Category Archives: Black History

Pioneers, Activists, Black People, Black History

Black History

it’s Wednesday -Congress meets


The Senate Convened at 9:30amET July 27, 2011

  • The Senate will convene at 9:30am on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business for one hour 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 Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Morning business has been extended until 2pm.

VOTES

4:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination of Robert Mueller to be Director of the FBI; confirmed: 100-0

By unanimous consent, the Senate confirmed Gary Locke, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China.

Senator Rockefeller asked unanimous consent the Senate pass H.R.2533 with a Rockefeller-Hutchison amendment, which is at the desk and is a clean extension of the Federal Aviation Administration. Senator Hatch objected to Senator Rockefeller’s request.

Senator Hatch then asked unanimous consent the Senate pass H.R.2533, as passed by the House, which includes policy riders. Senator Rockefeller objected to Senator Hatch’s request.

The Senate is in a period of morning business until 6:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. Senator Coburn will be recognized at 5:30pm for up to 30 minutes and Senator Boxer will be recognized following Senator Coburn for up to 20 minutes

WRAP UP

Confirmed Executive Calendar #194, Gary Locke, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China.

Confirmed Executive Calendar #196, William J. Burns to be Deputy Secretary of State

Discharged Homeland Security and Passed S.1188, a bill to require the purchase of domestically made flags of the United States of American for use by the Federal Government (All American Flag Act) w/ Brown (OH) substitute

Adopted S.Res.240, condemning the horrific attacks on government buildings in Oslo, Norway, and a youth camp on Utoya Island, Norway, on July 22, 2011 and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Con.Res.26, supporting the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 27, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

9:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

9:56 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Walberg amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Walberg demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:16 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

9:15 P.M. – Mr. Dreier filed a report from the Committee on Rules onH. Res. 375.

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

9:14 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leavingH.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved that the Committee rise.

8:55 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Walberg amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Walberg.

An amendment to reduce funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, grants and administration by $10,600,000 and apply the savings to the spending reduction account.

8:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (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.

8:39 P.M. – DEBATE – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 14 printed in the Congressional Record to decrease Smithsonian salaries and expenses by $55,624,000 and transfer the funds to the spending reduction account.

8:38 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lankford amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lankford demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lankford amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

An amendment to eliminate funding for reception and representation expenses for the Council on Environmental Quality. The amendment transfers the funds, $3 million, to the spending reduction account.

8:14 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gosar amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Gosar.

An amendment to increase the National Forest System/Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program by $10 million.

On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hanabusa amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment to redirect $50,000,000 from the state and private forestry to the Wildland Fire Management program.

On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 18 under the five-minute rule.

7:57 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment to decrease FS State and Private Forestry by $20.8 million.

7:53 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lankford amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lankford demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:49 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lankford amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lankford.

An amendment to strike “not less that 30 percent” and insert “30 percent or less”.

7:47 P.M. – Mr. Simpson raised a point of order against the Bishop (NY) amendment stating that the provisions of the amendment proposes a net increase of the bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

7:41 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bishop (NY) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Mr. Bishop (NY).

An amendment to increase funds for the State and Tribal Assistance Grants program.

7:17 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richardson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Simpson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:12 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richardson amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment to increase funding for state pollution control and prevention grants by $5 million. The increase is offset by reducing funding for Capitol Improvement and Maintenance fund by the same amount.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Blackburn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:57 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mrs. Blackburn.

An amendment to reduce the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account by $30 million an applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

6:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richardson amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 662).

6:48 P.M. – On agreeing to the Pompeo amendment Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 661).

6:42 P.M. – On agreeing to the LaTourette amendments Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 660).

6:35 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 659).

6:28 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 658).

6:04 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richardson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Richardson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendments until a time to be announced.

5:56 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richardson amendment No. 23 under the five-minute rule.

5:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Richardson.

An amendment numbered 23 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Buildings and Facilities account by $10 million and increase the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account by $10 million.

5:54 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pompeo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Pompeo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendments until a time to be announced.

5:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Pompeo amendment No. 39 under the five-minute rule.

5:44 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Pompeo.

An amendment numbered 39 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Environmental Programs and Management account by $6,246,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

5:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Fleming amendment Failed by voice vote.

5:33 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flemming amendment under the five-minute rule.

5:31 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Fleming.

An amendment to reduce the Environmental Programs and Management account by $48,206,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

5:03 P.M. – Mr. Simpson raised a point of order against the Johnson, E. B. amendment Mr. Simpson stated that the provisions appropriate funds for a program not authorized. The Chair sustained the point of order.

5:00 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the E.B. Johnson(TX) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.Amendment offered by Ms. Johnson, E. B..

An amendment that inserts “and fellowships” after development within the Science and Technology account.

4:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the LaTourette en bloc amendments, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. LaTourette demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendments until a time to be announced.

4:40 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the LaTourette En Bloc amendments under the five-minute rule.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. LaTourette.

An amendment comprised of several amendments offered en bloc: reduce the Science and Technology account by $20 million and increase the Environmental Programs and Management account by $13 million, increase the funding for the Geographic Programs by $50 million and increase the funding for the Great Lakes Initiative by $50 million.

4:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moran amendment Failed by voice vote.

4:04 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moran amendment under the five-minute rule.

4:03 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment to strike the Wild Lands Funding Prohibition account from the bill.

4:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:34 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 121 of the bill.

3:33 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:23 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 120 from the bill.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Dicks amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:02 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 119 from the bill.

3:01 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Failed by voice vote.

2:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 118 from the bill.

2:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Dicks amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dicks demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:09 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions ofH. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike section 116 of the bill.

2:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Scalise amendment as modified Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 657).

2:01 P.M. – On agreeing to the Reed amendment Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 656).

1:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dold amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 655).

1:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the Amash amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 654).

1:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Tonko amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 653).

1:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Dicks amendment Agreed to by recorded vote:(Roll No. 652).

1:39 P.M. – On agreeing to the Clarke (MI) amendment Failed by recorded vote:(Roll No. 651).

1:15 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 27.

1:12 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 440:
to provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia 

1:11 P.M. – 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.

12:33 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 440.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:09 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

H.R. 1309:
to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes 

Senate returned papers to House.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passedS. 1406andS. 846. The Senate also agreed to return the papers ofH.R. 1309.

12:03 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.

12:02 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Sires to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Rick Postell, Christian Renewal Church, Brunswick, Georgia.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 27.

11:08 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 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.The Speaker designated the Honorable Kenny Marchant to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 10:00amET July 26, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 12:15pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the second 30 minutes.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Sessionto consider the following nominations en bloc:
  • With 2 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.
  • Therefore at approximately 12:17pm on Tuesday, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.
  • At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, the legislative vehicle for the debt limit increase.

At approximately 12:15pm, the Senate will be in Executive Session to consider the nominations of Paul Engelmayer to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York and Ramona Manglona to be Judge for the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands with 2 minutes of debate.

VOTES

At approximately 12:17pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of the Engelmayer nomination. The Manglona nomination is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

12:17pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Paul Engelmayer to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York; Confirmed: 98-0

Passed S.846 a bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 80 Lafayette Street in Jefferson City, Missouri, as the Christopher S. Bond United States Courthouse.

Discharged EPW and passed S.1406, a bill to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 510 19th Street, Bakersfield, California, as the Myron Donovan Crocker United States Courthouse.

Discharged the Banking Committee of H.R.1309, Flood Insurance and returned it to the House pursuant to their message on July 25, 2011 requesting its return.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 26, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

8:38 P.M. – DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole continued with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

8:37 P.M. – Mr. Scott (SC) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 372.

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

8:35 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved that the Committee rise.

8:15 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Dicks amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Dicks.

An amendment to strike the proviso relating to funding limitations in the Endangered Species Act.

On agreeing to the Tipton amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:13 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Tipton.

An amendment to increase funding for land acquisition by $2.5 million and to increase funding for acquisition of lands for national forests special acts by $2.5 million offset by a reduction in funds of $5 million from environmental programs and management accounts.

8:12 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lamborn amendment Failed by voice vote.

7:54 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lamborn amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Lamborn.

An amendment to zero out land acquisition accounts of BLM, FWS, NPS, and FS.

7:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Bass (NH) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

7:41 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Bass (NH) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Bass (NH).

An amendment to increase land acquisition accounts of BLM by $1 million, FWS by $4 million , NPS by $4 million, and FS by $4 million, offset by the Office of the Secretary.

7:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Clarke (MI) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Clarke (MI) amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Clarke (MI).

An amendment to increase EPA/EPM by $10,000,000, offset by BLM/MLR (Asian carp).

7:15 P.M. – The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2056:
to instruct the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to study the impact of insured depository institution failures, and for other purposes 

7:14 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Westmoreland objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

6:57 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2056.Mr. Westmoreland moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

H.R. 2608:
to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes 

6:56 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:46 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2608.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Hanna moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

6:45 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

H.R. 1938:
to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

6:44 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by recorded vote: 279 – 147, 1 Present (Roll no. 650).

6:37 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 248 (Roll no. 649).

6:22 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

6:11 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sutton 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 require that the President take all necessary actions to ensure that the Keystone pipeline does not result in unfair increases in gas price and that eminent domain is not used to seize farmland to build the pipeline.

6:09 P.M. – Ms. Sutton moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

Ms. Sutton moved to recommit the bill H.R. 1938 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith, with the following amendments: � Page 6, after line 24, insert the following new paragraphs: ***

6:08 P.M. – 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.

6:07 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1938.

6:06 P.M. – On agreeing to the Kucinich amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 261 (Roll no. 648).

6:03 P.M. – On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 263 (Roll no. 647).

5:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment Failed by recorded vote: 168 – 260 (Roll no. 646).

5:53 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 265 (Roll no. 645).

5:49 P.M. – On agreeing to the Murphy (CT) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 152 – 275 (Roll no. 644).

5:45 P.M. – On agreeing to the Cohen amendment Failed by recorded vote: 155 – 272 (Roll no. 643).

5:41 P.M. – On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 264 (Roll no. 642).

5:37 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 261, 1 Present (Roll no. 641).

5:31 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence for the men and women serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

H.R. 1938:
to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

5:30 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 260 (Roll no. 640).

5:04 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

5:03 P.M. – POSPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 11, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Kucinich demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 11.Amendment offered by Mr. Kucinich.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-181 to require an analysis of the effect of the proposed pipeline on manipulation of oil markets and increased gas prices for American consumers.

4:52 P.M. – On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:46 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 10.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-181 to add a sense of Congress that the United States must decrease its dependence on oil from countries that are hostile to the interests of the United States of America and that Canada has long been a strong trading partner and increasing access to their energy resources will create jobs in the United States.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Johnson (Ga) amendment No. 9, 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.

4:37 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Johnson (GA) amendment No. 9.

4:36 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Johnson (GA).

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-181 to require a study on the health impacts of increased air pollution in communities surrounding the refineries that will transport diluted bitumen through the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hanabusa amendment No. 8, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:29 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanabusa amendment No. 8.Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-181 to require that a Presidential Permit approving the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline will not be issued unless the Secretary of Energy in consultation with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), certify that the applicant has calculated a worst-case oil spill scenario for the proposed pipeline; and has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary and the PHMSA that the applicant possesses the capability and technology to respond immediately and effectively to such a worst-case scenario.

4:28 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment No. 7, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush 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 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment No. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-181 to extend the deadline for permit decision to 120 days after final environmental impact statement or until January 1, 2012.

4:16 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (CT) amendment No. 6.

4:05 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy (CT).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-181 to add findings language noting that construction of the pipeline would permit a new source of oil exports to China and other nations.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 5, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Cohen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-181 to strike finding 16 and replaces it with language that outlines TransCanada’s recent pipeline safety issues with the Keystone pipeline.

3:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Christensen amendment Failed by voice vote.

3:47 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Christensen amendment.Amendment offered by Mrs. Christensen.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-181 to include a finding stating that the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement estimates that the Keystone XL pipeline would increase carbon pollution associated with United States fuel use by up to 23,000,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment.Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-181 to include a finding stating the PHMSA Administrator testified at a Congressional hearing and stated that the PHMSA had not done a study analyzing the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen. Amendment would also require PHMSA to complete a review of the risks associated with transporting diluted bitumen, and whether current pipeline regulations are sufficient.

3:38 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:28 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-181 to strike paragraph 15 of the findings section.

3:27 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Welch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Terry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:18 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 370, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Welch.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-181 to add language to the findings section that states that the Keystone XL pipeline would run through the Ogallala Aquifer and explains the risk involved with this route.

2:03 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1938.

2:02 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 370and Rule XVIII.

2:01 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1938with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit with or without installowed. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. All points of order against the amendments printed in this report are waived. The waiver of all points of order is prophylactic.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 370.

1:55 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

1:50 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

1:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess pursuant to H.Res. 299. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 313 – 111, 2 Present (Roll no. 639).

H.R. 1383:
to temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees for programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning pursued by individuals enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs before the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, and for other purposes 

1:43 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 638).

H. Res. 370:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

1:35 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 246 – 171 (Roll no. 637).

1:11 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H.Res. 370, a motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1383and approval of the Speaker’s journal all of which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

1:02 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 370:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1938) to direct the President to expedite the consideration and approval of the construction and operation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and for other purposes 

1:01 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 370, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings(FL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the resolution until a time to be announced.The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:33 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 370.

12:31 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:04 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 P.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Pitts to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Brooks 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. Brooks demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:00 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Miroslaus Stelmaszczyk, Holy Family Church, Creighton, PennsylvaniaThe House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 26.

11:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 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 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Dennis A. Ross to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress at work -the Republican led House ? – the Senate …consideration of S.1323


the Senate Convened at 9:30amET July 13,2011

 Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees prior to the cloture vote on S.1323.

The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to S.1323 is 10:00am on Wednesday, July 14th.

There will be up to 2 roll call votes at approximately 10:30am Wednesday. The first roll call vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, the sense of the Senate bill on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit. If cloture is not invoked, there will be a 2nd roll call vote immediately on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit.

 10:40am the Senate will conduct up to 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:

– Motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit

– And if cloture is not invoked on S.1323, on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R.2055, the Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and related agencies Appropriations bill.

VOTES …

10:44am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.1323, a bill to express the sense of the Senate on shared sacrifice in resolving the budget deficit. Not invoked: 51-49

At 11:10 am the Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 2055 MilCon Appropriations. Invoked: 89-11.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 13, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

9:20 P.M. –

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 13, 2011.

Mr. Luetkemeyer moved that the House do now adjourn.

H.R. 2354:

making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes

9:17 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2354 as unfinished business.

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Frelinghuysen moved that the Committee rise.

9:13 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Visclosky demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

9:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 47 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment No. 47 printed in the Congressional Record to zero out the $250,000 appropriation for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission and to apply the savings to the Spending Reduction Account.

9:01 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Shimkus amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Shimkus demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Shimkus amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Shimkus.

An amendment to reduce the Departmental Administration account under the Department of Energy by $10 million and increase the Nuclear Regulatory Commission account for the Yucca Mountain license application by the same amount.

On agreeing to the Fortenberry amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Fortenberry amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Fortenberry.

An amendment to reduce the Departmental Administration account under the Department of Energy by $35 million and increase the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account by the same amount.

On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

8:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 64 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 64 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Departmental Administration account under the Department of Energy by $2.5 million and increases the Spending Reduction Account by the same amount.

8:39 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (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.

8:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 48 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 48 printed in the Congressional Record to strike the funds for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program.

8:34 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schiff amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Schiff demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

8:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Schiff amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Schiff.

An amendment to increase the amount appropriated for carrying out the research activities authorized by the America COMPETES Act by $79,640,000 and reduce the Departmental Administration account for the Department of Energy by the same amount.

8:20 P.M. –

Mr. Frelinghuysen raised a point of order against the Heck amendment Mr. Frelinghuysen stated that the amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.

8:13 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Heck amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order.

Amendment offered by Mr. Heck.

An amendment to provide $2.5 million to the State of Nevada for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository.

8:12 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Broun (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Broun (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.

8:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment No. 43 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Broun (GA).

An amendment numbered 43 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Science account under the Department of Energy by $820,488,000 and increase the Spending Reduction account by the same amount.

8:05 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Royce amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Royce demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:52 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Royce amendment No. 68 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Royce.

An amendment numbered 68 printed in the Congressional Record to reduce the Science account under the Department of Energy by $10 million and increase the Spending Reduction account by the same amount.

7:51 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:38 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Holt amendment No. 65 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Holt.

An amendment numbered 65 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the Science account under the Department of Energy by $42,665,000 and reduce the Weapons Activities account under the National Nuclear Security Administration by the same amount.

7:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.

7:33 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Reed (NY) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Reed (NY) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Reed (NY) amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Reed.

An amendment to increase the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup account under the Department of Energy by $41 million and reduce the account for Departmental Administration under the Department of Energy by $21 million and reduce the account for Departmental Administration under the National Nuclear Security Administration by $20 million.

7:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 2354.

7:21 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Matheson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Frelinghuysen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

7:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Matheson amendment under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Matheson.

An amendment to increase the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup account under the Department of Energy by $10 million and reduce the Weapons Activities account under the National Nuclear Security Administration by the same amount.

7:14 P.M. –

By unanimous consent, the McKinley amendment was withdrawn.

7:09 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the McKinley amendment No. 25 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. McKinley.

An amendment numbered 25 printed in the Congressional Record to increase the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $39 million and reduce the Science account by $39 million.

7:03 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Rehberg amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

6:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 337, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rehberg amendment No. 57 under the five-minute rule.

Amendment offered by Mr. Rehberg.

An amendment numbered 57 printed in the Congressional Record to increase and reduce necessary expenses for the Fossil Energy Research and Development account by $2,200,000.

6:56 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

6:55 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2018:

to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 184 (Roll no. 573).

6:48 P.M. –

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 188 – 238 (Roll no. 572).

6:31 P.M. –

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

6:23 P.M. –

Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McNerney 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 retain EPA’s authority to set water pollution standards and review permits when pollutants are being discharged into waters that are a source of public drinking water.

Mr. McNerney moved to recommit with instructions to Transportation.

6:22 P.M. –

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.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

6:21 P.M. –

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2018.

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 167 – 254 (Roll no. 571).

6:17 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Carnahan amendment Failed by recorded vote: 173 – 247 (Roll no. 570).

6:13 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Blumenauer amendment Failed by recorded vote: 183 – 237 (Roll no. 569).

6:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Connolly (VA) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 181 – 240 (Roll no. 568).

6:05 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 231 (Roll no. 567).

6:01 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Capito amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 268 – 152 (Roll no. 566).

5:52 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 252 (Roll no. 565).

5:21 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

5:20 P.M. –

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 13.

4:27 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H.R. 2018:

to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

4:26 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2018 as unfinished business.

4:25 P.M. –

On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gibbs moved that the Committee now rise.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Carnahan amendment No. 10, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Carnahan demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:21 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Carnahan amendment No. 10.

Amendment offered by Mr. Carnahan.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-144 to restrict the application of the bill if a major disaster had been declared in the area due to flooding within the last five years, or the waters in question had contributed to such a declaration.

4:20 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 9, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Blumenauer demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blumenauer amendment No. 9.

Amendment offered by Mr. Blumenauer.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-144 to exclude from coverage under the bill, any waters that EPA determines provide flood protection for communities, are a valuable fish and wildlife habitat that provides benefits to the economy, or are coastal recreational waters.

4:10 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Cohen amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

4:06 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cohen amendment No. 8.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cohen.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-144 to clarify that nothing in the bill can limit the EPA Administrator’s authority to regulate a pipeline that crosses a streambed.

4:05 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment No. 6, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:59 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly amendment.

3:58 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Connolly (VA).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in House Report to 112-144 to align federal funding with the scope of federal clean water regulations.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gibbs demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:51 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment.

3:50 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-144 to exclude from this act permit holders who are on the significant non-compliance list.

On agreeing to the Hanabusa amendment as modified Agreed to by voice vote.

3:49 P.M. –

Hanabusa amendment modified by unanimous consent.

3:45 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hanabusa amendment.

3:44 P.M. –

Amendment offered by Ms. Hanabusa.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-144 to require the Administrator of the EPA to submit to Congress within one year and then annually thereafter, a report on any increase in waterborne pathogenic microorganisms (including protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and parasites), toxic chemicals, or toxic metals (such as lead and mercury) in waters regulated by a State under the provisions of H.R. 2018, including any amendments to the bill.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capito amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (NY) 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 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capito amendment.

Amendment offered by Mrs. Capito.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-144 to require the EPA to analyze the impact of certain covered actions on employment levels and economic activity and require public notice and a hearing in those instances where a covered action has more than a de minimis impact on employment or economic activity in any given state.

3:31 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 2, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee (TX) 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 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 2.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-144 to allow the EPA to continue to have the authority to set standards for NPDES Permit programs by striking section 2.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gibbs demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 347, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment No. 1.

Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-144 to strike all after the enacting clause.

2:28 P.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2018.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 347 and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2018 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. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 347.

H. Res. 347:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2018) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 171 (Roll no. 564).

2:01 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of H.Res. 347 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 13.

1:07 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

H. Res. 347:

providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2018) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to preserve the authority of each State to make determinations relating to the State’s water quality standards, and for other purposes

1:06 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 347, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis (CO) demanded a vote by the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on agreeing to the resolution until later in the legislative day.

1:05 P.M. –

The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 347.

12:23 P.M. –

Considered as privileged matter.

12:03 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.

12:02 P.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Quigley to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

12:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 13.

10:52 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:02 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.

10:01 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Renee L. Ellmers to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Congress on the 1st of July – Vacation until 7/5


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 1, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

10:05 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is
scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 5, 2011.

10:03 A.M. – Pursuant to section 1(k)(2) of H.Res. 895, One Hundred Tenth Congress, and
section 4(c) of H.Res. 5, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, the Clerk notified the
House that Yvonne Burke, Karen English, Bill Frenzel, Porter J. Goss, Abner, J.
Mikva, David El. Skaggs, Omar Ashmawy, William H. Cable, Laura Cole, Mary K.
Flanagan, Scott Gast, David Hartzler, Kedric L. Payne, Paul Solis, and Nathaniel
Wright have signed an agreement to not be a candidate for the office of Senator
or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress for
purposes of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 until at least 3 years
after he or she is no longer a member of the board or staff of the Office of
Congressional Ethics.

10:02 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 June 29, 2011, at 5:45 p.m., stating that
that body had passed S. 679.

10:01 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I,
the Journal stands approved.

10:00 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend William George, Cathedral of St.
Matthew, Washington, DCThe Speaker designated the Honorable Jeffrey M. Landry to act as Speaker pro
tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Senate convenes on July 5, 2011

Black History

what is Congress doing for or against Americans today –


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 23, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

6:49 P.M. – SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:43 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 2219:
making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

6:41 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2219as unfinished business.On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Young (FL) moved to rise.

5:52 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2219.

5:51 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Lynn A. Westmoreland to act as Chairman of the Committee.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 320and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2219with 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 read by paragraph. Bill is open to amendments. Points of order against provisions in the bill for failure to comply with clause 2 of rule XXI are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 320.

5:50 P.M. – Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 328.

5:49 P.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal.

H.R. 1249:
to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform 

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1249.

5:48 P.M. – On passage Passed by recorded vote: 304 – 117 (Roll no. 491).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:42 P.M. – On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 251 (Roll no. 490).

5:24 P.M. – The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

5:19 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the same to the House with an amendment to require the U.S. Patent Office to prioritize patent applications filed by entities that pledge to develop or manufacture their products, processes, and technologies in the U.S., including, specifically, those filed by small businesses and individuals.

5:17 P.M. – Mr. Miller (NC) moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.

Mr. Miller (NC) moved to recommit the bill H.R. 1249 to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with the following amendment: � Add at the end of the bill the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): � SEC. 34. PRIORITY IN PROCESSING PATENT APPLICATIONS. ***

5:16 P.M. – 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.

5:15 P.M. – The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

5:14 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1249.On agreeing to the Schock amendment Failed by recorded vote: 158 – 262, 1 Present (Roll no. 489).

5:11 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rohrabacher amendment Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 342 (Roll no. 488).

5:07 P.M. – On agreeing to the Manzullo amendment Failed by recorded vote: 92 – 329 (Roll no. 487).

5:02 P.M. – On agreeing to the Sensenbrenner amendment Failed by recorded vote: 129 – 295 (Roll no. 486).

4:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Conyers amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 223 – 198 (Roll no. 485).

4:55 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to restore language for calculation of 60-day period for application of patent term extension that the managers amendment strikes.

4:54 P.M. – PROCEEDINGS VACATED – By unanimous consent, the disposition proceedings for the Conyers amendment No. 9 were vacated and the Committee of the Whole proceeded to re-vote the Conyers amendment.

4:47 P.M. – On agreeing to the Baldwin amendment Failed by recorded vote: 81 – 342 (Roll no. 483).

4:40 P.M. – On agreeing to the Conyers amendment Failed by recorded vote: 105 – 316 (Roll no. 482).

4:14 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.

4:13 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schock amendment, the Chair put t he question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schock amendment no. 15.Amendment offered by Mr. Schock.

An amendment numbered 15 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike section 18 of H.R. 1249, the Transitional program for covered business method patents.

3:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rohrabacher demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:48 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment no. 14.Amendment offered by Mr. Rohrabacher.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to eliminate the burden of post-grant reviews and reexaminations on individual inventors and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.

3:47 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Manzullo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Manzullo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:38 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Manzullo amendment no. 13.Amendment offered by Mr. Manzullo.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to eliminate the ability of the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to set fees, retaining that authority for Congress.

3:37 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Sensenbrenner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:26 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sensenbrenner amendment no. 12.Amendment offered by Mr. Sensenbrenner.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike Section 3 of the legislation, which would convert the U.S. patent system from `first-to-invent’ to `first-to-file.’

3:25 P.M. – By unanimous consent, the Watt amendment was withdrawn.

3:24 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Watt amendment no. 11.

3:23 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Watt.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add a severability clause protecting the remainder of the bill if the Supreme Court determines that certain sections or provisions are unconstitutional.

3:22 P.M. – On agreeing to the Speier amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

3:17 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment no. 10.Amendment offered by Ms. Speier.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to direct the PTO to prescribe a requirement that parties provide sufficient evidence to prove and rebut a claim of derivation.

3:16 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Conyers amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:07 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment no. 9.Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to restore language for calculation of 60-day period for application of patent term extension that the managers amendment strikes.

On agreeing to the Polis amendment Failed by voice vote.

2:58 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis (CO) amendment no. 8.Amendment offered by Mr. Polis.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to clarify that the new legislation would apply only to new tax planning patents, not already filed patents which would disclose patent information leaving the applicants vulnerable.

2:57 P.M. – On agreeing to the Peters amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:49 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Peters amendment no. 7.Amendment offered by Mr. Peters.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to mandate a USPTO-led study on what USPTO, SBA, and other agencies can do to help small businesses obtain, maintain, and enforce foreign patents. This study is to be conducted using existing resources.

2:48 P.M. – On agreeing to the Lujan amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lujan amendment no. 6.Amendment offered by Mr. Lujan.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add requirements to the satellite office location selection process to ensure that (1) the purposes, as described in the bill, of establishing satellite offices are achieved, (2) recruitment costs are minimized by considering the availability of knowledgeable personnel in the region, and (3) the economic impact to the region is considered. It would also require that the Director in the required report to Congress on the rationale in selecting the location of any satellite office include an explanation of how the selected location will achieve the purposes of satellite offices and how the required considerations were met.

On agreeing to the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee (TX) amendment no. 5.Amendment offered by Ms. Jackson Lee (TX).

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to add a sense of Congress that it is important to protect the rights of small businesses and inventors from predatory behavior that could result in cutting off innovation and may provide an undue advantage to large financial institutions and high-tech firms.

2:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moore amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

2:34 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment no. 4.Amendment offered by Ms. Moore.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to direct the USPTO to develop methods for studying the diversity of patent applicants, including those applicants who are minorities, women, or veterans. Any results of the study shall not be used for preferential treatment in the patent process.

2:33 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Baldwin amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Baldwin demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:23 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Baldwin amendment no. 3.Amendment offered by Ms. Baldwin.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to strike Section 5, the `prior user rights’ language, and conform H.R. 1249 to H.R. 1908, as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 7, 2007, and S. 23, as passed by the U.S. Senate on March 8, 2011.

2:22 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Conyers amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Conyers demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

2:11 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provsions of H. Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment no. 2.Amendment offered by Mr. Conyers.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 112-111 to insert language to move the United States to a first to file system only upon a Presidential finding that other major patent authorities have adopted a similar one-year grace period.

2:09 P.M. – On agreeing to the Smith (TX) amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 283 – 140 (Roll no. 481).

1:51 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced the unfinished business was on the question of adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 320:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2219) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

1:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 251 – 173 (Roll no. 480).Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:33 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 247 – 168 (Roll no. 479).

12:31 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 320.

12:30 P.M. – Considered as privileged matter.

12:28 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

12:26 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans -referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-41).

12:24 P.M. – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to the proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea that destabilize the Korean Peninsula – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-40).

12:04 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 P.M. – ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the resignation of the Gentleman from New York, the whole number of the House is 432.

12:02 P.M. – The House received a communication from Cesar A. Perales, Secretary of State, State of New York. Mr. Perales informed the House he had received the resignation of Anthony D. Weiner as New York’s 9th Congressional District Representative in the United States House of Representatives. The New York State Department of State filed the letter on June 20, 2011. A copy of Mr. Weiner’s letter of resignation was attached.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Altmire to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. – SPEAKERS APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Hultgren 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. Hultgren objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 23.

11:12 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael G. Fitzpatrick to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • The Senate Convenes: 10am June 23, 2011
    • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:30am 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 and the Republicans controlling the final half.
    • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act with the Vitter amendment #499 regarding czars and the DeMint amendment #510 regarding Bureau of Justice Statistics debated concurrently with up to 30 minutes of debate, with Senators Vitter, DeMint, Reid, and McConnell, or their designees, each controlling 7 ½ minutes.
    • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12pm), the Senate will conduct 2 roll call votes in relation to the following:
      • Vitter amendment #499 regarding czars (60-vote threshold)
      • DeMint amendment #510 regarding Bureau of Justice Statistics (majority-vote threshold)
    • The following amendments are pending to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act:
      • DeMint amendment #501 (IMF bailouts)
      • DeMint amendment #511 (legislative & public affairs)
      • Portman amendment #509 (Comptrollers of Navy, Army, Air Force; Controller of OMB and department CFOs)
      • Cornyn amendment #504 (strike provisions re: Comptroller of the Army, Navy and Air Force)
      • Toomey amendment #514 (strikes the provision relating to the Governors and alternate governors of the IMF and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development)
      • Carper amendment #517 (GAO report)
      • McCain amendment #493 (Navajo and Hopi Relocation Office)
      • Akaka amendment #512 (Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans)
      • Paul amendment #502 (Treasurer of the United States)
      • Paul amendment #503 (Director of the Mint)
      • VOTES
    • The Senate began a roll call vote on the Vitter amendment #499 (czars) to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act (60-vote threshold); Not agreed to: 47-51.
    • The Senate began a roll call vote on the DeMint amendment #510 (Bureau of Justice Statistics) to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act; Not Agreed to: 41-57

Adopted S.Res.215, designating the month of June 2011 as “National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.”