pay fair market value for the land and require an appraisal of the land prior to sale.3:28:09 P.M. -H.R. 2087GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2087.3:28:01 P.M. -H.R. 2087The Speaker designated the Honorable Cory Gardner to act as Chairman of the Committee.3:28:00 P.M. -H.R. 2087House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 587 and Rule XVIII.3:27:14 P.M. -H.R. 2087Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2087 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. Bill is open to amendments. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The resolution makes in order the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill as original text for the purpose of amendment. The resolution makes in order only those amendments that are submitted for printing in the Congressional Record dated March 19, 2012, or pro forma amendments for the purpose of debate.3:27:09 P.M. -H.R. 2087Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 587. H.R. 2087 — “To remove restrictions from a parcel of land situated in the Atlantic District, Accomack County, Virginia.”3:27:00 P.M. -H. Res. 590Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:26:56 P.M. -H. Res. 590On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.3:26:24 P.M. -H. Res. 590Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 590 — “Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”3:25:24 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable Marcia L. Fudge. Ms. Fudge submitted her resignation from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The resignation was accepted without objection.3:25:24 P.M. -The House received a communication from the Honorable John P. Sarbanes. Mr. Sarbanes submitted his resignation from the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Natural Resources. The resignation was accepted without objection.3:25:09 P.M. -H.R. 665Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:25:09 P.M. -H.R. 665On 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. 114).3:17:10 P.M. -H.R. 665Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 665 — “To establish a pilot program for the expedited disposal of Federal real property.”3:16:45 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.3:16:15 P.M. -H. Res. 587Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.3:16:14 P.M. -H. Res. 587On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 232 – 170 (Roll no. 113).2:48:53 P.M. -H. Res. 587The previous question was ordered without objection.2:30:51 P.M. -H. Res. 587DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 587.2:30:45 P.M. -H. Res. 587Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 587 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2087) to remove restrictions from a parcel of land situated in the Atlantic District, Accomack County, Virginia.”2:30:30 P.M. -H. Res. 587On consideration of the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 172 (Roll no. 112).1:50:50 P.M. -H. Res. 587POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Grijalva stated that the provisions of H. Res. 587 violate clause 9(b) of rule XXI of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives and made a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. Subsequently, the Chair noted that the required threshold of identifying the specific language in question had been met, and the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?1:47:49 P.M. -H. Res. 587By direction of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Bishop (UT) called up the resolution H. Res. 587, and asked for its immediate consideration.1:47:47 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 20.12:34:15 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.12:33:40 P.M. -H.R. 665At 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.12:25:05 P.M. -H.R. 665DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 665.12:25:03 P.M. -H.R. 665Considered under suspension of the rules.12:24:48 P.M. -H.R. 665Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 665 — “To establish a pilot program for the expedited disposal of Federal real property.”12:24:28 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.12:03:49 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.12:03:32 P.M. -ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman from Washington, Mr. Inslee, the whole number of the House is 432.12:02:44 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:36 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:30 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Andrew Walton, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC.12:00:10 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 20.10:44:59 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:01:01 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.10:00:24 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Scott Tipton to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:23 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress:the Republican led House-Ryan budget plan revised? And a fake JobsAct! — the Senate considers HR3606,the Capital Formation/IPO bill


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 19, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment #1833 and H.R.3630 is 4:00pm on Monday.
  • As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday.  Senators should expect the next roll call vote on Tuesday, March 20th prior to the weekly caucus meetings.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment and #1833, the IPO bill, is at 4:00pm today. If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve her or his right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the Cloakroom prior to the deadline so that we may filed it at the desk for you. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Notwithstanding the passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill, the Senate agreed to the Boxer amendment #1903, which is a technical amendment, striking title V of division C with the heading entitled “Research and Innovative Technology Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012”, which was moved to division E.

Discharged the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs from further consideration of S.2076, a bill to improve security at State and local courthouses and referred it to the Judiciary committee.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act. (Menendez)

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 19, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.5:23:34 P.M. -H.R. 3992At 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.5:13:45 P.M. -H.R. 3992DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3992.5:13:41 P.M. -H.R. 3992Considered under suspension of the rules.5:13:26 P.M. -H.R. 3992Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3992 — “To allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel.”5:13:12 P.M. -H.R. 4086Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.5:13:10 P.M. -H.R. 4086On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.5:04:35 P.M. -H.R. 4086DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4086.5:04:32 P.M. -H.R. 4086Considered under suspension of the rules.5:04:16 P.M. -H.R. 4086Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4086 — “To amend chapter 97 of title 28, United States Code, to clarify the exception to foreign sovereign immunity set forth in section 1605(a)(3) of such title.”5:04:04 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.5:03:54 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of March 19.4:11:33 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. today.4:04:14 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.4:03:51 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Faleomavaega to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.4:03:41 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.4:01:00 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.4:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House adjourned after 3minutes … the Senate considers HR3606/IPO bill


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 19, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill.
  • The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment #1833 and H.R.3630 is 4:00pm on Monday.
  • As previously announced, there will be no roll call votes on Monday. Senators should expect the next roll call vote on Tuesday, March 20th prior to the weekly caucus meetings.

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 16, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on March 19, 2012.10:02:48 A.M. -The Speaker announced that when the House adjourns on Friday, March 16, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2012.10:02:47 A.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 a message from the Secretary of the Senate on March 15, 2012 at 5:06 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 473 without amendment and H.R. 886 with an amendment.10:01:33 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.10:01:23 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.10:00:48 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Blake Johnson, Church of the Advent, Washington, DC.10:00:39 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Steven C. LaTourette to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:29 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House the Senate considers HR3606,Capitol Formation/IPO bill and Judicial nominees


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 15, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:00am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half hour and the Republicans controlling the second half hour.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.3606, the Capital Formation bill.
  • At 1:45pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

At 1:45pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

– Cal. #408, Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia

– Cal. #461, Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California

Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 2:00pm), there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above.

The following amendments are pending to H.R.3606, the Capital Formation/IPO bill:

  • Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown(OH) amendment #1833 (substitute)
  • Reid amendment #1834 (date change)
  • Reid amendment #1835 (date change) to amendment #1834
  • Cantwell-Johnson-Graham-Shelby, et al, amendment #1836 (Ex-Im Bank)
  • Motion to commit H.R.3606 with instructions (date change)
  • Reid amendment #1839 to the instructions (date change)
  • Reid amendment #1840 to amendment #1839 (date change)

2:02 pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Gina Marie Groh, of WV, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia; Confirmed: 95-2

2:23pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Central District of California; Confirmed: 91-6

There will be no further roll call votes this week.

Senators should expect the next roll call vote on Tuesday, March 20th prior to the weekly caucus meetings.

TODAY’S ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Confirmation of the nomination of Gina Marie Groh, of WV, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia; Confirmed: 95-2

2) Confirmation of the nomination of Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Central District of California; Confirmed: 91-6

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Agriculture Committee and passed H.R.473, the Help to Access Land for the Education (HALE) of Scouts Act.

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed H.R.886, the United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act with a Boozman-Pryor amendment.

Adopted S.Res.398, Recognizing the 191st anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American Democracy.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.2191, to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from administering or enforcing certain accessibility reglations relation to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities (DeMint).

The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reed-Landrieu-Levin-Brown (OH), et al, substitute amendment #1833 and H.R.3630 is 4:00pm on Monday, March 19th.

If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment to the cloakroom prior to the deadline. If you have already filed, there is no need to re-file.

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 The next in the House  meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2012.

Congress: Republicans in the House – the Senate led by Democrats passes S.1813 74-22


 the Senate Convened at 9:30amET March 14, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, there will be one hour of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first half and the Majority will control the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1813, Surface Infrastructure, with the time until 11:30am equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or designees.
  • At 11:30am, we expect 3 roll call votes in relation to the following items:
  • Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS emergency exemptions),
  • Paul amendment #1556 (emergency exemptions), and
  • Passage of S.1813, as amended.
  • Upon disposition of the transportation bill, the Senate will proceed to a period of morning business until 2:00pm with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 2:00pm the Senate will proceed to Executive Session with 30 minutes for debate equally divided prior to the cloture vote on the Groh nomination (Executive Calendar #408).
  • At 2:30pm there will be up to 17 cloture votes on judicial nominations, unless an agreement on nominations can be reached.

The Senate is in a period of morning business for 1 hour. Following morning business (approx. 10:36am), we will resume consideration of S.1813, Surface Transportation, with the time until 11:30am equally divided.

The only remaining first degree amendments in order to the transportation bill are the ones listed below. At 11:30am, we expect to have roll call votes on Boxer #1816, Paul #1556, and passage of 1813, Surface Transportation, as amended. I’ve noted what we expect to happen on the remaining amendments below.

– Corker #1810 (fail by voice vote)

– Carper #1670 (may make a statement, but is not expected to offer)

– Hutchison #1568 (may make a statement, but is not expected to offer)

– McCain #1669, as modified (will be withdrawn—included in the managers’ package)

– Alexander #1779 (pass by voice vote)

– Boxer #1816 (roll call vote)

– Paul #1556 (roll call vote)

– Shaheen #1678 (included in managers’ package, will not be offered)

The following amendments have been considered to S.1813, the Surface Transportation Act:

  • Johnson-Shelby #1515 (banking title); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1633 (Banking, Finance and Commerce titles); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1634 (date change); withdrawn
  • Reid motion to commit with instructions (date change); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1636 to the motion to commit (date change); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1637 to #1636 (date change); withdrawn
  • Blunt amendment #1520 (moral objections to health care services); Tabled: 51-48
  • Reid amendment #1730 (Banking, Finance and Commerce titles); withdrawn
  • Reid amendment #1761; Agreed to by UC
  • Vitter amendment #1535 (OCS) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 44-54
  • Baucus amendment #1825 (Rural Schools) (60-vote threshold); Agreed To: 82-16
  • Collins amendment #1660 (Boiler MACT) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 52-46
  • Coburn amendment #1738 (OMB/Duplicative Programs) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 52-46
  • Nelson(FL) amendment #1822 (RESTORE) (60-vote threshold); Agreed To: 76-22
  • Wyden amendment #1817 (Keystone Pipeline) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 33-65
  • Hoeven amendment #1537 (Keystone Pipeline) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 56-42
  • Levin amendment #1818 (offshore tax havens); Agreed to by voice vote
  • DeMint amendment #1756 (state discretionary authority); Not Agreed To: 30-67
  • Bingaman amendment #1759 (privatized highways); Agreed To: 50-47
  • Roberts amendment #1826 (ANWAR,Keystone, etc.) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 41-57
  • Stabenow amendment #1812 (energy tax extenders) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 49-49
  • DeMint amendment #1589 (repeal of energy tax subsidies) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-72
  • Menendez-Burr amendment #1782 (natural gas) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 51-47
  • Coats amendment #1517 (Apportionment formula); Not Agreed To: 28-70
  • Brown(OH) amendment #1819 (Buy America); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Blunt amendment #1540 (Off system bridges); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Klobuchar amendment #1617 (Ag transportation); Agreed to by Voice Vote
  • Portman amendment #1736 (gas tax flexibility); Not Agreed to: 30-68
  • Corker amendment #1785, as modified (discretionary spending cap adjustment); Fell when the Budget Act was Not Waived: 40-58
  • Portman amendment #1742 (rest areas); Not Agreed to: 12-86
  • McCain amendment #1669, as modified (Grand Canyon noise abatement); Withdrawn
  • Corker amendment #1810 (limitation on expenditures); Not agreed to by voice vote
  • Alexander amendment #1779 (over-flights of national parks); Agreed to by voice vote

11:37am The Senate began a roll call vote on Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS on expedited emergency environmental reviews)

11:37am The Senate began a roll call vote on Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS on expedited emergency environmental reviews); Agreed To: 76-20

12:10pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Paul motion to waive Budget Act with respect to Paul amendment #1556 (environmental waivers); Not Waived: 42-54

12:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill; Passed: 74-22

By consent, the cloture motions on the judges were vitiated. As a result, we will not have any votes at 2:30pm today. Senator Reid intends to turn to H.R.3606, the IPO bill, next.

Cloture was vitiated on the following nominations:

Cal.#408, Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia;

Cal.#441, David Nuffer, of Utah;

Cal.#461, Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California;

Cal.#462, Ronnie Abrams, of New York;

Cal.#463, Rudolph Contreras, of Virginia;

Cal.#464, Miranda Du, of Nevada;

Cal.#497, Susie Morgan, of Louisiana;

Cal.#509, Gregg Jeffrey Costa, of Texas;

Cal.#510, David Campos Guaderrama, of Texas;

Cal.#528, Brian C. Wimes, of Missouri;

Cal.#568, Kristine Gerhard Baker, of Arkansas;

Cal.#569, John Z. Lee, of Illinois;

Cal.#570, George Levi Russell, III, of Maryland;

Cal.#571, John J. Tharp, Jr., of Illinois;

Cal.#610, Jeffrey J. Helmick, of Ohio;

Cal.#612, Mary Geiger Lewis, of South Carolina; and

Cal.#613, Timothy S. Hillman, of Massachusetts

The previous order to proceed to Executive Session at 2pm has been vitiated.

The Senate will be in a period of morning business until 5pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each and the time equally divided.

 At 1:45pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations with 15 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees:

  • Cal. #408, Gina Marie Groh, of West Virginia, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia
  • Cal. #461, Michael Walter Fitzgerald, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California

Upon the use or yielding back of time (approximately 2:00pm), there will be 2 roll call votes on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Boxer amendment #1816 (SoS emergency exemptions); Agreed To: 76-20

2) Motion to Waive the Budget Act with respect to the Paul amendment #1556 (emergency exemptions); Not Agreed To: 42-54

3) Passage of S.1813, the Surface Transportation bill, as amended; Passed: 74-22

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.396, supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.2191, to amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to prohibit the Attorney General from administering or enforcing certain accessibility reglations relation to pools at public accommodations or provided by public entities (DeMint).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 16, 2012.