Category Archives: ~ Recent Post

Cost Estimates for the 112th Congress


H.R. 2883, Child and Family
Services Improvement and Innovation Act

September 19,
2011 pdf
Cost estimate for the bill as
ordered reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on September 14,
2011

H.R. 2005, Combating Autism
Reauthorization Act of 2011

September 19, 2011
pdf
Cost
estimate for the bill as introduced in the House of Representatives on May 26,
2011

H.R. 2433, Veterans Opportunity
to Work Act of 2011

September 19, 2011 pdf
Cost estimate
for the bill as ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on
September 8, 2011

Class Warfare


This morning, the President proposed the “Buffett Rule,” which would require those earning more than $1 million a year to pay the same share of their income in taxes as middle-class families do.

This proposal makes sure millionaires and billionaires share the responsibility for reducing the deficit. It would correct, for example, the fact that Warren Buffett‘s secretary currently pays taxes at a higher rate than he does.

The other side is already saying it’s “class warfare” — that’s their rhetorical smokescreen for providing millionaires and billionaires special treatment.

As the President said this morning, “This is not class warfare — it’s math.”

The wealthiest Americans don’t need further tax cuts and in many cases aren’t even asking for them. Requiring that they pay their fair share is the only practical way forward. The Republican alternative is to drastically slash education, gut Medicare, let roads and bridges crumble, and privatize Social Security. That’s not the America we believe in — but many in the Republican leadership actually prefer those policies, which explains their refusal to act.

That’s why they’ll say “tax increase” over and over again, trying to muddy the waters and trick ordinary Americans into thinking the Buffett Rule will hurt them. And if we don’t speak out right now, they just might get away with it.

WWW.BarackObama.com

Of course, the Buffett Rule won’t really touch most Americans — only 0.3% of households will even be affected.

And without it, the only way to reduce our debt is to savage the programs that seniors and middle-class families rely on.

That’s exactly what the President refuses to do — in fact, he’s said he’ll veto any bill that changes benefits for folks who rely on Medicare but doesn’t raise serious revenue by asking the wealthiest Americans or biggest corporations to pay their fair share.

This isn’t just a commonsense approach to cutting the deficit — it’s the only way to make sure we can provide security to people who work hard and play by the rules.

So right now, I’m asking you to say you’ll stand with the President on something that won’t be easy. Get the President’s back today:

WWW.BarackObama.ORG

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Congress: the Republican led House takes another Friday off – the Senate:plenty of bills on the table but …


the Senate Convenes at  10:00am September 16, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning
    business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • There will be no roll call votes on Friday.  The next roll call vote will be
    on Monday, September 19th at 5:30pm.

During Friday’s session of the Senate, Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to Calendar #166, H.R.2832, the Generalized System of Preferences Act, which will be the vehicle for Trade Adjustment Assistance.

By unanimous consent, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to H.R.2832 will be at 5:30pm on Monday, September 19th.

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

SHAME ON the Republican led House of Representatives … 9% unemployment, Housing, Economy issues &Speaker Boehner, Cantor, McConnell take FRIDAY OFF ?

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on September 19, 2011.

Congress:the Republican led House is offering bills on the Floor to keep Govt from creating jobs or helping&passes it… -the Senate trying to complete action on H.J.Res.66 and H.R.2887, the FAA and Highway extensions


CALL YOUR Representative … tell them to stop this insane behavior which is being led by Republicans in the House of Representatives

the Senate Convenes at 9:30am September 15, 2011

  • Following 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 Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the
    final half.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of
    H.J.Res.66, a joint resolution regarding Burma Sanctions and the legislative
    vehicle for additional FEMA funds.
  • As a reminder, Senator Reid filed cloture on the Reid substitute amendment
    #602 (the text of the Burma language and the FEMA language) and H.J.Res.66
    during Wednesday’s session.  Unless an agreement is reached, a cloture vote on
    the Reid substitute amendment #602 will occur Friday morning.  The filing
    deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reid substitute amendment #602
    and H.J.Res.66 is 1:00pm on Thursday, September 15th.
  • We hope to reach an agreement to complete action on H.J.Res.66 and H.R.2887,
    the FAA and Highway extensions during Thursday’s session of the Senate.
    Senators will be notified when votes are scheduled.

2:41PM  Senator Coburn just asked the following three consent requests which Reid
objected to:

1)      Proceed to House passed bill, H.R.2887, Surface and Air
Transportation Extension bill, agree to a Coburn substitute amendment (4 month
FAA extension) and pass the bill, as amended;

2)      Proceed to House passed bill, H.R.2887, Surface and Air
Transportation Extension bill, agree to a Coburn amendment repealing the 10
percent transportation enhancement mandate, and pass the bill, as amended;
and

3)      Proceed to House passed bill, H.R.2887, Surface and Air
Transportation Extension bill, agree to a Coburn substitute amendment (6 month
surface transportation extension and repeal of 10 percent transportation
enhancement mandate, and pass the bill, as amended.

Senator Reid then asked the following consent which Senator Coburn objected
to:

Proceed to House passed bill, H.R.2887, Surface and Air Transportation
Extension bill, have only three amendments in order:

–          Coburn (regarding transportation enhancements);

–          Paul ( regarding limitation on highway trust funds); and

–          Paul (regarding FAA funding levels)

That there be up to two hours of debate on the amendments prior to votes on
the amendments; that the amendments have a 60 vote affirmative threshold; and
upon disposition of the amendments, the Senate proceed to a vote on passage of
the bill, as amended, if amended.

12:36PM The Senate has reached an agreement to complete action on H.J.Res.66.  At
approximately 4:00pm, the Senate will conduct 3 roll call votes in relation to
the following:

  • Coburn #610 (offset re: duplicative programs) (60-vote threshold)
  • Paul #613 (offset re: Foreign Aid)(60-vote threshold) and
  • Reid substitute amendment #602, as amended, if amended (text of Burma
    language and additional FEMA funding language)(60-vote threshold)

If the Reid amendment #602, as amended, if amended, reaches the 60-vote
threshold, H.J.Res.66, as amended, will be agreed to.  If the Reid amendment
#602, as amended, if amended, does not achieve the 60-vote threshold, the
cloture motions will be withdrawn and the resolution will be returned to the
calendar.

9:47am The filing deadline for all first degree amendments to the Reid substitute
amendment #602 and to H.J.Res.66, a joint resolution regarding Burma Sanctions
and the legislative vehicle for additional FEMA funds is 1:00pm today.

If your Senator has a germane first degree amendment and would like to
preserve his or her right to offer, please send a signed copy of the amendment
to the cloakroom prior to the deadline.  If you have already filed, there is no
need to re-file.

VOTES

4:02pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #610
(offset-duplicative programs) to the Reid substitute amendment #602 (FEMA and
Burma Sanctions) to H.J.Res.66; Not Agreed to: 54-45 (60-vote threshold)

4:34pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Paul amendment #613 (offset with
Foreign Aid funds) to the Reid amendment #602 (Burma Sanctions and FEMA) to
H.J.Res.66; Not Agreed to: 20-78 (60-vote threshold)

The Senate has entered into a consent agreement to complete action on
H.R.2887, FAA and Highway extensions.  Following the roll call vote on the Reid
substitute amendment #602 to H.J.Res.66 (which will occur imminently), there
will be 10 minutes of debate and 3 roll call votes in relation to the
following:

–          Paul amendment to H.R.2887(regarding limitation on highway trust
funds)(60-vote threshold)

–          Paul amendment to H.R.2887 (regarding FAA funding levels)(60-vote
threshold)

–          Passage of H.R.2887, as amended, if amended (majority-vote
threshold)

5:00pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Reid amendment #602 (Burma
Sanctions and FEMA) to H.J.Res.66; Agreed to: 62-37.

5:31pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Paul Amendment to H.R.2887
(regarding limitation on highway trust funds) (60-vote threshold); Not agreed
to: 14-84.

5:51pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Paul amendment to H.R.2887 (regarding FAA funding levels) (60 vote threshold); Not agreed to: 36-61.

6:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of H.R.2887, the Surface and
Air Transportation Programs Extension Act of 2011; Passed 92-6.

Confirmed Executive Calendar #358 Wendy Ruth Sherman – to be an Under
Secretary of State (Political Affairs).

Adopted S.Res.268, relative to the death of Senator Malcolm Wallop

Adopted S.Res.269, designating the week beginning September 19, 2011, as
“National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week”.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

SHAME on Republicans for legislating against Labor Relations, Unions and Government … 232 -186 where is the outrage

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3:34  P.M. –  The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on September 19, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.

 

3:32  P.M. –  The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a report with regards to Iceland’s commercial whaling activities. – referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Natural Resources and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-54).

 

1:58  P.M. –  SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 276d and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed the following members of the House to the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group: Mr. Dreier, Mr. Lungren, Daniel E.,Mrs. Miller of MI, Mr. Smith of NE, Mr. Huizenga of MI, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Welch and Mr. Larsen of WA .

 

 

1:52  P.M. –  ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.Mr. Cantor asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Thursday, September 15, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2011. Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 2587:
to prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from ordering any employer to close, relocate, or transfer employment under any circumstance 

1:21  P.M. –  Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 186(Roll No. 711).

 

1:11  P.M. –  On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 189 – 235(Roll no. 710).

 

12:45 P.M. –  The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

 

12:38 P.M. –  DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bishop (NY) 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 prohibiting the Act from limiting the National Labor Relations Board’s authority to order an employer to maintain or restore jobs within the United States that have been or will otherwise be outsourced to a foreign country in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.Mr. Bishop (NY) moved to recommit with instructions to Education and the Workforce.

 

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

 

11:17 A.M. –  DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate onH.R. 2587.

 

11:16 A.M. –  Rule provides for consideration ofH.R. 2587with 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. Bill is closed to amendments. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and the Workforce now printed in the bill shall be considered as adopted.

 

11:15 A.M. –  Considered under the provisions of ruleH. Res. 372.

 

11:14 A.M. –  Mr. Woodall filed a report from the Committee on Rules onH. Res. 399.

 

H.R. 2867:
to reauthorize the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, and for other purposes 

11:13 A.M. –  Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 – 21(Roll no. 709).

 

11:06 A.M. –  Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 372:
providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2587) to prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from ordering any employer to close, relocate, or transfer employment under any circumstance 

11:05 A.M. –  Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 176(Roll no. 708).

 

11:04 A.M. –  ADJUSTMENT OF WHOLE NUMBER OF HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of Rule XX, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath the gentleman from Nevada, the Honorable Mark Amodei and the gentleman from New York, the Honorable Bob Turner, the whole number of the House is adjusted to 434.

 

10:50 A.M. –  OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Mark Amodei, Second District, State of Nevada and Representative-Elect Bob Turner, Ninth District, State of New York, presented themselves in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.

 

10:46 A.M. –  The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a scanned copy of a letter received from Mr. Robert Brehm and Mr. Todd Valentine, Co-Executive Directors, New York State Board of Elections, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held September 13, 2011, the Honorable Bob Turner was elected Representative to Congress for the Ninth Congressional District, State of New York.

 

10:45 A.M. –  The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a scanned copy of a letter received from Mr. Scott Gilles, Deputy Secretary of Elections, on behalf of Nevada Secretary of State, the Honorable Ross Miller, indicating that, according to the unofficial returns of the Special Election held September 13, 2011, the Honorable Mark E. Amodei was elected Representative to Congress for the Second Congressional District, State of Nevada.

 

H. Res. 372:
providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2587) to prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from ordering any employer to close, relocate, or transfer employment under any circumstance 

On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 234 – 177(Roll no. 707).

 

9:18  A.M. –  DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate onH. Res. 372.

 

9:16  A.M. –  Considered as privileged matter.

 

9:02  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.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Scott of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

 

9:00  A.M. –  Today’s prayer was offered by Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois.The Speaker designated the Honorable Ted Poe to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

 

 

 

Congress: the Republican led House – the Senate considers Burma Sanctions & 9/11 Remembrance 5:50pmET


The Senate Convenes at 2pmET September 12, 2011

  • Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning
    business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10
    minutes each.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the
    motion to proceed to H.J.Res.66, Burma Sanctions.
  • At 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke
    cloture on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res.66.
  • Additionally, there will be a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Monday on the
    East Front Steps of the Capitol.  Members will gather in the Rotunda at 5:50pm.
  • At 5:30pm today, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res.66, which is expected to be the legislative vehicle for additional FEMA funds in addition to the underlying Burma language.
  • VOTE
  • 5:30pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.J.Res.66, which is expected to be the legislative vehicle for additional FEMA funds in addition to the underlying Burma language; Not Invoked: 53-33

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

9:38  P.M. –  The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on September 13, 2011.

On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.


7:17  P.M. –  SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:14  P.M. –  ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

7:10  P.M. –  The House received a communication from the Honorable John L. Mica. Chairman Mica notified the House that on September 8, 2011, pursuant to section 3307 of Title 40, United States Code, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure met in open session to consider resolutions to authorize five lease prospectuses included in the General Services Administration‘s (GSA) FY2011 Capital Investment and Leasing Program (CILP) and one lease prospectus included in GSA’s FY2012 CILP. The Chairman also transmitted copies of the resolutions adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on September 8, 2011.

H.R. 1059:
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 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.R. 2887:
to provide an extension of surface and air transportation programs, and for other purposes 

ORDER OF BUSINESS – Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that it shall be in order at any time without intervention of any point of order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 2887) to provide an extension of surface and air transportation programs, and for other purposes; the bill shall be considered as read; the bill shall be debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit.

H.R. 1059:
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 

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0(Roll no. 701).

7:03  P.M. –  Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2633:
to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the time limits for appeals in civil cases to which United States officers or employees are parties 

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 384 – 0(Roll no. 700).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:56  P.M. –  Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 2076:
to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice of providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 358 – 9(Roll no. 699).

6:38  P.M. –  Considered as unfinished business.

6:34  P.M. –  PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE – The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the legislative proposal, the “American Jobs Act of 2011,” together with a section-by-section analysis of the legislation – referred to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, House Administration, Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Rules, Science, Space, and Technology, Small Business, Transporation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means and ordered to be printed(H. Doc. 112-53).

6:30  P.M. –  The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 12.

4:26  P.M. –  The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. today. The next meeting is scheduled for  6:30 P.M. today.

H.R. 1059:
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 

4:25  P.M. –  At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:18  P.M. –  DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 1059.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 2633:
to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the time limits for appeals in civil cases to which United States officers or employees are parties 

4:17  P.M. –  At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:11  P.M. –  DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2633.Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Coble moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 2076:
to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice of providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes 

4:10  P.M. –  At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

4:03  P.M. –  DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate onH.R. 2076.Considered under suspension of the rules.

4:02  P.M. –  Mr. Gowdy moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

4:01  P.M. –  The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until after 6:30 p.m. today.

4:00  P.M. –  The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 12.

2:04  P.M. –  The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  4:00 P.M. today.

2:03  P.M. –  ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

2:02  P.M. –  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal.  Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

2:01  P.M. –  Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

2:00  P.M. –  The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 12.

12:01 P.M. –  The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for  2:00 P.M. today.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 September 9, 2011 at 1:43 p.m. stating that that body had passedS. 1239.

12:00 P.M. –  MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable Michael K. Simpson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.