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Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers the nomination of Richard Cordray & S.1944,the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of


the Senate Convenes: 9:30amET December 8, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Calendar #413, the nomination of Richard Cordray, of Ohio, to be Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with the time until 10:30am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.
  • At 10:30am, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Cordray nomination.
  • When the Senate resumes Legislative Session, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011.
  • As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 during Wednesday’s session. Unless an agreement is reached, this vote will be Friday morning.

At approximately 10:30am today, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Richard Cordray, of Ohio, to be Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

10:30am The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Richard Cordray, of Ohio, to be Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Not Invoked: 53-45, 1 voting present

By unanimous consent, at 2:30pm today there will be 2 roll call votes in relation to the following motions:

– Reid motion to proceed to S.1944, Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (Casey)

– McConnell motion to proceed to S.1931, Temporary Tax Holiday and Government Reduction Act (Heller)

Each motion is subject to a 60-affirmative vote threshold. The time until 2:30pm is equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees. Cloture with respect to the motion to proceed to S.1944 was vitiated.

2:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Reid motion to proceed to S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011; Not Agreed to: 50-48 (60-vote threshold)

3:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the McConnell motion to proceed to S.1931, Temporary Tax Holiday and Government Reduction Act (60-vote threshold)

Following the vote on the McConnell motion to proceed to S.1931, there will be no further roll call votes this week.

WRAP UP FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

ROLL CALL VOTES

1) Motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Richard Cordray, of OH, to be Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Not Invoked: 53-41-1(present)

2) Reid motion to proceed to S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011; Not Agreed to: 50-48 (60-vote threshold)

3) McConnell motion to proceed to S.1931, Temporary Tax Holiday and Government Reduction Act; Not Agreed to: 22-76 (60-vote threshold)

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Concurred in the House Message to accompany S.J.Res.22, a joint resolution to grant the consent of Congress to an amendment to the compact between the States of Missouri and Illinois providing that bonds issued by the Bi-State Development Agency may mature in not to exceed 40 years.

Discharged the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Passed H.R.2061, the Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011

Adopted H.Con.Res.86, Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 2061.

Passed S.1974, the Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act of 2011.

 

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

. -The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 9, 2011.5:15:17 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.5:15:04 P.M. -Mr. West moved that the House do now adjourn.3:09:14 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.3:07:50 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.3:06:59 P.M. -Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, December 9, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 12 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2011, for Morning-Hour Debate. Agreed to without objection.3:06:58 P.M. -Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, December 8, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:46:24 P.M. -COLLOQUY ON HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Hoyer for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Mr. Cantor on the expectations regarding the legislative schedule for the House during the upcoming week.2:45:22 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.2:43:57 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 470.2:43:20 P.M. -H.R. 1633Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:43:19 P.M. -H.R. 1633On passage Passed by recorded vote: 268 – 150 (Roll no. 912).2:34:44 P.M. -H.R. 1633On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 166 – 252 (Roll no. 911).2:18:23 P.M. -H.R. 1633The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.2:07:37 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeGette motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment that adds a new section to the bill to prohibit any part of the bill from limiting the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation promulgated under the Clean Air Act relating to specified emissions.2:06:30 P.M. -H.R. 1633Ms. DeGette moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.2:05:16 P.M. -H.R. 1633The 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.2:05:01 P.M. -H.R. 1633The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:04:15 P.M. -H.R. 1633The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1633.2:04:04 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Green, Al amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 247 (Roll no. 910).2:00:49 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Waxman amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 158 – 257 (Roll no. 909).1:57:34 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Markey amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 249 (Roll no. 908).1:54:06 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Christensen amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 159 – 250 (Roll no. 907).1:49:58 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Rush amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 150 – 255 (Roll no. 906).1:27:06 P.M. -H.R. 1633UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on adoption of amendments which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.1:26:13 P.M. -H.R. 1633POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Al Green (TX) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Green demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.1:16:32 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Al Green (TX) amendment.1:16:29 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Green, Al, numbered 8 printed in House Report 112-317 to require EPA to provide a report of the increase or decrease in the number of jobs as a result of enactment of the bill.1:16:05 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Schock amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.1:05:54 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schock amendment.1:05:52 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Schock, numbered 7 printed in House Report 112-317 to require the EPA to take agriculture jobs and the economic impact on the agriculture industry into account before they issue any new regulations relating to agriculture. If a proposed regulation was found to cause the loss of more than 100 agriculturally related jobs or a decrease in more than $1,000,000 in agriculturally related economic activity then EPA would have to give notice to the State’s Congressional Delegation, Governor, and Legislature, and also hold a public hearing in the impacted State.1:05:25 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Flake amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.1:00:03 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flake amendment.12:59:42 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Flake, numbered 6 printed in House Report 112-317 to add sense of Congress language regarding an approach to excluding so-called `exceptional events’ (like massive dust storms that are not controllable or preventable) from determinations of whether an area is in compliance with the coarse particulate matter standard.12:59:28 P.M. -H.R. 1633POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waxman amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Whitfield demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:51:45 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waxman amendment.12:51:21 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Waxman, numbered 5 printed in House Report 112-317 to require that particulate pollution produced from mining activities is not defined as `nuisance dust’ and thus remains subject to the Clean Air Act.12:50:51 P.M. -H.R. 1633POSTPONED 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.12:42:51 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Markey amendment.12:42:34 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Markey, numbered 4 printed in House Report 112-317 to ensure that particulate matter containing arsenic and other heavy metals that are hazardous to human health is not nuisance dust and remains subject to the Clean Air Act.12:42:12 P.M. -H.R. 1633On agreeing to the Crawford amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.12:39:03 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Crawford amendment.12:38:41 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Crawford, numbered 3 printed in House Report 112-317 to direct the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture when modifying National Ambient Air Quality Standards with respect to `nuisance dust’ under exceptions provided in Sec. 132(b) of the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011.12:38:17 P.M. -H.R. 1633POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Christensen amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Christensen demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:29:39 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Christensen amendment.12:29:20 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mrs. Christensen, numbered 2 printed in House Report 112-317 to allow the EPA the authority under the Clean Air Act to step in and take action to reduce dangerous particle pollution if state, local, or tribal laws are not sufficient to protect public health.12:28:35 P.M. -H.R. 1633POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.12:22:23 P.M. -H.R. 1633DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 487, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment.12:22:03 P.M. -H.R. 1633An amendment, offered by Mr. Rush, numbered 1 printed in House Report 112-317 to clarify that nothing in the bill precludes the EPA Administrator from enforcing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM2.5 and would delete section 3, which allows the EPA to regulate `nuisance dust’ in areas where states and localities do not do so if it substantially hurts public health and if the benefits of applying standards would outweigh the costs.11:19:27 A.M. -H.R. 1633GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1633.11:19:19 A.M. -H.R. 1633The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Womack to act as Chairman of the Committee.11:19:18 A.M. -H.R. 1633House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 487 and Rule XVIII.11:18:47 A.M. -H.R. 1633Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1633 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution waives all points of order against consideration of the bill; proivdes that the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce shall be considered as original text for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read. Further it waives all points of order against the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute.11:18:42 A.M. -H.R. 1633Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 487. H.R. 1633 — “To establish a temporary prohibition against revising any national ambient air quality standard applicable to coarse particulate matter, to limit Federal regulation of nuisance dust in areas in which such dust is regulated under State, tribal, or local law, and for other purposes.”11:18:37 A.M. -On approving the Journal Agreed to by recorded vote: 312 – 94, 1 Present (Roll no. 905).11:12:04 A.M. -H.R. 1254Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:12:03 A.M. -H.R. 1254On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 317 – 98 (Roll no. 904).11:04:59 A.M. -H.R. 1254Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 1254 — “To amend the Controlled Substances Act to place synthetic drugs in Schedule I.”11:04:53 A.M. -H. Res. 487Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:04:52 A.M. -H. Res. 487On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 249 – 161 (Roll no. 903).10:58:46 A.M. -H. Res. 487On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 241 – 173 (Roll no. 902).10:31:23 A.M. -H. Res. 487Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 487 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1633) to establish a temporary prohibition against revising any national ambient air quality standard applicable to coarse particulate matter, to limit Federal regulation of nuisance dust in areas in which such dust is regulated under State, tribal, or local law, and for other purposes.”10:30:30 A.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on ordering the previous question and adoption of H. Res. 487, a motion to suspend the rules, and adoption of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, all of which had debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.10:30:00 A.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 8.9:50:46 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.9:50:08 A.M. -H. Res. 487POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 487, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis (CO) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until later in the legislative day.9:15:40 A.M. -H. Res. 487DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 487.9:15:20 A.M. -H. Res. 487Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 487 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1633) to establish a temporary prohibition against revising any national ambient air quality standard applicable to coarse particulate matter, to limit Federal regulation of nuisance dust in areas in which such dust is regulated under State, tribal, or local law, and for other purposes.”9:15:00 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1958.9:03:31 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.9:02:00 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Poe of TX to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:01:00 A.M. -POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Pitts demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pitts objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.9:00:20 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:10 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Candice S. Miller to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:00:00 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Tell Your Friends to Contact President Obama on Birth Control Access


National Women's Law Center
 

Thank you for recently taking action to tell President Obama that ALL women need affordable access to birth control! Over 10,000 of our supporters joined you in standing up for the nearly 1.5 million women who could lose access to birth control without a co-pay.

But, we need to make sure we keep the pressure on — please forward this message to your friends, family, and others in your life who support women’s access to reproductive health care, so they, too, can tell President Obama that ALL women, regardless of where they work, should have access to contraception without co-pays.

Thank you for helping to protect women’s access to reproductive health care.

Sincerely,

Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center

P.S. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter to take action today, too.


 

 
 
     
  Access to Birth Control At Risk  
     
   
     
  Tell President Obama that ALL women need access to contraception without co-pays.  
     
  Take Action  
     

Dear Carmen,

They’re at it again. Opponents of birth control are trying to put women’s health at risk.

Over the summer, we secured a big victory when we helped get all forms of FDA-approved contraceptives covered and without a co-pay. However, we were dismayed that the administration allowed some employers to deny this coverage to their employees. Now, some opponents of contraception are pressuring President Obama to deny this critical benefit to more than a million more women.

Tell them NO! When we make progress in women’s health, ALL women deserve to be part of that success. Tell the President that all women should have coverage of contraception without co-pays.

The reality is that nearly all of sexually active women in the U.S., regardless of their religious beliefs, use contraception at some point in their lives, and it is a preventive health service that should be covered regardless of where they work.

Tell President Obama to give all women access to contraception without co-pays.

For many years, the National Women’s Law Center has been working to get contraception covered in all health insurance plans, and we won’t stop now! This summer over 60,000 of you joined our effort to say: birth control — we got you covered! We need your help again to ensure that ALL women have access to affordable contraceptiontell President Obama to give ALL women access to contraception without co-pays.

Thank you for continuing to stand up for the health of women and their families.

Sincerely,

 
Judy Waxman   Judy Waxman
Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights
National Women’s Law Center
 

P.S. Your support allows us to continue to improve the health care of women and their families as well as work on many other critical issues. Please consider making a contribution today.

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate


the Senate Convened at  10:00amET December 6,2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 11:00am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Caitlyn Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit with one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees.
  • At approximately 12:00pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Halligan nomination.
  • The Senate will recess from 12:30pm until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At approximately 12:00pm, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Caitlyn Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit.

During Tuesday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on Executive Calendar #413, the nomination of Richard Cordray, of Ohio, to be Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection for a term of five years. If no agreement is reached, this vote will occur Thursday morning.

12:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Caitlyn Halligan to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Not Invoked: 54-45-1 (present)

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Motion to invoke cloture on Caitlyn Halligan to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit; Not Invoked: 54-45-1

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Unanimous Consent to print H.R.1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, as passed by the Senate on December 1, 2011.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S. S.1944, the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (Casey).

No EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 6, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 -H.R. 2471DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2471.2:52:15 P.M. -H.R. 2471Considered under suspension of the rules.2:51:34 P.M. -H.R. 2471Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2471 — “To amend section 2710 of title 18, United States Code, to clarify that a video tape service provider may obtain a consumer’s informed, written consent on an ongoing basis and that consent may be obtained through the Internet.”2:51:33 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 6.1:54:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. today. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:45 P.M. today.1:53:40 P.M. -H.R. 2297Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:53:38 P.M. -H.R. 2297On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:48:10 P.M. -H.R. 2297DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2297.1:48:09 P.M. -H.R. 2297Considered under suspension of the rules.1:48:00 P.M. -H.R. 2297Mr. Gowdy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2297 — “To promote the development of the Southwest waterfront in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.”1:47:34 P.M. -H.R. 3237Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:47:31 P.M. -H.R. 3237On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:44:16 P.M. -H.R. 3237DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3237.1:44:12 P.M. -H.R. 3237Considered under suspension of the rules.1:43:51 P.M. -H.R. 3237Mr. Gowdy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 3237 — “To amend the SOAR Act by clarifying the scope of coverage of the Act.”1:43:19 P.M. -H.R. 2405Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:43:15 P.M. -H.R. 2405On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.1:25:41 P.M. -H.R. 2405DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2405.1:25:40 P.M. -H.R. 2405Considered under suspension of the rules.1:25:02 P.M. -H.R. 2405Mr. Pitts moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 2405 — “To reauthorize certain provisions of the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to public health preparedness and countermeasure development, and for other purposes.”1:24:31 P.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.1:23:31 P.M. -H. Res. 479POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 479, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on ordering the previous question until a time to be announced.12:33:47 P.M. -H. Res. 479DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 479.12:30:20 P.M. -H. Res. 479Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 479 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 10) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law, and for other purposes.”12:04:00 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.12:03:40 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Fleischmann to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:03:00 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:01:11 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Bryan Thiessen, Journey Church, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania12:00:58 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 6.11:00:37 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:47 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.10:00:37 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:24 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers S.1867,the Department of Defense Authorization Act&receive report on HR2112,the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill


the Senate Convened at 10:00amET November 17, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for one hour with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization Act.
  • We expect to receive the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill, which contains the continuing resolution during Thursday’s session. Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

  • Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
  • Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
The following amendments have been considered:

The Senate is considering S.1867, the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

Senator McConnell has called up amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions). By consent, the next amendment offered will be by Senators Levin and McCain and the Levin-McCain amendment will be considered as being the first amendment offered.

The Levin-McCain amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts) is pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act. The Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft) was agreed to by unanimous consent.

The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

  • Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
  • Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
  • Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard)
The following amendments have been considered:
  • Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft)

2:13PM During Thursday’s session, Senator Cardin asked unanimous consent that the Senate confirm Executive Calendar #403, Kenneth J. Kopocis, of VA, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Senator Barrasso then objected to Senators Cardin’s request.

5:10PM The following amendments are pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act:

  • Levin amendment #1092 (counterfeit electronic parts)
  • Kirk amendment #1084 (Iran Sanctions)
  • Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard)
  • Paul amendment #1064 (repeal of Military Force Against Iraq Authorization Resolution)
  • Merkley amendment #1174 (Afghanistan)
The following amendments have been considered:
  • Ayotte amendment #1065 (force structure for strategic airlift aircraft)

5:30PM  The Senate is now debating the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill, which includes the continuing resolution momentarily. There will be up to two hours of debate equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. However, we expect to yield back some debate time and vote as early as 7:00pm. The conference report will be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Additionally, the Leahy amendment #1072 (National Guard), the Paul amendment #1064 (repeal the Military Force against Iraq Authorization Resolution) and the Merkley amendment #1174 (Afghanistan) were made pending to S.1867, the DoD Authorization Act prior to turning to the conference report to accompany H.R.2112.

    6:41pm The Senate began a roll call vote on adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS, and Transportation Appropriations bill. Adopted: 70-30

ROLL CALL VOTE

1) Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2112, the Agriculture, CJS and Transportation Appropriations bill; Adopted: 70-30

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed H.R.2059, a bill to protect the safety of judges by extending the authority of the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive information contained in their financial disclosure reports, and for other purposes.

Passed H.R.2056, to instruct the Inspector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to study the impact of insured depository institution failures, and for other purposes with a Levin amendment

Passed H.R.3321, America’s Cup Act of 2011 with a Feinstein substitute amendment

Passed S.99, the American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2011 with a committee-reported substitute amendment and Bingaman amendment

Adopted S.Res.332, supporting the goals and ideals of American Education Week

Adopted S.Res.333, a resolution honoring former World War II U.S. POWs

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CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF NOVEMBER 17, 2011

 112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

3Votes today … minibus … balanced budget amendment …

-The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on November 18, 2011.9:44:15 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.9:44:00 P.M. -Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.7:36:09 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order Speeches.7:36:08 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate agreed to the conference report on H.R. 2112.7:19:00 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.7:18:59 P.M. -The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification to extend the period of production of the Naval Petroleum Reserves for a period of 3 years from April 5, 2012. – referred to the Committee on Armed Services and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-73).7:18:31 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to section 2 of H. Res. 466, further consideration of this motion is postponed.4:39:42 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2DEBATE – The House continued with debate on H.J. Res. 2.4:39:41 P.M. -Ms. Foxx filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 470.4:23:40 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 466, the House proceeded with 5 hours of debate on H.J. Res. 2.4:22:15 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2Considered under suspension of the rules.4:22:00 P.M. -H.J. Res. 2Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the resolution, as amended. H.J. Res. 2 — “Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”4:18:18 P.M. -H.R. 2112Motions to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.4:18:18 P.M. -H.R. 2112On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 298 – 121 (Roll no. 857).3:53:30 P.M. -H.R. 2112The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.2:47:49 P.M. -H.R. 2112DEBATE – Pursuant to H. Res. 467, the House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the conference report to accompany H.R. 2112.2:45:59 P.M. -H.R. 2112Mr. Rogers (KY) brought up conference report H. Rept. 112-284 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 467.2:44:53 P.M. -H. Res. 467Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:44:52 P.M. -H. Res. 467On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 262 – 156 (Roll no. 856).2:38:00 P.M. -H. Res. 467Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 467 — “Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2112) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.”2:37:58 P.M. -H. Res. 466Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:37:55 P.M. -H. Res. 466On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 248 – 169 (Roll no. 855).2:29:35 P.M. -H. Res. 466On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 173 (Roll no. 854).1:04:41 P.M. -H. Res. 466DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 466.1:04:18 P.M. -H. Res. 466Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 466 — “Providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”1:03:29 P.M. -H. Res. 467POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 467, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Slaughter demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the resolution until a time to be announced.1:03:07 P.M. -H. Res. 467The previous question was ordered without objection.12:33:22 P.M. -H. Res. 467DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 467.12:33:07 P.M. -H. Res. 467Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 467 — “Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2112) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.”12:02:27 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.12:01:54 P.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Donnelly of IN to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.12:01:51 P.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.12:00:34 P.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Martin R. Springer, Trinity Lutheran Ministries, Edwardsville, Illinois.12:00:30 P.M. -The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of November 17.11:30:24 A.M. -The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.10:00:48 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.10:00:39 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.10:00:21 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.