The Senate stands adjourned until 11:30am on Thursday, August 6 for a pro forma session, with the Record being kept open from 11:30am until 1:30pm for the introduction of bills and resolutions, statements, and cosponsor requests. Committees will also be allowed to file bills and reports on August 28 from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

When the Senate adjourns on August 6 it will stand adjourned under the provisions of H.Con.Res.72 until 2:00pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will begin consideration of H.J.Res.61 and, under the previous order, the Majority Leader or his designee will be recognized to offer a substitute amendment related to Congressional disapproval of the proposed Iran nuclear agreement.

At 5:00pm, the Senate will enter Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #82, Roseann Ketchmark to be US District Judge for the Western District of Missouri, with 30 minutes equally divided prior to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.

Tuesday, September 8 at 5:30pm—

1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #82, Roseann Ketchmark, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri

During Wednesday’s session, the Senate reached agreements with respect to cybersecurity and the Iran joint resolution of disapproval.

Iran

Following Leader remarks on Tuesday, September 8, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.J.Res.61, and then the Majority Leader or his designee will be recognized to offer a substitute amendment related to Congressional disapproval of the proposed Iran nuclear agreement.

Cybersecurity

The cloture motion on the motion to proceed to S.754, cybersecurity, was withdrawn. At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader in consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #28, S.754, cybersecurity.

It would then be in order for Senator Burr to offer the Burr/Feinstein substitute amendment and that it be in order for the bill managers, or their designees, to offer up to 10 Republican and 11 Democratic first degree amendments relevant to the subject matter per side. We will consider amendments in an alternating fashion between Democrats and Republicans, not necessarily in the  order listed.

Cybersecurity amendments

The amendments to cybersecurity are as follows:

–              Paul #2564 (liability immunity);

–              Carper #2627 (Einstein);

–              Kirk #2603 (International cyber criminal reports);

–              Coons #2552 (Personal ID information scrub);

–              Heller #2548 (“reasonably believe”);

–              Franken #2612 (cybersecurity and cyber threat indicator definition);

–              Coats #2604 (threats to mobile devices report);

–              Tester #2632 (transparency);

–              Leahy #2587 (Strike FOIA Exemption);

–              Gardner #2631 (Sec of State International cyberspace policy);

–              Murphy #2589 (Judicial redress);

–              Vitter #2578 (security clearances);

–              Whitehouse #2626 (Cyber crime);

–              Vitter #2579 (small business);

–              Wyden #2621 (Remove Personal ID information);

–              Flake #2582 (6 year sunset);

–              Wyden #2622 (Government notification of mishandled information);

–              Cotton #2581(FBI/Secret Service);

–              Mikulski #2557 (Plus up Cyber funding OPM);

–              Flake #2580 (private entity); and

–              Carper #2615 (DHS portal)

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

Last Floor Action: 8/6
12:06:57 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn.

The next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015 unless it sooner receives a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 72, in which case, the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Last Floor Action: 8/4
12:06:56 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn.

The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on August 7, 2015 unless it sooner receives a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 72, in which case the House stands adjourned pursuant to that resolution.

12:00:33 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:45 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Denham to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:11 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Dan C. Cummins, Skyline Wesleyan Church, San Diego, CA.
12:02:40 P.M.		APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – Pursuant to section 2(a) of H. Res. 380, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings is approved.
12:02:50 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:11 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Considered as privileged matter. H. Con. Res. 72 — “Providing for a conditional adjournment of the House of Representatives and a conditional recess or adjournment of the Senate.”
12:05:23 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
12:05:33 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:05:35 P.M.		ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE – Without objection, when the House adjourns today, it shall adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its adoption of H. Con. Res. 72, in which case the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.
12:06:20 P.M.		The House received a communication from Karen Haas, Clerk of the House. Pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had been served with a grand jury subpoena for documents issued by the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. After consultation with counsel, she will make determinations required by Rule VIII.
12:06:57 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2015 unless it sooner receives a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 72, in which case, the House shall stand adjourned pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

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

Following Friday’s pro forma, the Senate will adjourn until 2:00pm on Monday, August 3, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1881, a bill to prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. At 5:30pm, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.1881.S

5:36pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1881, a bill to prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America;

Not invoked: 53-46

Senator McConnell entered a motion to reconsider.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1. Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1881, to prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood of America; not invoked: 53-46.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.241, designating August 16, 2015, as “National Airborne Day”.

No Executive Business

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

Last Floor Action: 7/31
1:04:25 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 380, consistent with the fourth clause in section 5 of article I of the Constitution, and notwithstanding section 132 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on August 4, 2015.

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

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Friday, July 31, for a pro forma session only with no business conducted.

Following Friday’s pro forma, the Senate will adjourn until 2:00pm on Monday, August 3, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1881, a bill to prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. At 5:30pm, there will be a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.1881.S

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

Last Floor Action:
1:04:25 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 380, consistent with the fourth clause in section 5 of article I of the Constitution, and notwithstanding section 132 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on August 4, 2015.

Last Floor Action:
8:28:16 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 31, 2015.

1:00:03 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
1:00:17 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable George Holding to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
1:00:34 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend John Peck, SJ Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Washington, DC.
1:01:53 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
1:02:20 P.M.		APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – Pursuant to section 2(a) of H. Res. 380, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings is approved.
1:02:29 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on July 30, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 3236, without amendment.
1:02:44 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on July 31, 2015 at 10:01 a.m.: That the Senate passed H.R. 22, with amendments and S. 1172.
1:04:25 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 380, consistent with the fourth clause in section 5 of article I of the Constitution, andnotwithstanding section 132 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on August 4, 2015.

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

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Thursday, July 30, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.22, post-cloture, with the time until 12:00pm equally divided. All time during adjournment of the Senate will count post-cloture on H.R.22.

12:00 noon – 1 roll call vote

1. Passage of H.R.22, as amended (Highway/Transportation Reauthorization and Export-Import Bank Reauthorization)

Approximately 1:45pm – 1 roll call vote

1. Passage of R.3236, Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvements Act of 2015 (3-month extension to October 29, 2015 for highways) [60 vote affirmative threshold]

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1. Passage of H.R.22, as amended (Highway/Transportation Reauthorization and Export-Import Bank Reauthorization); passed: 65-34.
2. Passage of R.3236, Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvements Act of 2015 (3-month extension to October 29, 2015 for highways) [60 vote affirmative threshold]; passed: 91-4.

Legislative Business

Adopted S.Res.236, Designating July 30, 2015, as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day”.

Passed Calendar #166, S.1172 – Presidential Transition, with committee-reported amendments and Carper amendment.

No Executive Business

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

Last Floor Action: 7/29
8:28:16 P.M. – The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 31, 2015.

10:00:14 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:23 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:36 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:53:52 A.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 614, S. 764, and S. 242. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 64 and S. Con. Res. 20.
10:53:53 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House resumed with Morning-Hour Debate.
11:30:23 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:04 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 29.
12:00:11 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:01:31 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Wilson (SC) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson (SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:06 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:22 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:43:05 P.M.	H. Res. 388	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 388 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1994) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to provide resource flexibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care services, and for other purposes.”
12:46:28 P.M.	H. Res. 388	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 388.
2:17:30 P.M.	H. Res. 388	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 242 – 180 (Roll no. 483).
2:28:35 P.M.	H. Res. 388	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 183 (Roll no. 484).
2:28:36 P.M.	H. Res. 388	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:28:38 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of a motion to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
2:28:40 P.M.	H.R. 1300	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1300 — “To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to make anthrax vaccines and antimicrobials available to emergency response providers, and for other purposes.”
2:36:36 P.M.	H.R. 1300	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 – 0 (Roll no. 485).
2:36:36 P.M.	H.R. 1300	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:37:08 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 388. H.R. 1994 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes.”
2:37:13 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. All points of order against consideration of the bills are waived. For H.R. 1994, The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. No amendment will be in order except those printed in the report accompanying the resolution.
2:37:32 P.M.	H.R. 1994	House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 388 and Rule XVIII.
2:37:33 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The Speaker designated the Honorable Jeff Fortenberry to act as Chairman of the Committee.
2:38:04 P.M.	H.R. 1994	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1994.
3:07:47 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The Committee rose informally to recieve a message from the President.
3:07:55 P.M.	H.R. 1994	GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole resumed its sitting.
3:47:03 P.M.	H.R. 1994	An amendment, offered by Mr. Benishek, numbered 1 printed in House Report 114-234 to reform and improve the VA Inspector General’s ability to report on problems and problem employees at the VA. Also, it requires the IG to release reports including employee misconduct to the public and explain what changes the VA has requested, requires the IG to identify a manager responsible for fixing an identified problem, makes it easier to fire an identified employee, and targets the bonuses of employees that fail to solve problems.
3:47:08 P.M.	H.R. 1994	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 388, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Benishek amendment No. 1.
3:57:25 P.M.	H.R. 1994	On agreeing to the Benishek amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
3:58:07 P.M.	H.R. 1994	An amendment, in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Takano, No. 2 printed in House Report 114-234 to provide VA Secretary the authority to immediately suspend without pay any employee whose performance or misconduct is a threat to health or safety; ensure back pay for whistleblowers unfairly terminated, and cap the payment of administrative leave to 14 days. Amendment makes effective date of back pay provision October 1, 2015.
3:58:11 P.M.	H.R. 1994	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 388, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Takano amendment in the nature of a substitute No. 2.
4:20:05 P.M.	H.R. 1994	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Takano amendment in the nature of a substitute the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Takano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
4:20:23 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Mr. Miller (FL) moved that the Committee rise.
4:20:40 P.M.	H.R. 1994	On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
4:20:50 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1994 as unfinished business.
4:21:15 P.M.	H.R. 3236	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 388. H.R. 3236 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to provide resource flexibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care services, and for other purposes.”
4:21:20 P.M.	H.R. 3236	Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. All points of order against consideration of the bills are waived. For H.R. 1994, The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. No amendment will be in order except those printed in the report accompanying the resolution.
4:22:05 P.M.	H.R. 3236	QUESTION OF CONSIDERATION – The Chair announced that the bill contained an emergency designation pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 and accordingly, the Chair would put the question of consideration under section 4(g)(2) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. By voice vote, the Chair announced that the question of consideration had been decided in the affirmative.
4:24:30 P.M.	H.R. 3236	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3236.
4:48:38 P.M.	H.R. 3236	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:32:10 P.M.	H.R. 3236	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 385 – 34, 1 Present (Roll no. 486).
5:32:11 P.M.	H.R. 3236	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:32:36 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1994 — “To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the removal or demotion of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on performance or misconduct, and for other purposes.”
5:32:52 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
5:33:02 P.M.	H.R. 1994	UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of an amendment which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.
5:38:28 P.M.	H.R. 1994	On agreeing to the Takano amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 191 – 233 (Roll no. 487).
5:38:33 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1994.
5:39:10 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
5:39:24 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
5:40:28 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Mr. Takano moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
5:40:54 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Takano motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs may not remove or demote an individual that has filed a whistleblower complaint or sought corrective action from the Office of Special Counsel or the Inspector General regarding a threat to the health or safety of the public or regarding a prohibited personnel practice.
5:47:46 P.M.	H.R. 1994	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:55:11 P.M.	H.R. 1994	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 241 (Roll no. 488).
6:02:24 P.M.	H.R. 1994	On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 256 – 170 (Roll no. 489).
6:02:25 P.M.	H.R. 1994	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:02:28 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:03:01 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
6:03:45 P.M.		Mr. Stivers asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015. Agreed to without objection.
6:03:59 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:16:40 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:45:52 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification stating that the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of certain persons to undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon or its democratic processes and institutions is to continue in effect beyond August 1, 2015. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 114-53).
7:48:26 P.M.		The House received a communication from Bill Shuster, Chairman, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruct. Pursuant to section 3307 of Title 40, United States Code, Chairman Shuster notified the House that on July 23, 2015, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider 15 resolutions included in the General Services Administrations fiscal years 2015 and 2016 Capital Investment and Leasing Programs. The message contained enclosed copies of resolutions adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on July 23, 2015, which the Chair referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
7:49:02 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further Special Order speeches.
8:27:57 P.M.		Ms. Foxx moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:28:15 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:28:16 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on July 31, 2015.

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

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

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

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

• Motion to table McConnell first degree amendment to underlying bill SA #2417 (date change) [voice vote expected]
• Adoption of McConnell for Inhofe second degree amendment #2533 to SA #2421 (highway/transportation with technical changes and with Ex-Im) [voice vote expected]
• Adoption of McConnell first degree amendment #2421 to SA #2266 (highway/transportation with technical changes and without Ex-Im) [voice vote expected]

1. Adoption of McConnell amendment #2266, as modified (highway substitute) [roll call vote expected]
2. Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.22, as amended, if amended [roll call vote expected]

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

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

Legislative Business

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

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

Adopted S.Res.234, Committee Rules.

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

Completed the following by voice votes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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