The Senate stands adjourned until 9:30am on Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance Extension Act.

 The time during adjournment will count post-cloture on the Reed amendment #2874.

 We hope to reach an agreement on the Unemployment Insurance bill as well as some Executive nominations during Thursday’s session.

The Senate has reached an agreement on H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance Extension bill.  Under the agreement, there will be up to 3 roll call votes (2 expected) at 2:30pm today and one roll call vote at 5:30pm on Monday.  The details of the agreement are below.

 

At 2:30pm today, all post-cloture time on the Reed amendment #2874 will be considered expired. The following amendments will be withdrawn: #2875, #2877 and #2878.

 

Senator Sessions or his designee will then be recognized to raise a budget point of order against the Reed amendment #2874; once the budget point of order is raised, Senator Murray or her designee will be recognized to make a motion to waive.

 

At 2:30pm today, there will be up to 3 roll call votes (2 expected):

1)      Murray or designee motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Reed amendment #2874 (60-vote threshold)

2)      If the motion is successful (which is expected), adoption of the Reed amendment #2874, as amended, if amended (expected voice vote)

3)      Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3979, as amended, if amended (60-vote threshold)

 

If cloture is invoked on H.R.3979, all post-cloture time will be expired at 5:30pm on Monday, April 7^th and the Senate will vote on passage of H.R.3979, as amended, if amended.

2:33pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Murray motion to waive the Sessions Budget point of order;

Agreed To: 60-36

The motion to waive the Budget point of order was agreed to 60-37. The Senate then agreed to Reed amendment #2874 by voice vote.

 

At 3:02pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3979, Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act;

Invoked: 61-35

This will be the last vote of the week. The next vote will be at 5:30pm on Monday, April 7. That vote will be on passage of H.R.3979, as amended.

Senator Walsh asked unanimous consent to take up and pass H.R.2559 and S.255, as amended with the Committee-reported amendment. Senator Toomey objected to both requests on behalf of Senators Cruz and Coburn.

 

H.R.2559, To withdraw certain Federal land and interests in that land from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws and disposition under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws and to preserve existing uses.

 

S.255, A bill to withdraw certain Federal land and interests in that land from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws and disposition under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws.

The Senate ratified the following fisheries treaties by division votes:

 

112-4 Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Un reported, and Unregulated Fishing

113-1  Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean

113-2  Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean

113-3 Amendment to the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries

The Senate ratified the following fisheries treaties by division votes:

 

112-4 Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Un reported, and Unregulated Fishing

113-1  Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean

113-2  Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean

113-3 Amendment to the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries

The Senate passed S.404, Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act, as amended with the Committee-reported amendment.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1)     Murray motion to waive on the Sessions Budget point of order with respect to the Reed substitute amendment #2874 to H.R.3979; Waived: 60-37

2)     Motion to invoke cloture on H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act, as amended; Invoked: 61-35

 

Additional Legislative items

Passed S.404, a bill to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmi National Forest with a committee-reported amendment.

 

Adopted S.Res.384, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate concerning the humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighboring countries, resulting humanitarian and development challenges, and the urgent need for a political solution to the crisis by voice vote.

 

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.394, designating April 5, 2014, as “Gold Star Wives Day”.

 

Adopted H.Con.Res.88, to authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

 

Executive items

Ratified the following treaties by division vote:

Executive Calendar #1, treaty document #112-4, Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Un reported, and Unregulated Fishing

Executive Calendar #2, treaty document #113-1, Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean

Executive Calendar #3, treaty document #113-2, Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean

Executive Calendar #4, treaty document #113-3, Amendment to the Convention on Furure Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries

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10:00:17 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:32 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert Pittenger to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:46 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.
10:06:16 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.————————————————————————————————————————————————–  12:00:16 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 3. 12:00:27 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. 12:01:58 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. 12:02:03 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 12:02:34 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. 12:27:21 P.M. H.R. 2575 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2575 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours.” 12:27:49 P.M. H.R. 2575 DEBATE – The House proceeded with the remaining 1 hour and 46 minutes of debate on H.R. 2575. 2:37:24 P.M. H.R. 2575 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. 2:37:58 P.M. H.R. 2575 Mr. Takano moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Ways and Means. 2:38:20 P.M. H.R. 2575 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 report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment to prohibit the underlying bill from taking effect if any provision results in (1) the loss of health coverage or loss of wages for any employee; (2) an increase in the Federal deficit; (3) the loss of health coverage for veterans and their families; (4) an increase in premiums or out of pocket costs for employees; (5) denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions; or (6) discriminating against women by limiting their access to quality healthcare or decreasing their health coverage. 2:45:05 P.M. H.R. 2575 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. 3:11:23 P.M. H.R. 2575 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 191 – 232 (Roll no. 155). 3:12:25 P.M. MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the violence in Fort Hood, TX on April 2, 2014. 3:23:08 P.M. H.R. 2575 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 248 – 179 (Roll no. 156). 3:23:09 P.M. H.R. 2575 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. 3:24:05 P.M. The House received a communication from the Honorable Tulsi Gabbard. Ms. Gabbard submitted her resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection. 3:24:06 P.M. The House received a communication from the Honorable Stevan A. Horsford. Mr. Horsford submitted his resignation from the Committees on Natural Resources and Homeland Security, allowing him to fill a vacancy on the Financial Services Committee. The resignation was accepted without objection. 3:24:20 P.M. H. Res. 537 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 537 — “Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.” 3:24:42 P.M. H. Res. 537 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. 3:24:48 P.M. H. Res. 537 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. 3:27:00 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. 3:33:26 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. 4:35:31 P.M. Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 539. 4:36:16 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.  5:31:11 P.M. The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 404. 5:31:58 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches. 6:00:54 P.M. The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification declaring a national emergency with respect to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by the situation in South Sudan. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-102). 6:03:08 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches. 6:33:11 P.M. Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn. 6:33:21 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. 6:33:22 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on April 4, 2014.

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:00am on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance Extension with the time until 10:00am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 The filing deadline for all 2^nd degree amendments to the Reed substitute amendment #2874 and to H.R.3979 is 9:30am Wednesday.

 At 10:00am, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reed substitute amendment #2874.

 Additional roll call votes are possible Wednesday.

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent that it be in order to offer up amendment #2931 (prohibit concurrent receipt of emergency unemployment benefits and Social Security disability benefits). Senator Reid objected

10:01am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed substitute amendment #2974 (Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act) to H.R.3979.

Senator Blunt asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment #2885 (to create a point of order against any legislation that would create a Federal tax or fee on carbon emissions).

Senator Reed objected

Senator Moran asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment #2911(formation and growth of new businesses/STEM Visas).

Senator Reed objected.

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent the Veterans Affairs’ Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R.3521 and pass H.R.3521, Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013, as amended by a Vitter amendment (pay-for through price controls for prescription drugs in the Department of Defense).

Senator Sanders objected.

Senator Sanders then asked the Senate take up and pass S.1950, as amended by the Sanders substitute amendment, which is the text of S.1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act.

Senator Vitter objected.

Senator Flake asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment #2935 (additional ACA plans).

Senator Durbin objected.

We are told the Republicans intend to make a motion to table one of the pending Reid amendments in the 4:15pm range to make it in order to offer an amendment. If the motion to table fails, we expect Senator Vitter will attempt to offer amendment #2931 (prohibit concurrent receipt of emergency unemployment benefits and Social Security disability benefits) in the third degree. The Chair would rule that third degree amendments are not in order and Senator Vitter would then appeal the rule of the chair.

 

As a result, senators should expect 2 roll call votes to begin in the 4:15pm range:

 

– Republican motion to table a pending Reid amendment to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act

– Vitter motion to appeal the ruling of the chair. The question before the body would be: Shall the decision of the Chair stand? ( a yes vote would uphold the chair’s ruling and the Senate’s precedents)

 

As a reminder, it is in order to consider the Malinowski, Wu and Birx nominations today. We hope to confirm the nominations by voice votes.

 

–        Executive Calendar #520 Tomasz P. Malinowski, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor;

–        Executive Calendar #679 Portia Y. Wu, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor; and

–        Executive Calendar #705 Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

At a time to be determined today, there will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form on each nomination prior to a vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed. If roll call votes are required, all roll call votes after the first would be 10 minutes in length.

4:32pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Barrasso motion to table Reid amendment #2878 to S.Amdt.2877 (UI) to H.R.3979;

Not Agreed To: 46-50

Senator Vitter attempted to call up amendment #2931 (prohibit concurrent receipt of emergency unemployment benefits and Social Security disability benefits) in the third degree to Reid #2874 to H.R.3970. The chair ruled that the amendment is not in order as it is inconsistent with the Senate’s precedents with respect to the offering of amendments, their number, degree and kind.

Senator Vitter appealed the ruling of the Chair.

Senator Reid moved to table Vitter appealing rule of the chair that a third degree amendment is not in order

5:00pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Reid motion to table the Vitter appeal of the ruling of the chair that a third degree amendment is not in order;

Tabled: 67-29

The Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

 

–        Executive Calendar #520 Tomasz P. Malinowski, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor;

–        Executive Calendar #679 Portia Y. Wu, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor; and

–        Executive Calendar #705 Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

 WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on Reed substitute amendment #2974 (Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act) to H.R.3979; Invoked: 61-38

2)      Motion to table the Reid amendment to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act; Not Tabled: 46-50

3)      Reid motion to table the Vitter appeal of the ruling of the chair that a third degree amendment is not in order; Tabled: 67-29

 

Additional Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.409, congratulating the Penn State University wrestling team for winning the 2014 National Collegiate Athletic Association Wrestling Championships.

 

Completed the Rule 14 process of the following items in order to place the bills on the legislative calendar:

–        S.2198, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014. (Feinstein)

–        S.2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act. (Mikulski)

 

Executive items

Confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

–        Executive Calendar #520 Tomasz P. Malinowski, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor;

–        Executive Calendar #679 Portia Y. Wu, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor; and

–        Executive Calendar #705 Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

 

 

 

 

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

Last Floor Action:
10:41:09 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00:21 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:28 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Glenn Thompson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:46 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.
10:41:09 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:20 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 2.
12:00:47 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Bryan Smith, First Baptist Church Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia
12:02:03 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Courtney demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Courtney demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
12:02:38 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Courtney to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:55 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.
12:30:11 P.M.	H. Res. 530	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 530 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2575) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours.”
12:31:00 P.M.	H. Res. 530	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 530.
1:49:01 P.M.	H. Res. 530	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 229 – 194 (Roll no. 152).
1:56:14 P.M.	H. Res. 530	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 186 (Roll no. 153).
1:56:15 P.M.	H. Res. 530	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:56:25 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on approval of the Journal which had been debated earlier and on which proceedings had been postponed.
2:03:18 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 262 – 157, 2 Present (Roll no. 154).
2:03:54 P.M.	H.R. 2575	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 530. H.R. 2575 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours.”
2:03:59 P.M.	H.R. 2575	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2575 with 3 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
2:04:49 P.M.	H.R. 2575	DEBATE – The House proceeded with three hours of debate on H.R. 2575.
3:38:36 P.M.	H.R. 2575	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 2575 would be postponed.
3:39:31 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:36:12 P.M.		Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:36:25 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:36:26 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 3, 2014.

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

		.
.

The Senate stands adjourned under the provisions of S.Res.407, as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Jeremiah Denton of Alabama until 10:00am on Tuesday, April 1, 2014.

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

 Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance Extension bill.

 The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

 During Monday’s session, cloture was filed on the Reed-Heller substitute amendment #2874 and on H.R.3979. Under Rule 22, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment (UI) will occur on Wednesday. Senators will be notified when the cloture vote is scheduled. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate time prior to a vote on adoption of the substitute amendment. Upon disposition of the substitute, the Senate would then proceed to a cloture vote on the underlying bill. If cloture is invoked on the underlying bill, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate on prior to passage of the bill, as amended, if amended.

Yesterday, Senator Reid filed cloture on the substitute amendment #2874 (Unemployment Insurance extension) and H.R.3970. The filing deadline for first degree amendments is 2:30pm today.

We’ve added the Carlin nomination (Assistant AG) to the series of votes this afternoon. As a result, there will be up to 3 roll call votes (only expect 2 roll calls) beginning at 2:30pm, if all time is used.   At 2:15pm, there will be up to 15 minutes for debate equally divided prior to a series of votes on confirmation of the nominations listed below. The second vote would be 10 minutes in duration. We expect to confirm the Lu nomination by voice vote. There are 2 minutes for debate equally divided between the votes.   2:30pm votes (if all time is used):

1. Executive Calendar #532, Kevin Whitaker, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Colombia
2. Executive Calendar #687 John P. Carlin, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General
3. Executive Calendar #683, Christopher P. Lu, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor (voice vote expected)

2:29pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #532, Kevin Whitaker, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Colombia; Confirmed: 99-0 2:57pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #687 John P. Carlin, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General; Confirmed: 99-1 Executive Calendar

#683, Christopher P. Lu, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor, was confirmed by voice vote.

 

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1)     Confirmation of Executive Calendar #532, Kevin Whitaker, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Colombia; Confirmed: 99-0

2)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #687 John P. Carlin, of New York, to be an Assistant Attorney General; Confirmed: 99-1

 

Legislative items

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.371, honoring the legacy and accomplishments of Jan Karski on the centennial of his birth with Menendez amendments to the resolution and the title.

 

Adopted S.Res.408, supporting the designation of April as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month”.

 

Began the Rule 14 process of the following items in order to place the bills on the legislative calendar:

–        S.2198, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014. (Feinstein)

–        S.2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act. (Mikulski)

 

Additional Executive items

Confirmed Executive Calendar #683, Christopher P. Lu, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor by voice vote.

 

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

Last Floor Action: 4:58:30 P.M. -H.R. 4005 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4005.

Last Floor Action:11:02:59 A.M. – 3/28

The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 1, 2014.

12:00:21 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:41 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:00:47 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:15:56 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 April 1, 2014 at 8:58 a.m.: That the Senate passed S. 2183 and H.R. 4302. Appointments: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
12:15:57 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 April 1, 2014 at 9:52 a.m.: That the Senate agreed to S. Res. 407.
12:17:00 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. today. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:01 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 1.
2:00:06 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:33 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Garcia demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Garcia demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
2:02:00 P.M.		<action_description>PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Thompson of PA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:07 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
4:00:16 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 1.
4:00:16 P.M.		The House received a communication from the Honorable Mark Takano. Mr. Takano submitted his resignation from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The resignation was accepted without objection.
4:00:50 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a report with regards to Iceland’s commercial whaling activities. – referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-101).
4:04:41 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
4:07:46 P.M.	H.R. 4152	Mr. Royce moved that the House suspend the rules and concur to the Senate amendment.
4:07:54 P.M.	H.R. 4152	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 4152.
4:20:10 P.M.	H.R. 4152	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.
4:20:24 P.M.	S. 2183	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 2183 — “Entitled “United States International Programming to Ukraine and Neighboring Regions”.”
4:20:39 P.M.	S. 2183	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:20:42 P.M.	S. 2183	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2183.
4:38:39 P.M.	S. 2183	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.
4:38:55 P.M.	H.R. 2413	Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2413 — “To prioritize and redirect NOAA resources to a focused program of investment on near-term, affordable, and attainable advances in observational, computing, and modeling capabilities to deliver substantial improvement in weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather events, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, and for other purposes.”
4:39:37 P.M.	H.R. 2413	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:39:38 P.M.	H.R. 2413	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2413.
4:57:27 P.M.	H.R. 2413	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:57:32 P.M.	H.R. 2413	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
4:58:13 P.M.	H.R. 4005	Mr. Hunter moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4005 — “To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2015 and 2016, and for other purposes.”
4:58:29 P.M.	H.R. 4005	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:58:30 P.M.	H.R. 4005	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4005.

5:42:42 P.M.	H.R. 4005	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:43:11 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 92	Mr. Barletta moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 92 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.”
5:43:44 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 92	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:43:47 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 92	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 92.
5:48:53 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 92	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
5:49:00 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 88	Mr. Barletta moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Con. Res. 88 — “Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.”
5:49:15 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 88	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:49:17 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 88	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 88.
5:57:01 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 88	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
5:57:54 P.M.	S. 1557	Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 1557 — “To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize support for graduate medical education programs in children’s hospitals.”
5:57:56 P.M.	S. 1557	Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:57:59 P.M.	S. 1557	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1557.
6:03:42 P.M.	S. 1557	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
6:03:55 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:09 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 1.
6:30:23 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 agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, all of which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:00 P.M.	H.R. 4152	Considered as unfinished business.
6:56:23 P.M.	H.R. 4152	On motion that the House suspend the rules and Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 149).
6:56:30 P.M.	S. 2183	Considered as unfinished business. S. 2183 — “Entitled “United States International Programming to Ukraine and Neighboring Regions”.”
7:04:47 P.M.	S. 2183	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 150).
7:13:38 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 151).
7:13:53 P.M.		Mr. Burgess filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 530.
7:14:29 P.M.	H. Res. 531	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 531 — “The title of this measure is not available.”
7:14:49 P.M.	H. Res. 531	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
7:14:58 P.M.	H. Res. 531	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:15:50 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

7:34:35 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

8:46:55 P.M.		Mr. Garamendi moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:46:56 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:46:58 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 2, 2014.

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

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, March 31, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.4302, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 with the time until 5:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #573, John Owens to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 At 5:30pm, there will be at least 2 roll call votes (3 expected):

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit,

–        Expected motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to H.R.4302 (60-vote threshold),

–        Passage of H.R.4302 (60-vote threshold), and

–        Motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance extension (possible voice vote).

Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent that following disposition of the Owens nomination tonight, the Senate proceed to a vote on passage of Calendar #336, S.2157, Commonsense Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014 (Full SGR repeal with OCO and other House-passed offsets), and the Senate then resume consideration of H.R.4302, as provided under the previous order. Senator Sessions objected.

 

Senator Sessions then asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Calendar #330, S.2122, Responsible Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014 (Hatch). Senator Wyden objected.

Senator Sessions made a point of order that H.R.4302 violates section 201-A of S.Con.Res.21, the concurrent resolution on the Budget for fiscal year 2008. Senator Wyden moved to waive all applicable points of order.

 

At 5:30pm today there will be a series of up to 4 votes (we expect 3 roll calls and 1 voice vote) in relation to the following items:

 

–          Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John B. Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit (majority vote threshold);

–          Motion to waive applicable budget points of order with respect to H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix)  (60-vote threshold);

–          Passage of H.R.4302,  Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold); and

–          Adoption of the motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance extension (voice vote expected).

Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Calendar #336, S.2157 with a Wyden substitute amendment (Full SGR Repeal with OCO and additional offsets). Senator Hatch objected.

 

Senator Hatch then asked unanimous consent to take up and pass Calendar #330, S.2122, Responsible Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014 (Hatch). Senator Wyden objected.

5:34pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John B. Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit;

Confirmed: 56-42

6:13pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Wyden motion to waive applicable budget points of order with respect to H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold);

Agreed to: 64-35

At 6:31pm, the Senate began a 10-minute roll call vote on passage of H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold).

Passed: 64-35

Senator Menendez asked unanimous consent the Judiciary committee be discharged from further consideration of S.Res.404, honoring the accomplishments and legacy of Cesar Estrada Chavez.

 

Senator Sessions asked to modify the request with a Vitter amendment at the desk. Senator Menendez did not accept the request to modify and Senator Sessions objected to the original request.

 

The unofficial transcript of the exchange is below.

 

MR. MENENDEZ: MR. PRESIDENT, I SHORTLY AM GOING TO MAKE A

UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST ON S.RES.404, A RESOLUTION THAT I

INTRODUCED HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CESAR CHAVEZ. THIS

RESOLUTION HAS BEEN BLOCKED BY MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE

OF THE AISLE EVERY TIME IT HAS COME UP FOR THE LAST SEVEN

CONSECUTIVE YEARS. EVERY TIME. EVERY TIME. NOW, TODAY, ON WHAT

WOULD HAVE BEEN CESAR CHAVEZ’S.87th BIRTHDAY, I ASK MY

REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES TO FIND IT IN THEIR HEARTS TO HONOR A MAN

WHO REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COUNTRY. FRANKLY, I DON’T

UNDERSTAND THEIR RELUCTANCE. I DON’T UNDERSTAND THEIR

OBSTRUCTIONISM. I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY CAN LOOK BACK AT

THAT TIME IN HISTORY, AT THE SACRIFICES CESAR CHAVEZ MADE FOR

OUR COUNTRY, ASKING FOR NOTHING MORE THAN FAIR TREATMENT AND

JUSTICE. NOW, I REALIZE IT’S UNCOMMON TO MAKE A LIVE UNANIMOUS

CONSENT REQUEST FOR A COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTION, BUT IF

REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO OBJECT YET AGAIN FOR AN EIGHTH YEAR IN

A ROW TO HONORING A — IN MY VIEW, A GREAT AMERICAN HERO, I

REALLY WANT IT TO BE ON THE RECORD. I THINK REPUBLICANS NEED TO

ANSWER TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AS TO WHY AS A PARTY THEY CAN

AGREE TO PASSING RESOLUTIONS HONORING WORLD PLUMBING DAY OR

CONGRATULATING THE PENN STATE DANCE MARATHON — BOTH SENATE

RESOLUTIONS THAT WERE ADOPTED THIS MONTH BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

– BUT INSIST ON STANDING IN THE WAY OF HONORING A CIVIL RIGHTS

TRAIL BLAZER WHO CHANGED THE COURSE OF OUR NATION’S HISTORY.

CESAR CHAVEZ WAS A MAN BEFORE HIS TIME AND HE DESERVES PROPER

RECOGNITION. HE DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY,

JUSTICE AND DIGNITY. NOT ONLY FOR HISPANIC FARM WORKERS BUT FOR

ALL WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES. YET OUR FRIENDS ON THE OTHER

SIDE CANNOT FIND IT IN THEIR HEARTS TO HONOR HIM, AND I HAVE TO

ASK WHY. WHY CAN’T THEY SIMPLY SAY “YES”?

IT WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MAN WHO GAVE OF HIMSELF FOR HIS CAUSE

AND DESERVES TO BE REMEMBERED AND HONORED BY THE UNITED STATES

SENATE. THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES PROCLAIMED TODAY,

MARCH 31, 2014, AS CESAR CHAVEZ DAY. OVER TEN STATES HONOR HIS

LIFE AND LEGACY EACH YEAR ON THIS DAY. THE SECRETARY OF THE

INTERIOR ESTABLISHED A NATIONAL MONUMENT IN HIS HONOR. AND

ACROSS THE COUNTRY, YOU’LL FIND SCHOOLS AND PARKS, STREETS,

LIBRARIES AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMED AFTER CESAR CHAVEZ

AS WELL. SO I IMPLORE SENATE REPUBLICANS TO RECONSIDER DENYING

CESAR CHAVEZ’S LEGACY FOR AN EIGHTH YEAR IN A ROW. ADOPT THIS

COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTION BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. GIVE CESAR

CHAVEZ THE RECOGNITION HE SO DESERVES. THAT’S ALL WE ASK.

NOTHING MORE. THIS YEAR, THERE IS A NEW MOVIE CHRONICLING THE

LIFE OF CESAR CHAVEZ, A LIFE LIVED WITH HONOR AND DIGNITY AND

DECENCY FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL OF US. THE FILM IS LONG

OVERDEUVMENT THAT LIFE, THAT DEDICATION, THAT SPIRIT WILL

ALWAYS BE MISSED. HE WAS BORN NEAR HIS FAMILY’S FARM IN YUMA,

ARIZONA. WHEN HE WAS 10 IN THE HARD TIMES OF THE DEPRESSION,

THE FAMILY LOST THEIR FARM, LIKE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS, AND

THEY BECAME MIGRANT FARM WORKERS, LABORING IN VINEYARDS ACROSS

THE SOUTHWEST, WHERE HE LEARNED OF THE INJUSTICE AND HARDSHIP

OF A FARM WORKER’S LIFE. HE NEVER LEFT THOSE FIELDS. HE NEVER

LEFT THE LAND. HE NEVER TURNED HIS BACK ON THE PEOPLE WHO

WORKED IT AND THE REST IS HISTORY. ROBERT KENNEDY CALLED HIM

ONE OF THE MOST HEROIC FIGURES OF OUR TIME. I THINK IT’S

BECAUSE CESAR CHAVEZ UNDERSTOOD AND BELIEVED IN ONE FUNDAMENTAL

TRUTH. HE ALWAYS SAID — QUOTE — “THE FIGHT IS NEVER ABOUT

GRAPES OR LETTUCE. IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT PEOPLE.” HE WAS RIGHT AND

THAT FIGHT CONTINUES TODAY. THE STRUGGLE FOR FAIRNESS AND

DIGNITY FOR EVERY AMERICAN GOES ON AND CESAR CHAVEZ WAS AND IS

ITS INSPIRATION. HE CERTAINLY IS AN AMERICAN HERO BUT MOST

DEFINITELY A HERO TO THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY. HE PAVED THE WAY

FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISPANIC-AMERICANS, FOR INNOVATIVE AND

SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS. IF THERE’S ONE MAN THAT REDEFINED

LEADERSHIP, IT IS CESAR CHAVEZ. AND I THINK MY COLLEAGUES NEED

TO KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY STANDS WITH ME TODAY AND STANDS

FIRMLY BEHIND MY RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF

CESAR CHAVEZ. MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE A LIST AND IN THE INTEREST

OF TIME I WON’T READ IT BUT OF OVER 29 NATIONAL AND ACTUALLY 37

NATIONAL HISPANIC AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS ALL WHICH SUPPORT THE

RESOLUTION THAT I’D ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO INCLUDE IN THE

RECORD.

 

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. MENENDEZ: WE ALL EAGERLY AAWAIT THE DAY WHEN POLITICS WILL

NO LONGER PRECLUDE ITS PASSAGE. CESAR CHAVEZ’S PROFOUND LEGACY

AND LASTING LEGACY CAN BE REDUCED TO THREE WORDS — THEY ECHO

FROM THE FIELDS OF DELANO, CALIFORNIA, ACROSS AMERICA ALL THE

WAY TO THE WITHOUT. CE SE QUEDA. THESE THREE WORDS, WHILE

SIMPLE IN NATURE, HARBORED THE POWER OF COMMUNITIES TO MOVE

FROM DARKNESS TO A BRIGHTER LIGHT OF HOPES. THESE THREE WORDS

REPRESENTED AS THE VERY CORE OF SPIRIT THAT BREATHES LIFE INTO

AMERICA’S STRUGGLE FOR A BETTER LIFE. AS THE LEADER OF THE

FIRST SUCCESSFUL FARM WORKER’S UNION IN THE UNITED STATES, HE

FOUGHT TO ENSURE THOSE WORKING TIRELESSLY TO PROVIDE AMERICANS

WITH FOOD RECEIVED THE BENEFITS THEY DESERVED. NONETHELESS, HIS

SERVICE EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR AGRICULTURAL FIELDS AND PROVIDES

INSPIRATIONS TO THOSE WORKING TO IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS,

EMPOWERING WORKERS, REGARDLESS OF RACE OR ETHNICITY. HIS

COUNTLESS EFFORTS TO ENSURE EQUALITY, JUSTICE AND DIGNITY FOR

ALL PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES ARE A TESTAMENT OF HIS

LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS, A SUCCESS THAT CAN ONLY BE MEASURED BY

THE LASTING IMPACT HE’S MADE TOWARD ENDING WORKPLACE

DISCRIMINATION, UNSAFE AND UNFAIR WORKING CONDITIONS, LOW

WAGES, AND CHILD LABOR. HE WAS MORE THAN JUST A FARMER WITH A

VISION. HE WAS A CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER THAT EMBODIED THE PURSUIT

OF JUSTICE THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

TODAY. SO I COME TO THE FLOOR TODAY TO HONOR THE LIFE AND

ACHIEVEMENTS OF CESAR CHAVEZ, TO ASK MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES

TO PUT ASIDE THEIR POLITICS AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT BY A MAN WHOSE

LIFE AND LEGACY DESERVE THE RECOGNITION OF THIS NATION, ONE

NATION, AND ONE CONGRESS. LET US STAND TOGETHER AND RECOGNIZE

THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF A GREAT AMERICAN HERO, BUT MOST

IMPORTANTLY, LET US HONOR THE VALUES THAT MAKE OUR COUNTRY

GREAT, THE VALUES OF TOLERANCE, HOPE AND FREEDOM UPON WHICH

THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED. LET US ALWAYS REMEMBER, AS CHAVEZ

SAID, THE FIGHT IS ALWAYS ABOUT THE PEOPLE. WITH THAT, MR.

PRESIDENT, I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

BE DISCHARGED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF S.RES.404, THE

RESOLUTION BE AGREED TO, THE PREAMBLE BE AGREED TO, AND THE

MOTION TO RECONSIDER BE LAID UPON THE TABLE WITH NO INTERVENING

ACTION OR DEBATE.

 

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION?

 

MR. SESSIONS: MR. PRESIDENT?

 

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE SENATOR FROM ALABAMA.

MR. SESSIONS: RESERVING THE RIGHT TO OBJECT. I WOULD NOTE THAT

THE RESOLUTION HAS NOT COME OUT OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND

THAT SENATOR VITTER, WHO HAS FILED AN AMENDMENT TO THE

RESOLUTION, ASKS THAT THAT AMENDMENT BE ACCEPTED OR VOTED ON,

WHICH HAS BEEN NOT AGREED TO. THE AMENDMENT WOULD SAY A COUPLE

OF THINGS. ONE, WHEREAS CESAR ESTRADA CHAVEZ STRONGLY BELIEVED

IN ENFORCING IMMIGRATION LAWS, THEREBY REDUCING THE DELETERIOUS

EFFECTS OF INEXPENSIVE LABOR ON THE WAGES OF FARM WORKERS IN

THE UNITED STATES AND WHICH WAS RECOGNIZED BY THE CONGRESSIONAL

BUDGET OFFICE IN JUNE OF 2013 IN THEIR REPORT ENTITLED

“ECONOMIC IMPACT OF S.744, THE BORDER SECURITY AND ECONOMIC

OPPORTUNITY AND MODERNIZATION ACT.” AND HE OFFERS THIS

“WHEREAS,” A SECOND ONE. “WHEREAS, CESAR ESTRADA CHAVEZ

RECOGNIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECURE SOUTHERN BORDER WITH

MEXICO THROUGH CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF

IMMIGRATION LAWS BY ENCOURAGING MEMBERS OF THE UNITED FARM

WORKERS OF AMERICA TO CONTACT THE IMMIGRATION AND

SO THOSE WERE — THAT NOT HAVING BEEN ACCEPTED, I GUESS I WOULD

ASK THAT THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTED. IT’S AT THE DESK, BE AGREED TO

PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION. WELL, MR. PRESIDENT

 

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: DOES THE SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY SO

MODIFIED HIS REQUEST.

MR. MENENDEZ: RESERVING THE RIGHT TO OBJECT, MR. PRESIDENT,

THIS IS NOT ABOUT CESAR CHAVEZ. THIS IS ABOUT IMMIGRATION. NOW,

I KNOW THAT MY DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE HAS A DIFFERENT VIEW

ABOUT IMMIGRATION THAN I DO. I KNOW THAT HE AND SENATOR VITTER,

ON WHO HE’S OFFERING THIS AMENDMENT BY, ALSO HAS A DIFFERENT

VIEW. THE SENATE HAS SPOKEN ON THE QUESTION OF IMMIGRATION. 67

SENATORS, TWO-THIRDS OF THE SENATE, HAS ALREADY SENT AN

IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. SO

WHILE WE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS, THAT’S NOT THE ISSUE OF

CESAR CHAVEZ. AND IN MY VIEW, IT IS AN INJUSTICE TO HIS MEMORY

TO OFFER SUCH AN AMENDMENT, AND THAT’S WHY I WILL HAVE TO

OBJECT. MR. SESSIONS: MR. PRESIDENT?

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION TO THE ORIGINAL

REQUEST?

MR. SESSIONS: I WOULD OBJECT AND WOULD JUST NOTE THAT I DO HAVE

A DIFFERENT VIEW, AND ON THESE ISSUES WITH REGARD TO THE IMPACT

OF S.744, HAD IT PASSED, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ADVERSE TO FARM

WORKERS WHO ARE IN THIS COUNTRY WORKING HARD, KNEES PAY RAISES,

AND NEED BETTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES, AND I THINK THESE ARE

IMPORTANT PARTS OF MR. CHAFF HE IS’S CAREER $CHAVEZ’S CAREER.

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE SENATE WOULD BE PLEASED TO ACCEPT THEM.

I UNDERSTAND WE HAVE A DISAGREEMENT, AND I WOULD YIELD THE

FLOOR AND EXPRESS MY RESPECT FOR SENATOR MENENDEZ AND HIS

LEADERSHIP ON THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE, BUT WE DISAGREE

ON THIS SUBJECT.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: OBJECTION IS HEARD. MR. MENENDEZ: MR.

PRESIDENT?

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: THE SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY.

MR. MENENDEZ: MR. PRESIDENT, YOU KNOW, I HAVE DEEP RESPECT FOR

SENATOR SESSIONS, BUT I’LL JUST SIMPLY SAY, THIS IS THE EIGHTH

YEAR — THE EIGHTH YEAR — IN WHICH UNDER SOME FIG LEAF –

BEFORE THEY COULD HIDE THROUGH THEIR OBJECTION. THIS IS REALLY

A FIG LEAF. THE SENATE HAS EXPRESSED ITSELF ON IMMIGRATION

REFORM. THIS IS NOT ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM. THIS IS ABOUT

CESAR CHAVEZ. THIS IS ABOUT A MAN THAT LED BOYCOTTS ACROSS THE

COUNTRY TO BRING TO JUSTICE THE RIGHTS OF FARM WORKERS AND ALL

WORKERS ACROSS THE LAND. AND THERE IS NO BIGGER SUPPORTER BY

THE WAY OF IMMIGRATION REFORM THAN THE UNITED FARM WORKERS,

WHICH HE HELPED BUILD, CREATE, AND TODAY IS ONE OF THE

STRONGEST VOICES FOR THAT IMMIGRATION REFORM. SO IT’S REALLY

SHAMEFUL THAT WE CAN PASS, YOU KNOW, COMMEMORATIVE RESOLUTIONS

ON SOME OF THE MOST INSIGNIFICANT ISSUES, BUT ON THE LIFE OF

SOMEONE WHO CHANGED THE COURSE OF THIS COUNTRY FOR MILLIONS OF

LATINOS WHO UNDERSTAND THAT LIFE AND HISTORY AND WOULD WANT TO

SEE THAT LIFE COMMEMORATED THAT THERE CAN BE A CONTINUING

OBJECTION EIGHT YEARS, AND I WILL KEEP COMING EACH YEAR TO THE

FLOOR, MR. PRESIDENT, TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN, BECAUSE AT SOME

POINT IT WILL. AND WITH THAT, MR. PRESIDENT, I YIELD THE FLOOR.

The Senate adopted the motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the UI Compensation Extension, by voice vote. Senator Reid then offered substitute amendment #2874, filled the remaining slots in the amendment tree, and filed cloture on the substitute amendment and underlying bill.

 

Under Rule 22, the cloture vote on the substitute amendment (UI) will occur on Wednesday. Senators will be notified when the cloture vote is scheduled. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate time prior to a vote on adoption of the substitute amendment. Upon disposition of the substitute, the Senate would then proceed to a cloture vote on the underlying bill. If cloture is invoked on the underlying bill, there would be up to 30 hours of post-cloture debate on prior to passage of the bill, as amended, if amended.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John B. Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Confirmed: 56-42

2)      Motion to waive applicable budget points of order with respect to H.R.4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix)  (if point of order is raised) (60-vote threshold); Agreed to: 64-35

3)      Passage of H.R.4302,  Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (SGR/Doc Fix) (60-vote threshold); Passed: 64-35

 

Additional Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.405, resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of March 31 through April 2, 2014, as “National Assistant Principals Week”.

 

Adopted S.Res.406, Designating April 4, 2014, as “National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Day”

 

Adopted S.Res.407, honoring former U.S. Senator and Navy Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton.

 

Additional Executive items

Discharged the Commerce committee and confirmed PN1058 Kelly R. Welsh, of Illinois to be General Counsel of the Department of Commerce by voice vote. 

 

Confirmed all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy in addition to the following items:

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #714 Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Rock – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #715 Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Trask – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #716 Col. Andrew J. Toth – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #717 Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew – to be General

Executive Calendar #718 Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #719 Col. Robert I. Miller – to be Brigadier General

 

ARMY

Executive Calendar #720 Lt. Gen. William B. Garrett, III to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #721 Maj. Gen. Herbert R. McMaster, Jr. – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #722 Col. Robert D. Tenhet – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #723 Col. Bertram C. Providence – to be Brigadier General

Executive Calendar #724 Maj. Gen. Bennet S. Sacolick – to be Lieutenant General

Executive Calendar #725 Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers – to be Admiral

Executive Calendar #726 Vice Adm. John W. Miller – to be Vice Admiral

Executive Calendar #727 Capt. David A. Lane – to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

 

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #728 to be Major General

Brig. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault

Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese

Brig. Gen. James W. Lukeman

Brig. Gen. Carl E. Mundy, III

Brig. Gen. Daniel J. ODonohue

Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock, II

Brig. Gen. Gary L. Thomas

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

Last Floor Action:3/28
11:02:59 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 1, 2014.

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

 

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, March 31, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.4302, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 with the time until 5:00pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #573, John Owens to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 At 5:30pm, there will be at least 2 roll call votes (3 expected):

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #573, John Owens, of CA, to be US Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit,

–        Expected motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to H.R.4302 (60-vote threshold),

–        Passage of H.R.4302 (60-vote threshold), and

–        Motion to proceed to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance extension (possible voice vote).

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

Last Floor Action:3/27
11:02:59 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 1, 2014.

11:00:27 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
11:00:32 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Frank R. Wolf to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
11:00:55 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
11:02:16 A.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
11:02:29 A.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
11:02:59 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on April 1, 2014.