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Affordable Care Act …


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The Affordable Care Act’s Dramatic Impact On The Uninsured, In One Chart

Yesterday we wrote about some of the GOP health care myths that have been busted with the latest good news from research on how the Affordable Care Act is working. Well, right after that, another great piece of new evidence showed up. This time (with consideration for your Friday afternoon), we can summarize it in a single chart:

gallup

As the chart above reveals, according to the latest polling by Gallup, the rate of Americans without insurance dropped by 3.7 points between the fourth quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2014, from 17.1 percent to 13.4 percent. That is a dramatic decline that directly coincides with the open enrollment period for new plans under the ACA.

How’s that for some good news?

BOTTOM LINE: The evidence continues to roll in. Millions of Americans are getting covered thanks to the Affordable Care Act — including huge numbers of individuals who were previously uninsured.

Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 7/15 ~~ the House


budgetblow2climate

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Tuesday, July 14, 2014.

 

Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 12:00 noon, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each and with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Majority will control the first half and the Republicans will control the final half.

 

At 12:00 noon, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 roll call votes on the following motions:

 

–        Cloture on Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and

–        Cloture on Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

 

Following the cloture vote on the LaFleur nomination, the Senate will recess until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

 

If cloture is invoked on either of the nominations, the time from 2:15pm until 3:00pm will be equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 

At 3:00pm, the Senate would proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations.

 

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

At 12:00 noon today, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 roll call votes on the following motions:

 

–        Cloture on Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and

–        Cloture on Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

 

If cloture is invoked on either of the nominations,  at approximately 3:15pm (previously scheduled to begin at 3pm) the Senate would proceed to vote on confirmation of those nominations:

 

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

12:04pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;

Invoked: 51-45

 

Next:

–        Cloture on Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

 

3:15pm (if cloture is invoked on either nomination):

 

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and

–        Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

12:29pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;

Invoked: 85-10

The Senate reached an agreement to vote on confirmation of Nealon, Wood, and Jaenichen nominations following the vote on the LaFleur nomination. We expect these 3 nominations to be confirmed by voice votes. As a result, we expect 2 roll call votes and 3 voice votes to begin at approximately 3:15pm today.

3:15pm—2 roll call votes expected:

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (roll call vote)
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #894, James D. Nealon, of New Hampshire, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Honduras (voice vote expected);
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #704, Robert A. Wood, of New York, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disarmament (voice vote expected); and
  5. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #508, Paul Nathan Jaenichen, Sr., of Kentucky, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration (voice vote expected).

3:17pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;

Confirmed: 52-45

Next:

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (roll call vote)
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #894, James D. Nealon, of New Hampshire, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Honduras (voice vote expected);
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #704, Robert A. Wood,  of New York, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disarmament (voice vote expected); and
  4. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #508, Paul Nathan Jaenichen, Sr., of Kentucky, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration (voice vote expected).

3:44pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

  1. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #894, James D. Nealon, of New Hampshire, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Honduras (voice vote expected);
  2. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #704, Robert A. Wood,  of New York, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disarmament (voice vote expected); and
  3. Confirmation of Executive Calendar #508, Paul Nathan Jaenichen, Sr., of Kentucky, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration (voice vote expected).

 

The LaFleur nomination was confirmed by a roll call vote of 90-7. The Senate then confirmed the Nealon, Wood, and Jaenichen nominations by voice votes. We expect the next vote to begin around 10:30am tomorrow. That vote would be on the motion to invoke cloture on Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Cloture on Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Invoked: 51-45

Cloture on Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Invoked: 85-10

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #839, Norman C. Bay, of New Mexico, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Confirmed: 52-45

Confirmation of Executive Calendar #842, Cheryl A. LaFleur, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Confirmed: 90-7

 

Legislative items

Cal. # 461, S.517, Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act

 

The Senate began the Rule 14 process to place the following bills on the calendar:

S.2609, Marketplace and Internet Tax Fairness – Enzi/Durbin

H.R.5021, Highway and Transportation Funding Act

 

Additional Executive items

The Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice votes:

Executive Calendar #894, James D. Nealon, of New Hampshire, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Honduras

Executive Calendar #704, Robert A. Wood,  of New York, for the rank of Ambassador Extraplenipotentiary of the United States of America to during his tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the Conference on Disarmament

Executive Calendar #508, Paul Nathan Jaenichen, Sr., of Kentucky, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration

 

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Last Floor Action:
10:42:50 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

Last Floor Action:7/14
10:44:51 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 15, 2014.

10:00:35 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:43 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert Pittenger to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:01:06 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.
10:42:50 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:28 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 15.
12:00:58 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Steve Walker, Fairview Village Church, Eagleville, Pennsylvania
12:02:25 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:02:29 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Hahn to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:30 P.M. CALL OF THE PRIVATE CALENDAR – Pursuant to clause 5 of rule XV, the Chair announced the call of the Private Calendar on this day.
12:03:36 P.M. H.R. 306 Considered from the Private Calendar. H.R. 306 — “For the relief of Corina de Chalup Turcinovic.”
12:03:46 P.M. H.R. 306 On passage Passed without objection.
12:03:49 P.M. H.R. 306 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12:04:58 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.
12:36:46 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:37:46 P.M. H.R. 3086 Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3086 — “To permanently extend the Internet Tax Freedom Act.”
12:37:59 P.M. H.R. 3086 Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:38:01 P.M. H.R. 3086 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3086.
1:21:52 P.M. H.R. 3086 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:21:59 P.M. H.R. 3086 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:23:22 P.M. H. Res. 669 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 669 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5021) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.”
1:24:35 P.M. H. Res. 669 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 669.
2:41:30 P.M. H. Res. 669 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 228 – 192 (Roll no. 407).
2:48:38 P.M. H. Res. 669 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 – 186 (Roll no. 408).
2:48:39 P.M. H. Res. 669 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2:49:05 P.M. H.R. 5016 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5016 — “Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
2:49:32 P.M. H.R. 5016 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
2:54:17 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 161 – 258 (Roll no. 409).
2:58:13 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Roskam amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 338 – 80 (Roll no. 410).
3:01:17 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Moore amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 170 – 244 (Roll no. 411).
3:05:12 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Waters amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 184 – 235 (Roll no. 412).
3:06:03 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Crenshaw moved to rise.
3:06:17 P.M. H.R. 5016 On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.
3:06:31 P.M. H.R. 5016 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5016 as unfinished business.
3:07:10 P.M. The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification of the continuance of the national emergency with respect to Liberia. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 113-135).
3:09:20 P.M. H.R. 5021 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 669. H.R. 5021 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.”
3:09:25 P.M. H.R. 5021 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5021 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. Bill is closed to amendments.
3:10:31 P.M. H.R. 5021 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5021.
4:14:41 P.M. H.R. 5021 Mr. Blumenauer moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Transportation.
4:17:15 P.M. H.R. 5021 Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order.

4:25:28 P.M. H.R. 5021 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
4:53:41 P.M. H.R. 5021 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 193 – 227 (Roll no. 413).
5:00:35 P.M. H.R. 5021 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 367 – 55 (Roll no. 414).
5:00:36 P.M. H.R. 5021 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:01:53 P.M. Mr. Bishop (UT) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 670.
5:02:44 P.M. H.R. 3230 NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT – Mr. Gallego notified the House of his intent to offer a motion to instruct the House conferees on H.R. 3230.
5:03:19 P.M. H.R. 5016 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 5016 — “Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
5:03:55 P.M. H.R. 5016 The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.
5:11:32 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Frelinghuysen, to reduce the funds for National Security Council and Homeland Security Council – Salaries and Expenses by $4,200,000.
5:11:34 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Frelinghuysen amendment.
5:17:44 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Frelinghuysen amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:17:52 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. DeLauro, to prohibit the use of funds to enter into contracts with incorporated entities whose sealed bid or competitive proposal shows that the entity is incorporated or chartered in Bermuda or the Cayman Islands and previously incorporated in the United States.
5:17:53 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeLauro amendment.
5:28:10 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the DeLauro amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:28:28 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Bachus, numbered 4, printed in the Congressional Record, to prohibit the use of funds to reinstall the Red Mountain sculpture on the plaza of the Hugo Black Courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama.
5:28:29 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Bachus amendment No. 4.
5:32:12 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Bachus amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:40:02 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Schakowsky, to prohibit the use of funds to enter into a contract with any person whose disclosures of a proceeding with a disposition listed in section 2313(c)(1) of title 41, United States Code, in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System include the term “Fair Labor Standards Act.”.
5:40:04 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schakowsky amendment.
5:45:31 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Schakowsky amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:46:26 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Meehan, numbered 2, printed in the Congressional Record, to prohibit the use of funds to modify or rebuild any portion of the White House bowling alley, including using phenolic synthetic material.
5:46:27 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Meehan amendment No. 2.
5:53:49 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Meehan amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Serrano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
5:54:19 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to prohibit the use of funds to enter into a contract with any offeror that has been convicted of misconduct such as theft, forgery, bribery, or violating Federal criminal tax laws.
5:54:21 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment.
5:56:24 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
5:59:05 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Sherman, to prohibit the use of funds to implement, administer, or enforce final leasing accounting standard rules, regulations, or requirements in FASB Project 2013-270, Accounting Standards Update Topic 842.
5:59:07 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sherman amendment.
6:05:26 P.M. H.R. 5016 By unanimous consent, the Sherman amendment was withdrawn.
6:05:35 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Fleming, numbered 1 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds to implement guidance FIN-2014-G001 (relating to BSA Expectations Regarding Marijuana-Related Businesses) issued on February 14, 2014.
6:05:37 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Fleming amendment No. 1.
6:15:39 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Fleming amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Fleming demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:16:29 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to prohibit the use of funds to pay performance awards to employees of the IRS.
6:16:30 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
6:26:42 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Gosar amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Gosar demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:27:28 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Heck (WA), to prohibit funds from being used with respect to specified States to prohibit or penalize a financial institution from providing financial services to an entity solely because the entity is a manufacturer, producer, or person that participates in any business or organized activity that involves handling marijuana or marijuana products and engages in such activity pursuant to a law established by a State or local government
6:27:30 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Heck (WA) amendment pending a reservation of a point or order.
6:30:49 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Crenshaw raised a point of order against the Heck (WA) amendment. Mr. Crenshaw stated the provisions of the Heck(WA) amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
6:32:57 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Walberg, to prohibit the use of funds to be used in contravention of chapter 29, 31, or 33 of title 44, United States Code.
6:33:44 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Walberg amendment.
6:38:24 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Walberg amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:39:24 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Farenthold, to prohibit the use of funds for the Office of Management and Budget to process or approve an apportionment request that does not include the following phrase: “Apportioned amounts are not available for any position that is held by an employee with respect to whom the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives has certified a statement of facts to a United States attorney under section 104 of the Revised Statutes.
6:39:29 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Farenthold amendment.
6:44:00 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Farenthold amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
6:44:07 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to prohibit the use of funds may be used to pay any individual at an annual rate of Grade 1, Steps 1,2,3,4,5, or 6; or Grade 2 Step 1 or 2 as defined in the “Salary Table 2014-GS” and to prohibit the use of funds to pay any individual at an hourly basic rate of Grade 1, Steps 1,2,3,4,5, or 6; or Grade 2, Step 1 or 2.
6:44:09 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment.
6:51:13 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Grayson amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Grayson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
6:51:49 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Massie, to prohibit the use of funds by any authority of the government of the District of Columbia to prohibit the ability of any person to possess, acquire, use, sell, or transport a firearm except to the extent such activity is prohibited by Federal law.
6:52:10 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Massie amendment pending a reservation of a point or order.
6:54:36 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Serrano raised a point of order against the Massie amendment. Mr. Serrano stated the provisions of the Massie amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
6:58:30 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Massie appealed the ruling of the Chair. The Chair announced that the question before the Committee was “shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgement of the Committee”.
7:06:04 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Marino, to prohibit the use of funds to collect any underpayment of any tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to the extent such underpayment is attributable to the taxpayer’s loss of records (except in the case of fraud).
7:06:06 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Marino amendment pending a reservation of a point or order.
7:11:04 P.M. H.R. 5016 By unanimous consent, the Marino amendment was withdrawn.
7:11:42 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Heck (WA), to prohibit use of funds with respect to specified States, to penalize a financial institution solely because the institution provides financial services to an entity that is a manufacturer, producer, or a person that participates in any business or organized activity that involves handling marijuana or marijuana products and engages in such activity pursuant to a law established by a State or local government and engages in such activity pursuant to a law established by a State or local government.
7:11:47 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Heck (WA) amendment.
7:19:47 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Heck(WA) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Crenshaw demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:21:31 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Price (GA), numbered 6 printed in the Congressional Record to prohibit the use of funds in contravention of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to confidentiality and disclosure of returns and return information).
7:21:34 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Price (GA) amendment No. 6.
7:25:53 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Price (GA) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
7:26:01 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSantis, to prohibit the use of funds for any IRS instant message or other electronic communications system that is not operationally searchable and archivable at all times.
7:26:56 P.M. H.R. 5016 By unanimous consent, the DeSantis amendment was withdrawn.
7:27:17 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSantis, to prohibit the use of funds to be used by the IRS to create machine-readable materials that are not subject to the safeguards established pursuant to section 3105 of title 44, United States Code.
7:27:20 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeSantis first amendment.
7:29:09 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeSantis first amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. DeSantis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:29:36 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. DeSantis, to prohibit the use of funds to the IRS may be obligated or expended on conferences.
7:30:46 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DeSantis second amendment.
7:34:42 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the DeSantis second amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. DeSantis demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:34:54 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, to reduce funds made available in the bill by 1 percent except for specified accounts.
7:35:07 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blackburn first amendment.
7:44:02 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn first amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes 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.
7:44:40 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, to prohibit the use of funds for Hardest Hit Fund Program for any State or local government for the purpose of funding pension obligations.
7:44:41 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blackburn second amendment.
7:53:32 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn second amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Serrano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
7:54:22 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, to prohibit the use of funds with respect to specified States, to prevent such States from implementing their own State laws with respect to the provision of broadband Internet access service by the State or a municipality or other political subdivision of the State.
7:55:50 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blackburn third amendment.
8:03:15 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn third amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Serrano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced
8:03:55 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, to prohibit the use of funds by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule entitled “Voluntary Remedial Actions and Guidelines for Voluntary Recall Notices”.
8:03:57 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blackburn fourth amendment.
8:10:55 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn fourth amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Serrano demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:11:19 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Crenshaw moved that the committee rise.
8:11:37 P.M. H.R. 5016 On motion that the committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
8:11:44 P.M. H.R. 5016 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5016 as unfinished business.
8:13:10 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

9:59:30 P.M. Mr. Gohmert moved that the House do now adjourn.
9:59:32 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
9:59:35 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 16, 2014.

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Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 7/14 ~~ the House


voter-suppression_petition

The Senate stands adjourned until 2:00pm on Monday, July 14, 2014.

 

Following any leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business until 6:00pm, with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. There will be no roll call votes during Monday’s session of the Senate. The next roll call votes will begin at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 15. Those will be cloture votes on the Bay and LaFleur nominations to be members of the Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission.

Today Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. He then filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014. The cloture vote on the White nomination is expected to occur Wednesday morning. If cloture is invoked, there would be up to 2 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination. Upon disposition of the White nomination, the Senate would proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578.

WRAP UP

No Roll Call Votes

 

Legislative items

Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2578, Protect Women’s Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014

The Senate began the Rule 14 process to place the following bills on the Calendar:

H.R.4718, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify and make permanent bonus depreciation.

S.2599, Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act (Klobuchar)

 

Executive items

Senator Reid filed cloture on Executive Calendar #850, the nomination of Ronnie L. White, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri

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Last Floor Action:
7:12:09 P.M. -H.R. 5016
GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5016.

Last Floor Action:
12:06:05 P.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

12:00:10 P.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:32 P.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Doug LaMalfa to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:00 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.
12:06:05 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.

2:00:16 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 14.
2:00:31 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:01:54 P.M. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
2:01:59 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Ms. Foxx to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:02:19 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:06:37 P.M. The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on July 14, 2014, at 11:19 a.m. that that body had passed S. 1104, S. 653, S. 2056, S. 2057, H.R. 1376, and H.R. 1813.
2:07:12 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 3:00 P.M. today.
3:02:53 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 14.
3:03:02 P.M. The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
3:04:00 P.M. H.R. 5031 Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5031 — “To define STEM education to include computer science, and to support existing STEM education programs at the National Science Foundation.”
3:04:03 P.M. H.R. 5031 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:04:06 P.M. H.R. 5031 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5031.
3:25:40 P.M. H.R. 5031 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:25:41 P.M. H.R. 5031 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:26:05 P.M. H.R. 1786 Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1786 — “To reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and for other purposes.”
3:26:09 P.M. H.R. 1786 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:26:12 P.M. H.R. 1786 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1786.
3:37:59 P.M. H.R. 1786 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
3:38:00 P.M. H.R. 1786 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:38:31 P.M. H.R. 5056 Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5056 — “To improve the efficiency of Federal research and development, and for other purposes.”
3:38:43 P.M. H.R. 5056 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:38:44 P.M. H.R. 5056 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5056.
3:47:58 P.M. H.R. 5056 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
3:48:12 P.M. H.R. 5056 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:48:49 P.M. H.R. 5029 Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 5029 — “To provide for the establishment of a body to identify and coordinate international science and technology cooperation that can strengthen the domestic science and technology enterprise and support United States foreign policy goals.”
3:49:01 P.M. H.R. 5029 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:49:02 P.M. H.R. 5029 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5029.
3:54:46 P.M. H.R. 5029 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.
3:57:03 P.M. H.R. 4185 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4185 — “To revise certain authorities of the District of Columbia courts, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia, and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.”
3:57:17 P.M. H.R. 4185 Considered under suspension of the rules.
3:57:19 P.M. H.R. 4185 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4185.
4:03:17 P.M. H.R. 4185 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:03:21 P.M. H.R. 4185 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:03:33 P.M. H.R. 451 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 451 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 500 North Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach, Florida, as the “Richard K. Salick Post Office”.”
4:03:45 P.M. H.R. 451 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:03:48 P.M. H.R. 451 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 451.
4:11:49 P.M. H.R. 451 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:11:53 P.M. H.R. 451 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:12:15 P.M. H.R. 606 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 606 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 815 County Road 23 in Tyrone, New York, as the “Specialist Christopher Scott Post Office Building”.”
4:12:29 P.M. H.R. 606 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:12:30 P.M. H.R. 606 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 606.
4:18:19 P.M. H.R. 606 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:18:23 P.M. H.R. 606 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:18:33 P.M. H.R. 2223 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2223 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 220 Elm Avenue in Munising, Michigan, as the “Elizabeth L. Kinnunen Post Office Building”.”
4:18:47 P.M. H.R. 2223 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:18:48 P.M. H.R. 2223 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2223.
4:25:38 P.M. H.R. 2223 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:25:43 P.M. H.R. 2223 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:26:10 P.M. H.R. 3534 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3534 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 113 West Michigan Avenue in Jackson, Michigan, as the “Officer James Bonneau Memorial Post Office”.”
4:26:24 P.M. H.R. 3534 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:26:28 P.M. H.R. 3534 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3534.
4:32:21 P.M. H.R. 3534 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:32:26 P.M. H.R. 3534 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:33:05 P.M. H.R. 4355 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4355 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 B Street in Perryville, Arkansas, as the “Harold George Bennett Post Office”.”
4:33:12 P.M. H.R. 4355 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:33:18 P.M. H.R. 4355 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4355.
4:39:54 P.M. H.R. 4355 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:39:59 P.M. H.R. 4355 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:40:10 P.M. H.R. 2802 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2802 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 418 Liberty Street in Covington, Indiana, as the “Fountain County Veterans Memorial Post Office”.”
4:40:23 P.M. H.R. 2802 <action_description>Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:40:24 P.M. H.R. 2802 <action_description>DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2802.
4:48:28 P.M. H.R. 2802 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:48:32 P.M. H.R. 2802 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:48:44 P.M. H.R. 3027 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3027 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 442 Miller Valley Road in Prescott, Arizona, as the “Barry M. Goldwater Post Office”.”
4:49:14 P.M. H.R. 3027 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:49:16 P.M. H.R. 3027 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3027.
4:53:00 P.M. H.R. 3027 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
4:53:29 P.M. H.R. 3027 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
4:54:00 P.M. H.R. 3085 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 3085 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3349 West 111th Street in Chicago, Illinois, as the “Captain Herbert Johnson Memorial Post Office Building”.”
4:54:09 P.M. H.R. 3085 Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:54:11 P.M. H.R. 3085 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3085.
5:00:18 P.M. H.R. 3085 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:00:30 P.M. H.R. 3085 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:01:00 P.M. H.R. 4416 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4416 — “To redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 161 Live Oak Street in Miami, Arizona, as the “Staff Sergeant Manuel V. Mendoza Post Office Building”.”
5:01:02 P.M. H.R. 4416 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:01:04 P.M. H.R. 4416 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4416.
5:07:53 P.M. H.R. 4416 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:08:00 P.M. H.R. 4416 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:08:32 P.M. H.R. 2291 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 2291 — “To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 450 Lexington Avenue in New York, New York, as the “Vincent R. Sombrotto Post Office”.”
5:08:40 P.M. H.R. 2291 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:08:42 P.M. H.R. 2291 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2291.
5:14:05 P.M. H.R. 2291 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:14:09 P.M. H.R. 2291 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:14:20 P.M. H.R. 4197 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4197 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to extend the period of certain authority with respect to judicial review of Merit Systems Protection Board decisions relating to whistleblowers, and for other purposes.”
5:14:28 P.M. H.R. 4197 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:14:29 P.M. H.R. 4197 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4197.
5:23:59 P.M. H.R. 4197 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:24:04 P.M. H.R. 4197 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:24:14 P.M. H.R. 4193 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4193 — “To amend title 5, United States Code, to change the default investment fund under the Thrift Savings Plan, and for other purposes.”
5:24:33 P.M. H.R. 4193 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:24:36 P.M. H.R. 4193 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4193.
5:36:56 P.M. H.R. 4193 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
5:37:07 P.M. H.R. 4195 Mr. Gosar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 4195 — “To amend chapter 15 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Register Act), to modernize the Federal Register, and for other purposes.”
5:37:28 P.M. H.R. 4195 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:37:31 P.M. H.R. 4195 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4195.
5:44:31 P.M. H.R. 4195 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.
5:45:13 P.M. H.R. 1192 Mr. McClintock moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 1192 — “To redesignate Mammoth Peak in Yosemite National Park as “Mount Jessie Benton Fre’mont”.”
5:45:26 P.M. H.R. 1192 Considered under suspension of the rules.
5:45:28 P.M. H.R. 1192 DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1192.
5:52:18 P.M. H.R. 1192 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
5:52:31 P.M. H.R. 1192 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:52:59 P.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.
6:30:45 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 14.
6:30:51 P.M. Mr. Webster (FL) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 669.
6:30:52 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules, which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:31:37 P.M. H.R. 4195 Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4195 — “To amend chapter 15 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Register Act), to modernize the Federal Register, and for other purposes.”
7:02:40 P.M. H.R. 4195 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 405).
7:03:31 P.M. H.R. 5029 Considered as unfinished business.
7:10:30 P.M. H.R. 5029 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 406).
7:11:04 P.M. H.R. 5016 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 661. H.R. 5016 — “Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes.”
7:11:09 P.M. H.R. 5016 The resolution provides for the consideration of H.R. 5016 and H.R. 4718. The resolution provides for one hour of debate for each bill. Amendments may be offered to H.R. 5016, however no amendments are in order for H.R. 4718 except for the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means and modified by the amendment printed in House Report 113-517. One motion to recommit is allowed for each bill.
7:11:38 P.M. H.R. 5016 House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 661 and Rule XVIII.
7:11:39 P.M. H.R. 5016 The Speaker designated the Honorable Chris Collins to act as Chairman of the Committee.
7:12:09 P.M. H.R. 5016 GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 5016.

8:00:49 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Sessions, to reduce funding for salaries and expenses at the Department of Treasury by $1.75 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
8:00:52 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sessions amendment.
8:06:13 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Sessions amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:07:38 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to increase funding for salaries and expenses of the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence by $5 million and to reduce funding for salaries and expenses of Administration of Treasury Inspector General for Tax by a similar amount.
8:07:42 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment.
8:12:21 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Failed by voice vote.
8:13:42 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Posey, to increase funding for salaries and expenses for administration under Treasury Inspector General for Tax by $1 million and to reduce funding for Enforcement at IRS by a similar amount.
8:13:45 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Posey amendment.
8:21:55 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Posey amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:23:15 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, to reduce funding for salaries and expenses of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network by $200,000 and to increase funding for taxpayer services at the IRS by $100,000.
8:23:18 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment.
8:30:44 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Jackson Lee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:31:30 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Lynch, to increase funding for salaries and expenses for Financial Crimes Enforcement Network by $3,339,000 and to reduce funding for the Federal Buildings Fund at GSA by a $3,339,000.
8:31:33 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Lynch amendment.
8:36:19 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Lynch amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:37:25 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Jackson Lee, to increase funding for the Fund Program Account of the Community Development Financial Institutions by $500,000 and to reduce funding for taxpayer services at IRS by $1 million.
8:37:29 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Jackson Lee amendment.
8:40:15 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:41:32 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Roskam, to increase funding for taxpayer services at IRS by $10 million and to reduce funding for enforcement at IRS by a similar amount.
8:41:34 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Roskam amendment.
8:48:53 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Roskam amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Roskam demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
8:49:22 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Grayson, to increase funding for taxpayer services at IRS by $2.8 million.
8:49:24 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Grayson amendment.
8:51:36 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Grayson amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
8:52:55 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, to reduce funding for IRS enforcement by $2 million and to increase funding for CPSC salaries and expenses by $1 million.
8:53:00 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blackburn amendment.
8:59:46 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:00:33 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to reduce funding for operations support at IRS by $353 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:00:35 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
9:06:32 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:07:57 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Huizenga (MI), to reduce funding for enforcement at IRS by $788,111,800 and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:08:02 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Huizenga (MI) amendment.
9:14:12 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Huizenga (MI) amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:15:51 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Camp, to reduce funding for operations support at IRS by $2 million and to apply the savings to the spending reduction account.
9:15:52 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Camp amendment.
9:22:05 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Camp amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
9:32:38 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to increase funding for salaries and expenses of Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Judicial Services by $42 million and to reduce funding for GSA rental of space under Real Property Activities, Federal Buildings Fund by $43 million.
9:32:41 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
9:37:08 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

9:41:26 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Moore, to strike section 501 from the bill which relates to administrative provisions of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, specifically, the repeal of section 1017(a)(2)(C) of Public Law 111-203.
9:41:35 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Moore amendment.
9:50:51 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moore amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Moore demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
9:53:39 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Waters, to insert new provisions which strike section 502 making CFPB part of the appropriations process.
9:53:52 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment, pending reservation of a point of order.
10:00:04 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Crenshaw raised a point of order against the Waters amendment. Mr. Crenshaw stated that the provisions of the Waters amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
10:07:54 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Waters, to increase funding for salaries and expenses of the SEC by $300 million and to reduce the amount available in the proviso regarding offsetting collections by a similar amount.
10:07:57 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment.
10:20:54 P.M. H.R. 5016 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Waters amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Waters demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.
10:21:32 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Mr. Gosar, to reduce salaries and expenses at SBA by $3,882,000 and to increase funding for entrepeneurial development programs by a similar amount.
10:21:34 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gosar amendment.
10:25:26 P.M. H.R. 5016 On agreeing to the Gosar amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.
10:32:06 P.M. H.R. 5016 An amendment, offered by Ms. Waters, to add a new section which amends section 204 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 regarding investment adviser fees by the SEC.
10:32:10 P.M. H.R. 5016 DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 661, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Waters amendment, pending reservation of a point of order.
10:38:25 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Crenshaw raised a point of order against the Waters amendment. Mr. Crenshaw stated that the provisions of the Waters amendment sought to change existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
10:40:51 P.M. H.R. 5016 Mr. Crenshaw moved that the Committee rise.
10:41:07 P.M. H.R. 5016 On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.
10:41:16 P.M. H.R. 5016 Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 5016 as unfinished business.
10:42:10 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
10:44:06 P.M. Mr. Thompson (PA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
10:44:40 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
10:44:51 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 15, 2014.

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Help launch the Ark


 


Companies like Monsanto have taken over the world’s seeds, but now farmers want to build a Noah’s Ark to save them. Pledge what you can to launch the Ark:$2    $4    $8    $16    $32
Pledge another amount

The source of our planet’s food is under threat. Ten agro-chemical firms own 73% of the commercial seed market, and as many as 93% of seed varieties have gone extinct. In the US alone 85% of apple varieties have disappeared.

Monsanto and co. are privatising the genesis of nature. And this corporate takeover is decimating sustainable farming, destroying the diversity of our crops, and making them vulnerable to diseases that could threaten our food security.

But farmers are resisting, saving seeds in banks and barns across the world. Now they have devised a revolutionary project — the first ever, non-profit “eBay” of seed where any farmer, anywhere can source a wide variety of plants cheaper than the genetically modified seeds from chemical companies. This global online store could re-flood the market with all kinds of seeds and slowly break the monopoly that is putting our food future at risk!

This could be the most innovative agricultural idea in decades — a Noah’s Ark of seeds. But chemical companies often bully and sue those that get in their way, and farmers are calling on us to support them. If we raise enough now we can help them launch the online site, support seed storing in key countries, finance marketing and advertising, and fund the legal defence to fight back.

Pledge to help kick start the Noah’s Ark — Avaaz will only process donations if we raise enough to launch the whole initiative:

For thousands of years agriculture was driven by farmers selecting, replanting, and breeding seed varieties. Then the agro-chemical companies persuaded many governments to promote a corporate system of industrial, single-crop farming. Companies promise farmers higher yields and bigger earnings, and often lure them into multi-year contracts for GM (genetically modified) seeds and pesticides. Then they rely on patent laws and use agreements to strong-arm farmers to abandon their traditional practices of seed saving and innovation.

There is still no consensus on the long-term effects of GM crops, but experts say that the lack of independent scientific studies means there may be serious risks to our health from some GM foods. And there isn’t clear evidence that the introduction of GM seeds has improved farmers’ incomes or provided more food for the world’s people — in fact in many cases it has driven small independent farmers out of business and in extreme cases to suicide to avoid debt.

The dire consequences go way beyond the farmers. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation more than three-quarters of the genetic diversity of our crops has been lost due to seed consolidation and industrial practices. This matters because when we cover large swathes of land with just one cash crop — instead of rotating or diversifying them — our farms are more susceptible to diseases. While genetic modification may increase some crop yields, it’s clear that without seed diversity and locally-tailored sustainable practices to confront changing environmental conditions — our global food security could be at risk.

But this crisis isn’t insurmountable. The takeover is only decades old, farmers have saved seed everywhere, and if supported widely, this online seed market could help recover our food. A coalition of more than 20 groups and leaders in the field of sustainable agriculture like the Center for Food Safety and activist Vandana Shiva are standing by ready to launch the project. Here’s how our funds can help:

  • directly support seed-saving initiatives in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
  • create a world class website for the online store that connects farming communities everywhere, allowing them to legally sell seeds and share best practices globally.
  • help fund legal defence of this non-profit seed market from legal attacks by Monsanto and others.
  • market and advertise the exchange so that farmers all over the world join up.
  • campaign for better protections for our existing seeds from corporate takeover and patents.

Monsanto’s been forcing their GM seeds and vision of mass industrial agriculture on farmers (and all of us) for years, but if we all pitch in we can build this Noah’s Ark for our remaining seed species! Chip in now and Avaaz will only process the pledge if we raise enough to make this plan work:

“To plant a seed is to activate the deepest mysteries of the Universe.” These seeds hold the origin and mystery of so much of life as we know it. Let’s support this movement to protect that mystery from complete corporate control and help bring back thousands of food plants we thought were already lost.

With hope and determination,

Alice, Maria Paz, Nick, Emma, Ricken, Antonia, Patricia, Mais, Emily, Diego and the whole Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION:

2013 Report: Wake Up Before It’s Too Late (UN Conference on Trade and Development)
http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2012d3_en.pdf

On India’s Farms, a Plague of Suicide (New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/19/world/asia/19india.html

How many farmers plant GM worldwide? (EuropaBio)
http://www.europabio.org/how-many-farmers-plant-gm-worldwide

Ministry blames Bt cotton for farmer suicides (Hindustan Times)
http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/ministry-blames-bt-cotton-for-farmer-suicides/article1-830798.aspx

Monsanto Lawsuits Pile Up as American Farmers Demand Rights (Mother Earth News)
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/monsanto-lawsuits-from-family-farmers-zwfz1302zkin.aspx#axzz36IwTZWF7

Life in the Rural Police State of Monsanto (Truth Out)
http://truth-out.org/news/item/16985-life-in-the-rural-police-state-of-monsanto

From 1903 -1983 the world lost 93 percent of key seed varieties (National Geographic)
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/07/food-ark/food-variety-graphic

The pernicious characteristics of monocultures (PBS)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/hackers/blame/threat.html

Norway invests $23.7 million in crop diversity to help farmers face climate change (FAO)
http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/197662/icode/

World Food Day 2004 highlights the importance of biodiversity to global food security (FAO)
http://www.fao.org/NEWSROOM/EN/news/2004/51140/index.html

Political Power of the Agribusiness & Crop Insurance Lobbies (Taxpayers for Common Sense)
http://www.taxpayer.net/images/uploads/downloads/Political_Power_of_Farm_And_Crop_Insurance_Lobbies_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Putting the Cartel before the Horse (ETC)

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