Category Archives: Black History

Pioneers, Activists, Black People, Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/17 the House

12/17/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjourned until 9:00am on Tuesday, December 17, 2013.

At 10:00am, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message with respect to H.J.Res.59, the budget resolution.

Under the rule, the filing deadline for second degree amendments to the motion to concur in the House message with respect to H.J.Res.59 is 9:00am on Tuesday.

As a reminder to all Senators, on Sunday, December 15^th, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the budget resolution and the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.3304, the Defense Authorization bill.

During Monday’s session, Senator Reid filed cloture on the following nominations, in the following order. The number of hours of post-cloture debate is in parenthesis next to each nomination.

– Executive Calendar #456, Alejandro Mayorkas, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (8 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #459, John Andrew Koskinen, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service (8 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #382, Brian J. Davis, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the District of Florida (2 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #452, Janet L. Yellen, of Callifornia, to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (30 hours)

– Executive Calendar #455, Sloan D. Gibson, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (8 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #445, Sarah Sewall, of Massachusetts, to be an Under Secretary of State (Civility Security, Democracy, and Human Rights) (8 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #371, Michael L. Connor, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior

– Executive Calendar #457, Sarah Bloom Raskin, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury (8 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #356, Jessica Garfola Wright, of Pennsylvania, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (8 hours equally divided)

– Executive Calendar #189, Richard Engler, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (8 hours equally divided).

At 10:00am, there will be roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the legislative vehicle for the Bipartisan Budget Act.

10:04am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.J.Res.59, the legislative vehicle for the Bipartisan Budget Act;

Invoked 67-33

There will now be up to 30 hours for debate of post-cloture debate on H.J.Res.59, the legislative vehicle for the Bipartisan Budget Act.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings. The time during the recess will count post-cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.J.Res.59, the Bipartisan Budget Act.

Senator Sessions asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending motion to concur with a amendment #2547 (date change) in order to make a motion to concur with Sessions amendment #2573 (the amendment would eliminate a wide variety of deficit-neutral reserve funds that could be used to facilitate future consideration of legislation that would address certain high priorities)

Senator Murray made a brief statement and objected.

Senator Sessions then made the following parliamentary inquiry: Is it correct that while the majority leader’s motion to concur in the house amendment with an amendment to which the majority leader has also offered a second degree amendment is pending, no senator is permitted to offer an amendment to the House-passed Budget bill?

Chair: the senator is correct.

Senator Sessions made a further parliamentary inquire: if a motion to table the majority leader’s motion to concur with an amendment is successful, would there be an opportunity for me to offer a motion to concur with my amendment #2573?

Chair: that is correct

Senator Sessions then moved to table the motion to concur with an amendment, offered by the majority leader.

At 5:24pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.J.Res.59, with amendment #2547 (date change);

Not tabled: 46-54

The Sessions motion to table the motion to concur with amendment was not agreed to 46-54. The Senate is now in a period of morning business with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each, with the exception of Senator Grassley for up to 20 minutes. The time will count post-cloture. There will be no further roll call votes.

By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.R.3588, to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt fire hydrants from the prohibition on the use of lead pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the bipartisan budget act; Invoked: 67-33

2) Sessions motion to table the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59 with an amendment; Not Tabled: 46-54

Additional Legislative items

Passed H.R.3588, the Community Fire Safety Act.

Discharged the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee and passed S.947, to ensure access to certain information for financial service industry regulators, and for other purposes.

Passed S.1847, to provide for the redesignation of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

Passed H.R.185, to designate the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the “Paul Brown United States Courthouse”.

Discharged the Environment and Public Works Committee and passed H.R.2251, to designate the United States courthouse and Federal building located at 118 South Mill Street, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, as the “Edward J. Devitt United States Courthouse and Federal Building”.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1845, Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. (Reed)

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1846, Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. (Menendez)

No Executive items

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

Last Floor Action:12/16
11:03:15 A.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 438.

The next meeting is
scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2013.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/16 the House

12/15/2013 Nativegrl77

Schedule for Monday, December 16, 2013

The Senate will convene at 3:00pm on Monday, December 16, 2013. Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 5:30pm, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the motions to concur with respect to H.J.Res.59, the Budget Resolution, and H.R.3304, the National Defense Authorization Act, is 4:00pm on Monday.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a series of roll call votes on the following items:

– Confirmation of Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs);

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security; and

– Confirmation of Johnson nomination.

Additional procedural votes are possible following the 5:30pm series of votes.

As a reminder, at 5:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to a series of roll call votes on the following Executive items:

– Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security; and

– Confirmation of Johnson nomination.

Additional procedural votes are expected following these votes.

5:30pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs);

Confirmed: 78-16

There will then be a live quorum. Senators are encouraged to remain on the floor in order to quickly establish a quorum. Once a quorum is established, there will be a cloture vote on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security. If cloture is invoked, the Senate would proceed immediately to a vote on confirmation of the Johnson nomination.

5:59pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security;

Invoked: 57-37

6:20pm The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security;

Confirmed: 78-16

The remaining votes tonight will be 10 minute votes.

6:35pm, the Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #456, the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security;

Agreed To: 53-38

At 6:52pm, the Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on the motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #459, the nomination of John Andrew Koskinen, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service;

Agreed to: 55-37

6:57pm Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #456, the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security;

By consent, the Senate resumed Legislative Session and Senator Reid moved to proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #459.

7:28pm The Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to the Koskinen nomination 55-37.

Senator Reid the filed cloture on the nomination. There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

The Next roll call vote is expected to occur at 10:00am tomorrow. Tuesday, December 17.

That vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur with respect to H.J.Res.59, the legislative vehicle for the Bipartisan Budget Act.

We were able to go in and out of Executive Session by voice vote and Senator Reid filed cloture on the following nominations, with the number of post-cloture hours listed in parenthesis:

Executive Calendar #456, Alejandro Mayorkas, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (8 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #459, John Andrew Koskinen, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service.

(8 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #382, Brian J. Davis, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the District of Florida (2 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #452, Janet L. Yellen, of Callifornia, to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (30 hours)

Executive Calendar #455, Sloan D. Gibson, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (8 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #445, Sarah Sewall, of Massachusetts, to be an Under Secretary of State (Civility Security, Democracy, and Human Rights) (8 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #371, Michael L. Connor, of New Mexico, to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior

Executive Calendar #457, Sarah Bloom Raskin, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury (8 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #356, Jessica Garfola Wright, of Pennsylvania, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (8 hours equally divided)

Executive Calendar #189, Richard Engler, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (8 hours equally divided)

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs); Confirmed: 78-16

2) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security; Invoked: 57-37

3) Confirmation of Johnson nomination; Confirmed: 78-16

4) Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #456, the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security; Agreed to: 58-38

5) Motion to proceed to Executive Session to consider to consider Executive Calendar #459, the nomination of John Andrew Koskinen, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service; Agreed to: 55-37

Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.322, authorizing the printing of a collection of the rules of the committees of the Senate.

No additional Executive items

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

Last Floor Action:
11:03:15 A.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 438. The next meeting is
scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2013.

Last Floor Action:12/12
9:33:30 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to H. Res. 434.

The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on
December 16, 2013.

11:00:50 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
11:01:01 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
11:01:53 A.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Patrick Riffle, St. Peters Catholic Church, Washington, DC
11:01:54 A.M.		The Chair announced that pursuant to section 6(a) of H. Res. 438, the Journal of the last day’s proceedings was approved.
11:02:52 A.M.		PLEDGE_OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
11:03:05 A.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 13, 2013, at 2:59 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 3458 without amendment.
11:03:15 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 438.The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2013.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/15 the House

12/13/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate will convene at 1:00pm on Sunday, December 15, 2013.

The Senate will meet for legislative business only. Majority Leader Reid is expected to file cloture on the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the bipartisan budget agreement and the House message to accompany H.R.3304, the Defense Authorization bill. There will be no roll call votes on Sunday.

The next roll call votes will be at 5:30pm on Monday, December 16^th:

– Confirmation of the Patterson nomination

– Motion to invoke cloture on the Johnson nomination

– Confirmation of the Johnson nomination

– Additional procedural votes are possible. Senator Reid is expected to file additional cloture motions on several nominations.

Senator Reid moved to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.J.Res.59, the legislative vehicle for the Bipartisan Budget Act, and filed cloture on the motion to concur. He then filled the amendment tree.

He then moved to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3304, the legislative vehicle for the National Defense Authorization Act, and filed cloture on that motion.

The filing deadline for first degree amendments to the motions to concur re: H.J.Res.59, and H.R.3405 is 4:00pm on Monday, December 16.

WRAP UP

No Roll Call Votes

Legislative items

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to concur in H.J.Res.59, the Budget Resolution, and H.R.3304, the National Defense Authorization Act.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1824, Drinking Water Supply Assistance Act.

No additional Executive items

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

Last Floor Action:12/12
9:33:30 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to H. Res. 434.

The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on
December 16, 2013.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/13 the House

12/13/2013 Nativegrl77

Session Continued

At 7:00am Friday, December 13^th, there will be two roll call votes:

– Confirmation of James nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (up to 8 hours of equally-divided, post-cloture debate);

Remaining roll call votes for this series of cloture filings:

– Confirmation of Higginbottom nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs) (up to 8 hours of equally-divided, post-cloture debate)

– Confirmation of Patterson nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security (30 hours of post-cloture debate)

– Confirmation of Johnson nomination

7:00am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force

Confirmed: 79-6

7:32am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources

Invoked: 51-34

All remaining Democratic time on the Higginbottom nomination was yielded back. Assuming all Republican time is used (which is expected), there will be 2 roll call votes at 11:55am:

– Confirmation of the Higginbottom nomination

Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

11:07am The Senate has reached an agreement with respect to the votes on confirmation of the Patterson and Johnson nominations. There will be 2 roll call votes at noon today. The next set of votes will be on Monday, December 16^th at 5:30pm.

Friday, December 13^th at noon 2 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of the Higginbottom nomination

o Live quorum (no roll call vote expected)

Sunday, December 15^th at 1pm:

– The Senate will convene for legislative business only. The Majority Leader is expected to file cloture on the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the bipartisan budget agreement and the House message to accompany H.R.3304, the Defense Authorization bill.

Monday, December 16^th at 5:30pm at least 3 roll call votes:

– Confirmation of the Patterson nomination

– Motion to invoke cloture on the Johnson nomination

– Confirmation of the Johnson nomination

– Additional procedural votes are possible. Senator Reid is expected to file additional cloture motions on several nominations.

The unofficial transcript of Senator Reid’s remarks is below.

MR. REID: I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT IF CLOTURE IS INVOKED ON

THE PATTERSON

NOMINATION THAT AT 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, ALL

POSTCLOTURE TIME BE CONSIDERED EXPIRED, THE SENATE THEN PROCEED

TO VOTE ON THE CONFIRMATION OF THE PATTERSON NOMINATION. THAT

UPON DISPOSITION OF THE PATTERSON NOMINATION, THE SENATE

PROCEED TO VOTE ON THE MOTION TO INVOKE CLOTURE ON THE JOHNSON

NOMINATION. IF CLOTURE IS INVOKED ON THE JOHNSON NOMINATION,

THAT ALL TIME BE YIELDED BACK AND THE SENATE PROCEED TO VOTE ON

CONFIRMATION OF THE JOHNSON NOMINATION.

THE PRESIDING OFFICER: IS THERE OBJECTION?

WITHOUT OBJECTION.

MR. REID: MADAM PRESIDENT, I –

MR. REID: MADAM PRESIDENT, WE’RE

GOING TO HAVE TWO VOTES AT 12:00 NOON TODAY. AFTER THAT, THE

NEXT VOTE WOULD

BE AT 5:30 ON MONDAY. THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF VOTES ON

MONDAY.

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, AS I INDICATED THIS MORNING, THE

REPUBLICAN LEADER AND I HAVE SPENT SOME TIME TOGETHER AND I

THINK WE’VE HAD A PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSION ON THE SCHEDULE. THE

SCHEDULE’S BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR EVERYONE. WE WORKED OUT

A SCHEDULE THAT ALLOWS FOR THE NEXT SET OF VOTES

WHICH WILL OCCUR AT 12:00 NOON TODAY, WILL BE THE LAST VOTES OF

THIS WEEK. WE AGREED THAT ON MONDAY EVENING, THE SENATE WILL

VOTE ON THE MATTERS THAT WE WOULD HAVE VOTED ON THE REST OF

TODAY AND THIS WEEKEND.

SO ON MONDAY AT 5:30 IN THE AFTERNOON, THE SENATE WILL VOTE ON

PATTERSON, JOHNSON AND THEN ONE WOULD BE ON — THE CLOTURE ON

JOHNSON AND THEN IT WOULD BE CONFIRMATION. THEY’RE — WE’RE

DOING OUR UTMOST TO FINISH OUR BUSINESS HERE A WEEK FROM TODAY

SO THAT WE CAN GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. SO WE’LL BE IN SESSION

SUNDAY AFTERNOON. THERE WILL BE NO VOTES ON SUNDAY. THE NEXT

ROLL CALL, I REPEAT FOR

THE THIRD TIME, WILL BE 5:30 MONDAY. ON TUESDAY, WE’LL BE BEGIN

CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET. ON WEDNESDAY, THE DEFENSE BILL.

AND AFTER THAT WE’LL ADDRESS FURTHER NOMINATIONS, OF WHICH THE

MOST IMPORTANT ONE IS JANET YELLEN TO BE ON THE FEDERAL

RESERVE. THE OTHERS I WILL WORK WITH SENATOR McCONNELL, WE’LL

FILE ON A NUMBER OF THEM, SEE HOW MANY WE CAN GET DONE. I

PERSONALLY THANK THE SENATORS FOR THE COOPERATION THIS WEEK.

AND NEXT WEEK AS WE WORK THROUGH THESE IMPORTANT MATTERS. AND I

KNOW, MADAM PRESIDENT, THAT THERE IS A LOT OF WORK WE HAVE TO

DO TO GET BACK TO REGULAR ORDER. WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH

THE DEFENSE BILL THAT WE’RE GOING TO VOTE ON AND THE BUDGET

BILL, BUT I’M SATISFIED THAT WE’VE MADE PROGRESS. SO I NOW ASK

UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT WHEN THE SENATE COMPLETES ITS BUSINESS

TODAY, IT ADJOURN

UNTIL 1:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15. THAT FOLLOWING THE

PRAYER AND THE PLEDGE, THE MORNING HOUR BE DEEMED EXPIRED, THE

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS BE APPROVED TO DATE, THE TIME FOR THE

TWO LEADERS BE RESERVED FOR THEIR USE LATER IN THE DAY AND THE

SENATE CONVENE FOR LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS ONLY.

12:02pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources;

Confirmed: 74-17

12:29pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs);

Invoked: 54-36

This will be the last vote of the day.

((( WRAP UP )))

Roll Call Votes Wednesday, December 11^th through Friday, December 13, 2013

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia; Confirmed: 51-44

2) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Invoked: 57-39

3) Confirmation of Feldblum nomination; Confirmed: 54-41

4) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York; Invoked: 55-41

5) Confirmation of Wolford nomination; Confirmed: 70-29

6) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire; Invoked: 58-40-1(present)

7) Confirmation of McCafferty nomination; Confirmed: 79-19

8) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; Invoked: 57-41

9) Confirmation of Wald nomination; Confirmed: 57-41

10) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana; Invoked: 57-40

11) Confirmation of Morris nomination; Confirmed: 75-20

12) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana; Invoked: 58-39

13) Confirmation of Watters nomination; Confirmed: 77-19

14) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force; Invoked: 58-39

15) Confirmation the James nomination; Confirmed: 79-6

16) Motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources; Invoked: 51-34

17) Confirmation of the Higginbottom nomination; Confirmed: 74-14

18) Motion to invoke cloture on #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs); Invoked: 54-36

Legislative items Wednesday, December 11^th through Friday, December 13, 2013

Passed H.R.3547, Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act, with a Nelson amendment which is the text of S.1753, and an amendment to the title.

Passed H.R.3458, Fallen Firefighters Assistance Tax Clarification Act.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.263, A resolution designating the week of September 23 through September 29, 2013, as “National Estuaries Week” with a Whitehouse amendment to the preamble.

Discharged the Judiciary committee and adopted S.Res.299, congratulating the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee on the celebration of its 100^th anniversary and commending its significant contribution to empower and revitalize developing communities around the world.

Adopted S.Res.320, designating December 14^th, 2013, as “Wreaths Across America Day”.

Adopted S.Res.321, honoring the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and expressing condolences on his passing.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.1824, Drinking Water Supply Assistance Act. (Enzi)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1797, Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extension Act of 2013.

No additional Executive items Wednesday, December 11^th through Friday, December 13, 2013

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

Last Floor Action:12/12
9:33:30 P.M. – The House adjourned
pursuant to H. Res. 434.

The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on
December 16, 2013.

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/12 the House

12/12/2013 Nativegrl77

Session Continued

12:51am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia;

Confirmed: 51-44

Following the Pillard vote, the Senate will proceed to a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If cloture is invoked on the Feldblum nomination, there would be up to 8 hours of post-cloture debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

1:19am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Invoked: 57-39

At 9:00am today, there will be 2 roll call votes:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Live Quorum (no roll call vote expected)
Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York (2 hours of equally divided post-cloture time)

Once cloture is invoked on the Wolford nomination, there will be up to 2 hours of debate. If all Majority time is yielded back, the next roll call vote could occur as early as 10:40am. That vote will be on confirmation of the Wolford nomination followed by a live quorum and a cloture vote on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours).

9:00am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Confirmed: 54-41

9:28am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the Motion to Invoke Cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York

Invoked: 55-41

Cloture was invoked on the Wolford nomination by a vote of 55-41. 57 minutes of the Majority time was yielded back. As a result, at 10:55am, there will be 2 roll call votes:

* Confirmation of Wolford nomination

Live Quorum

* Cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours of equally divided post-cloture time);

10:55am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of NY, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York

Confirmed: 70-29

11:26am The Senate began a 15-minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours of equally divided post-cloture time);

Invoked: 58-40, 1 voted present

The Majority’s time has been yielded. The next vote is expected to begin at approximately 12:45pm. That vote will be on confirmation of the McCafferty nomination.

The Senate has reached an agreement that if the Senate receives H.R.3548 from the House of Representatives and the bill is identical to S.1689, as introduced, then the bill be considered as having been read three times and passed.

S.1689/H.R.3548, Fallen Firefighters Assistance Tax Clarification Act

At 12:49pm the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire McCafferty nomination

Next: Live Quorum

Then: Roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (8 hours)

And then: up to 8 hours for debate (expect 4 hours to be yielded back)

6:06pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

Confirmed: 57-40

If cloture is invoked, there will be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination

Confirmed: 57-40

If cloture is invoked, there will be up to 8 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination

5:35pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board;

Confirmed: 57-41

Next: Live Quorum and Cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 2 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the Morris nomination. We expect the Majority’s hour to be yielded back.

Remaining votes:

Confirmation of Morris nomination (7:15-ish tonight range)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana

(up to 2 hours for debate);

Confirmation of Watters nomination (9-ishpm tonight range)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force (8 hours);

Confirmation of James nomination

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (8 hours);

Confirmation of Higginbottom nomination

Live quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #406, Anne W. Patterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Ambassador, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs) (8 hours);

Confirmation of Patterson nomination

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #450, Jeh Charles Johnson, of New Jersey, to be Secretary of Homeland Security (30 hours).

Confirmation of Johnson nomination

***********************************

On Thursday, December 12, the Senate continues to be in Executive Session to consider the nominations listed below. Roll call votes are expected to occur throughout the day and into the evening.

1) Confirmation of Executive Calendar #346, the nomination of Cornelia T.L. Pillard

Live Quorum

2) Cloture on Executive Calendar #378, Chai Rachel Feldblum, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (8 hours);

3) Confirmation of Feldblum

Live Quorum

4) Cloture on Executive Calendar #330, Elizabeth A. Wolford, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Western District of New York (2 hours);

5) Confirmation of Wolford nomination

Live Quorum

6) Cloture on Executive Calendar #347, Landya B. McCafferty, of New Hampshire, to be US District Judge for the District of New Hampshire (2 hours);

7) Confirmation of McCafferty nomination

Live Quorum

8) Cloture on Executive Calendar #361, Patricia M. Wald, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (8 hours);

9) Confirmation of Wald nomination

Live Quorum

10) Cloture on Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana (2 hours);

11) Confirmation of Morris nomination

Live Quorum

12) Cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana (2 hours);

13) Confirmation of Watters nomination

Live Quorum

14) Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force (8 hours);

15) Confirmation of James nomination

Cloture was invoked on the Morris nomination 57-40. Senator Reid then yielded back the Majority’s time.

The next set of votes will begin at approximately 7:30pm. Those votes will be on the following:

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana.
- Live Quorum
- Cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana.

Then there will be up to 2 hours for debate (expect to yield back Majority’s time) followed 2 votes in the 9:15pm range:

Confirmation of Watters nomination (MT District Judge)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force

Up to 8 hours for debate

By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.R.3547, Space Launch Liability Indemnification Extension Act, with a Nelson amendment which is the text of S.1753, and an amendment to the title.

7:30pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #348, Brian Morris, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana;

Confirmed: 75-20

At 7:57pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana;

Invoked: 58-39

Cloture on the Watters nomination (MT District Judge) was invoked 58-39.

The next set of votes are expected to begin at approximately 9:15pm. Those votes would be on the following:

Confirmation of Watters nomination (MT District Judge)

Live Quorum

Cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force
9:15pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #349, Susan P. Watters, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana;Confirmed: 77-19
9:45am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force;Invoked: 58-39
The next set of votes is expected to begin at 7:00am on Friday, December 13.

7am tomorrow:

– Confirmation of nomination was confirmed 77-19. At 9:46pm, the Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #358, Deborah Lee James, of Virginia, to be Secretary of the Air Force.

Live quorum

– Cloture on Executive Calendar #444, Heather Anne Higginbottom, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources (8 hours)

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

Last Floor Action:
12:38:36 P.M. -H. Res. 438
DEBATE –
The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 438.

10:00:31 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:47 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:59 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.
10:47:55 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.		House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 12.
12:00:31 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. John Loudon, First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, Florida
12:01:52 P.M.		POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF JOURNAL – The Speaker 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, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Wilson(SC) objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Speaker postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until a time to be announced.
12:02:16 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Price of NC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:05:16 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.
12:33:14 P.M.	H. Res. 438	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 438 — “Providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 59) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; providing for proceedings during the period from December 14, 2013, through January 6, 2014; and for other purposes.”
12:38:36 P.M.	H. Res. 438	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 438.

2:25:39 P.M.	H. Res. 438	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 227 – 195 (Roll no. 637).
2:26:00 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she had received a letter from the Honorable William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held December 10, 2013, the Honorable Katherine M. Clark was elected Representative to Congress for the Fifth Congressional Distrit, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2:27:00 P.M.		ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Katherine M. Clark, Fifth Congressional District, Massachusetts, presented herself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.
2:28:00 P.M.		The Dean of the Massachusetts delegation, Representative Richard Neal, addressed the House and introduced Representative Katherine M. Clark, Fifth Congressional District, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2:35:57 P.M.		ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts, the whole number of the House is 433.
2:43:13 P.M.	H. Res. 438	The House resumed with voting on H. Res. 438.
2:43:22 P.M.	H. Res. 438	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 226 – 195 (Roll no. 638).
2:43:23 P.M.	H. Res. 438	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:51:23 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 250 – 147, 2 Present (Roll no. 639).
2:51:56 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
2:54:50 P.M.	H. Res. 441	Mr. McKeon moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. H. Res. 441 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3304, with an amendment.”
2:54:52 P.M.	H. Res. 441	Considered under suspension of the rules.
2:54:56 P.M.	H. Res. 441	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 441.
3:44:37 P.M.	H. Res. 441	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.
3:45:49 P.M.	H.R. 3695	Mr. Lucas moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3695 — “To provide a temporary extension of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and amendments made by that Act, as previously extended and amended and with certain additional modifications and exceptions, to suspend permanent price support authorities, and for other purposes.”
3:45:57 P.M.	H.R. 3695	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:45:58 P.M.	H.R. 3695	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3695.
3:52:22 P.M.	H.R. 3695	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:52:55 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Mr. Collins (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1447 — “To encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes.”
3:52:57 P.M.	H.R. 1447	Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:52:59 P.M.	H.R. 1447	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1447.
4:04:45 P.M.	H.R. 1447	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:05:34 P.M.	H.R. 3509	Mr. Royce moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3509 — “To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on the status of post-earthquake recovery and development efforts in Haiti.”
4:05:50 P.M.	H.R. 3509	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:05:53 P.M.	H.R. 3509	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3509.

4:27:27 P.M.	H.R. 3509	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
4:30:54 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	Mr. Ryan (WI) moved that the House recede and concur with an amendment in the Senate amendment.
4:31:53 P.M.	H.J. es. 59	DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 438, the House proceeded with 70 minutes of debate on the Ryan(WI) motion that the House recede from its amendment to the amendment of the Senate, and concur therein with the amendment printed in Part A of House Report 113-290, modified by the amendment printed in Part B of that report.
5:57:25 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
6:26:15 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	On motion that the House recede and concur with an amendment in the Senate amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 332 – 94 (Roll no. 640).
6:26:16 P.M.	H.J. Res. 59	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:29:10 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 441, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:29:18 P.M.	H. Res. 441	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 441 — “Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 3304, with an amendment.”
6:37:54 P.M.	H. Res. 441	On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 350 – 69 (Roll no. 641).
6:38:17 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	Mr. McKeon asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.
6:38:17 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 71 — “Providing for corrections to the enrollment of the bill H.R. 3304.”
6:38:34 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:38:35 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 71	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:39:00 P.M.	H. Res. 434	Mr. Royce asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
6:39:03 P.M.	H. Res. 434	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 434 — “Honoring the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Nelson Mandela and expressing condolences on his passing.”
6:39:21 P.M.	H. Res. 434	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:39:23 P.M.	H. Res. 434	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:39:24 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Mr. Ryan (WI) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.
6:39:24 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Con. Res. 72 — “Providing for corrections to the enrollment of H. J. Res 59.”
6:39:53 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
6:39:54 P.M.	H.R. 3458	Mr. Reed asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
6:39:55 P.M.	H. Con. Res. 72	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:39:56 P.M.	H.R. 3458	Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 3458 — “To treat payments by charitable organizations with respect to certain firefighters as exempt payments.”
6:40:18 P.M.	H.R. 3458	On passage Passed without objection.
6:40:27 P.M.	H.R. 3458	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
6:40:48 P.M.		Mr. Reed asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, December 12, 2013, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013. Agreed to without objection.
6:42:16 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
7:04:58 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:12:50 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3547 amended.
7:13:41 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House continued with further Special Order speeches.
9:32:17 P.M.		United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission – Pursuant to section 1238(b)(3) of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2001 (22 U.S.C. 7002), as amended, and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Mr. Daniel M. Slane, Ohio for a term expiring on December 31, 2015.
9:32:50 P.M.		Commission on Civil Rights – Effective December 16, 2013, pursuant to section 2 of the Civil Right Commission Amendments Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 1975 Note), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Peter N. Kirsanow, Cleveland, Ohio for a term expiring December 15, 2019.
9:33:19 P.M.		Ms. Jackson Lee moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:33:29 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:33:30 P.M.		The House adjourned pursuant to H. Res. 434. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 16, 2013.