Category Archives: ~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

a list of recent recalls as published by the FDA /USDA~ Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts

Black History, ~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

CONGRESS: the Republican led House – back on 6/25 – the Senate will consider S.1940,Flood Insurance bill ,S.3187FDA bill,


  • Convenes: 2:00pmET June 25, 2012
  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill, post-cloture.
  • At a time to be determined but prior to 5:30pm on Monday, the motion to proceed to S.1940 will be adopted.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.3187, the FDA bill on Thursday, June 21st.   As a result, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany S.3187 at 5:30pm on Monday.

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NEXT SESSION in the House is at  2:00 p.m. on June 25, 2012

Black History, ~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

CONGRESS: the Republican led House back 5/25 – The Senate considers S.3187,FDA user fees – S.2343,Stop Student Loan Hike & S.2366,Interest Rate Reduction Act


the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET May 24, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3187, the FDA user fees legislation.
  • The amendments below are the only remaining amendments in order to the bill. At 2:00pm, all debate time will be considered expired and the Senate will vote in relation to the amendments listed below and on passage of the bill, as amended. There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote. All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.
  • McConnell, or his designee, amendment, which is identical to the text of S.2366, the Interest Rate Reduction Act (60-vote threshold) and
  • Passage of S.2343, as amended, if amended (60-vote threshold).
  • Therefore, Senators should expect up to 12 roll call votes to begin at around 2:00pm on Thursday. Senator Reid announced the votes could begin earlier if debate is concluded prior to 2:00pm.

The following amendments have been considered to S.3187, the FDA user fees bill:

  • Harkin-Enzi amendment #2122 (substitute); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Cardin amendment #2125 (health benefits/risks); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Cardin amendment #2141 (FDA report-small business); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Grassley amendment #2121 (whistleblower protections III); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Grassley amendment #2129 (GAO report – clinical trials)
  • Manchin amendment #2151, as modified (reclassification of hydrocodone under Controlled Substances Act); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Reed amendment #2126 (Sunscreen testing/labeling); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Leahy amendment #2142, as modified (FOIA); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Portman amendment #2145, as modified (Rx drug monitoring); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Coburn amendment #2131 (drug application review process); agreed to by unanimous consent
  • Coburn amendment #2132 (FDA employee performance standards); withdrawn
  • Portman amendment #2146, as modified (Synthetic drugs – controlled substances); agreed to by voice vote
  • Bingaman amendment #2111 (generic filings) (60-vote threshold); Not agreed to: 28-67
  • Murkowski amendment #2108 (genetically engineered salmon); Not Agreed To: 46-50
  • Paul amendment #2143 (supplements); Tabled: 78-15
  • McCain amendment #2107 (drug reimportation); Not Agreed To: 43-54
  • Sanders amendment #2109 (criminal fraud/exclusivity); Not Agreed To: 9-88
  • Burr amendment #2130 (Congress – user fee negotiations); Withdrawn
  • Durbin amendment #2127 (dietary supplements); Tabled: 77-20

There is a strong effort have 2 votes at 12:15pm, break for the DPCC lunch and then resume voting at 2:00pm. We hope to vote in relation to Bingaman amendment #2111 and Murkowski amendment #2108 before lunch.

The following amendments were agreed to by consent:

– Leahy amendment #2142, as modified;

– Portman amendment #2145, as modified; and

– Coburn amendment #2131.

Coburn amendment #2132 was withdrawn.

Portman amendment #2146, as modified, was agreed to by voice vote.

Today’s votes include:

– Bingaman amendment #2111 (generic filings) (60-vote threshold);

– McCain amendment #2107 (reimportation) (60-vote threshold);

– Sanders amendment #2109 (criminal fraud/exclusivity) (60-vote threshold);

– Murkowski amendment #2108 (genetically engineered salmon) (60-vote threshold);

– Durbin amendment #2127 (dietary supplements);

– Paul amendment #2143 (supplements);

– Burr amendment #2130 (Congress – user fee negotiations);

– Passage of S.3187, as amended

–up to 10 minutes for debate–

– McConnell, or his designee, amendment, which is identical to the text of S.2366, the Interest Rate Reduction Act (60-vote threshold) and

– Passage of S.2343, as amended, if amended (60-vote threshold).

12:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Bingaman amendment #2111 (generic filings) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 28-67

12:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Murkowski amendment #2108 (genetically engineered salmon) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-50

There will be 2 roll call votes at 12:05pm in relation to the following amendments to S.3187, the FDA bill:

– Bingaman amendment #2111;

– Murkowski amendment #2108; and

– Paul amendment #2143 (supplements);

– McCain amendment #2107 (reimportation) (60-vote threshold);

– Sanders amendment #2109 (criminal fraud/exclusivity) (60-vote threshold);

– Durbin amendment #2127 (dietary supplements);

– Burr amendment #2130 (Congress – user fee negotiations);

– Passage of S.3187, as amended

–up to 10 minutes for debate–

– McConnell, or his designee, amendment, which is identical to the text of S.2366, the Interest Rate Reduction Act (60-vote threshold) and

– Passage of S.2343, as amended, if amended (60-vote threshold).

1:58pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Harkin motion to table Paul amendment #2143; Tabled: 78-15

2:19pm The Senate began a roll call vote on McCain amendment #2107 (Reimportation); Not Agreed To: 43-54

2:39pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Sanders amendment #2109 (criminal fraud/exclusivity); Not Agreed To: 9-88

2:57pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Harkin motion to table Durbin amendment #2127 (dietary supplements); Tabled: 77-20

3:15pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.3187, the FDA bill; Passed: 96-1

3:46pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Alexander amendment #2153 (student loans) to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act; Not Agreed to: 34-62-1 (present)

4:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act; Not Passed: 51-43-1(present)

There will be no further roll call votes during Thursday’s session of the Senate.

By unanimous consent, the Senate passed H.R.5740, Flood Insurance extension, as amended by Johnson (SD) substitute.

The Johnson (SD) substitute amendment is a 60-day extension and includes language regarding second homes.

4:30pm Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.3220, a bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes., and filed cloture on the motion. The cloture vote on the motion to proceed will occur at 2:15pm on Tuesday, June 5th. There will be a vote Monday night (around 5:30pm) on a judge.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #398, H.R.5652; that all after the enacting clause be stricken and the language of S.1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, as passed by the Senate on April 26th by a vote of 68-31, be inserted in lieu thereof; that the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses; and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate; with all of the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.

Senator McConnell objected and asked the following consent:

That the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.R.4970, the House passed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; that all after the enacting clause be stricken, the text of the Senate passed VAWA bill, S.1925 with a modification that strikes sections 805 and 810 related to the immigration issue; the bill be read three times and passed; the Senate insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House, and the Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate with a ratio agreed to by both leaders.

Senator Reid objected.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Bingaman amendment #2111 (generic filings) (60-vote threshold) to S.3187, the FDA user fees bill; Not Agreed to: 28-67

2) Murkowski amendment #2108 (genetically engineered salmon) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 46-50

3) Harkin motion to table Paul amendment #2143; Tabled: 78-15

4) McCain amendment #2107 (Reimportation) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 43-54

5) Sanders amendment #2109 (criminal fraud/exclusivity) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 9-88

6) Harkin motion to table Durbin amendment #2127 (dietary supplements); Tabled: 77-20

7) Passage of S.3187, the FDA user fees bill, as amended; Passed: 96-1

8) Alexander amendment #2153 (student loans) to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 34-62-1 (present)

9) Passage of S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act (60-vote threshold); Not Passed: 51-43-1(present)

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.414, International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2011 by voice vote.

Passed S.739, a bill to authorize the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to establish battery recharging stations in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Senate at no net cost to the Federal Government with a Levin amendment.

Discharged the Agriculture committee and passed H.R.2947, a bill to provide for the release of the reversionary interest held by the United States in certain land conveyed by the United States in 1950 for the establishment of an airport in Cook County, Minnesota.

Discharged Judiciary and Passed H.R.3992, a bill to allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E-2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel.

Discharged Judiciary and adopted S.Res.455, designating June 27, 2012, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.475, Relating to the death of the Honorable E. James Abdnor, former United States Senator and Congressman from the State of South Dakota.

Began the Rule 14 process of S.J.Res.41, expressing the sense of Congress regarding the nuclear programs of Iran (Graham and others).

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Foreign Relations committee and confirmed PN1520, David J. Lane, of Florida, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture

Discharged the HELP committee and confirmed PN1565, 16 Public Health Service nominations received by the Senate on April 26, 2012, beginning with Joseph R. Fontana, and ending with Joy A. Mobley; and PN1679, 114 Public Health Service nominations received by the Senate on May 15, 2012, beginning with Mary J. Choi, and ending with Meghan M. Zomorodi.

Confirmed the following items:

all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Navy;

INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Executive Calendar #640 Sara Margalit Aviel—to be United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a term of two years by voice vote

CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Executive Calendar #261 Matthew Francis McCabe — to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service

SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION

Executive Calendar #338 Anthony Frank D’Agostino – to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation

Executive Calendar #339 Anthony Frank D’Agostino – to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #340 Gregory Karawan – to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation

THE JUDICIARY

Executive Calendar #665 Roy Wallace McLeese III—to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Executive Calendar #678 Adam E. Sieminski—to be Administrator of the Energy Information Administration

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #679 Anthony T. Clark—to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2016

Executive Calendar #680 John Robert Norris—to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the term expiring June 30, 2017. (Reappointment)

THE JUDICIARY

Executive Calendar #681 Margaret Bartley—to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims for the term of fifteen years

Executive Calendar #682 Coral Wong Pietsch—to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims for the term of fifteen years

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Executive Calendar #706 Michael A. Raynor—to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Benin.

Executive Calendar #707 Scott H. DeLisi—to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Uganda.

Executive Calendar #708 Makila James—to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Swaziland.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Executive Calendar #710 Jessica Lynn Wright—to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

Executive Calendar #711 James N. Miller, Jr.—to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

Executive Calendar #712 Frank Kendall III—to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics

Executive Calendar #713 Erin C. Conaton—to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

Executive Calendar #715 Derek H. Chollet—to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

Executive Calendar #716 Kathleen H. Hicks—to be a Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

Executive Office of the President

Executive Calendar #717 Joseph G. Jordan, of Massachusetts, to be Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Executive Calendar #725 Katharina G. McFarland—to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #727 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Michael D. Dubie

Executive Calendar #728 to be Brigadier General: Col. Bobby V. Page

Executive Calendar #729 to be General: Gen. Philip M. Breedlove

Executive Calendar #730 to be General: Lt. Gen. Larry O. Spencer

Executive Calendar #731 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Noel T. Jones

Executive Calendar #732 to be Brigadier General: Col. Wayne A. Zimmet

ARMY

Executive Calendar #733 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Theodore C. Nicholas

Executive Calendar #734 to be Brigadier General: Col. Francisco A. Espaillat

Executive Calendar #735 to be Major General: Brig. Gen. William R. Phillips, II

Executive Calendar #736 to be Major General:

Brigadier General Leslie J. Carroll;

Brigadier General Bryan R. Kelly;

Brigadier General Peter S. Lennon;

Brigadier General Gary A. Medvigy;

Brigadier General David W. Puster;

Brigadier General Megan P. Tatu;

Brigadier General Daniel L. York; and

Brigadier General James V. Young, Jr.

to be Brigadier General:

Colonel Douglas F. Anderson;

Colonel Danny C. Baldwin;

Colonel William P. Barriage;

Colonel Leanne P. Burch;

Colonel Mitchell R. Chitwood;

Colonel Stephen K. Curda;

Colonel Arlan M. Deblieck;

Colonel Chris R. Gentry;

Colonel Norman B. Green;

Colonel Lewis G. Irwin;

Colonel Phillip S. Jolly;

Colonel Robert A. Karmazin;

Colonel Troy D. Kok;

Colonel William S. Lee;

Colonel Tammy S. Smith; and

Colonel Michael S. Tuomey

Executive Calendar #737 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #738 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser

Executive Calendar #739 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Jon M. Davis

Executive Calendar #740 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Robert E. Schmidle, Jr.

Executive Calendar #741 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling

Executive Calendar #742 to be Brigadier General: Col. Burke W. Whitman

Executive Calendar #743 to be Major General: Brig. Gen. James M. Lariviere

Executive Calendar #744 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton, Jr.

Executive Calendar #745 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, Jr.

Executive Calendar #746 to be Brigadier General: Col. Paul K. Lebidine

Executive Calendar #747 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Robert B. Neller

NAVY

Executive Calendar #748 to be Admiral: Vice Adm. William E. Gortney

Executive Calendar #749 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd

Executive Calendar #750 to be Vice Admiral: Vice Adm. David H. Buss

Executive Calendar #751 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Michelle J. Howard

Executive Calendar #752 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Thomas H. Copeman, III

Executive Calendar #753 to be Vice Admiral: Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt

Executive Calendar #754 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. John F. Kirby

Executive Calendar #755 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Brian B. Brown

JAMES MADISON MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP FOUNDATION

Executive Calendar #756 Drew R. McCoy—to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation for a term expiring January 27, 2016 (Reappointment)

Executive Calendar #757 Pauline R. Maier—to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation for a term expiring November 17, 2017

UNITED STATES PAROLE COMMISSION

Executive Calendar #758 Charles Thomas Massarone, of Kentucky, to be a Commissioner of the United States Parole Commission for a term of six years.

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The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 25, 2012.

House Hearings

10:05 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 25, 2012.
10:05 A.M. – The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
10:05 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
10:04 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, Associate Professor, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.
10:02 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Roscoe G. Bartlett to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
Black History, ~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

CONGRESS: the Republican led House – back on 5/22 – @2pmET the Senate considers S.3187,FDA user fees &Judicial nominations 3.5yrs later?


the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET  May 21, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.  It is his intention to resume consideration of the motion to proceed to Legislative Calendar #400, S.3187, the FDA user fees legislation.
  • At 4:30pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #552, the nomination of Paul J. Watford, of California, to be a United States Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit with up to one hour for debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.  Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30p), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Watford nomination.
  • If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will resume Legislative Session and conduct a 2nd roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Legislative Calendar #400, S.3187, the FDA user fees legislation.

When the Senate convened, Senator Reid renewed his motion to proceed to S.3187, the FDA bill.

By consent, cloture on the Watford nomination was vitiated. Under the previous order, at 4:30pm there will be one hour for debate and the Senate will then vote on confirmation of the nomination.

At 5:30pm today the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #552, the nomination of Paul J. Watford, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

Upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3187, the FDA bill.

By consent, cloture on the motion to proceed to S.3187, the FDA bill, was vitiated. At 2:15pm tomorrow, Tuesday, May 22, the motion to proceed will be adopted and the Harkin-Enzi substitute amendment will be agreed to and considered original text for the purposes of further amendment. The Majority Leader will then be recognized.

5:27pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #552, the nomination of Paul J. Watford, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Confirmed: 61-34

There will be no further roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate.

Following the vote, the Senate discharged the Foreign Relations Committee from further consideration of H.R.1905, Iran Threat Reduction Act, and the Senate proceeded to its consideration.

The Johnson(SD)-Shelby substitute amendment #2123, which is the text of Calendar #320, S.2101, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act, as reported by the Banking Committee, was amended by the Johnson(SD)-Shelby amendment #2124, and then the substitute, as amended, was agreed to.

The Senate then passed H.R.1905, as amended, by voice vote.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #552, Paul J. Watford, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the 9th Circuit; Confirmed: 61-34

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Adopted S.Res.468, a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to childhood stroke and recognizing May as “National Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month.

Adopted S.Res.469, honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, which begins on May 20, 2012 by voice vote

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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REVIEW of 5/18 session below

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 18, 2012

 112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 22, 2012.3:21:51 P.M. –On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.3:21:50 P.M. -Mr. Woodall moved that the House do now adjourn.1:24:43 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.1:22:38 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to the stabilization of Iraq will continue in effect beyond May 22, 2012 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed.1:13:55 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.1:08:35 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.1:07:36 P.M. –SPEAKER‘S APPOINTMENT – Pursuant to section 703(c) of the Public Interest Declassification Act of 2000 (50 U.S.C. 435 note), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Chair announced the Speaker’s reappointment of the following member on the part of the House to the Public Interest Declassification Board for a term of three years: Admiral William O. Studeman, Great Falls, Virginia.1:07:35 P.M. -SPEAKER’S APPOINTMENT – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 276L, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Chair announced the Speaker’s appointment of the following Members of the House to the British-American Interparliamentary Group: Messrs. Petri, Crenshaw, Latta and Aderholt.1:06:34 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May, 30, 2012. Agreed to without objection.1:06:19 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, May 25, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. Agreed to without objection.1:05:10 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012. Agreed to without objection.1:05:02 P.M. -Mr. Bishop (UT) asked unanimous consent That, when the House adjourns on Friday, May 18, 2012, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. Agreed to without objection.1:04:54 P.M. -H.R. 4849Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:04:53 P.M. -H.R. 4849On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.1:04:38 P.M. -H.R. 4849Mr. Bishop (UT) asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.1:03:39 P.M. -H.R. 4310The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4310.1:01:38 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:01:37 P.M. -H.R. 4348On Rahall motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by recorded vote: 245 – 169 (Roll no. 293).12:54:23 P.M. -H.R. 4348Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.12:54:22 P.M. -H.R. 4348On Barrow motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 261 – 152 (Roll no. 292).12:48:21 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to instruct conferees on H.R. 4348 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.12:47:47 P.M. -H.R. 4310The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.12:47:42 P.M. -H.R. 4310Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.12:47:41 P.M. -H.R. 4310On passage Passed by recorded vote: 299 – 120 (Roll no. 291).12:40:17 P.M. -H.R. 4310On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 236 (Roll no. 290).12:20:14 P.M. -H.R. 4310The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.12:13:37 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Garamendi motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to protect American jobs by requiring that naval and U.S. flagged vessels providing service to the Federal Government may not be overhauled, repaired, or maintained in a shipyard outside the U.S. or Guam without a waiver from the Secretary of Defense.12:11:17 P.M. -H.R. 4310Mr. Garamendi moved to recommit with instructions to Armed Services.12:10:09 P.M. -H.R. 4310The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.12:09:46 P.M. -H.R. 4310The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.12:08:53 P.M. -H.R. 4310The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4310.12:08:41 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Price (GA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 379 – 38 (Roll no. 289).12:02:30 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Rehberg amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 162 (Roll no. 288).11:38:55 A.M. -H.R. 4310UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.11:38:12 A.M. -H.R. 4310By unanimous consent, the Murphy (PA) amendment was withdrawn.11:34:57 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Murphy (PA) amendment No. 133.11:34:54 A.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Murphy (PA),  numbered 133 printed in House Report 112-485 to require that a proposal to reduce more than 1,000 members of the armed forces assigned at a military installation be transmitted via the Presidents budget request and include an evaluation of the fiscal, local economic, budgetary, environmental, strategic, and operational consequences of such closure or realignment and to allow an exception for national security or military emergency.11:33:20 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.11:31:43 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment N0. 119.11:31:41 A.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake,  numbered 119 printed in House Report 112-485 to require that a period of 30 days elapse between the date the Secretaries of Defense and State submit to Congress an update to the report on the strategy to utilize the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund and Congress making the remaining 90 percent of the funds available for assistance to Pakistan.11:30:37 A.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Price (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Price (GA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.11:26:10 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Price (GA) amendment No. 111.11:26:06 A.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Price (GA),  numbered 111 printed in House Report 112-485 to require the Department of Justice to order an investigation into the possible violation of U.S. law regarding numerous leaks of sensitive information involving U.S. and Israeli military, intelligence, and operational capabilities and to provide the Administration with 30 days after bill becomes law to begin its investigation and 60 days after enactment to report to Congress.11:25:19 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Hunter amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.11:20:25 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hunter amendment No. 77.11:20:15 A.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Hunter,  numbered 77 printed in House Report 112-485 to require that the Navy, no later than 30 days after enactment, provide the Committee on House Armed Services with a report on the Navy’s review, findings and actions pertaining to Medal of Honor nominee Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta; and would require that the report account for all evidence submitted.11:19:29 A.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rehberg amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rehberg demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.11:10:10 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rehberg amendment No. 59.11:10:06 A.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Rehberg,  numbered 59 printed in House Report 112-485 to ban any reductions to the strategic nuclear triad unless the Secretary of Defense certifies that: (1) further reductions in the Russia Federations arsenal are needed for compliance with New START limits; and (2) Russia is not developing or deploying nuclear delivery systems not covered by New START limits. Amendment would also protect all three legs of the nuclear triad from elimination.11:08:56 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the McKeon amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.11:03:50 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon amendments en bloc #6.11:03:07 A.M. -H.R. 4310Amendments en bloc  offered by Mr. McKeon,  comprised of the following amendments printed in House Report 112-485: Nos. 92, 96, 103, 105, 108, 118, 121, 129, 131, 132, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139, and 141.11:02:33 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the McKeon amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.10:58:06 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon Amendments En Bloc #5.10:58:00 A.M. -H.R. 4310Amendments en bloc  offered by Mr. McKeon,  comprised of the following amendments printed in House Report 112-485: Nos. 62, 64, 70, 72, 73, 76, 81, 82, 88, 90, 91, 99, 101, 112, and 130.10:57:37 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the McKeon amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.10:53:53 A.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon Amendments En Bloc #4.10:53:45 A.M. -H.R. 4310Amendments en bloc  offered by Mr. McKeon,  comprised of the following amendments printed in House Report 112-485: Nos. 56, 58, 61, 67, 68, 78, 79, 106, 114, 113, 115, 116, 120, 122, 123, and 125.10:52:30 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Pearce amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 121 – 300 (Roll no. 287).10:48:07 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Franks (AZ) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 181 (Roll no. 286).10:44:42 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Lee (CA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 77 – 344 (Roll no. 285).10:39:08 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Coffman (CO) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 226 – 196 (Roll no. 284).10:35:53 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Duncan (SC) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 229 – 193 (Roll no. 283).10:32:37 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Lee (CA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 252 (Roll no. 282).10:28:05 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Rigell amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 220 – 201 (Roll no. 281).10:24:55 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Price (GA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 – 179 (Roll no. 280).10:21:41 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 245 (Roll no. 279).10:18:21 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Johnson (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 261 (Roll no. 278).10:14:36 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Sablan amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 118 – 303 (Roll no. 277).10:11:14 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Cummings amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 394 – 27 (Roll no. 276).10:05:22 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Carson (IN) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 180 – 241 (Roll no. 275).10:01:48 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Broun (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 164 – 256 (Roll no. 274).9:57:34 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Keating amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 192 – 229 (Roll no. 273).9:53:28 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Coffman (CO) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 209 – 211 (Roll no. 272).9:49:35 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Gohmert amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 243 – 173 (Roll no. 271).9:46:06 A.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Smith (WA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 182 – 238 (Roll no. 270).9:17:00 A.M. -H.R. 4310UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.9:15:59 A.M. -H.R. 4310The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.9:15:40 A.M. -H.R. 4310Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4310 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes.”9:02:49 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.9:02:32 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Courtney to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:26 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:01:17 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:57 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Black History, ~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

CONGRESS: the Republican led House the Senate considers S.3187, the FDA user fees bill & Executive nominations


the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET May 17, 2012

  • Following the prayer and the pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • It is the Majority Leader’s intention to begin consideration of the motion to proceed Calendar #400, S.3187, the FDA user fees bill with the time until 10:30am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following items:
  • Executive Calendar #646, Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2004 and
  • Executive Calendar #647, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2000
  • with up to 90 minutes of debate on the nominations equally divided and controlled between Senators Johnson (SD) and Shelby or their designees.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 12:00pm), the Senate will vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed above. Each nomination will require 60-votes in the affirmative.

11:07am The Senate is considering the motion to proceed to S.3187, A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and medical devices, to establish user-fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilars, and for other purposes.

11:07am   At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session with 90 minutes for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

–          Executive Calendar #646, Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2004; and

–          Executive Calendar #647, Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2000.

If all time is used, these votes will begin at approximately 12:00 noon today. Both nominations are subject to 60 vote thresholds.

The time until 10:30am is equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the second half.

The Senate is considering the motion to proceed to S.3187, A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the user-fee programs for prescription drugs and medical devices, to establish user-fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilars, and for other purposes.

The time until 10:30am is equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees, with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the second half.

At 10:30am, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session with 90 minutes for debate prior to votes on confirmation of the following nominations:

12:01pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #646 the nomination of Jeremy C. Stein, of MA, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Confirmed: 70-24

12:28pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Executive Calendar #647, the nomination of Jerome H. Powell, of MD, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Confirmed: 74-21

Senator Reid filed cloture on the nomination of Paul J. Watford, of California, to be United State District Judge for the 9th Circuit. Senators should expect the cloture vote at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, May, 21.

Senator Reid also filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Legislative Calendar #400, S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act.

Senator Reid asked unanimous consent to take up and pass H.R.1905, as amended by the text of the Reid-Johnson (SD)-Shelby amendment, which is the text of S.2101, and the Reid-Johnson (SD)-Shelby amendment.

Senator Kyl objected.

There will be no further roll call votes during Thursday’s session of the Senate

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #646 the nomination of Jeremy C. Stein, of MA, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Confirmed: 70-24

2)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #647, the nomination of Jerome H. Powell, of MD, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Confirmed: 74-21

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed Calendar #401, H.R.2415, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the “Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office Building”.

Passed Calendar #402, H.R.3220, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 Evergreen Square SW in Pine City, Minnesota, as the “Master Sergeant Daniel L. Fedder Post Office”.

Passed Calendar #403, H.R.3413, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the “Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office”.

Passed H.R.4045, a bill to modify the Department of Defense Program Guidance relating to the award of Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence (PDMRA program) administrative absence days to members of the reserve components to exempt any member whose qualified mobilization commenced before October 1, 2011, and continued on or after that date, from the changes to the program guidance that took effect on that date.

Passed H.R.4119, the Border Tunnel Prevention Act.

Passed H.R.4849, Sequoia and Kings County National Parks Backcountry Access Act with a Boxer-Feinstein substitute amendment.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

The Senate is back on 5/21

———————————————————————————————————–

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 17, 2012

112TH CONGRESS- SECOND SESSION

-H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon Amendments En Bloc No. 2.6:02:21 P.M. -H.R. 4310Amendments en bloc  offered by Mr. McKeon.6:01:49 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Polis amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.5:48:50 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Polis amendment No. 12.5:48:48 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Polis,  numbered 12 printed in House Report 112-485 to reduce the amount for the ground-based midcourse missile defense system by $403 million.5:47:51 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Markey amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.5:34:20 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment No. 11.5:34:17 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey,  numbered 11 printed in House Report 112-485 to delay the development of the new long-range nuclear-capable bomber by ten years and the funding in the bill would be reduced by $291,742,000, which is the amount planned for this bomber.5:34:10 P.M. -H.R. 4310The Committee resumed its sitting.5:33:15 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 4849, with an amendment, H.R. 2415, without amendment, H.R. 3220, without amendment, H.R. 3413, without amendment, H.R. 4045, without amendment, H.R. 4119, without amendment.5:33:14 P.M. -The Committee rose informally to receive a message from the Senate.5:33:13 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Quigley amendment; Failed by voice vote.5:21:24 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley amendment No. 10.5:21:22 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Quigley,  numbered 10 printed in House Report 112-485 to eliminate funds available for procurement of the V-22 Osprey aircraft, and puts the savings toward deficit reduction.5:21:03 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Conyers amendment; Failed by voice vote.5:07:52 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Conyers amendment No. 9.5:07:48 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Conyers,  numbered 9 printed in House Report 112-485 to terminate the F-35B aircraft program. Would authorize the Secretary to procure an additional number of F/A-18E or F/A-18F aircraft to replace the F-35B aircraft.5:06:26 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Bartlett amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair post poned further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:53:54 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bartlett amendment No. 8.4:53:51 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Bartlett,  numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-485 to prevent federal agencies from requiring contractors to sign an anti-competitive and costly project labor agreement (PLA) as a condition of winning a federal construction contract.4:52:11 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rooney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Smith (WA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:40:53 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rooney amendment No. 7.4:40:49 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Rooney,  numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-485 to direct the Department of Defense to hold detainee trials in the US Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and not in the United States.4:40:27 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Connolly (VA) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:33:32 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Connolly (VA) amendment No. 6.4:33:29 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Connolly (VA),  numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-485 to withhold funds from the Coalition Support Fund until the Secretary of Defense certifies that Pakistan has opened the Ground Lines of Communication, is allowing the transit of NATO supplies through Pakistan into Afghanistan, is supporting the retrograde of U.S. equipment out of Afghanistan.4:32:00 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:07:52 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Lee amendment No. 5.4:07:47 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Ms. Lee (CA),  numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-485 to end the war in Afghanistan by limiting funding to the safe and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops and military contractors from Afghanistan.4:07:08 P.M. -H.R. 4310POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rohrabacher demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.3:55:09 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rohrabacher amendment No. 4.3:54:39 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Rohrabacher,  numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-485 to prohibit the availability of funds for assistance to Pakistan in fiscal year 2013.3:54:22 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the Kucinich amendment; Failed by voice vote.3:39:52 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kucinich amendment No. 3.3:39:38 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. Kucinich,  numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-485 to prohibit the Joint Special Operations Command from conducting signature drone strikes, drone strikes against targets whose identity is not known or based solely on patterns of behavior this target.3:39:22 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the McKeon amendments; Agreed to by voice vote.3:23:53 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the McKeon Amendments En Bloc No. 1.3:23:23 P.M. -H.R. 4310Amendments en bloc  offered by Mr. McKeon,  comprised of the following amendments : Amendments Nos. 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 40, 43, 57, 74, 83, 95, 97, 102, 107, and 126 printed in House Report 112-485.3:22:38 P.M. -H.R. 4310On agreeing to the McKeon amendment; as modified Agreed to by voice vote.3:11:42 P.M. -H.R. 4310DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McKeon Manager’s amendment No. 1.3:11:31 P.M. -H.R. 4310McKeon amendment; modified by unanimous consent.3:11:08 P.M. -H.R. 4310An amendment, offered by Mr. McKeon,  numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-485 to make conforming changes in the bill.3:08:52 P.M. -H.R. 4310The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.3:08:42 P.M. -H.R. 4310Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4310 — “To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes.”2:53:01 P.M. -H.R. 5740Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:53:00 P.M. -H.R. 5740On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 18 (Roll no. 262).2:46:28 P.M. -H.R. 5740Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5740 — “To extend the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes.”2:46:13 P.M. -H. Res. 568Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:46:12 P.M. -H. Res. 568On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 401 – 11, 9 Present (Roll no. 261).2:38:34 P.M. -H. Res. 568Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 568 — “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of preventing the Government of Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.”2:38:20 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.2:37:58 P.M. -H. Res. 661Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:37:57 P.M. -H. Res. 661On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 244 – 178 (Roll no. 260).2:28:56 P.M. -H. Res. 661On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 182 (Roll no. 259).12:54:43 P.M. -H. Res. 661DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 661.12:54:40 P.M. -H. Res. 661Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 661 — “Providing for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4310) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes.”12:48:28 P.M. -H. Res. 661On motion to consider the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.12:48:18 P.M. -H. Res. 661At the conclusion of debate on the Larson (CT) point of order, the Chair put the question on consideration of the resolution.12:34:27 P.M. -H. Res. 661POINT OF ORDER AGAINST CONSIDERATION – Mr. Larson (CT) made a point of order that the provisions of H. Res. 661 violate clause 9(b) of rule XXI. Under clause 9(b) of rule XXI, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the question of consideration. At the conclusion of debate on the question of consideration, the Chair will put the question to wit: Will the House now consider the resolution?12:34:18 P.M. -H. Res. 661The Chair recognized Mr. Bishop (UT) who by direction of the Committee on Rules called up H. Res. 661 and asked for its immediate consideration.12:29:40 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to Burma will continue beyond May 20, 2012 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-110).12:04:20 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.12:03:35 P.M. -Without objection, the Chair recognized Rep. Reed (NY) for the purpose of welcoming Reverend Dr. Ken Chroniger as Guest Chaplain.12:02:34 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Reed to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:02:29 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:04 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Ken Chroniger, Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church, Alfred Station, New York.12:00:47 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 17.11:12:35 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:43 A.M. -MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.10:00:22 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable John Shimkus to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:09 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety, ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Obama: Cut FDA ties to Monsanto


Below is an email from Frederick Ravid, a MoveOn member who created a petition at SignOn.org that is spreading like wildfire on the Internet, and we think you should check it out. If you have concerns or feedback about this petition, click here.

Dear MoveOn member,

President Obama appointed former Monsanto vice president and lobbyist Michael Taylor as senior advisor to the Food and Drug Administration commissioner.

This is a classic example of the fox guarding the henhouse. President Obama should isolate the FDA from corporate influence by asking Taylor to step down immediately.

That’s why I created a petition to President Obama on SignOn.org. Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=269891&id=35269-21087915-c0s4_0x&t=2

The petition says:

President Obama, I oppose your appointment of Michael Taylor, a former VP and lobbyist for Monsanto, the widely criticized genetically modified (GM) food multinational, as senior advisor to the commissioner at the FDA. Taylor is the same person who as a high ranking official at the FDA in the 1990s promoted allowing genetically modified organisms into the U.S. food supply without undergoing a single test to determine their safety or risks. This is a travesty.

Taylor was in charge of policy for Monsanto’s now-discredited GM bovine growth hormone (rBGH), which is opposed by many medical and hospital organizations. It was Michael Taylor who pursued a policy that milk from rBGH-treated cows should not be labeled with disclosures. Michael Taylor and Monsanto do not belong in our government.

President Obama, Monsanto has been seen as a foe to family-based agriculture, the backbone of America, by introducing dangerous changes to plants and animals and by using strong-arm legal tactics against farmers for decades. Naturally occurring plant and animal species are permanently threatened by the introduction of DNA and hormonal modification, Monsanto’s core businesses.

FDA scientists once regarded genetic modification of the food supply as the single most radical and potentially dangerous threat to public health in history. As early as the 1991, a body of scientific research began to form which now includes articles in over 600 journals. As a whole, these offer scientific evidence that GM foods, hormones, and related pesticides are the root cause for the increase of many serious diseases in the U.S. Since GM foods were introduced, diagnosis of multiple chronic illnesses in the U.S. has skyrocketed. These illnesses include changes in major organs and in hormonal, immune, digestive, and reproductive systems. These modifications to foods and food production may also be contributors to colon, breast, lymphatic, and prostate cancers.

Experts are discouraged that regulators and GM companies systematically overlook potential side effects of GM. Monsanto’s objective to use biotechnology to change the world’s food supply is the opposite policy direction your administration should pursue. Your legacy of supporting Monsanto to have free rein in U.S. food policy is a nightmare scenario that is against the interest of all Americans and world citizens.

Will you sign the petition? Click here to add your name, and then pass it along to your friends:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=269891&id=35269-21087915-c0s4_0x&t=3

Thanks!

–Frederick Ravid

The text above was written by Frederick Ravid, not by MoveOn staff, and MoveOn is not responsible for the content. This email was sent through MoveOn’s secure system, and your information has been kept private.