Category Archives: ~ Recent Post

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate consider S.2343


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

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • It is Majority Leader Reid’s intention to resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.2343, the Stop Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act upon convening on Wednesday.  We expect to equally divide the first hour between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the Majority controlling the second 30 minutes.

This morning Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.2343, Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012. The Senate will continue to debate the motion to proceed today with time until 2pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.2224, To require the President to report to Congress on issues related to Syria with Corker-Webb substitute amendment.

Adopted H.Con.Res.105, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.

Adopted H.Con.Res.106: a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Adopted H.Con.Res.117, a concurrent resolution authoring the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.

Adopted H.Con.Res.118, a concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Adopted S.Res.450, designating May 15, 2012, as “National MPS Awareness Day”.

Adopted S.Res.451, recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism to the United States of America.

Adopted S.Res.452, designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” and recognizing that the collection and restoration and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

—————————————————————————————————————————

9:00 am Hearing: Chairman Herger Announces Hearing on the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Competitive Bidding Program Committee on Ways and Means: Health 9:00 am Hearing: The American Energy InitiativeCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Power 9:30 am Markup: H.R. 3857, H.R. 4005, H.R. 3173, and H.R. 2356Committee on Homeland Security: Full Committee 10:00 am Hearing: Oversight Hearing on “Evaluating President Obama’s Offshore Drilling Plan and Impacts on Our Future”Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee 10:00 am Hearing: Oversight Hearing on the Federal Bureau of InvestigationCommittee on the Judiciary: Full Committee 10:00 am Hearing: Budget and Spending Concerns at HHSCommittee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations 10:00 am Hearing: Hearing entitled “Rising Regulatory Compliance Costs and Their Impact on the Health of Small Financial Institutions”Committee on Financial Services: Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit 10:00 am Markup: National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013Committee on Armed Services: Full Committee 10:15 am Markup: Subcommittee Mark Up – FY 2013 Homeland Security Appropriations BillCommittee on Appropriations: Homeland Security 11:00 am Markup: Subcommittee Mark Up – FY 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations BillCommittee on Appropriations: State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs 11:00 am Hearing: Joint Subcommittee Hearing: First Responder Technologies: Ensuring a Prioritized Approach for Homeland Security Research and DevelopmentCommittee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies 1:00 pm Hearing: Running on Empty: The Effects of High Gasoline Prices on Small BusinessesCommittee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Committee 1:00 pm Hearing: Joint Hearing: TSA Oversight Part IV: Is TSA Effectively Procuring, Deploying, and Storing Aviation Security Equipment and Technology?Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Full Committee 1:00 pm Hearing: Joint Hearing: TSA Oversight Part IV: Is TSA Effectively Procuring, Deploying, and Storing Aviation Security Equipment and Technology?Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee 2:00 pm Hearing: Assessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs Amidst Economic Challenges in the Middle EastCommittee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia 2:00 pm Hearing: Hearing entitled “Oversight of the Federal Housing Administration’s Reverse Mortgage Program for Seniors” Committee on Financial Services: Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity 2:00 pm Hearing: American Taxpayer Dollars at the NSFCommittee on Science, Space, and Technology: Subcommittee on Research and Science Education 2:00 pm Hearing: Chairman Johnson Announces a Hearing on  The State of Social Security’s Information Technology Committee on Ways and Means: Social Security

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 9, 2012

112TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION.

. -The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 10, 2012.12:01:58 A.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.12:01:57 A.M. -Mr. Wolf moved that the House do now adjourn.12:01:56 A.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause 1(c) of Rule 19, the Chair postponed further proceedings on H.R. 5326 until a time to be announced.12:01:49 A.M. -H.R. 5326The 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.12:01:34 A.M. -H.R. 5326The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.12:01:05 A.M. -H.R. 5326The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 5326.11:59:49 P.M. -H.R. 5326On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.11:59:32 P.M. -H.R. 5326Mr. Wolf moved that the Committee rise.11:58:56 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 208 (Roll no. 243).11:55:07 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 209 – 217 (Roll no. 242).11:52:13 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Cravaack amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 188 (Roll no. 241).11:49:26 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 193 – 232 (Roll no. 240).11:45:31 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Lewis (GA) amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 189 – 235 (Roll no. 239).11:42:27 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Rohrabacher amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 163 – 262 (Roll no. 238).11:37:36 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Gardner amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 357 – 68 (Roll no. 237).11:35:05 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Landry amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 218 – 201 (Roll no. 236).11:31:19 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Huelskamp amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 245 – 171 (Roll no. 235).11:07:41 P.M. -H.R. 5326UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.11:05:40 P.M. -H.R. 5326The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.11:04:55 P.M. -Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 648.11:04:46 P.M. -H.R. 5326Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5326 as unfinished business.11:04:32 P.M. -H.R. 5326 On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.11:04:15 P.M. -H.R. 5326Mr. Wolf moved that the Committee rise.11:01:41 P.M. -H.R. 5326Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 5326.11:00:31 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Huelskamp amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fattah demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.10:28:58 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Huelskamp amendment No. 24 under the five-minute rule.10:28:56 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Huelskamp,  numbered 24 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used in contravention of the Defense of Marriage Act.10:28:06 P.M. -H.R. 5326By unanimous consent, the Broun (GA) amendment was withdrawn.9:58:35 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Broun (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.9:58:33 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Broun (GA),  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to carry out or enforce section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973c).9:57:52 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fattah demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.9:48:52 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.9:48:50 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to carry out the functions of the Political Science Program in the Division of Social and Economic Sciences of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences of the National Science Foundation.9:48:24 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flake amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fattah demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.9:35:26 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flake amendment under the five-minute rule.9:35:23 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to carry out the SelectUSA initiative.9:35:08 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Denham amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.9:27:39 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Denham amendment under the five-minute rule.9:27:36 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Denham,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to provide services from or for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, the United States Marshals Service, or employees of the Department of Justice, to carry out activities located at a newly constructed Federal courthouse located on a site between Broadway, Hill, First, and Second Streets in Los Angeles, California.9:26:55 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Denham amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.9:18:42 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Denham amendment No. 26 under the five-minute rule.9:18:40 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Denham,  numbered 26 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to reintroduce California Central Valley Spring Run Chinook salmon.9:17:57 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Garamendi amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.9:11:37 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garamendi amendment under the five-minute rule.9:11:35 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Garamendi,  to reduce funds in numerous administrative accounts under the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, National Science Foundation and other areas. The amendment increases funds by $443,000 to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership under the National Institute of Standards and Technology.9:11:17 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Brown (FL) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.9:06:01 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Brown (FL) amendment under the five-minute rule.9:05:58 P.M. -H.R. 5326Amendment  offered by Ms. Brown (FL).9:05:38 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cravaack amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fattah demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.8:59:28 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cravaack amendment No. 7 under the five-minute rule.8:59:25 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Cravaack,  numbered 7 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to carry out the activities of the Climate Change Education program of the National Science Foundation.8:59:01 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Holt amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Holt demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.8:39:03 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Holt amendment under the five-minute rule.8:38:59 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Department of Justice in contravention of any of the following: 1) The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States; 2) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (relating to nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs); 3) Section 809(c)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (relating to prohibition of discrimination); and 4) Section 210401(a) of the Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (relating to unlawful police pattern or practice).8:37:38 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Chaffetz amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.8:27:38 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chaffetz amendment No. 36 under the five-minute rule.8:27:33 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Chaffetz,  numbered 36 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to implement a section of the Americans with Disabilities Act which allows miniature horses to be used as service animals.8:26:39 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Lewis (GA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Lewis (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.8:09:07 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lewis (GA) amendment under the five-minute rule.8:09:05 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Lewis (GA),  to prohibit the use of funds to be obligated for the purpose of closing the regional field offices of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.8:08:47 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED 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.7:25:53 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Rohrabacher amendment under the five-minute rule.7:25:51 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Rohrabacher,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used with respect to preventing the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington from implementing their own State laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana.7:24:39 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Walsh (IL) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.7:19:40 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Walsh (IL) amendment under the five-minute rule.7:19:37 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Walsh (IL),  to prohibit the use of funds made available for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program under the heading “Department of Justice-State and Local Law Enforcement Activities-Office of Justice Programs-State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance” may be made available to any State or local government that violates section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act 1996.7:18:52 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Engel amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.7:15:28 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Engel amendment No. 28 under the five-minute rule.7:15:11 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Engel,  numbered 28 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to lease or purchase new light duty vehicles, for any executive fleet, or for an agency’s fleet inventory, except in accordance with Presidential Memorandum-Federal Fleet Performance, dated May 24, 2011.7:14:42 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gardner amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gardner demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.7:12:05 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Gardner amendment No. 32 under the five-minute rule.7:12:02 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Gardner,  numbered 32 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to be used to pay the salary of any officer or employee of the Department of Commerce who uses amounts in the Fisheries Enforcement Asset Forfeiture Fund of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that consists of the sums described in section 311(e)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1861(e)(1)) for any purpose other than a purpose specifically authorized under such section.7:11:27 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Landry amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Landry demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.7:09:08 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Landry amendment under the five-minute rule.7:09:01 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Landry,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to implement a proposed rule for turtle excluder devices as described in the Southeast Fishery Bulletin published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on May 8, 2012.7:00:13 P.M. -H.R. 5326Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on pro forma amendments to H.R. 5326.6:58:45 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 174 (Roll no. 234).6:55:29 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 250 – 173 (Roll no. 233).6:51:53 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Webster amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 190 (Roll no. 232).6:48:39 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Schweikert amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 190 (Roll no. 231).6:45:32 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Garrett amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 185 (Roll no. 230).6:41:48 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Duncan (SC) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 232 – 192 (Roll no. 229).6:37:37 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 229 – 194 (Roll no. 228).6:33:50 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Tierney amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 160 – 260 (Roll no. 227).6:30:07 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Chaffetz amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 381 – 41 (Roll no. 226).6:03:35 P.M. -H.R. 5326UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.6:03:31 P.M. -H.R. 5326The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.6:03:19 P.M. -H.R. 5326Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5326 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”6:02:27 P.M. -Mr. Chaffetz filed a report from the Committee on The Budget on H.R. 5652.6:02:03 P.M. -Mr. Chaffetz filed a report from the Committee on The Budget on H.R. 4966.6:01:47 P.M. -H.R. 5326Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5326 as unfinished business.6:01:30 P.M. -H.R. 5326On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.6:01:09 P.M. -H.R. 5326Mr. Wolf moved that the Committee rise.6:00:20 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flores amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flores demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.5:16:18 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.5:16:12 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used for National Ocean Policy.5:15:29 P.M. -H.R. 5326ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Wolf asked unanimous consent that he be permitted to request a recorded vote on the amendment offered by Mr. Webster. Agreed to without objection and without objection, the proceedings by which the amendment was agreed to by an earlier voice vote are vacated and a recorded vote is requested on the amendment offered by Mr. Webster. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the question of adoption of the Webster amendment would be postponed until a time to be announced.5:15:18 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Flores amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flores demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.5:08:35 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Flores amendment under the five-minute rule.5:08:32 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used to enforce section 526 of the Energy Independence Security Act.5:03:26 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Webster amendment Agreed to by voice vote.4:49:35 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Webster amendment under the five-minute rule.4:49:33 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Webster,  to prohibit the use of funds to conduct the survey, conducted by the Secretary of Commerce, commonly referred to as the “American Community Survey”.4:48:44 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Poe (TX) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.4:33:09 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Poe (TX) amendment No. 14 under the five-minute rule.4:33:03 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Poe (TX),  numbered 14 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to enforce section 221(a) of title 13, United States Code, with respect to the American Community Survey.4:32:40 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schweikert amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fattah demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:21:28 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Schweikert amendment under the five-minute rule.4:21:26 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Schweikert,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Department of Justice to bring any action against any State for implementation of a State law requiring voter identification.4:20:34 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Garrett amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Fattah demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.4:10:46 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Garrett amendment under the five-minute rule.4:10:38 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Garrett,  to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the Department of Justice to be a party to a single or multi-state court settlement where funds are removed from any residential mortgage-backed securitization trust.4:06:05 P.M. -H.R. 5326On agreeing to the Quayle amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.3:59:22 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Quayle amendment under the five-minute rule.3:59:18 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Quayle,  to prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce the EEOC Enforcement Guidance Number 915.002 concerning “Consideration of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions.”3:58:59 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Duncan(SC) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Gene Green (TX) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.3:55:50 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Duncan(SC) amendment No. 38 under the five-minute rule.3:55:46 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Duncan (SC),  numbered 38 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to litigate against any of the several States on behalf of the National Labor Relations Board pertaining to secret ballot union elections.3:52:46 P.M. -H.R. 5326By unanimous consent, the Lee (CA) amendment was withdrawn.3:45:57 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Lee (CA) amendment under the five-minute rule, pending reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the amendment was withdrawn.3:45:47 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Ms. Lee (CA),  to add a new section for the “Department of Justice-Community Oriented Policing Services Programs is hereby increased by, and the aggregate total of other amounts made available by this Act that are not required to be made available by a provision of law are hereby reduced by $177,087,000.3:45:04 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Blackburn demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.3:28:28 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Blackburn amendment under the five-minute rule.3:28:26 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn,  to prohibit the use of funds to defend against any action challenging any provision of Public Law 111-148 or any provision of title I or subtitle B of title II of Public Law 111-152; or any amendment to a provision of law made by any provision described in paragraph (1).3:24:25 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Tierney amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Tierney demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.3:07:46 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Tierney amendment under the five-minute rule.3:07:43 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Tierney,  to add a new section for the “Department of Justice, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance” for the John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders program, as authorized by the first section 3001 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The amendment says the amount otherwise provided by this Act for the “National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Science” for Mars Next Decade is hereby reduced by $10,000,000.3:06:33 P.M. -H.R. 5326POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Chaffetz amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Chaffetz demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.2:44:19 P.M. -H.R. 5326DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 643, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Chaffetz amendment under the five-minute rule.2:43:26 P.M. -H.R. 5326An amendment, offered by Mr. Chaffetz,  to prohibit the use of funds used in contravention of paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 1001(a) of title 18, United State Code.2:41:48 P.M. -H.R. 5326The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.2:41:36 P.M. -H.R. 5326Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5326 — “Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.”2:40:54 P.M. -H.R. 4967Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:40:51 P.M. -H.R. 4967On passage Passed without objection.2:40:32 P.M. -H.R. 4967Considered by unanimous consent. H.R. 4967 — “To prevent the termination of the temporary office of bankruptcy judges in certain judicial districts.”2:40:32 P.M. -H.R. 4967Mr. Coble asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.2:39:28 P.M. -H.R. 4133Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:39:27 P.M. -H.R. 4133On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 – 2, 9 Present (Roll no. 225).2:31:53 P.M. -H.R. 4133Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4133 — “To express the sense of Congress regarding the United States-Israel strategic relationship, to direct the President to submit to Congress reports on United States actions to enhance this relationship and to assist in the defense of Israel, and for other purposes.”2:31:39 P.M. -H.R. 2072Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:31:38 P.M. -H.R. 2072On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 330 – 93 (Roll no. 224).2:06:50 P.M. -H.R. 2072Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2072 — “To reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and for other purposes.”2:06:45 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.2:06:13 P.M. -Ms. Ros-Lehtinen asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. on May 10. Agreed to without objection.2:05:25 P.M. -H.R. 4133At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.1:19:30 P.M. -H.R. 4133DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4133.1:19:28 P.M. -H.R. 4133Considered under suspension of the rules.1:19:17 P.M. -H.R. 4133Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4133 — “To express the sense of Congress regarding the United States-Israel strategic relationship, to direct the President to submit to Congress reports on United States actions to enhance this relationship and to assist in the defense of Israel, and for other purposes.”1:18:45 P.M. -H.R. 2072At 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.12:31:01 P.M. -H.R. 2072DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2072.12:30:59 P.M. -H.R. 2072Considered under suspension of the rules.12:30:41 P.M. -H.R. 2072Mr. Miller, Gary moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2072 — “To reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and for other purposes.”12:30:26 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.12:27:38 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, is to continue in effect beyond May 11, 2012 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-107).12:27:14 P.M. -The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 9, 2012 at 9:22 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 2668 without amendment and S. 743.12:04:04 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.12:03:37 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Higgins to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:30 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:00 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.12:00:00 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 9.10:51:09 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:01:11 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.10:00:38 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Gregg Harper to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:24 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Fired for her credit score … Tim Newman, Change.org


Fired for having student loans? Latoya Horton says she was fired from her job as an accountant, not because she did anything wrong, but because her employer checked her credit report and decided her debt-to-credit ratio was too high. Latoya was outraged: “How are you supposed to pay off your student loans if you can’t get — or keep — a job because of your loans?”

It happens more than you think: Latoya found out that 60% of employers now check employees’ credit reports. They often buy them from TransUnion, one of the largest credit reporting companies. TransUnion’s chair, Penny Pritzker, even sits on President Obama’s jobs panel. She’s responsible for spurring job creation, but her company is profiting from a practice that makes it harder for people with debt to find work.

You can help: Latoya started a petition on Change.org demanding that TransUnion stop selling credit reports to employers immediately. If thousands of people sign Latoya’s petition, it will shine a national spotlight on what Latoya thinks is an ethically dubious practice, and TransUnion’s executives will be forced to respond.

Click here to sign Latoya’s petition.

Thanks,

– Tim

——

Here’s a lot more information about Latoya’s campaign in her own words:

Years ago I went to college to study accounting, and like millions of other Americans I took out loans to pay for it. A few years later I got a temporary job in the accounting department at Bain & Co., and after 6 months of reliable work I was thrilled to be offered a full-time position.

However, just a few weeks after starting in my new position the company fired me because my debt-to-credit ratio was too high. I later learned that 60% of employers now check credit reports, which typically include student debts. How are you supposed to pay off your student debts if you can’t get (or keep) a job BECAUSE of your debts? And what do my student debts have to do with my ability to do a job well anyway?

25 states have debated bills in the last year to restrict this practice, and in a number of these states one company has fought hardest against these efforts: credit reporting company TransUnion.

What’s ironic is that Penny Pritzker, TransUnion’s Chair and part owner, sits on President Obama’s Jobs and Competitiveness Council, which advises the President on putting Americans back to work. How can someone advise on national job creation when her company sells products that may keep qualified people out of work?

Please join me and 25 national civil rights organizations in calling on TransUnion to stop its sale of credit reports to employers. As the only one of the “Big 3” credit reporting companies that’s privately held, TransUnion has the ability to stop this practice overnight.

It was recently announced that in the coming weeks TransUnion will be sold to two private equity companies, including Goldman Sachs. If Penny Pritzker is serious about job creation, she should do what she can to ensure that her company stops this abusive practice before the company is sold.

Save The Bees … Corinne Ball, Change.org


Change.org
EPA: Ban the pesticide that’s threatening American bees with extinction
Sign Susan’s Petition

Here’s the buzz: American honey bees are disappearing at an alarming rate and the government knows why.

Scientists say a pesticide called clothianidin, made by chemical giant Bayer, is strongly linked to the rapid decline in bee populations. When exposed to the chemical, bees get lost: they are literally unable to find their way home back to the hive and drop dead from exhaustion.

Susan Mariner uses her backyard garden to grow extra fruits and veggies for her family and teach her children where their food comes from — and in the past few years, she’s seen the decline in bees firsthand.

When Susan heard about the recent studies linking this specific chemical to the widespread death of the bees who pollinate our food, she started a petition on Change.org to get the chemical banned. Click here to sign Susan’s petition asking the Environmental Protection Agency to ban these bee-killing pesticides ASAP.

One-third of the U.S. food supply relies on honey bees. Without bees to pollinate crops, many essential (and favorite) foods are at risk, including apples, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, almonds, and even chocolate.

Several countries, including Germany and France, have already banned clothianidin. And after the bans, bee populations began to rise again.

But in the U.S., clothianidin is used on millions of acres of crops and American beekeepers report losses of up to 90% of their bees. Many worry that their hives won’t survive another season. Sign Susan’s petition urging the EPA to save the bees and immediately end the harmful pesticide’s use.

Thanks for being a change-maker,

– Corinne and the Change.org team

Congress: the Republican led House- both Chambers back on 3/26 Supreme Court hears #ACA arguments – the Senate


the Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET March 26, 2012

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of Executive Calendar #337, S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act with the time until 5:30pm equally divided and controlled between the Leaders or their designees.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, on Thursday, March 22nd, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.2204, the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act and on the motion to proceed to Executive Calendar #296, S.1789, the Postal Reform bill.
  • At approximately 5:30pm on Monday, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2204. If cloture is not invoked, there will be a second roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1789, the Postal Reform Bill.

State Work Period April 2-13, 2012

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on March 26, 2012.