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The Senate has resumed consideration of S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act.
Senator Collins asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment in order to call up Collins amendment #744, to provide a limitation on when States may first exercise the authority under this Act.
Senator Wyden reserved his right to object and then Senator Baucus objected to the request.
The managers of the bill will continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments to the bill. However, if no agreement can be reached we would proceed to the cloture vote 1 hour after the Senate convenes tomorrow.
Senator Coburn asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendments in order to call up the following amendments:
– Coburn #753 (delinquent tax debts and Federal employment)
– Coburn #751 (charitable organizations)
– Coburn #767 (duplicative and overlapping programs)
– Coburn #766 (prohibit presidential election campaign funds for part conventions)
Senator Durbin objected to setting aside the pending amendment and said that he would take a look at the amendments to see if we can come up with an agreement to consider them. Some of the amendments would create a blue slip issue in the House, a situation he would like to avoid.
Senator Coburn also expressed his intent to call up an amendment regarding the tax exempt status of sport organizations.
Hatch asked unanimous consent that the following amendments be in order to S.743, Marketplace Fairness Act:
That there be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided on each amendment prior to a vote in relation to the amendment.
Senator Durbin objected.
The managers of the bill continue to work on an agreement to consider amendments in an effort to complete action on the bill.
Senator Durbin asked unanimous consent the pending Enzi amendment be set aside and it be in order for the following amendments to be called up:
– Collins-King #771 (provides a limitation on when States may first exercise the authority under this Act)
– Pryor-Blunt #740 (extends for 10 years the moratorium on taxes on internet access and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce imposed by the Internet Freedom Act)
– Hatch #754 (strikes the preemption provision, to sunset the authority under the Act, to require a 3-year statute of limitations)
That no second degree amendments be in order to any of these amendments prior to a vote in relation to the amendments. That there be 20 minutes for debate equally divided.
Senator Wyden objected.
5:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013
Invoked: 63-30.
During Thursday’s session of the Senate, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to Calendar #44, S.601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013. The cloture vote will be on Monday, May 6th following disposition of S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act (the 3rd roll call vote in a series beginning at 5:30pm).
The Senate has reached an agreement to vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #42 David Medine- to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2018 at a time to be determined. The details of the agreement are below.
At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #42 David Medine- to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2018. There will be one hour of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on confirmation of the nomination.
WRAP UP
ROLL CALL VOTES
1) Motion to invoke cloture on S.743, the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013; Invoked: 63-30
LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
Passed S.853, a bill to prevent continued flight delays related to furloughs of essential employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and for other purposes. *If the Senate receives a bill from the House that is identical to S.853, that bill will be considered read three times and passed.
Adopted S.Res.115, a resolution commending the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of Sean Collier, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department, Martin Richard, an 8-year-old resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Krystle Campbell, a native of Medford Massachusetts, Lu Lingzi, a student at Boston University, and all the victims who are recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, including Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department.
Adopted S.Res.116, designating September 26, 2013 as “National Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day”.
Adopted S.Res.118, Supporting the designation of April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Adopted S.Res.119, Supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day.
Adopted S.Res.120, Supporting the mission and goals of 2013 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Adopted S.Res.121, expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2013, as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”.
Adopted S.Res.122, recognizing the historic significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.
Adopted S.Res.123, Congratulating the University of Minnesota women’s ice hockey team on winning its second straight National Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Ice Hockey Championship.
Adopted S.Res.124, Legal Counsel resolution regarding Whitnum v. Town of Greenwich memo.
Adopted S.Res.125, designating April 30, 2013, as “Dia de los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans”.
Completed the Rule 14 process of S.788, to suspend FY2013 sequestration. (Reid)
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
Confirmed the following items:
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Executive Calendar #24 Christopher J. Meade, to be General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Executive Calendar #25 William B. Schultz, to be General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Executive Calendar #61 Jenny R. Yang, to be a Member of the Equal Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2017
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Executive Calendar #89 Karol Virginia Mason – to be an Assistant Attorney General
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Last Floor Action: 4/24/13
12:46:50 P.M. -H. Res. 178
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 178.
Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity
| 10:00:20 A.M. | The House convened, starting a new legislative day. | |
| 10:00:41 A.M. | The Speaker designated the Honorable Doug Collins to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. | |
| 10:01:02 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. | |
| 11:04:57 A.M. | The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today. | |
| 12:00:07 P.M. | The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 25. | |
| 12:00:50 P.M. | Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. | |
| 12:01:58 P.M. | The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. | |
| 12:02:12 P.M. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Brownley of CA to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. | |
| 12:02:41 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches. | |
| 12:42:00 P.M. | of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Mrs. Gayle Harrell, Stuart, FL. | |
| 12:43:10 P.M. | H. Res. 178 | Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 178 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 527) to amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes.” |
| 12:46:50 P.M. | H. Res. 178 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 178. |
| 1:33:10 P.M. | H. Res. 178 | An amendment, offered by Mr. Bishop (UT), for the Speaker to entertain motions to suspend the rules on April 26, 2013. |
| 1:33:44 P.M. | H. Res. 178 | On agreeing to the Bishop (UT) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 1:57:05 P.M. | H. Res. 178 | On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 231 – 177 (Roll no. 124). |
| 1:57:06 P.M. | H. Res. 178 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 2:00:00 P.M. | HIT POLICY COMMITTEE – Pursuant to section 13101 of the HITECH Act (Pub. L. 111-5), and the order of the House of January 3, 2013, the Speaker appointed Mrs. Gayle Harrell of Stuart, FL. | |
| 2:01:00 P.M. | Mr. Hastings (WA) asked unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:00 a.m. on April 26. Agreed to without objection. | |
| 2:02:16 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 178. H.R. 527 — “To amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes.” |
| 2:02:21 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 527 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. |
| 2:02:35 P.M. | H.R. 527 | House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 178 and Rule XVIII. |
| 2:02:37 P.M. | H.R. 527 | The Speaker designated the Honorable Jason Chaffetz to act as Chairman of the Committee. |
| 2:03:42 P.M. | H.R. 527 | GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 527. |
| 2:41:07 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Mr. Hastings (WA) moved that the Committee rise. |
| 2:41:27 P.M. | H.R. 527 | On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 2:41:37 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 527 as unfinished business. |
| 2:42:11 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. | |
| 3:18:11 P.M. | SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. |
| 5:47:44 P.M. | Mr. Franks (AZ) moved that the House do now adjourn. | |
| 5:47:51 P.M. | On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. | |
| 5:47:55 P.M. | The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2013. |
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The Senate will meet in pro forma sessions only with no business conducted on the following dates at the following times:
– Friday, April 26th at 11:30am,
– Tuesday, April 30th at 10:00am, and
– Thursday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
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FAA tweek 361 – 41 The Needy 0
Last Floor Action: 4/25/13
5:47:55 P.M. – The House adjourned.
The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 26, 2013
| 10:00:16 A.M. | The House convened, starting a new legislative day. | |
| 10:00:26 A.M. | The Speaker designated the Honorable Randy Hultgren to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. | |
| 10:00:51 A.M. | Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. | |
| 10:02:18 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. Paulsen 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. Paulsen made a point of no quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day. | |
| 10:02:49 A.M. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. McClintock to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. | |
| 10:03:02 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. | |
| 10:15:44 A.M. | The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 853. | |
| 10:16:14 A.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches. | |
| 10:17:30 A.M. | H.R. 527 | Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 527 — “To amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes.” |
| 10:17:47 A.M. | H.R. 527 | The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration. |
| 10:19:48 A.M. | H.R. 527 | An amendment, offered by Mr. Collins (GA), numbered 1 printed in House Report 113-47 to ensure that excess funds are used to reduce the annual Federal budget deficit. |
| 10:19:52 A.M. | H.R. 527 | DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 178, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Collins (GA) amendment No. 1. |
| 10:23:48 A.M. | H.R. 527 | On agreeing to the Collins (GA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 10:24:09 A.M. | H.R. 527 | An amendment, offered by Mr. Dent, numbered 2 printed in House Report 113-47 to ensure the continued supply of helium for end users while requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to honor existing contracts for the supply and delivery of helium. The amendment affirms that the federal government will honor existing contracts that are set to expire October 1, 2015. |
| 10:24:11 A.M. | H.R. 527 | DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 178, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Dent amendment No. 2. |
| 10:36:28 A.M. | H.R. 527 | POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Dent amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Dent demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day. |
| 10:36:53 A.M. | H.R. 527 | An amendment, offered by Mr. Holt, numbered 3 printed in House Report 113-47 to consider the long-term future of the Federal Helium Reserve by requiring an assessment of how closing the Federal Helium Reserve could influence helium availability, including options for insuring a reliable helium supply in coming decades. |
| 10:36:56 A.M. | H.R. 527 | DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 178, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Holt amendment No. 3. |
| 10:44:17 A.M. | H.R. 527 | On agreeing to the Holt amendment; Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 10:44:43 A.M. | H.R. 527 | An amendment, offered by Mr. Thornberry, numbered 4 printed in House Report 113-47 to affirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to allow private entities to connect to and store helium in the Federal Helium Reserve for an appropriate fee. |
| 10:44:45 A.M. | H.R. 527 | DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 178, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Thornberry amendment No. 4. |
| 10:47:58 A.M. | H.R. 527 | On agreeing to the Thornberry amendment; Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 10:49:23 A.M. | H.R. 527 | Mr. Hastings (WA) moved that the Committee rise. |
| 10:49:47 A.M. | H.R. 527 | On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote. |
| 10:50:19 A.M. | H.R. 527 | Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 527 as unfinished business. |
| 10:50:38 A.M. | The House received a message from the Clerk. Under Clause 2(g) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she designates Robert Reeves, Deputy Clerk, to sign any and all papers and do all other acts for her under the name of the Clerk of the House which they would be authorized to do by virtue of this designation, except such as are provided by statue, in case of her temporary absence or disability. This designation shall remain in effect for the 113th Congress or until modified by the Clerk. | |
| 10:56:34 A.M. | H.R. 1765 | Mr. Latham moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1765 — “To provide the Secretary of Transportation with the flexibility to transfer certain funds to prevent reduced operations and staffing of the Federal Aviation Administration, and for other purposes.” |
| 10:57:07 A.M. | H.R. 1765 | Considered under suspension of the rules. |
| 10:57:09 A.M. | H.R. 1765 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1765. |
| 11:47:40 A.M. | H.R. 1765 | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Roll Call 125 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending. |
| 12:13:42 P.M. | H.R. 1765 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 12:14:02 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 527 — “To amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers, and for other purposes.” |
| 12:14:38 P.M. | H.R. 527 | The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration. |
| 12:15:44 P.M. | H.R. 527 | On agreeing to the Dent amendment (A002) Roll Call 126 – Recorded vote pending. |
| 12:22:06 P.M. | H.R. 527 | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. |
| 12:22:20 P.M. | H.R. 527 | The 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. |
| 12:23:07 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Mr. Schneider moved to recommit with instructions to Natural Resources. |
| 12:23:32 P.M. | H.R. 527 | DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schneider 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 to add at the end of the bill a new section on banning exports to hostile nations that seek nuclear weapons or missile technology. |
| 12:31:02 P.M. | H.R. 527 | The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. |
| 12:43:14 P.M. | H.R. 527 | On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: (Roll no. 127). |
| 12:50:10 P.M. | H.R. 527 | On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: (Roll no. 128). |
| 12:50:10 P.M. | H.R. 527 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 12:50:20 P.M. | On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote. | |
| 12:52:11 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches. |
| 1:10:12 P.M. | H.R. 1765 | UNANIMOUS CONSENT – Mr. Latham asked unanimous consent that in the engrossment of H.R. 1765, the Clerk strike “account” on page 2, line 14, and insert “accounts”. Agreed to without objection. |
| 1:13:13 P.M. | ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed with one minute speeches. | |
| 1:17:28 P.M. | SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches. | |
| 2:50:05 P.M. | Ms. Tsongas moved that the House do now adjourn. | |
| 2:50:26 P.M. | On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote. | |
| 2:50:27 P.M. | The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on April 30, 2013. |
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Starting this past Sunday the Federal Aviation Administration was forced to start furloughing air traffic controllers. What happens when there’s not enough air traffic controllers working? Not as many planes can be in the air. What happens when fewer planes can be in the air? Your flight gets delayed.
After yesterday, we know the impact of the furloughs isn’t just theoretical. Overall on-time performance dropped by more than 10 percent compared to the previous Monday. Delays were particularly bad in the Northeast, where delays at some airports stretched past 2 hours. Yesterday, it was actually faster to take the train from New York to Washington D.C.
Things are only going to get worse the next time there’s another big storm or other event causing mass delays. With fewer flights and planes flying at near-capacity as it is, it will be all the more difficult to get things back on track if there aren’t enough air traffic controllers working to help clear some of the backlog of flights.
Let’s also take a minute to review why this is happening in the first place: we had to create the sequester because Republicans took the entire economy hostage in 2011. Republicans then refused for nearly two years now to accept a balanced approach that asks the wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. Thus we are stuck with the sequester until Republicans stop being intransigent and start being reasonable. In fact, now House Republicans won’t even appoint negotiators to finalize a budget for next year — after complaining for years that the Senate refused to pass a budget.
Finally, while flight delays are inconvenient and will harm the economy, the sequester is already having a terrible impact on the poor.
BOTTOM LINE: If your flight is delayed because of the sequester cuts, you should remember who is to blame: Republicans who refuse to accept a balanced approach to deficit reduction and instead prefer sticking Americans with the sequester and all of its negative consequences.
New Mark Zuckerberg group launches pro-immigration reform TV blitz.
Boston terror suspect says they had no affiliation with any terrorist organization.
Toronto’s Muslim community led police to terror suspects.
ThinkProgress has a new immigration blogger who is also a beneficiary of the Obama administration’s DREAM-like executive action.
Another alleged rapist protected at the expense of rape victim.
Leader of anti-immigrant group mocks day laborers.
Nevada senator comes out as state senate votes to repeal same-sex marriage ban.
How the NRA makes it harder to connect criminals with their weapons.
France approves marriage equality.
Should we ban killer robots?

just another rant …
Is it just me or has the entertainment media crossed the line?
I don’t know maybe its spring sweeps or maybe they just love to shock folks, some seem to be preoccupied with ratings, a lot just don’t care and all are exploiting a whole lot of entertainment personalities. There was a time when so-called celebs were protected… now the whole idea of being a public figure means your kids, though minors are up for grabs…
I have a problem with it … what about their children or their lives loves and living arrangements
Yes, I admit that I tune into reality TV or gossip shows sometimes to hear whom is dating whom, who the next sexiest guy is. I even watched j and k+8 until the media exposed too much info and quit, but watching entertainers act out or the pap’s be disrespectful and engage in dangerous behavior while boating, walking, drinking or driving was bad enough now reality TV is engaged in some sort of contest … fighting to keep their numbers up … it’s disgusting. We have TV interviews that can potentially or do hurt the families of reckless celebs and then there is the digging to get the story… usually personal and will definitely hurt not only the celeb but also family, friends and the fallout great…
Reality TV and gossip shows are big moneymakers … and it’s sad
We all might want to know … some so-called reporters dive in headfirst to say… “You know, I got to ask this question”…
What happened to the right to privacy?
Maybe decide the story isn’t worth the hurt and pain it might cause the children in the future.
revised from June/2009
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