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Black History

waivering Wednesday in Congress


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET June 16, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, the will be a period of morning business for 1 hour with senator permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Republicans will control the first 30 minutes and the Majority will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on HR4213, Tax Extenders. Around 10:40am, the Senate will proceed to vote on the Baucus motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Baucus amendment #4301 (perfecting substitute).

Additional votes are expected to occur throughout the afternoon in relation to amendments to the Tax Extenders legislation.

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to HR4213, Tax Extenders, with an amendment (the Baucus amendment #4369 (Substitute)).

Votes:
190: Baucus motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Baucus amendment #4301: (perfecting substitute);
Not Agreed To: 45-52

191: Reid amendment #4344: (homebuyer tax credit) (60-vote threshold);
Agreed To: 60-37

192: Isakson amendment #4351: (homebuyer tax credit) (60-vote threshold);
Not Agreed To: 45-52

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.J.Res.32, a joint resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, and reaffirming the United States-Korea Alliance.

Adopted S.Res.557, a resolution commending EyeCare America for its volunteerism and efforts to preserve eyesight throughout the previous 25 years.

Adopted S.Res.558, a resolution designating the week beginning September 12, 2010, as “National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week”.

Adopted S.Res.559, a resolution observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day.

—————————————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 16, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

5:13 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.

5:12 P.M. –

Mr. Arcuri filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1448.

5:07 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

5:06 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on June 23: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 22.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Moran of KS be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 21.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Wolf be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on June 17.

4:56 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1447:

electing certain minority members to certain standing committees

4:54 P.M. –

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

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1414:

congratulating Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men-Englewood Campus, the Nation’s first all-male charter high school, for achieving a 100 percent college acceptance rate for all 107 members of its first graduating class of 2010

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 420 – 0 (Roll no. 367).

4:45 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1422:

honoring the Department of Justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 3 (Roll no. 366).

4:36 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Con. Res. 242:

honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 101st anniversary

4:35 P.M. –

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

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 421 – 0 (Roll no. 365).

4:08 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

4:07 P.M. –

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

H. Con. Res. 286:

recognizing the 235th birthday of the United States Army

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Ortiz 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.

3:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 286.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Ortiz moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.J. Res. 86:

recognizing the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and reaffirming the United States-Korea alliance

3:25 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Faleomavaega 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.

2:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.J. Res. 86.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Faleomavaega moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 2142:

to require the review of Government programs at least once every 5 years for purposes of assessing their performance and improving their operations, and to establish the Performance Improvement Council

2:54 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

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.

2:30 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2142.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1429:

celebrating the symbol of the United States flag and supporting the goals and ideals of Flag Day

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2:18 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1429.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1357:

commending and congratulating the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the occasion of its 50th anniversary

2:17 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Watson 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.

2:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1357.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 879:

supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week

2:00 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Watson 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.

1:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 879.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Watson moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1422:

honoring the Department of Justice on the occasion of its 140th anniversary

1:46 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.

1:36 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1422.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 242:

honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 101st anniversary

1:35 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.

1:19 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 242.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Cohen moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 4451:

to reinstate and transfer certain hydroelectric licenses and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects

1:18 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.

1:12 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4451.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Murphy (CT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

1:11 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

H.R. 5297:

to create the Small Business Lending Fund Program to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to make capital investments in eligible institutions in order to increase the availability of credit for small businesses, and for other purposes

1:10 P.M. –

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5297 as unfinished business.

On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.

1:09 P.M. –

Ms. Bean moved for the Committee of the Whole to rise.

On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

1:03 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Al Green (TX) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Green, Al.

An amendment numbered 17 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to (1) require the inclusion of linguistically and culturally appropriate outreach where appropriate to the applicant’s small business lending plan; (2) provide for linguistically and culturally appropriate minority outreach and advertising; (3) explicitly state minority-owned financial institutions are eligible for consideration of by the Secretary for funding; and (4) require the Secretary, to the extent possible, to disaggregate the results of the report on women-owned and minority-owned business by ethnic group and gender.

1:02 P.M. –

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

12:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loebsack amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Loebsack.

An amendment numbered 16 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to include a Sense of Congress stating that agriculture operations, farms, and rural communities should receive equal consideration through lending activities for small businesses, particularly small and mid-size farms and agriculture operations; and attention should be given to ensuring there is adequate small business credit and financing availability in the agriculture and farming sectors.

12:57 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Braley (IA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:53 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Braley amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Braley (IA).

An amendment numbered 15 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to require the use of plain writing by the Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration for documents relevant to obtaining a benefit or service under the bill.

12:52 P.M. –

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

12:47 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cuellar amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cuellar.

An amendment numbered 14 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to require the Secretary to take into consideration areas with high unemployment rates that exceed the national average to increase opportunities for small business development.

12:46 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Sanchez, Loretta amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:40 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Loretta Sanchez(CA) amendment.

Amendment offered by Ms. Sanchez, Loretta.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to include as part of the selection criteria for investment companies the extent to which the applicant will concentrate investment activities on small business concerns in targeted industries.

12:39 P.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cao amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes 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 later in the legislative day.

12:30 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cao amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Cao.

An amendment numbered 12 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to provide funding to eligible institutions that serve small businesses in communities that have suffered negative economic effects as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill with particular consideration to States along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

12:29 P.M. –

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

12:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Michaud amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Michaud.

An amendment numbered 11 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to ensure that state-run venture capital fund programs will be able to qualify as “state other credit support programs,” as long as they do not use funds under H.R. 5297 to lend to businesses with more than 750 employees. It would clarify that state-run venture capital fund programs will be able to qualify as “state other credit support programs,” as long as they meet all other requirements.

12:27 P.M. –

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

12:16 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Driehaus amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Driehaus.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to institute a new Office of Small Business Lending Fund Oversight.

12:15 P.M. –

On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment Agreed to by voice vote.

12:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Al Green (TX) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Green, Al.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to improve disclosures by eligible institutions receiving funding under the program.

12:03 P.M. –

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

11:58 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Price (GA) amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Price (GA).

An amendment numbered 6 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to express the Sense of Congress that small business lending is being hindered by mixed messages from federal financial regulators.

11:57 A.M. –

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

11:49 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Perlmutter amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Perlmutter.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to allow small banks to amortize losses or write-downs on commercial real estate loans over a 10-year period, freeing up more capital for these small institutions to lend to small businesses.

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

11:45 A.M. –

Minnick amendment modified by unanimous consent.

11:44 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Minnick amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Minnick.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to make non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans eligible for the program.

11:43 A.M. –

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

11:34 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Nye amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Nye.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to add four stipulations to the Small Business Lending Fund to safeguard small businesses in the bill: 1) base SBLF incentives on number of loans an institution makes, not just the total dollars of loans; 2) include Small Business Lending Centers with less than $10 billion in assets as qualified financial institutions to participate in the SBLF; 3) add the SBA definition to define what a small business is; and 4) change the base lending amount from a comparison of the fourth quarter of 2009, to a full year of data.

11:33 A.M. –

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Israel amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Israel demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

11:29 A.M. –

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1436, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Israel amendment.

Amendment offered by Mr. Israel.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in part C of House Report 111-506 to add veteran- and women- owned businesses to the groups that will receive outreach under the Small Business Lending Fund established by the bill. It adds veteran-owned businesses to those businesses that should receive consideration in the Fund, adds veterans to the study on lending assistance, and requires the study to report not just on the number of loans made to women-, veteran- and minority-owned businesses, but the percent of loans that go to them as a part of the program.

10:35 A.M. –

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5297.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor 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. 1436 and Rule XVIII.

10:34 A.M. –

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5486 and H.R. 5297 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. All points of order against consideration of each bill except for clauses 9 and 10 or rule XXI are waived.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1436.

10:33 A.M. –

Ms. Bean asked unanimous consent that the instruction in the amendment printed in part B of House Report 111-506 relating to page 11, line8, be considered to refer to section 4(d)(2)(A) of the matter proposed to be inserted by the amendment printed in part A of such report, as amended by the amendment in part B of such report. Agreed to without objection.

10:03 A.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.

The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3951.

10:02 A.M. –

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Hall of NY 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.

10:01 A.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by Rabbi Joshua Davidson, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua, New York.

10:00 A.M. –

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History

Monday in Congress …Not


The Senate Convenes: 2pmET June 7 2010

The Senate be in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:
– #730, Audrey Fleissing, of Missouri, to be US District Judge for the Eastern District of MO
– #731, Lucy Koh, of California, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of CA
– #759, Jane Magnus-Stinson, of Indiana, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of IN

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed. After the first vote, the succeeding votes will be limited to 10 minutes each.

The next meeting in the House: 2pmET June 8 2010


Black History

House votes to extend jobless benefits until Nov. 30/President extends mining&logging moratorium


WASHINGTON — The House agreed Friday to extend expiring jobless benefits for hundreds of thousands of workers nationwide until Nov. 30, but 1.2 million out-of-work Americans still face losing their benefits next month because the Senate left for a 10-day Memorial Day recess without acting.

The Senate isn’t scheduled to return to Washington until June 7, five days after federal funding for the benefits is to expire.

Even when the Senate returns, quick action could be difficult. Friday’s 215-204 House vote on a package that includes tax changes for businesses sent an ominous signal about why approving the added jobless benefits has become so difficult.

Though Democratic leaders pushed the measure hard, 34 House Democrats — including Washington’s Jay Inslee and Adam Smith — joined 170 Republicans in voting no. One Republican, Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao of Louisiana, and 214 Democrats voted yes.

The bill passed with no provision for continuing federal health-care subsidies for unemployed workers, a provision that was cut from the legislation after Democratic moderates expressed concerns about what its cost would add to the federal budget deficit.

The House, by a 245-171 vote, also extended present Medicare reimbursements paid to doctors for 19 months, with small increases each year.

The measures would add a total of about $54.2 billion to the federal deficit, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which estimates the deficit will reach about $1.5 trillion this fiscal year.

To keep moderates in line, Democrats also scuttled plans to provide more funding to states for Medicaid, the joint state-federal health-care program for lower-income people, some seniors and those with disabilities.

Even those changes failed to move many centrists, however.

“There are different attitudes in the country about how much we should be spending on unemployment insurance,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “Members who are from low unemployment areas are very concerned about the deficit. Members who are from high unemployment areas are very concerned about the jobs.”

The legislation the House passed Friday extends a series of business tax breaks, such as a research tax credit, that were due to expire. Part of the package is paid for, notably by changing how multinational companies are taxed on foreign income, as well as “carried interest” earned by venture capitalists, hedge fund managers and others.

Friday was the third time this year that Congress has failed to meet the deadline for extending jobless benefits.

On the first two occasions, Republican senators blocked quick consideration, saying they wanted the programs paid for. This time, Republicans still objected, but it was centrist Democrats who were raising alarms. The original House plan would have spent nearly $200 billion and increased the deficit by $133.8 billion over the next 10 years.

The day in D.C.

Roadless forests: The Obama administration Friday extended for another year the moratorium on most logging and mining in millions of acres of remote and rugged backcountry sections of national forests. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said he wants to continue to give decisions on projects in roadless areas a higher level of scrutiny while waiting for federal courts to resolve the legal issues.

Kentucky Senate race: Senate candidate Rand Paul, R-Ky., told a Russian TV station in a clip circulating on political websites Friday that he opposes citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are illegal immigrants. Paul, who a week ago won the GOP primary, said he wants to block citizenship to those children. “We’re the only country I know that allows people to come in illegally, have a baby and then that baby becomes a citizen,” Paul told RT, an English-language station.

Hutchison’s future: Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, hasn’t decided whether to retire at the end of 2012, and the possibility she’ll run again leaves a major question mark over the already competitive field of candidates lined up to replace her. After earlier declining to discuss her plans, she said this week she has set no deadline on whether to seek another six-year term.

Seattle Times news services

Black History

Thursday debates/votes in Congress


The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET May 27, 2010

Things that might be on the Floor today …UI benefits, Medicare payments to Doctors, Defense, DADT and JOBS

House Democrats say they have the votes to pass their new campaign finance reform bill. The bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act, now has 114 co-sponsors and will be voted on either at the end of this week or after the Memorial Day weekend and Senate Armed Services Committee member Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” he announced last night. Byrd’s support was won with the insertion of language that would “give Congress an additional 60 days to thoroughly review the implementation policy once certified.”

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations. There will be up to 20 minutes for debate prior to a series of votes.

The Senate has reached the following agreement.

The Senate is now voting on the DeMint motion to Suspend the rules in order to consider the DeMint amendment #4177. No amendment s are in order to the motion. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to vote with respect to the DeMint motion to suspend. If the DeMint motion to suspend is not agreed to, then no further amendments or motions on the subject of the DeMint motion be in order.

There will then be up to 2 minutes for debate equally divided between Senators Collins and Boxer prior to a vote in relation to the Collins amendment #4253 (EPA lead ruling). No amendments are in order to the Collins amendment prior to a vote.

Upon disposition of the Collins amendment, there will be up to 8 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the following amendments:

– Inouye #4299 (Filipino Veterans)
– Burr #4273 (Filipino Veterans)

Upon disposition of the Inouye and Burr amendments, the remaining pending amendments will be withdrawn. No further amendments are in order, expect for a managers’ amendment which has been cleared by the managers and leaders. If offered, the amendment will be considered and agreed.

All post-cloture debate time will be yielded back and without further intervening action or debate the substitute amendment, as amended, will be agreed to. The Senate will then proceed to vote on passage of HR4899, as amended.

Upon passage, the Senate will insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the 2 houses, and the Chair authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate, with the Appropriations Committee appointed as conferees.

The cloture motion on the bill is withdrawn.

After these votes, there will be no further votes this week. We expect the House to send us Tax Extenders in pieces late tonight. If that is the case, we would consider Extenders when we return on Monday, June 7th. Senators have expressed interest in considering amendments to the bill and we would not be able to reach an agreement this week.

Votes:

165: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the McCain amendment #4241: ;
Not Waived: 51-46

166: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Kyl #4228, as modified (Courthouse funding);
Not Waived: 54-44

167: Motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Cornyn #4202, as modified (border security);
Not Waived: 54-43

168: Feingold amendment #4204: (report of Afghanistan drawdown);
Not agreed to: 18-80

169: Inouye Motion to Table Coburn amendment #4231: (offset including real property);
Tabled: 53-45

170: Now Voting on Inouye Motion to Table Coburn amendment #4232: (offset with spending cuts);
Tabled: 50-47

171: Now Voting on Motion to Invoke Cloture on the committee-reported substitute amendment to HR4899, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Invoked: 69-29

172: Now voting on the DeMint motion to suspend the rules in order to consider the DeMint amendment #4177: (border fence)

173: Collins amendment #4253: (EPA lead ruling)
Agreed To: 60-37
(8 minutes for debate)

174: Inouye amendment #4299: (Filipino Veterans)
Agreed To: 60-35

175: Burr amendment #4273: (Filipino Veterans);
Not Agreed To: 37-58

176: Passage of HR4899, as amended, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations;
Passed: 67-28

Unanimous Consent:
Passed HR5330, a bill to amend the Antitrust Criminal Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004

Adopted S.Res.542, a resolution designating June 20, 2010, as “American Eagle Day”

Adopted S.Res.543, a resolution expressing support for the designation of a “National Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month”

Adopted S.Res.544, a resolution supporting increased access for exports of United States beef and beef products

Adopted S.Res.545, a resolution authorizing the production of records by the permanent subcommittee on Investigations

Adopted H.Con.Res.282, Adjournment Resolution

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10amET May 27, 2010

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 27, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

11:06 P.M. –
SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
11:04 P.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.The House received a communication from the Honorable Mr. Shuster . Mr. Shuster notified the House of his intent to resign from the Committee on Armed Services. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 5136:
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5136 as unfinished business.

11:03 P.M. –
On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.Mr. Skelton moved that the Committee now rise.POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendments and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Skelton demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

10:39 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 9.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 8, 15, 30, 32, as modified, 55, 61, 64, 66, 67, 74, and 77 printed in House Report 111-498.
10:38 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Shea-Porter amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Shea-Porter demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:35 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Shea-Porter amendment No. 81.Amendment offered by Ms. Shea-Porter.

An amendment numbered 81 printed in House Report 111-498 to require a penalty for prime contractors that do not provide information to databases on contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it adds a reporting requirement. The penalty would withhold award and incentive fee payments.

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

10:32 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Teague amendment No. 68.Amendment offered by Mr. Teague.

An amendment numbered 68 printed in House Report 111-498 to provide health insurance to dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans, as well as veterans who died from serviced connected disabilities, through the age of 26. Currently under CHAMPVA, which is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), coverage can only be provided to dependent children up to the age of 23.
10:31 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
10:20 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 8.
10:19 P.M. –
Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 56, 58, 59, 65, 69, 71, 76, and 78 printed in House Report 111-498.
10:18 P.M. –
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.Considered as unfinished business.
10:17 P.M. –
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5136 as unfinished business.On motion that the Committee now rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:16 P.M. –
Mr. Skelton moved that the Committee now rise.On agreeing to the Sarbanes amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 253 – 172 (Roll no. 318).
10:08 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Murphy, Patrick amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 – 194 (Roll no. 317).
9:51 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Pingree (ME) amendment Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 231, 3 Present (Roll no. 316).
9:35 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 210 (Roll no. 315).
9:26 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Gutierrez amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 372 – 52 (Roll no. 314).
9:18 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Inslee amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 410 – 8 (Roll no. 313).
8:52 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.
8:51 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McKeon demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
8:29 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Patrick Murphy (PA) amendment No. 79.Amendment offered by Mr. Murphy, Patrick.

An amendment numbered 79 printed in House Report 111-498 to repeal Dont Ask Dont Tell only after: (1) receipt of the recommendations of the Pentagon’s Comprehensive Review Working Group on how to implement a repeal of DADT (due December 1, 2010) and (2) a certification by the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and President that repeal is first, consistent with military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion & recruiting, and second, that the DoD has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to implement its repeal. It would also include a 60 day period after certification before the repeal took effect.
8:28 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
7:52 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton en bloc amendments No. 7.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 38, 49, 53, 60, 72, 73 and 75 printed in House Report 111-498.
7:51 P.M. –
On agreeing to the McMahon amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
7:41 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McMahon amendment No. 62.
7:40 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. McMahon.

An amendment numbered 62 printed in House Report 111-498 to express a Sense of Congress concerning the implementation of the Congressionally-mandated recommendations of the Institute of Medicine study.

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

7:13 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 6.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 39, 41, 43, 50, as modified, 51, and 57 printed in House Report 111-498.
7:12 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Andrews gave notice that amendment numbered 79 may be offered out of order.On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
6:51 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 5.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 5, 6, 7, 11, 14, 19, 31, and 33 printed in House Report 111-498.
6:50 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Sarbanes amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Issa demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:39 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sarbanes amendment No. 47.Amendment offered by Mr. Sarbanes.

An amendment numbered 47 printed in House Report 111-498 to require non-Defense agencies to establish contractor inventories and insourcing programs to mirror current law for the Department of Defense. It would also prevent agencies from establishing any numerical goal, target, or quota for the conversion to performance by Federal employees, require OMB to report to Congress on agency insourcing policies and GAO to evaluate OMB reporting.
6:38 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 ayes had prevailed. Mr. Thorberry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
6:23 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment No. 42.Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

An amendment numbered 42 printed in House Report 111-498 to require the DNI to cooperate with GAO inquiries that are initiated by Committees. Would allow all committees of jurisdiction to request that GAO perform audits of the intelligence community. Would allow the DNI to designate certain reports or portions of reports as sources and methods sensitive or reportable only to the intelligence committees, and those reports or portions would go only to the intelligence committees. Would establish certain procedures to ensure that GAO safeguards information.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gutierrez amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gutierrez demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

6:17 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gutierrez amendment No. 21.Amendment offered by Mr. Gutierrez.

An amendment numbered 21 printed in House Report 111-498 to stipulate that, should the Secretary of Defense determine that BP or its subsidiaries performing any contract with the Department are no longer a “responsible source,” the Secretary shall consider debarring BP or its subsidiaries from contracting with the Department no later than 90 days after making such determination.
6:16 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
6:13 P.M. –
The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.
6:12 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 68 and 81 may be offered out of order.
6:03 P.M. –
The Committee of the Whole resumed debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.
6:02 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 15 and 62 may be offered out of order.
5:50 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 4.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 12, 17, 18, as modified, 25, 28, 35, 37, and 44 printed in House Report 111-498.

On agreeing to the Andrews amendments Agreed to by voice vote.

5:23 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Andrews en bloc amendments No. 3
5:22 P.M. –
Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Andrews.

An amendment comprised of the following amendments offered en bloc: amendments nos. 29, 34, 40, 46, 48, 52 and 54 printed in House Report 111-498.
5:20 P.M. –
On agreeing to the McGovern amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 341 – 85 (Roll no. 312).
5:11 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Marshall amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 423 – 0 (Roll no. 311).
5:03 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 421 – 0 (Roll no. 310).
4:31 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Inslee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Inslee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
4:18 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Inslee amendment No. 82.
4:17 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. Inslee.

An amendment numbered 82 printed in House Report 111-498 to require the Department of Defense to take into consideration during the KC-X or any successor aerial tanker replacement program any unfair competitive advantage an offeror may possess, and to report any such unfair competitive advantage to Congressional defense committees within 60 days of bid submissions.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Pingree amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Pingree demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

4:01 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pingree amendment No. 80.Amendment offered by Ms. Pingree (ME).

An amendment numbered 80 printed in House Report 111-498 to strike funding for the Joint Strike Fighter’s Alternate Engine Program.
3:59 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
3:34 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendments en bloc number 2.
3:33 P.M. –
Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, and 45 printed in House Report 111-498.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the McGovern amendment number 13, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

3:21 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McGovern amendment number 13.Amendment offered by Mr. McGovern.

An amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 111-498 to include a Sense of Congress stating that hunger and obesity are impairing military recruitment and must be properly addressed.
3:20 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Skelton amendments Agreed to by voice vote.
2:54 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendments en bloc number 1.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment en bloc consisting of amendments numbered 9, 10, 16, 24, 36, 63, and 70 printed in House Report 111-498.
2:53 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 21, 42, and 47 may be offered out of order.
2:52 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Marshall amendment number 4, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Marshall demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
2:42 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Marshall amendment number 4.Amendment offered by Mr. Marshall.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in House Report 111-498 to express the sense of Congress that the Chief of the National Guard Bureau should issue fire-resistant utility ensembles to National Guard personnel who are engaged, or likely to become engaged, in defense support to civil authority missions that routinely involve serious fire hazards, such as wildfire recovery efforts.
2:41 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Smith (WA) amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
2:31 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Smith (WA) amendment number 3.
2:30 P.M. –
Amendment offered by Mr. Smith (WA).

An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 111-498 to ensure that the spouse, children and parents of a deployed or deploying member of the Armed Forces, who are not covered under the Family Medical Leave Act, have the ability to take at least two weeks of unpaid leave from their job in order to address issues that arise over the course of a deployment cycle.
2:28 P.M. –
On agreeing to the Bartlett amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
2:26 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bartlett amendment number 2.Amendment offered by Mr. Bartlett.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 111-498 to prohibit funds authorized to be appropriated in section 101(5) for other procurement, Army, from being obligated or expended by the Secretary of the Army for line-haul tractors unless the source selection is made based on a full and open competition.
2:25 P.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Skelton amendment number 1, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Andrews demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.
2:10 P.M. –
DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1404 the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Skelton amendment number 1.Amendment offered by Mr. Skelton.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 111-498 to correct a variety of technical errors in the bill.
2:00 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton gave notice that amendments numbered 80 and 82 may be offered out of order.
1:45 P.M. –
ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Pursuant to section 4 of H. Res. 1404, Mr. Skelton asked unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 5136 in the Committee of the Whole, and following consideration of Amendment No. 4 printed in House Report 111-498, the following amendments be considered: Amendments en bloc No. 1, Amendment numbered 13 printed in House Report 111-498, Amendments en bloc No. 2, and Amendments en bloc No. 3. Agreed to without objection.
12:56 P.M. –
GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5136.
12:55 P.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor 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. 1404and Rule XVIII.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1404.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5136 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. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 or rule XXI.

12:54 P.M. –
The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the National Security Strategy of the United States – referred to the Committee on Armed Services .

H. Res. 1372:
honoring the University of Georgia Graduate School on the occasion of its centennial
12:53 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 412 – 0, 1 Present (Roll no. 309).
12:39 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1161:
honoring the Centennial Celebration of Women at Marquette University, the first Catholic university in the world to offer co-education as part of its regular undergraduate program
12:38 P.M. –
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 380 – 0, 36 Present (Roll no. 308).
12:32 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1404:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5136) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes
12:31 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: 241 – 178 (Roll no. 307).
12:24 P.M. –
Considered as unfinished business.
12:23 P.M. –
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 1404and motions to suspend the rules, all of which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Con. Res. 282:
providing for an adjournment or recess of the two Houses
12:18 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: 230 – 187 (Roll no. 306).
11:49 A.M. –
Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 1404:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 5136) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and for other purposes
11:48 A.M. –
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H.Res. 1404, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceeding on agreeing to the resolution until later in the legislative day.The previous question was ordered without objection.
10:35 A.M. –
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1404
10:31 A.M. –
Considered as privileged matter.
10:09 A.M. –
ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
10:08 A.M. –
The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
10:07 A.M. –
Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Carl White, Highland Baptist Church, Meridian, MS.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
Black History

Senate Democratic News


May 26, 2010

Reid, Reed Join VoteVotes.Org To Urge Republicans To Provide Our Troops With The Resources They Need

Washington, DC —Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid joined Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed and Jon Soltz of VoteVets.Org for a press conference earlier today to urge passage of critical funding for our troops in Afghanistan.

This week, as U.S. troops begin major operations in Kandahar, the heart of Afghanistan’s Taliban country, Senate Democrats are working to pass emergency legislation that would fund the 30,000 additional troops in Afghanistan, a policy that was announced last December.  The President’s plan to increase troops in Afghanistan has received bipartisan support.  Now that our fighting men and women have been deployed, Democrats are urging Republicans to join them in providing our troops with the resources they need.

The Department of Defense has requested Congress swiftly pass this funding in order to avoid costly and counterproductive disruptions to military operations.

“We have over 600 National Guardsmen from Nevada alone deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it is our job to make sure that they can do their job,” said Senate Majority Leader Reid.  “That’s why Democrats are leading the effort to make sure our troops have the equipment and resources they need to succeed. Unfortunately, some Republicans are now threatening to block this critical funding.  I hope Republicans will join Democrats to make sure our troops have the tools they need to keep America safe and complete their mission.”

“President Obama has drastically scaled down the size of the supplemental and encouraged the defense budgeting process to better incorporate wartime spending, but there is still a dire need for this supplemental,” said Senator Reed.  “Members who voted to send our troops into harm’s way and never raised a fuss about paying for the war under President Bush are now trying to score political points.  They aren’t looking to make hard choices, they are looking to make campaign commercials, and continue their agenda of “no” to fixing the mess the Bush-Cheney administration left behind.”

“For Republicans to oppose funding for our troops in the field is unconscionable,” said Jon Soltz of VoteVets.Org.  “It also makes no sense.  They’ve largely supported President Obama’s execution of the war in Afghanistan, we still have troops in Iraq, a war that they supported.  So, we’re left with no other conclusion than this is just about politics – playing politics with our troops.”

May 26, 2010

Reid Files Amicus Brief In Support Of Rights Of Military Families, Invites Colleagues To Join Effort In Letter

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sent a letter to his Senate colleagues this week inviting them to join an amicus brief in the Supreme Court in support of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew A. Snyder’s family.  After Matthew was killed in Iraq in 2006, members of a Kansas church marred his funeral with ugly, hateful protests.

In his letter, Senator Reid notes that while the Snyder family won in a lower court, this decision was overturned at the appellate level.  Reid’s letter also describes the three central arguments that his amicus brief will make in support of the Snyder family: private funerals have long been accorded special protection by American law; state and federal statutes, including the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, demonstrate the strong governmental interest in protecting private family funerals from disruption; and the state’s interest in protecting an individual’s privacy at a peaceful private funeral outweighs the First Amendment interest in protecting the hateful speech and conduct at issue in this case.

Senator Reid believes strongly that America owes the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families the right to a solemn memorial when they sacrifice their lives to protect America.

Key Excerpts of the Letter:

“The case concerns an ugly protest at the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew A. Snyder, who was killed in Iraq in 2006 in the line of duty.  A jury found that Matthew’s parents were deprived of a peaceful and solemn opportunity to bury their son.”

“I intend to file a brief in the Supreme Court this Friday, May 28, in support of the Snyder family.  The brief will argue that the law should continue to protect, as it long has, the rights of all private persons—including the families of fallen soldiers—to mourn their loved ones at a peaceful and solemn funeral.”

Full Text of the Letter:

May 24, 2010

Dear Colleague,

I write to invite you to join me in filing an amicus curiae brief in the Supreme Court in support of the petitioner in the case of Snyder v. Phelps (No. 09-751).

The case concerns an ugly protest at the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew A. Snyder, who was killed in Iraq in 2006 in the line of duty.  A jury found that Matthew’s parents were deprived of a peaceful and solemn opportunity to bury their son.  Members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, including the church’s pastor Fred W. Phelps and his daughters, learned of the time and place of Matthew’s funeral and planned a protest there, as they have done at other funerals of fallen soldiers around the country.  The demonstrators displayed signs with messages such as “Semper fi fags” and “Thank God for dead soldiers” and then created a web video about Matthew’s funeral memorializing their protest.  Matthew’s family sued the Phelps family and their church and won a jury verdict on three state torts: intentional infliction of emotional distress, intrusion upon seclusion, and civil conspiracy.  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit overturned the jury verdict, concluding that the First Amendment protected respondents’ speech and conduct from any state law tort liability.  The Supreme Court granted a petition for certiorari.

I intend to file a brief in the Supreme Court this Friday, May 28, in support of the Snyder family.  The brief will argue that the law should continue to protect, as it long has, the rights of all private persons—including the families of fallen soldiers—to mourn their loved ones at a peaceful and solemn funeral.  It will make three arguments.  First, it will describe the important role that funerals play for mourners, and the special protection accorded private funerals in American law.  Second, it will bring to the Court’s attention recently enacted federal and state statutes, including the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act (Pub. L. No. 109-228) and the Respect for the Funerals of Fallen Heroes Act (Pub. L. No. 109-464), which demonstrate the strong governmental interest in protecting private family funerals from disruption.  It will also urge the Court to ensure that its resolution of this case casts no doubt on the validity of these laws.  And third, the brief will point out how State tort laws supplement these funeral picketing regulations in deterring harmful conduct at private funerals and protecting the rights of mourners to express their own private messages of grief and tribute.  It will argue that respondents’ speech was not protected by the First Amendment.

If you would like to join the brief, please contact my office by Wednesday evening.  I would be happy to provide a draft of the brief for your review.

Sincerely,

Harry Reid
Majority Leader